Cultural correspondent Bess J.M. Hochstein reports from Pittsfield: The dance floor was so lively and the crowd so enthusiastic that it was difficult to find anyone willing to stand still long enough for a photographer to snap a picture at the Global Dance Gala to celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 5, at Jae's Spice. A benefit for Circle of Heath International (COHI), an organization that provides care to women and families in the wake of disasters, and the Elizabeth Freeman Center, a local resource for victims of domestic violence, the party was co-chaired by two indomitable women: Dr. Siobhan McNally, a pediatrician at Community Health Programs Neighborhood Health Clinic in Pittsfield, and Dr. Nina Molin, who practices at Canyon Ranch, the Ananda Health Center and Volunteers in Medicine. According to committee member Diane DeGiacomo, a partner at the law firm of Cain Hibbard & Myers, “The gala not only supported the work of the Elizabeth Freeman Center and Circle of Heath International, but celebrated the past achievements and future goals of women everywhere.”
Mary Nash with attorney Diane De Giacomo; Vicki Bonnington with artist and MCLA assistant professor Melanie Mowinski.
Cabaret artist Lisa Kantor and Berkshire Film & Media Commission executive director Diane Pearlman; Mitch & Caitlin Nash of Blue Q.
Pittsfield director of cultural development Megan Whilden with artist and entrepreneur Crispina ffrench; event co-chair Dr. Siobhan McNally with Leilani Johnson, executive director of Circle of Health International.
Accountant Yelena Shakhaleva, artist Jeanet Ingalls, Megan Whilden and Barrington Stage trustee Reba Evenchik.
Written by
Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
