MASS MoCA and Hen House Studios collaborate to form new record company MASS MoCA Records

North Adams— MASS MoCA and Hen House Studios announce the formation of a new record label, MASS MoCA Records. 

By establishing a new framework for record making that centers artistic creativity, museum residencies, and live music making, it will provide an alternative to the current commercial record label model for how independent music is heard, developed, and shared. MASS MoCA Records is uniquely designed to build on the museum’s international reach and entrusted relationships with performing artists (musicians, stage-based storytellers, and sound and sonic installation creators) by marrying the expertise of Harlan Steinberger of Hen House Studios (Sunny War, Willie Nelson, Particle Kid), who is best known for his uncommonly attuned ear as a recording engineer and producer specializing in live, studio recordings. 

Artists selected for the new label will be an extension of the museum’s curatorial ethos and the label will not have a scheduled application process. Launched as a three-year pilot, a limited number of albums will be released each year and produced at various recording studios in the Berkshires and throughout the world. The first band to sign with MASS MoCA Records is The Kasambwe Brothers, a multi-generational band who has been making music together for almost 40 years and are grounded in the rich, musical heritage of Malawi, Africa. Through an initial collaboration between the museum and Hen House Studios in 2024, The Kasambwe Brothers traveled from Malawi to the United States for the first time to be in-residence at MASS MoCA, which included extended rehearsal opportunities, a performance with a live audience, and time at Studio 9 in North Adams.

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Ribbon cutting ceremony for Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center’s new performance venue the Indigo Room

Great Barrington— On Sunday, October 12th at 1 p.m., the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center welcomes the public to a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new performance venue, the Indigo Room, located at 20 Castle Street, is next door to the historic theater in the former Great Barrington firehouse building.

Community members are invited to join local officials and special guests as Mahaiwe board members and staff mark the official opening of the Indigo Room with this symbolic proceeding.  The ceremony will be highlighted by a traditional Chinese lion dance performed by Guanglei Hui and Bin Zhai to bring good luck to the building and all who use it. Red envelopes will be available for attendees to present their good wishes, and an apple cider toast will be raised in celebration. Guests will be given a commemorative souvenir.

Earlier sneak preview events at the Indigo Room served as soft openings, helping The Mahaiwe team to polish its operations in the new space. Future programming will include nationally-known as well as regional artists, a range of genres, and collaborations with local non-profit performing arts and social service organizations. Seating in the Indigo Room is modular, allowing different audience capacities based on the nature of a program. With custom seating arrangements, with or without café tables, the room can accommodate up to 150 patrons. Concessions include beer, wine, soft drinks, hot beverages, and snacks.

The ceremony is part of a weekend-long grand opening comprised of performances and other events. For more information, including a full line-up of events, visit www.mahaiwe.org.

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Sylvia Zygawski and Anthony “Tony” Wimperis each named partner at Adelson & Company P.C.

Pittsfield— Adelson & Company P.C. announces that Sylvia Zygawski and Anthony “Tony” Wimperis have each been named a shareholder and partner.

Zygawski, a Certified Public Accountant, is licensed in both the states of Massachusetts and New York. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the State University of New York and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and both the Massachusetts and New York Society of Certified Public Accountants. She brings extensive audit experience across private companies, nonprofits, municipalities, private schools, and employee benefit plans. She has specialized training in auditing, compilations, and reviews; and is highly experienced in conducting compliance/single audits under Uniform Guidance and Massachusetts UFR requirements. She also leads internal training initiatives and supports quality control oversight within the firm. Active in the community, Mrs. Zygawski is an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Pittsfield and serves on the board and finance committee of Community Health Programs (CHP).

Wimperis, a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Valuation Analyst, has more than 15 years of experience advising individuals and businesses on tax compliance and tax planning. He has worked with clients across industries including real estate, construction, manufacturing, financial services, and healthcare. He is also a Certified Valuation Analyst, specializing in valuing business interests for a variety of purposes. A graduate of Babson College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Mr. Wimperis also holds a master’s degree in taxation from the University of New Haven. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts.

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MountainOne Insurance announces promotions of Jennifer Smith and Lianne Kudlate to Senior Personal Lines Account Manager

North Adams— MountainOne Insurance Agency announces the promotions of Jennifer Smith and Lianne Kudlate to Senior Personal Lines Account Manager, a new leadership-level role that recognizes team members who bring exceptional experience, knowledge, and client service to the agency.

Smith delivers a thoughtful and client-focused approach to every interaction and has a reputation for explaining complex insurance details clearly and confidently, making her a trusted advisor to both clients and colleagues. She is deeply committed to her community and actively supports the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and mental health advocacy efforts. “Jennifer exemplifies the values we hold highest at MountainOne – expertise, empathy, and a deep commitment to both our clients and our communities,” said Jonathan Denmark, Executive Vice President of MountainOne Bank and President and Chief Operating Officer of MountainOne Insurance.

Kudlate is a respected expert in personal lines insurance, recognized for her deep knowledge of policies, endorsements, and coverage strategy. She stays current with industry trends, ensuring her clients receive the most relevant, effective, and up-to-date protection. Kudlate’s experience and steady guidance have made her a go-to resource for both her clients and peers. “Lianne’s promotion reflects not only her exceptional expertise and dedication to client service, but also MountainOne’s commitment to growing leadership from within,” said Denmark “Her depth of knowledge and sound judgement make her an invaluable resource to our team and a trusted advisor to our clients. We’re delighted to recognize her contributions with this well-deserved advancement.”

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Pittsfield Cooperative Bank appoints Christopher Becker as Vice President, Branch Manager in Great Barrington

Great Barrington— Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-Op Bank) is proud to announce the appointment of Christoper Becker, as Vice President, Branch Manager of its Great Barrington office. In his new role, Becker will oversee branch operations, lead business development initiatives, and ensure exceptional customer experience for both personal and business banking clients.

He has over three decades of insurance and banking experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and community commitment to the role. Since beginning a career in financial services in 1991, Becker has held a variety of leadership positions across retail banking, customer service, and branch operations. He is known for his dedication to relationship banking and team development, earning a strong reputation for helping customers achieve financial success while guiding employees toward professional growth.

“Chris’s extensive experience and proven leadership in the banking industry makes him an outstanding fit for the role,” said Dana Robb, SVP, Retail & Banking Operations, “We are excited to see the positive impact he will have on our customers, employees, and community.”

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Berkshire Community College staffing updates

Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of six new faculty and staff members and 10 promotions.

Moira Buhr joins BCC as the Coordinator of Financial Aid. She earned her master’s degree in teaching from the State University at Albany, NY and worked at Simon’s Rock College in Great Barrington for 20 years, starting in the admissions office and then moving on to the registrar’s office. For the last eight years, she worked in the financial aid office, overseeing all financial aid operations.

Betsy Gamrat joins BCC as an Assistant Professor of Computer Science. She was a Professor and Program Coordinator for Computer Science at Nashua Community College for six years. Previously, she worked for over 20 years as a web developer specializing in full-stack development and content management, as well as teaching at Nashua Community College in Nashua, New Hampshire as an adjunct when possible.

Meghan MacBain joins BCC as the Director of Compliance and Advocacy. She began her academic journey with classes at BCC. She has over 25 years of experience leading human rights, gender equity, and behavioral change programs across West and East Africa and South and Southeast Asia, working with organizations like Winrock International, BBC Media Action, Anti-Slavery International, Oxfam and Search for Common Ground. Her work has focused on creating safe, inclusive systems and advocating for the rights of marginalized populations. MacBain holds a master’s degree in ethnology and conflict resolution, with a focus on culture and conflict.

Sadia Mansoor joins BCC as an Assistant Professor of Business. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from Clark University, Massachusetts, in August 2025. Her academic training and research are rooted in applied microeconomics and econometrics, with a focus on comparative economic systems, urban development, and welfare economics. Mansoor is passionate about making economics accessible and engaging, and she strives to create a learning environment that fosters critical thinking through real-world applications. Her research draws on historical and contemporary data and maps, with a particular focus on the effectiveness of public policies. Beyond academia, Mansoor is deeply committed to civic engagement and community organizing, particularly regarding the impact of economic policies on marginalized communities. She has experience working with nonprofits advocating for social and economic justice.

Alexia Trainor joins BCC as Assistant Professor of Culinary Arts. Trainor has spent many years bringing together a love of cooking and a love of teaching. For 13 years at Berkshire Arts and Technology Public Charter School (BART), she not only taught acting, improvisation, and play production, but she also built a thriving theatre program, inspiring students both on stage and in the classroom. Before that, she spent eight years as Sous Chef at the Lenox Club, honing professional culinary skills. Now, as Assistant Professor of Culinary Arts, she is excited to help students sharpen their skills, explore their creativity and discover the joy of the kitchen.

Michael Cotrone joins BCC as an Assistant Professor of Biology. He holds a B.S. in Adolescent Education and an M.S. in Biology from Long Island University.

Linden Crane is now Associate Professor of Biology. Katherine Elliot is now Assistant Professor of Nursing. Kate Fletcher is now Associate Professor of Nursing. Tina Hale is now Associate Professor of Nursing. Crystal Kruszyna is now Associate Professor of Nursing. Rae Langsdale is now the Administrative Assistant I for Osher Lifelong Learning (OLLI). Amanda Lardizabal is now an Associate Professor of Biology. Liesl Schwabe is now Assistant Professor of English. Kathryn Sondrini is now Assistant Professor of Nursing. Erica Telle is now Assistant Professor of Biology. Kimberly VanDeusen is now Associate Professor of Nursing.

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Norman Rockwell Museum welcomes three new Board Members at Annual Meeting

Stockbridge— Norman Rockwell Museum announces the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Liza Donnelly, Shannon Holsey, and Blair Trippe. The museum also extends its deepest gratitude to Robert Babcock and Terry Burman, who have each completed three terms of service and have been instrumental in advancing the Museum’s mission over the past nine years.

Liza Donnelly is a writer and award-winning cartoonist for The New Yorker, as well as a contributor to The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, and CBS. She is the author of 18 books, including her most recent, “Very Funny Ladies: The New Yorker’s Women Cartoonists,” and writes the Substack newsletter  “Seeing Things.” Her TED talk, “Drawing On Humor For Change,” has been viewed over 1.5 million times and translated into 42 languages. She has spoken internationally at venues including the United Nations, The New Yorker Festival, and SXSW. A Cultural Envoy for the U.S. State Department, Donnelly advocates globally for freedom of speech and women’s rights. She was the first cartoonist granted live access to draw at the Academy Awards. Donnelly’s work is in the Library of Congress and has been exhibited worldwide, including her 2020 retrospective “Comic Relief “ at the Norman Rockwell Museum. She is also a member of Cartooning for Peace, and PEN America.

Shannon Holsey  is a proud member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians and serves as the Tribe’s President. She is deeply committed to advocacy for women, families, and Native sovereignty, as well as to the stewardship of tribal economy, environment, and culture.  Holsey also serves her ninth term as President of the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, representing twelve-member tribes spanning 45 counties and nearly one million acres. She is active on numerous national and state-level councils, including the Wisconsin Legislature’s Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations, the NCAI Treasurer’s Office, the DOJ Tribal Leadership Council (as Co-Chair), and the Harvard Provost’s Council on Native and Indigenous Relations. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration, leadership communication, and human resources, as well as an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Art

Blair Trippe is a partner at Continuity Family Business Consulting, where she works with families who own and manage companies or share assets on matters of succession planning, governance development, wealth integration, and conflict management. Drawing on her expertise as a negotiator, mediator, and consultant, Blair specializes in helping families address the unique relationship challenges that arise when business and shared wealth intersect. She is the co-author of  “Deconstructing Conflict: Understanding Family Business,” “Shared Wealth and Power” and “Mom Always Liked You Best – A Guide to Resolving Family Feuds, Inheritance Battles and Eldercare Crises.”

“We are honored to welcome these remarkable leaders to our Board of Trustees,” said Laurie Norton Moffatt, Director/CEO of Norman Rockwell Museum. “Their vision, creativity, and commitment to cultural stewardship add to the many talents of our dedicated board of trustees to carry forward Norman Rockwell’s legacy while continuing to expand our influence as a vital center for American illustration art and visual storytelling.”

The Trustees also voted on the officer slate as follows: Dolf Berle, Chair & President; Mary K. Grant, Vice Chair and Vice President; Peter Williams, Vice President; Roberta McCulloch-Dews, Vice President; Tom Ruffing, Treasure; and Jill Hai, Clerk.

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Greylock Federal Credit Union presents ‘Stay Safe Online with the 4 Core’ for Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Pittsfield— Greylock Federal Credit Union is proud to participate in Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual global initiative by the National Cybersecurity Alliance committed to helping communities through education and empowerment.  This year’s campaign focuses on “Stay Safe Online with the 4 Core.” Throughout the month, Greylock will share simple, powerful actions to help members strengthen their cybersecurity. The “4 Core” actions include:

1. Fortify accounts with strong, complex passwords, and a password manager
2. Enable multi-factor authentication
3. Avoid threats by updating all software
4. Recognize and report scams

“Frauds and scams are alive and well, and they are impacting all financial institutions, not just Greylock,” said Fraud and Loss Prevention Officer Mystie Ford. “In addition to the 4 Core actions, my best advice is to ignore unknown numbers. Delete texts from people you don’t know. Don’t answer the call. If it’s legit, they will leave a voicemail, and if you’re concerned, call us or whichever business is being impersonated.”

In addition, Greylock members are strongly encouraged to sign up for Digital Banking and eDocument services, which securely encrypts information and requires multi-factor authentication to access. To learn more and take part in Cybersecurity Awareness Month, follow Greylock Federal Credit Union on social media and at greylock.org. For more information, visit greylock.org/fraud.

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Berkshire Early Childhood Collaborative survey seeks employer and employee childcare challenges in Berkshire County

Berkshire— The Berkshire Early Childhood Collaborative has launched a new survey to identify childcare challenges faced by employees and employers in Berkshire County.

Co-chaired by Berkshire United Way (BUW) and Berkshire County Head Start, the collaborative comprises local leaders, funders, elected officials, childcare providers, and businesses dedicated to strengthening the local workforce and early childhood system.  Supported by Luminary Evaluation, the Employer/Employee Survey aims to gather crucial insights. The data collected will inform potential pilot partnerships between businesses and childcare centers, addressing identified challenges and barriers.

The survey is accessible at berkshireunitedway.org/work-childcare-survey and will close on October 24th. For additional information, please contact BUW Interim President and CEO Katherine von Haefen at kvonheafen@berkshireunitedway.org.