Berkshire Theatre Group Supports Local Food Pantry
Berkshire Theatre Group recently made a generous donation to the South Community Food Pantry in Pittsfield. On November 12, Artistic Director Kate Maguire presented a check that represented proceeds from the ‘Rock the Pantry’ concert held at The Colonial Theatre. This event united local musicians and community members, all contributing to a vital cause: fighting food insecurity in Berkshire County.
The South Community Food Pantry, located at the United Church of Christ, serves over 1,000 households weekly. They not only provide food but also essential items to families in need. Joan Morgan, co-chair of Rock the Pantry, expressed gratitude for the support received from the community and emphasized that the funds raised would help meet the growing demand for fresh produce and dairy products.
Beyond the concert, Berkshire Theatre Group plans to continue its support by collecting non-perishable food donations at The Colonial Theatre throughout the season.
New Faces in Local Law Firms
Two new partners have joined Considine Leary & Arnold LLP: Haley Schopp and Adrienne Arnold. Schopp focuses on real estate, estate planning, and business law, while Arnold specializes in probate and estate planning. Both have years of local legal experience and are fluent in Spanish, enhancing their ability to serve diverse communities.
Pittsfield Cooperative Bank’s New Chief Accounting Officer
Victoria LePrevost is the new Chief Accounting Officer at Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. With over eight years of experience in public accounting, she comes from Deloitte, where she focused on banking and finance. Her appointment reflects the bank’s commitment to financial integrity and community service.
Addressing Substance Use Disorder
The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission has appointed Anna Youngmann as the North County Community Coordinator. She will lead the North County HEAL Coalition, which aims to tackle substance use issues. Youngmann brings experience working with vulnerable populations, focusing on the intersection of trauma and substance use.
This coalition’s efforts are backed by funding from municipal opioid settlements and health systems, showing a concerted community effort to combat overdose and support affected individuals.
Community Bancorp Elects New Trustee
Tim Burke has been elected as a Trustee for Community Bancorp of the Berkshires. As the CEO of Mill Town Capital, Burke brings vast experience in financial management and investment. His leadership is expected to strengthen the bank’s mission of fostering local opportunities.
Flying Cloud Institute Welcomes Education Coordinator
Christian Drake is the new Education Coordinator at Flying Cloud Institute. He will work on summer programs and community events, fostering hands-on learning in STEM disciplines. His background includes teaching and leading engaging science lessons, positioning him well to inspire the next generation of learners.
New Role for Cosmo LaViola at BNRC
Cosmo LaViola has joined the Berkshire Natural Resources Council as the Land Conservation Projects Manager. He will focus on land acquisition and conservation efforts in the Berkshires. With a background in biology and experience with various conservation organizations, LaViola’s work will benefit both the community and local ecosystems.
Law Firm Merger Announcement
Cain Hibbard & Myers is merging with Bulkley Richardson and Gelinas on December 1. This merger creates the largest full-service law firm in western Massachusetts, uniting two firms with rich histories. The new entity will operate under the Bulkley Richardson name, combining expertise and community commitment.
This collaborative spirit reflects a broader trend in the legal field, where firms join forces to enhance their offerings and better serve clients. As the legal landscape evolves, such mergers can lead to improved services and greater community impact.

