BCC Announces New Faculty/Staff, Promotions, Title Changes

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of four faculty/staff members, three promotions and two title changes. 
 
New Faculty/Staff
 
Jacqueline Bianco joins BCC as Assistant Professor - Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Originally from Trumbull, CT, she holds a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology / athletic training from the University of New Hampshire and a doctorate in physical therapy from Sacred Heart University. Bianco was a competitive gymnast in her youth, which led her to a career as a physical therapist. With 13 years of clinical experience, she was previously a physical therapist and personal trainer for Timeless Training and Gymfest Gymnastics in Pittsfield. She has lived in the Berkshires since 2011 and enjoys spending time with her 3-year-old daughter, working out, traveling to the beach and crocheting.
 
Caleb Kendig joins BCC as Maintainer I. A resident of Dalton, he is a graduate of McCann Technical school, where he studied information technology. He completed about two years of core classes and criminal justice classes at BCC before enrolling at Westfield State University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in history. Throughout high school and the two years he was at BCC, he worked for BJs Wholesale Club as a cart pusher and cashier. After college, he worked security at a summer camp and then at BCC as contracted security before the Maintainer I opportunity arose. Hobbies include video games, board games, anime, TV and movies, and Dungeons and Dragons.
 
Sarah Ryndak joins BCC as Employee Engagement & Talent Development Specialist. With 16 years of experience in higher education administration at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the Human Resources Department. Most recently, she served as the administrative director of the Collaborative Arts & Open Arts Program, where her responsibilities included oversight for human resources and compliance. At BCC, Sarah will focus on employee engagement and training while contributing to all areas of HR. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a master’s degree in higher education from New York University’s Steinhardt School. Ryndak resides in Great Barrington with her husband and two daughters.
 
Rebecca Wehry joins BCC as Executive Director of Development. She brings extensive experience from her role as director of development at Buxton School, where she managed responsibilities similar to those she will take on at BCC. Previously, she served as associate director of development at Simon’s Rock for almost four years, including eight months as interim director. Wehry’s career began at MASS MoCA, where she spent 10 years in various roles, including manager of special events, partnerships and external affairs. She later joined Hancock Shaker Village. A Berkshire County native and MCLA graduate, Wehry also completed an undergraduate internship with Pittsfield’s Colonial Theatre. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels, going on adventures with her husband and three stepchildren, and caring for their two dogs and flock of chickens.
 
 
Promotions
 
Jason Dion is now Interim Director of Facilities. Previously, he was Plumber and Steamfitter II. He has been with BCC since May 2024.
 
Kaila Mullaney is now Academic Affairs Division Manager. She joined BCC in September 2021 as Administrative Assistant for the Vice President and Office of Academic Affairs.
 
Erin Seagrave is now Executive Director of Academic Operations, Planning and Assessment. She was previously Director of Academic Operations. She has been with BCC since July 2022.
 
 
Title changes
 
Julia Curletti is now Division Manager, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Previously, she was Interim Division Manager, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. She has been with BCC since January 2017.               
 
Craig Ptak is now Recreation Facilities Supervisor III. Previously, he was Recreation Facilities Supervisor II. He joined BCC in March 2014.                

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Pittsfield Extinguishes 4th of July Firework Display

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— There will be no city-sponsored fireworks show on the Fourth of July this year. 

Pittsfield announced this on Friday, June 26, explaining it was unable to secure a vendor with availability for the display.  The historic parade and race will still kick off on the morning of July 4, and other events are happening over the holiday weekend. 

The 2026 parade theme, "America 250 — Pittsfield Celebrates the Generations,"  will celebrate 250 years of the nation and Pittsfield.  People, floats, cars, balloons, and more will proceed down South, North, and Wahconah streets to thousands of spectators.

On Wednesday, the Pittsfield Parade Committee announced Vincent "Vin" Marinaro as the 2026 Grand Marshal.  The lifelong Pittsfield resident has been a mentor, educator, coach, advocate, and leader, said to have left a lasting impact on generations of Pittsfield families. 

He began his career teaching in Pittsfield's Catholic schools, coaching youth sports, and managing the Catholic Youth Center, later bringing that same passion for service to the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, serving as Executive Director from 2010 until his retirement in 2018.

"Under his leadership, the center expanded programs, strengthened community connections, and became an even more vibrant gathering place for older adults. His commitment to service did not stop there," the parade committee wrote. 

"A devoted member of the Rotary Club of Pittsfield since 1995, Vin has exemplified Rotary's motto of Service Above Self. In 2024, he was installed as District Governor for Rotary District 7890, representing clubs throughout Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. Along the way, he has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Gerard D. Downing Service to Children Award and a designation as a Paul Harris Fellow." 

The parade dates back to 1801, and the parade committee was formed in the late 1970s.  Today, it brings residents, families, organizations, and visitors together on the Fourth of July, historically kicking off at 10 a.m. on the dot. 

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