Guest Column: An Honor to Serve

By Smitty PignatelliGuest Column
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As I reflect on the past 22 years serving as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, I do so with immense pride and gratitude. Together with my colleagues, I have had the privilege of contributing to landmark legislation that has defined our commonwealth, from marriage equality to health care for all — both of which became national models. 
 
I've worked on major environmental, economic development, and housing bond bills that continue to benefit the Berkshires and will for years to come.
 
Of course, none of this was accomplished single-handedly. The legislative process is a team effort, and I have been fortunate to serve alongside dedicated colleagues who have always put the interests of Massachusetts first. When I first entered the House, I thought I knew a lot, having spent years in local and county government. But I quickly realized I had much more to learn. I was lucky to have the guidance and support of Reps. Peter Larkin, Dan Bosley and the entire Berkshire delegation, who took me under their wing and set me on the right path. I was proud to team up with them 20 years ago to create the first in the nation Cultural Facilities Fund that has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars to our local economy. 
 
Throughout my tenure, we've faced the ups and downs of local, state, and global economies. Yet I've always believed that when we work together, no challenge is insurmountable. The 22 communities I have represented over the years have demonstrated time and again the power of collaboration to make the Berkshires — and what I like to call "BesternMass" — a thriving, vibrant region.
 
The State House is steeped in tradition, with its formal titles and protocols: "Representative this" or "Chairperson that." But I've always reminded my team that while my job may be important, I never felt important. I entered the House as Smitty, and I'm proud to leave it the same way — simply Smitty.
 
Growing up, politics in my household was never a dirty word, and politicians were not seen as bad people. Those early lessons grounded me in the belief that public service is about representing the needs of others, not yourself. I've carried that belief with me every day in the House, never forgetting where I came from or the people I was there to serve. Representing the 4th (now 3rd) Berkshire District — my home — has been the greatest honor of my life. I wasn't always successful, but I gave my best every single day. After nearly 50 years in public service, I retire as a public servant, not a politician.
 
One of my greatest concerns is that public office today risks becoming more about "self-service" than "public service." We need people at all levels to stay engaged, hold public officials accountable, and demand better. I've always set a high bar for myself and those around me. I've never been afraid to admit failure or celebrate shared success, and I've tried each day to lead with the same passion, vision, and integrity my family instilled in me.
 
The words of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy have always inspired me: "The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."
 
They remind me that the challenges we face are ongoing, and progress is built step by step. I also think of my father's wisdom: "The issues never change, only the faces. In order to know where we're going, you need to know where we've been." While there will be a new face representing this great district on Jan. 1, the issues and challenges will remain.
 
I leave the House proud of all we've accomplished together. I am profoundly grateful for the trust you've placed in me to represent our community in "BesternMass." Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
 
Sincerely, Smitty Pignatelli
State Representative, 3rd Berkshire District

William "Smitty" Pignatelli, dean of the Berkshire delegation, has represented his district for 22 years. He declined to run for re-election in November, saying it was "time for a new generation of leadership."


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Pryor & Peacock's Whimsical Furniture Environmentally Friendly

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
 

The company uses digital printing to create the upholstery fabric, saving water and saving vintage furniture from ending up in landfills.

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — A unique furniture store has popped up on Elm Street this month.

Mom-and-daughter store Pryor & Peacock is hosting the pop-up storefront from Aug. 13 to Aug. 25 at 6 Elm. The New Marlborough business is co-founded by Rosalina Wright and Luca Shapiro, who is also the creative director. 

Their online shop was created in 2024 but they wanted people to see the pieces in person, so they're renting the space for a limited time before a long-term tenant moves in.

The store sources prints to create unique fabrics and reimagines vintage and antique furniture acquired at auctions, local shops, and online.

"We source prints from all over the world that date from the late 1600s up through mid-20th century, and Luca turns those prints into fabric by manipulating them, scanning them, oftentimes has to add or subtract things, and then we manufacture the fabric using only digital printing, which is very environmentally friendly, unlike traditional textile printing," Wright said.

Upholstering the furniture can take weeks of work. Shapiro looks for the perfect design for each piece and, if need be, uses Adobe Photoshop to extend the art work to fit or enhance the print.

"One of the most difficult parts comes in marrying the fabric to a piece of furniture because we only use antique and vintage frames also to be earth friendly, and they're also more beautiful and durable than new furniture," Wright said. "So the image has to go with the furniture, so that takes a lot of work."

One of Pryor & Peacock's missions is to be environmentally friendly. Digital printing doesn't use the same amount of water as traditional textile productions do nor does it contaminate water with ink according to their website.

Not only are they saving water, but they are saving furniture from going into the landfill while also using more durable furniture that doesn't break as easily as current pieces. They started their business to create something unique and to help the environment together.

"It's creating something nobody else is doing. People can't continue to buy throwaway furniture. Six percent of American landfills is furniture, and digital printing not only opens up the possibility of being able to put unique images on a piece of furniture, but it also is, as I said, environmentally friendly. So, for us, the excitement is to take an old East Lake settee that somebody's going to store in their barn and forget about, and make it something completely new and surprising," Wright said.

They hope their furniture helps bring a pop of fun to someone's home.

"We think our furniture is very whimsical and surprising, and most furniture today is oatmeal colored couches and gray neutral chairs, and it's boring," she said.

The two named their business after their mothers' maiden names to honor them and believe the name reflects their pieces.

Shapiro works in interior design outside of the business and the two liked working together and thought it would be great to start a business together. Shapiro says they can work well together and that her and her mother, Wright, has flipped houses before and have the same eye for design.

"So it's very easy for us to work together. When we see something, generally we agree on whether it works or doesn't work on a piece. We agree on the color schemes and that sort of thing. So it's very fun and fulfilling to work together," Shapiro said. 

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