PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Running Foundation will be hosting a fundraiser on Friday, April 4th from 4pm-10pm to help support the family of AJ Riello, son of Tony and Heidi Riello of Pittsfield.
AJ is currently at Boston Children's Hospital undergoing treatment for end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy, a genetic condition that had only recently shown symptoms. AJ is now awaiting a heart transplant.
The fundraiser will be open to the public in the Tavern at the Berkshire Hills Country Club, Benedict Rd in Pittsfield, MA from 4pm -10pm. The event will have raffles with prizes from local businesses, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction; in addition to a sold-out Music Bingo game from 6pm-8pm in the ballroom.
Prizes can be donated for the raffle and donations can be made by contacting Shiobbean Lemme, the executive director of the Berkshire Running Foundation by emailing her at director@berkshirerun.org.
Raffle tickets can also be purchased in person at Berkshire Running Center any time before the event. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win, prizes will be held for 30 days and then donated to the family.
Bracelets to support the family are also available for $5 each at Berkshire Running Center, Rocco's North End Barber Shop and Kileen, Quinn and Arace PC in Pittsfield
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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BRPC Votes in New Director, Bids Farewell to Matuszko
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The BRPC board voted Thursday to make Laura Brennan its next executive director.
Brennan is the economic development program manager for the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. She has been in the role since July 2023 but has been with BRPC since 2017, first serving as the senior planner of economic development.
She earned her bachelor's degree from Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania and earned a graduate-level certificate in local government leadership and management from Suffolk University.
Brennan was the preferred candidate the Executive Search Committee, which voted last week to present her and candidate Jason Zogg to the full committee. Zogg withdrew his application on Wednesday.
Board members congratulated Brennan, who was in attendance, with Chair Douglas McNally saying they have her back.
The commission voted to create a three-person negotiation subcommittee with executive committee members Malcolm Fick, Buck Donovan, and Sam Haupt. They will negotiate benefits, compensation, and terms of employment.
Brennan will be taking over for retiring Executive Director Thomas Matuszko. Matuszko was appointed as executive director in 2018, having previously been a principal planner from 1997 to 2000 and then assistant director from 2001. The new director will be the fourth in nearly 60 years.
Matuszko gave his last executive director report, amending the bylaws and changing the wordage to be more inclusive among other notes.
McNally said he was grateful that he made sure to do that before his leave.
Since it was Matuszko's last meeting those in attendance thanked him for his time at the BRPC.
"I had to just say you have had a huge positive impact on the Berkshires and thank you," said McNally.
"Thanks for my internship, Tom, 20-plus years ago, and everything you've done for Berkshire County," said Sarif and Matuszko said he was happy to still see her here after this long.
"I think Laura has learned a lot from you, and so she'll just be able to carry on. And so tonight is a great night for Berkshire County," said Christine Rasmussen.
"It's really, it's been a great ride, and I've enjoyed it almost all the time," said Matuszko. "There have been only very few times that hasn't been extremely enjoyable and satisfying. So I mostly appreciate the support that you all have given me and delegates and alternates over the years have given me and provide our staff."
He urged them to have the same relationship with Brennan, and provide her the help and support to be successful.
"Thank you for all you've provided me with an opportunity, a great opportunity. I couldn't have asked for a better career."
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