PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The City of Pittsfield's Homeless Advisory Committee will host a Housing Resource Fair on Thursday, May 8, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Persip Park on North Street.
In the event of inclement weather, the fair will be relocated to the main room of the Berkshire Athenaeum during the same hours. The purpose of the fair is to provide information and assistance to community members seeking stable and secure housing.
The event is open to the public and free of charge. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with representatives from local housing organizations and agencies, learn about affordable housing options, and obtain information regarding rental assistance resources. Participating agencies include ServiceNet, Upside 413 (formerly Berkshire County Regional Housing), Second Street Second Chances, Elder Services, The Christian Center, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, ADLIB, Hearthway (formerly Berkshire Housing), and the Pittsfield Housing Authority.
Kim Borden, chairperson of the city's Homeless Advisory Committee, stated that the fair aims to connect community organizations with residents in need to foster community connections and provide support. She noted that the event builds on the success of previous housing resource fairs.
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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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Students at Wahconah Regional High School are urging the state to fully fund Rural School Aid that supports essential services that shape their future.
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