Berkshire United Way Board Welcomes Three New Members

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Berkshire United Way (BUW) welcomes three community leaders – Stephanie Ham, Jennifer Kerwood and Bethany Kieley – to its board of directors. 
 
At a time when our neighbors are facing growing challenges and uncertainty, the mission of Berkshire United Way is more important than ever," offered BUW Interim President and CEO Katherine von Haefen.  "The leadership, experience and commitment that Stephanie, Jennifer and Bethany each bring to the table will be invaluable in ensuring that everyone in our community has an opportunity to thrive." 
 
Ham is an assistant branch manager and digital banking guru for Adams Community Bank. She has nearly two decades of experience in retail banking. As a member of the bank's Culture Committee and ACB Impact Committee, she has led the annual snack drive for Morris Elementary School as well as efforts to support POPCares, The AYJ Fund and The Alzheimer's Association. 
 
"I have a passion for giving back and volunteering in the Berkshire community. BUW's and ACB's approach to supporting our community are very much aligned and I look forward to representing both organizations. I hope to inspire others to get involved and make a meaningful impact in Berkshire County," said Ham. 
 
Kieley is the CEO of Community Health Programs and has nearly two decades of leadership experience in the healthcare field. She once served as a table captain for a United Way Women United's Power of the Purse event and has volunteered with a food pantry in Connecticut and Literacy Volunteers of Southern Connecticut. 
 
"Serving on the Berkshire United Way board is a perfect extension of the community impact we have at CHP Berkshires. I'm inspired and motivated by BUW's work providing financial support to critical community resources and bringing together organizations, volunteers and other community members to tackle some of our biggest problems," said Kieley. 
 
Kerwood is the director of philanthropy at Miss Hall's School. She has almost 30 years of experience advancing the missions and fundraising for local organizations including Berkshire Community College and Berkshire United Way. Prior to her development career, she worked in Massachusetts government and politics, mostly campaigning with Jane Swift from North Adams, the first woman to serve as governor of the Commonwealth. She is an appointed member of the Board of Registrars of Voters in Pittsfield and formerly served as a director and treasurer on the board for Berkshire Arts and Technology (BART) Charter Public School in Adams. 
 
"I love my community and I am honored to join this team as we work to help more of our neighbors thrive," said Kerwood. 
 
The board also includes Krystle Blake (chair), Melissa Orazio (vice chair), Jaime Campbell (treasurer), David Reinhart (clerk), Dr. William DeMarco, Laurie Gallagher, David Harrington, Rachel Melendez Mabee, Arthur Milano, Chris Montferret, Tiffany Moreno, Michael Obasohan, Timothy O'Donnell, Kristin Pedrotti, Stephanie Storie and Daltrey Turner. 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Holiday Inn Temporarily Closes

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Holiday Inn & Suites is temporarily shut down, and 101 Restaurant & Bar has closed its doors until further notice. 

The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, after its last working elevator of three broke down.  The Berkshire Eagle reported that guests were forced to evacuate because an elevator broke down. 

On Wednesday, 101 Restaurant & Bar posted on Facebook that they would close until further notice due to circumstances beyond their control and the closure of the Holiday Inn. 

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We thank you and our staff for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able," the owners wrote. 

The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms.  Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access. 

The Holiday Inn recently demolished its crumbling parking garage and is replacing it with a smaller one.  The building at 1 West Street was constructed in 1972; it was formerly known as the Crowne Plaza. 

101 Restaurant opened five years ago within the hotel.  It is owned by John and Tucker McNinch, who formerly operated the Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox. 

Signs on the hotel's entrance explain that the doors are temporarily locked.  Anyone with questions is encouraged to call (413) 499-2000. 

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