Berkshire United Way Names President and CEO

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire United Way Board of Directors has officially approved Katherine von Haefen as president and CEO.
 
She previously served as interim while continuing her role as director of Community Impact. 
 
"Katherine has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to our mission," said Board Chair Krystle Blake. "Her deep understanding of community needs and her ability to bring people together to create meaningful change make her the ideal leader for this next chapter. We are thrilled to have her at the helm." 
 
Von Haefen joined BUW in October 2021 and has led region-wide initiatives focused on early childhood education, food security, and nonprofit investment. She also spearheaded BUW's $1 million annual investment strategy and played a key role in shaping the organization's strategic plan. 
 
"I'm honored to officially step into this role and continue the work we've started," said von Haefen. "Berkshire United Way has a long legacy of impact, and I'm excited to build on that foundation with our board, staff, and community partners. Together, we'll keep pushing for solutions that help every member of our community thrive." 
 
Von Haefen brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, including her tenure at United Way of Greater Houston, where she led major initiatives in early childhood development and public policy advocacy. She will continue to serve on the City of Pittsfield's Preschool Partnership (CPPI) Leadership Committee, the MA Early Childhood Funders Collaborative Steering Committee, and the board of the Berkshire Area Health Education Center. 

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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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