Carr Hardware Customers Raise Money for Thanksgiving Angels

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. Carr Hardware announce that its customers in Lenox and Pittsfield have raised a total of $2,486.99 through the company's round-up initiative, directly benefiting the local Thanksgiving Angels program. 
 
This generosity helped provide Thanksgiving meals for over 2,500 families in Berkshire County who signed up to receive a traditional holiday dinner through the program.
 
Throughout the month of October, Carr Hardware hosted a round-up campaign at its Lenox and Pittsfield locations, encouraging customers to round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar. The funds collected through this initiative were donated to the South Congregational Church's Thanksgiving Angels program.
 
Carr's customers stepped up even more this year, beating last year's round-up total of $1,856.35.
 
On Monday, Nov. 24, Carr employees were greeted by Pittsfield mayor, Peter M. Marchetti, at the Thanksgiving Angels' check presentation. Numerous employees then volunteered handing out meals and supplies to local families. Last year, Thanksgiving Angels had more than 350 volunteers from local businesses and groups assist with the annual
distributions.
 
"A special thank you to our Berkshire county customers, who stepped up again this year and donated even more than in years past," said Bart Raser, President at Carr Hardware. "Your generosity helped us feed our neighbors and build a stronger, more caring community. We donated our time and money to help nourish those in need."
 
The Thanksgiving Angels program serves as an essential resource to families throughout the county, providing meals and a sense of connection and community.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield School Committee Appoints Latifah Phillips as Permanent Superintendent

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee enthusiastically voted to hire Latifah Phillips as the permanent superintendent on Wednesday. 

Appointed as the interim last spring, Phillips is said to have brought meaningful initiatives centered on student outcomes to the Pittsfield Public Schools in a short period of time. Her hire is pending a successful contract negotiation.

"We've had a lot of really difficult decisions since January, and I think this one is easy," committee member Heather McNeice said. 

There was applause from attendees after the vote. 

Three options were listed on the agenda: Hire Phillips, conduct a search and allow Phillips to apply, or conduct a search not allowing Phillips to apply based on the interim search. Committee member Sarah Muil made the motion to hire Phillips, explaining that from her first conversations with the educational leader, she has felt like Phillips was at home. 

"She has always been unwavering, and everything that she's done, she's always kept a calm and steady way of talking through every situation with families, with staff members, with us," Muil said. 

"I feel as though I'm growing up with her in some way through this experience, because she is showing us what a leader truly can be when you allow them to be in the role that they should be in."

Phillips, who joined the meeting virtually, said this is one of the most significant moments in her life and career, and that serving PPS during this interim year has reinforced her belief in restraint, resilience, and potential with students, staff, families, and the community.

She said she looks forward to advancing the district’s shared vision and ensuring that every decision is centered on the success and well-being of students.

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