Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire Welcomes Two New Board Members

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Community Development Corporation South Berkshire (CDCSB) announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Mark Blumkin and Timothy Prinz. 
 
Both bring professional expertise and a shared commitment to strengthening communities through expanded opportunity, economic vitality, and access to affordable housing.
 
"Mark and Tim each bring deep experience that will help guide the CDCSB's work as we expand affordable housing opportunities and strengthen the small business ecosystem across South Berkshire County," said Jim Harwood, Board Chair. "Their insight will help ensure our projects are both impactful and sustainable for the long term."
 
Mark Blumkin brings more than four decades of experience advising on capital construction projects, with particular expertise in project planning, delivery strategies, and cost-effective implementation. As Principal of MSB Advisors LLC, he supports organizations in delivering complex projects on time and within budget. His career includes more than 30 years with leading professional services firms, as well as roles with the City of New York and an engineering consulting firm. A Berkshires resident for nearly a decade, Blumkin is committed to advancing affordable housing solutions that support the region's workforce and long-term economic health.
 
Timothy Prinz is a public health and health policy expert with nearly 20 years of experience translating research into effective policy and programs that improve outcomes for underserved populations. His work has spanned national health reform efforts, nonprofit leadership, and academic research. Dr. Prinz has held senior roles with organizations including The Children's Health Fund, the United Hospital Fund, and the Blue Sky Health Initiative at UCLA, where he contributed to policy ideas incorporated into the Affordable Care Act. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University and has taught American politics at the University of Virginia.
 
The CDCSB works to strengthen South Berkshire communities by developing affordable and workforce housing, supporting small businesses, and advancing initiatives that promote economic opportunity and community stability. 
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Great Barrington Unveils 9/11 Memorial Featuring World Trade Center Steel

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — A piece of history will now stand in front of the Great Barrington Fire Department, serving as a lasting reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and heroism of those who rushed in, stepped forward, and answered the call on Sept. 11, 2001.
 
Hundreds of community members gathered outside the Fire Department for the unveiling of a 9/11 memorial featuring a steel I-beam salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.
 
The monument marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, and its effect reached far and wide beyond New York, said Deputy Fire Chief James Mead.
 
"There are moments in our lives that become markers of time. Moments when we remember not only what happened, but where we were, who was beside us, and how the world somehow felt different afterwards," Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove said. 
 
"For those of us who experienced September 11, 2001 — it is one of those moments for us to share."
 
The acquisition of the beam was a multi-year effort initiated by the late Andy Moro, former commander of American Legion Post 298 in Housatonic, and was carried on by the Legion's second vice commander, John Morris. 
 
Morris said he was able to obtain the warped steel I-beam through connections he made during his time as a New York City firefighter.
 
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