BFAIR and UCP of Western Mass Announce Merger Progress

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts announced a milestone in their ongoing merger exploration, including a leadership transition that will position the combined organization for continued growth and impact in serving individuals with disabilities and their families across the region.

Following a joint agreement by the Boards of Directors of both BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts, Randy Kinnas has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of both organizations. This appointment marks a step in the unification process, establishing a single, unified executive leadership structure to guide the merged entity through its next chapter.

"We are proud to move forward together under unified leadership," said Randy Kinnas, CEO of BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts. "This merger represents a shared commitment to expanding the quality and reach of services for the individuals and families we are privileged to serve. Together, we are stronger."

Both Boards also recognize the retirement of Ethel Altiery, who served as Interim CEO with distinction. Her steady, compassionate leadership during a critical period of transition has been invaluable to both organizations. Altiery’s guidance helped lay the foundation for the unified future that BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts now pursue.

"Ethel’s leadership during this transition has been a true gift to both organizations and to the people we serve," said Randy Kinnas. "We are deeply grateful for her dedication, her wisdom, and her heart. We wish her all the best in a well-deserved retirement."

The merger of BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts brings together two longstanding organizations with a shared mission: to support individuals with disabilities in living full, meaningful, and self-directed lives. By combining resources, expertise, and community relationships, the merged organization will be better equipped to expand services, strengthen programs, and advocate for those who depend on them.

Both Boards of Directors have approved this leadership structure as part of the broader integration plan, reflecting their confidence in a unified future that honors the legacy of both organizations while embracing new opportunities for impact. 


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Weekend Outlook: Get Outside This Holiday Weekend

iBerkshires Staff

Enjoy the peak of the fall season this weekend before the weather turns frosty!

 

Editor's Pick

Mt. Greylock Ramble/RambleFest
All Around Adams

Oct. 9–12

Massachusetts' highest peak is the centerpiece of a weekend-long celebration of autumn in the Berkshires. A live performance by comedian Jason Salmon on Friday, Oct. 9, and the Big in the Berkshires local music showcase on Saturday, Oct. 10, both will kick off the weekend at The Adams Theater. This year's RambleFest celebration will be held Sunday, Oct. 11, from noon to 5 p.m. p.m. at the Adams Visitor Center, located at 3 Hoosac St. in Adams. This free event will feature live music, food and drink, vendors, children's activities, sight-seeing trains, and more. The 58th annual Mt. Greylock Ramble, a hike along the Cheshire Harbor Trail to the summit of Mount Greylock, will take place Monday, Oct. 12. This 6.6-mile, round-trip hike that is moderately strenuous and can take four to five hours, but the spectacular views at the 3,491-foot summit are worth the effort. The first 2,000 hikers will receive certificates of accomplishment. A free shuttle from the Adams Visitor Center to the trailhead runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with return shuttle until 4 p.m. Very limited parking will be available near the trailhead, so use of the shuttle is strongly encouraged.

More information here.

 

Multiple Days

'Celebrating Jewish Plays'
Shakespeare & Company, Lenox
Oct. 9–11

"Celebrating Jewish Plays" features three readings presented over three evenings during the holiday weekend. Live poetry, speakers, musical performances, and more have been added to this year's celebration. Multishow weekend passes are also available; tickets are $30 to $100.

Tickets and information here.

 

Thursday

Closing Reception for 'Terra Mater'
Hotel Downstreet, 40 Main St., North Adams
6–8 p.m.

These nature-inspired ink, cyanotype, and mixed-media works by artists Joan Ryan, Livia Linden, Carissa Toomey and Alicia Canary are curated by Anna Salmeron.

More information here.

 

'Goosebumps' Party
Lenox Library, Lenox
3:30–5 p.m.

As part of Banned Books Week, the library invites the public to celebrate the birthday of prolific author R.L. with a Goosebumps Party with crafts, food, and fun. Create neon marker art, slime, and listen to scary stories. Free for all ages.

More information here.

 

Friday

American Stories Curator Talks
Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge
9:30 a.m.

Spend a morning with curators exploring Norman Rockwell Museum's expansive and thought-provoking exhibition commemorating 250 years of America. Each session will focus on a theme drawn from the exhibition. This program occurs before public opening hours, providing a unique opportunity for reflection and enjoyment of the exhibition.

Tickets and information here.

 

Planetarium Show
Milham Planetarium,
Williams College, Williamstown
8–9 p.m.

Weekly planetarium shows are held on Friday nights at the Milham Planetarium to see all that night sky has to offer, from mythology to astrophysics and cosmology.

Registration here.

 

Friday Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
6 p.m.

More information here.

 

Saturday

Geology of Stone Hill

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