Central Berkshire Habitat Celebrates Volunteers at Annual Meeting
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Oct. 22, the Central Berkshire Habitat gathered to celebrate the people whose time, talent, and generosity help local families build strength and stability.
Habitat's 2026 Annual Board Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Celebration brought together volunteers, community partners, board members, and staff for an evening of food, friendship, and
appreciation. The gathering recognized contributions ranging from construction expertise and donated materials to helping residents overcome barriers to essential services.
"Every Habitat home represents the work and care of so many people," said Carolyn Valli, CEO of Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity. "Our volunteers show up week after week, our construction partners help stretch every dollar, and our Community Navigators help neighbors find a path forward. This celebration is our chance to thank them for everything they make possible."
This year's honorees included:
- Construction Partners in Excellence: 377 Builders, Tatro Flooring, Mickle Electric, Gustavis Plumbing, Zeitler Plumbing, and Tatro Flooring - recognizing their contributions to Habitat's homebuilding work.
- Builders of the Future Award: Taconic High School's Career and Technical Education programs for Carpentry and Electricity - honoring the partnership in building affordable housing while preparing students for careers in the trades.
- Barbara Kalnins Community in Action Award: Community Navigators Maria Menaca, Jessica Vega, Lynne Newton, and Tonya Frazier - recognizing their service to the community during fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
- Vision to Reality Award: Brent White of White Engineering was honored for his years of support helping to make the community at Prosperity Way in Housatonic a reality.
- Community Partner Certificate of Appreciation: LP Adams and Herrington's Lumber -for responsive service and discounts on materials and equipment rentals that help Habitatbuild affordably.
- Construction Volunteers of the Year: Habitat's core construction volunteers – nine volunteers who each contributed more than 100 hours of service in FY 2026.
The new Barbara Kalnins Community in Action Award honors the legacy of a longtime Habitat supporter whose generosity, including a significant estate gift, continues to strengthen the organization's work. Its inaugural recipients help residents connect with resources, navigate complex applications, overcome language barriers, and take steps toward greater household stability.
Habitat also recognized Erin O'Brien for five years of service, along with Raven Basinger for 10 years of service and Carolyn Valli for nineteen years of service. New construction staff member
Maxwell Banker, was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for his advancement from AmeriCorps member last year to full-time staff member. He was also recognized for completing the OSHA 30- Hour Training and a scholarship as the inaugural participant of Habitat's new DRIVE TO THRIVE program, where he will earn his driver's license. This program is intended to support students or trainees preparing to join the skilled trades workforce.
Also recognized at the meeting and earlier this year were the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers who provide free tax preparation to low-to-moderate income households in
Berkshire County, the elderly, disabled, veterans, and non-English speaking residents.
The Board of Directors installed new officers – Brandy McKie (Lee Bank) as President, Chris Moon (retired) as Vice President, Thomas Kassmieh (Brazee & Huban CPAs) as Treasurer, and Maggie Steele (Berkshire County Head Start) as Clerk. The Board also voted in new members Dr. Alan Kulberg (retired), Paul Killeen (retired), and Samuel Crocker (Donovan, O'Connor and Dodig, LLP). Returning Directors include Stacey Carver (Berkshire Money Management), Cliff Harewood (Berkshire Health Systems), Brenda Petell, (MountainOne). Emeritus members recognized are Peter Samsel (retired) and Lou Coelho (retired).
The annual meeting included organizational reports and a look at the year ahead, with continued emphasis on affordable homeownership and support for residents throughout Central and Southern Berkshire County.
"Whether someone gives a few hours, shares professional skills, serves on a committee, or helps reduce the cost of materials, they become part of a family's opportunity to move forward," Valli
said. "We are grateful to everyone who chooses to be part of this work."
Tags: habitat for humanity,
