The Berkshire 25
Inclusive arts programs for people with disabilities
The Berkshire 25
Pam and Tom Rich
own Paul Rich & Sons Home Furnishings + DESIGN in downtown Pittsfield, continuing a 100-year family furniture legacy. They have worked tirelessly, keeping the doors open during challenging times, from the Berkshire Mall drawing shoppers from downtown to COVID keeping people home. Today, through their leadership, Paul Rich & Sons continues to offer quality home furnishings and design with exceptional customer service and an“ old world” shopping experience. Pam and Tom’ s commitment to their community is evident through longtime dedicated support of numerous organizations, contributing their time and resources to causes in the arts, human services, and education.“ We have done business with Paul Rich & Sons for many years,” say David and Laurie Tierney, owners of Hotel on North.“ They are the epitome of what downtown Pittsfield should be: classy, loyal, steadfast and dedicated to the core. Pittsfield is beyond fortunate to have Tom and Pam Rich on North Street.”
Darlene Rodowicz,
president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems( BHS) since 2022, leads the largest employer and healthcare provider in the region. Responsible for more than 4,000 employees, she still finds time to make regular rounds, keeping in touch with the people who make the system run smoothly. Darlene has held ten titles with BHS and has served on the Executive Leadership Team since 2005. Her commitment to education is no more evident than through her strong support of BHS’ s pathway programs that provide opportunities for those who previously may not have been able to enter the healthcare workforce. Darlene also focuses on advocating for the Berkshires at the state level, finding regulations that will benefit BHS and all those it impacts.“ Darlene’ s many attributes all lend to her ability to lead with competence and compassion,” says Richard Alcombright, board chair of BHS and former mayor of North Adams.“ Her deep roots in our communities and her longevity with BHS has made her the perfect steward and advocate for healthcare in our region. We are so blessed to have her at the helm of Berkshire Health Systems.”
Debra Jo
Rupp is a theater, TV, and film actress, best known for starring in That’ 70s Show and its spin-off, That’ 90s Show.“ More important to all of us is that Debra Jo makes the Berkshires her home,”” says Julianne Boyd, former director of Barrington Stage( BSC). Debra Jo has appeared at theaters throughout the Berkshires and is an associate artist and a member of the board at BSC, where she has appeared in many plays, including Dr. Ruth, All the Way, Ring‘ Round the Moon, To Kill A Mockingbird, and The Laramie Project. Debra Jo goes above and beyond with her support. She is BSC ' s unofficial“ welcoming committee” for cast members, bringing flowers from her garden, snacks, and making sure the dressing rooms are in good shape. She initiated having cast dinners at board members ' homes and even has prepared dinners at her home auctioned off to benefit BSC.“ She will do whatever she has to for the cause,” says Jessica Provenz, director of development at BSC.“ She also puts her money where her mouth is and supports shows she believes in. She has a particular interest in new work and new writers.”
Inclusive arts programs for people with disabilities
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