BUZZFall 2017

2017GRAND

MARSHALL AWARD

FALL FOLIAGE PARADE

WELCOME MICHELLEIf you haven’t had the chance to meet the newest member of our leadership team, Michelle Baity, Director of Human Resources, here’s a brief intro. She joined our team in August and we are thrilled to have Michelle with us! Prior to joining BFAIR, Michelle’s extensive human resource experience includes the past sixteen years at Berkshire County ARC, most recently serving as the Assistant Director of Human Resources. During her tenure at Berkshire County ARC, Michelle worked in all capacities within the human resource field, gaining new responsibilities and skills throughout the years. Prior to her work in human resources, Michelle’s career was rooted in a dedication to the field of human services.

“With a strong background in human resources, Michelle will be an asset to the organization”, said Rich Weisenflue, Executive Director of BFAIR. He continued, “In the past several years, BFAIR has seen tremendous growth in programs and employee base. We are looking forward to having Michelle continue to build upon our current employee policies and maintain standards, while evaluating procedure and supporting BFAIR’s continued growth throughout the Berkshires and into the Pioneer Valley.”

Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from MCLA. She is a 2004 graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Program. She’s a lifelong Berkshire County resident and is committed to the greater community through involvement in various volunteer opportunities.

TABLE of CONTENTSMeet Michelle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2All Aboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Employees of the Quarter . . . . . . . 3 United Way Campaign . . . . . . . . . . 3Getting the Job Done. . . . . . . . . . . 4Miss Amazing! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5A Tour of Italy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Summer Picnic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Fall Foliage Parade . . . Back Cover

Cover Photo: Lens Cap Off Photography

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Alllll aboard!!!David, Wood Street resident and employment program participant, took to the rails with his sister on a sunny late September weekend.

EMPLOYEES OF THE QUARTER

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UNITED WAY FIGHTS FOR THE HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND FINANCIAL STABILITY OF EVERY PERSON IN OUR COMMUNITY

We’re pleased to announce the most recent Employees of the Quarter! Nominated by peers and supervisory staff, these three women exemplify the ideal qualities of a BFAIR employee. Representing our residential and day services programs, Kristin, Christine, and Ashley go above and beyond day after day – congrats ladies!

The Northern Berkshire United Way kicks off their 2017/18 Annual Campaign this month. Co-chaired by Bernie Pinsonnault and Dianne Cutillo, the NBUW hopes to exceed last year’s stellar campaign. As one of twenty member agencies of the NBUW, BFAIR will be supporting an internal campaign among staff to raise funds for the north Berkshire based agency.

Interested in learning more about the work of the NBUW and their member agencies? Visit them online at www.nbunitedway.org to see their video highlighting the work of member agencies and make a donation today!

EMPLOYEES OF THE QUARTER

Ashley Saltamartini – Burris – Habilitation Specialist Kristin Stewart – House Manager, Mason Residence Christine Micklejohn – House Manager, Stonehedge Residence

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Participants in our Supported Employment Program certainly get a full work experience, with the goal of achieving gainful employment in the community.

At Crane & Co., Harriet had the opportunity to work in the Boxed Assembly Department as part of a production line assembling stationary packs. Additionally, she cross-trained and learned to use a moll folder/gluer and a stream feeder.

Tony and the crew that he worked with were responsible for assembling fall themed activity packets for Excelsior that were distributed to farms throughout Massachusetts and beyond.

Since early 2017, BFAIR has been working with Whole Life Pets, a locally based company that produces pet food that is 100% human grade and made in-house, from scratch, in small fresh batches daily. Our first project with them started with labeling product bags with UPC codes. After the project ended, they asked us to come back and work as part of the production team. The crew’s days are spent washing and sanitizing trays after the food has been freeze-dried and general maintenance of the facility. Here is Amanda hard at work.

Getting theJOB DONE!

What began with a dream and a handful of volunteers in Nebraska is now a national non-profit organization dedicated to their mission: Miss Amazing provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build confidence and self-esteem in a supportive environment. And Brittany Dorwin knows exactly what it feels like when that mission in put into action. She recently offered a presentation at a staff meeting for our Supported Employment Program. Along with a PowerPoint Presentation, Brittany recounted what her experience with the Miss Amazing program entailed.

As a participant in the 2016 Miss Amazing competition beginning at Medford High School, Brittany made new friends, completed an interview process, participated in a talent show, had her hair and make-up professionally done and dazzled the crowd in her evening gown. The excitement and fun didn’t end there for Brittany; she headed onto the national competition in Chicago. Today, as a Miss Amazing Ambassador, Brittany spreads the word about the non-profit’s work and assists in fundraising.

Brittany Dorwin

Visit www.missamazing.org to learn more about their mission and the work that they do.

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There’s nothing like getting a sneak peek into the inner

workings of a well-oiled machine – and that’s exactly

what members of our Pittsfield supported employment

crew saw when they visited Grazie, a fan favorite

North Adams Italian restaurant! From a tour of the

white linen lined dining room and sparkling stainless

steel kitchen to a trip into the cellar with a view of the

entire soda line system, Mike, Josh, Margaret, and

Krunal got to see it all.

Ciao!

Grazie: A Tour of Italy

A huge thanks to Matt Tatro for the tour.

Interested in getting a taste of Italy for yourself?

Visit Grazie at 26 Marshall Street, North Adams

or online at graziena.com

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Wrapping up the summer, all of our BFAIR staff were treated to a day at the lake and a catered BBQ. In appreciation for all of the hard work that our entire employee group does day after day, this year’s Annual Staff and Family Picnic was a relaxing day of swimming, visiting, eating, and playing corn hole at Windsor Lake in North Adams.

Presort Standard

U.S. Postage

PAID

North Adams, MA

Permit No.121771 South Church Street | North Adams, MA 01247

PROUD MEMBERS OF North Adams Chamber • Williamstown Chamber

1Berkshire • Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce

Alex Kastrinakis, ChairpersonKelli Kozak, Vice ChairpersonDana Mullen, TreasurerPatti Messina, Clerk

Kim BakerLaura BaranSuzan CahillRebecca DravisMary Ann MaroniPeter Mirante

Rich Weisenflue, Executive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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There was certainly magic in the air at the 62nd Annual Fall Foliage Parade on October 1st. Having our first-ever float in the parade was great, but receiving the Grand Marshall’s Award was magical! With the theme of Magic in the Berkshires, the creative minds at BFAIR decided to create real magic on the float, with our in-house magician Omer Black (AKA Shaun Richard, Program Coordinator in our Residential Services Program). Nestled in a four foot wide magic hat, Omer Black performed magic for the crowd of parade goers. BFAIR staff, board members, and children joined the float, donning magic hats, wands, and of course, candy for the crowd!

A sunshine and fun - filled day was had by all – and a win made it that much sweeter! And don’t worry, BFAIR is already talking about how to make next year’s parade experience even better!