The Foundry certified as Safe Space
West Stockbridge— The Foundry has been certified by the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) as a Safe Space.
SIGBI, the official and only charitable giving organization of the historic Stonewall Inn, launched its Safe Spaces Certification Program during Pride Month in 2022. It was created in response to a survey that uncovered that 89% of the LGBTQ+ community believe that most spaces are not aware that LGBTQ+ people feel unsafe, and 97% believe the LGBTQ+ community would benefit from more safe spaces.
SIGBI’s 10-step certification process was developed in partnership with some of the brightest minds from marginalized communities nationwide and is being rolled out to entertainment venues, food and beverage locations, stores, businesses, and other public venues, so they can become certified as a Safe Space for LGBTQ+ members of the community.
SIGBI worked with The Foundry to provide the proper training, policies and standards that ensure that it is creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ employees, LGBTQ+ customers and advocating for equality. The Foundry’s employees also completed a training to ensure that they are creating an inclusive environment.
“Safe Spaces are vital in order to uplift LGBTQ+ people and provide places to celebrate, educate, thrive, work, shop, relax and live freely,” said Stacy Lentz, CEO, SIGBI. “The Stonewall Inn is the original Safe Space and we are thrilled to expand our reach and work with businesses and venues across the globe to ensure that the Safe Spaces training and certification process is available to all.” To learn more about becoming a SIGBI-certified Safe Space, visit www.stonewallinitiative.org.
***
Berkshire Community College hires Dean
Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the hiring of Dr. Mohammad Alkawaldeh as Dean of Nursing, Health & Wellness Division, beginning on August 17th.
Most recently, Dr. Alkawaldeh was Assistant Professor at the College of Nursing at Qatar University in Doha and was previously the Director of Clinical Research at UMass Medical School in the OBGYN department. He was also Director of Clinical Research at Boston Children’s Hospital in their spina bifida center and has held a range of other research and teaching positions.
Dr. Alkawaldeh holds a PhD in Nursing, Primary Care Nursing, and Nursing Informatics/Geriatric Nursing from UMass Amherst, an M.S.N. from Stevens-Henager College in Salt Lake City, and a B.S.N in Nursing from Philadelphia University in Amman, Jordan. He also held a postdoctoral Fellowship in the School of Nursing and Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
“Mohammad has a student-centered approach to teaching, which is a critical part of our mission at BCC. He brings a wealth of experience in health and wellness, and I’m confident he’ll be a strong, passionate leader,” said current Dean of Nursing, Health and Wellness Lori Moon, who is retiring at the end of the summer.
***
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art announces Chair
Amherst— The Board of Trustees of the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art announced the election of Dr. Claudette S. McLinn as Board Chair. A member of The Carle’s Board since 2023, most recently serving as Vice Chair, Dr. McLinn follows William P. Gorth, a longtime trustee who served as Chairman from 2023-2026.
Dr. Claudette McLinn (EdD) is the Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature in Inglewood, Calif. and is currently concluding her one-year term as President of the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. During her 44 years as a member of the American Association of School Librarians, she served in numerous capacities. Additionally, McLinn served on the Executive Board of the United States Board on Books for Young People, among many other esteemed service positions.
McLinn was the recipient of the 2014 Dorothy C. McKenzie Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Field of Children’s Literature sponsored by the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California, 2020 ALSC Distinguished Service Award, 2022 Charlotte S. Huck Endowed Speaker Award, and 2023 Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement, among other awards and honors.
“We are thrilled that Claudette will become our new Board Chair, as she is one of our nation’s leading scholars of children’s literature, with unparalleled knowledge and enthusiasm about picture books,” said Jennifer Schantz, executive director of The Carle. “We also thank Bill for his many years of support and leadership on the Board, as he has been an integral part of the Museum’s growth and successes.”
In addition to the election of the Board Chair, Leonard S. Marcus will become Vice Chair, and Drew Ellis will become Secretary. Grace Lin will rejoin the Board as a trustee, and Ann Lewinson will join the Board as a representative of the Eric and Barbara Carle Foundation. The Museum’s Board now comprises 18 trustees from around the country.
***
Berkshire Humane Society receives grants
Pittsfield— Berkshire Humane Society has received more than $120,000 to fund life-changing programs helping companion animals and pet owners in and around the Berkshires. The amount is in addition to the previously announced $150,000 PetSmart Charities Accelerator Grant to help expand low-cost veterinary care at the organization’s Wellness Clinic, the only nonprofit veterinary clinic in Berkshire County.
Two grants, a $10,000 award from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition License Plate Grant program and a $95,000 award from the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation are to subsidize spay and neuter surgeries for pets and unowned cats. The Wiederhold Foundation grant also funds pet health examinations, bloodwork testing, treatment of severe dental disease, and free vaccine and microchip clinics throughout the county.
The Lee Bank Foundation awarded $5,000 to fund Berkshire Humane Society’s SafePet Program. Designed to temporarily board pets of people in crisis, this program helps patients and clients of partnering organizations such as Berkshire Health Systems, the Brien Center, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Elder Services of Berkshire County, and Elder Protective Services in Berkshire County.
Children’s educational programming was supported by a $5,500 award from the Charles H. Hall Foundation. Finally, Pittsfield Cooperative Bank awarded a charitable contribution of $5,000 to support the Pet Food Bank.
***
The Business of Pride
Lee— This Pride Month, on Wednesday, June 17th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., state and local business advocates will gather at the historic Devonfield Inn for a Pride Business Panel and networking event to celebrate the contributions of more than 75 LGBTQ-owned small businesses currently operating in the Berkshires. The event will explore how the region’s commitment to equity is adding to Massachusetts’ competitive edge, attracting a wave of new entrepreneurs seeking communities where their creativity and identities are welcomed.
The event is part of an ongoing monthly series: the Berkshire LGBTQ Business, Professional & Community Leaders Networking Events, held on the third Wednesday of each month. Jointly sponsored by the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Q-MoB, and Berkshire Magazine, the series is designed to foster collaboration and increase the community’s capacity to navigate the unique economic and demographic challenges facing rural LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals.
The networking series provides a platform to reflect on the rich history, vibrant present, and promising future of LGBTQ+ business in the Berkshires, while providing space for each business owner to highlight the contributions they have made this year to the region’s economy and the LGBTQ community, and any special offerings they are making in this Pride season.
The event is on Wednesday, June 17th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Devonfield Inn, located at 85 Stockbridge Road in Lee. All LGBTQ+ business owners, professionals, community leaders, and allied business leaders are welcome. Admission is free. Registration and more information can be found online.
***
Berkshire Film & Media Collaborative at the BIC
Pittsfield— On Tuesday, June 23rd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Berkshire Film & Media Collaborative presents a Summer Networking Night at Berkshire Innovation Center (the BIC.)
The region’s film, media, and creative community are invited for an evening designed to bring people together, spark conversation, and strengthen connections across western Massachusetts. Whether you are already part of the local film and media landscape or are looking for ways to get more connected, you are encouraged to attend.
The event is on Tuesday, June 23rd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Berkshire Innovation Center, located at 45 Woodlawn Avenue in Pittsfield. Light refreshments will be provided, and a cash bar will be available. Registration and more information can be found online.
***
Construct Annual Meeting
Great Barrington— Construct will hold its 2026 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, July 16th from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at The Guthrie Center.
All interested South Berkshire residents are welcome to attend to learn about Construct’s recent accomplishments and get a preview of what’s in store for the year ahead. This will be a chance to hear updates, ask questions, and connect with others who care about housing affordability for vulnerable people and essential workers.
The meeting is on Tuesday, July 16th from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at The Guthrie Center, located at 2 Van Deusenville Road. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. All are welcome. Registration and more information can be found online.
