For 11 years running, Berkshire Magazine has recognized individuals who work to make a better Berkshires. What stands out among this year’s honorees is not only their actions, but their attitudes. No matter how challenging the path or how long the road, these Berkshire 25 get to “yes we can” with unmatched determination. From giving voice to individuals with disabilities to taking care of the terminally ill, from teaching our students to make smart decisions to creating affordable housing, from creating a healthy, natural environment to making our cultural richness the envy of the world, these 25 individuals—your neighbors, friends, and coworkers—are shining examples of extraordinary. This year was not easy for the judges. We had more nominees than ever. The result is an A-list that is superlative and diverse, with a healthy dose of positive attitude. With the guidance of an advisory committee consisting of Berkshire 25 alumni, we are thrilled to bring you this year’s Berkshire 25!
Melissa Aitken
Melissa Aitken, chief executive officer of The Country Club of Pittsfield, has worked hard to create a more inclusive cultural environment at the local institution, whose beginnings date back to 1897. Aitken has been with the country club in varying capacities since 2007. She has been instrumental in bringing together members of the community and is affecting change and growth in the Berkshire economy through the tourism and business sectors. A lifelong Berkshire County resident who resides in Dalton, Aitken credits her success to hard work and a belief in herself. “Channel your energy into positive thoughts—you can overcome anything if you put your mind to it!”
Lauren Ambrose
Lauren Ambrose, acclaimed Six Feet Under actress, star in the 2018 Broadway production of My Fair Lady, and singer in the jazzy, rootsy musical group The Leisure Class that performs locally, plays leading roles behind the scenes throughout the Berkshires. She helps to raise money—and members— for Tanglewood (where she spent many summers studying), participated in Berkshire’s United Way COVID-19 Fund Helpathon, and hosted Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s 50th anniversary. This year’s Berkshire 25 panel member Kate Maguire, who is also artistic director for Berkshire Theatre Group, comments about Ambrose, “love her for her care for the Berkshires.”
Craig Bero
Craig Bero brought his energy and passion for creating a “space where the community can flourish” to the Berkshires about four years ago, opening Pleasant & Main in Housatonic. When COVID-19 hit, Bero pulled from his 30 years of Manhattan restaurant experience to pivot his café from a popular go-to place to a much-needed to-go place. He reconfigured the restaurant to safely cook and serve delicious, locally- sourced food from kitchen to car. Bero created a network of farmers and vendors who helped him feed his customers, sometimes on a pay-what-you-can basis. Bero’s energy and commitment cause all who know him to agree. “We are lucky to have him in the community.”
Tony Chojnowski
Tony Chojnowski is a lifelong Berkshire resident and business owner, with exemplary devotion to family, employees, and community. His stores—like Chojnowski— have a reputation for being welcoming and supportive. “Everybody knows him and everybody really likes him,” says Jenn Nacht, Lenox Chamber executive director and owner of The Scoop. Chojnowski’s fashion sense is impressive, too, judging from the unique selection of clothing and shoes in his four stores: Casablanca, Swtrz, and Shooz in Lenox—and GB9 in Great Barrington. “Tony is the grand marshal of the town,” says Nacht. “He’s very neighborly and super-supportive of other stores.”
Leigh Doherty
Leigh Doherty, as executive director of the Literary Network of Southern Berkshires (LitNet), leads the charge to teach English language skills to all adults, particularly to speakers of other languages (ESOL). With the immigrant population growing in the Berkshires, Doherty and her team expertly match tutors with learners, helping to ensure that the Berkshires is a friendly and welcoming place for everyone to learn English and integrate into the community. “Many people have benefited from her efforts,” says LitNet tutor Val Coleman. “Even those of us who volunteer feel more connected to the warm fabric of our community!”
Ed Domaney
Ed Domaney, owner of Domaney’s Liquors and Fine Wines, is giving back, personified. Since 1973, this Great Barrington family business–—including Domaney’s wife Beth, son Joe and, until recently, 93-year old mother Delores—has held an outstanding reputation in the community. Domaney is always smiling, never too busy to help, and goes out of his way to satisfy his customers, often taking the time to chat—and giving you a salami link or wedge of cheese “to try”! “The world needs more people like Ed,” says one longtime customer, “who always remembers your name and always makes you feel welcome.”
Sarah Eustis
Sarah Eustis created Main Street Hospitality in 2014 to steward and expand her family hospitality business that started with Stockbridge’s Red Lion Inn in 1969. She has positioned the Red Lion and nearly a dozen Main Street-managed properties throughout the Berkshires and New England for a successful future. Eustis is also on the boards of Jacob’s Pillow, Tanglewood, Indian Mountain School, and other places. “She’s a great leader,” says Tim Eustis, head of catering and sommelier at the Red Lion—and her husband. “It’s a great business she has created and has made a solid mark on the community here.”
Liam Gorman
Liam Gorman, is a tech entrepreneur and founder of CozQuest, a media marketing company that connects small businesses with customers who might need “a nudge to get off the couch—and off Amazon.” Pivoting from TV writer/producer, Gorman is a community builder who creates treasure hunt maps accessed through a smart phone app. The first player to solve the puzzle, follow the clues, and find the hidden QR codes wins cash prizes Recent hunts have focused on Pittsfield Farmers Market, Hotel on North, Downtown Pittsfield Storywalk, Norman Rockwell Museum, and Hancock Shaker Village. “His expertise is an exceptional asset for this community,” says Toby Ellen Elliot, NYC producer and Berkshire homeowner. “It’s wonderful to see people engage and discover new local businesses, and feel even more rooted and excited about their community in the Berkshires!”
Donna Hassler
Donna Hassler is the executive director of Chesterwood, the former summer home and studio of Daniel Chester French. During her tenure, Hassler has transformed Chesterwood in Stockbridge from a typical house museum to a spectacular venue with an artist-in-residence program. In addition to raising millions for programing and restoration, Hassler has built upon Chesterwood’s history of exhibiting contemporary sculpture by introducing dance and musical performances, and commissioning prize-winning author/Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer to write the first biography of French since the 1930s. Says Michael Lynch, chair of the Chesterwood Advisory Council, “Through innovative leadership, Donna shows how traditional house museums are relevant to the 21st century.”
Mark Johnson & Pops Peterson
Mark Johnson & Pops Peterson, who co-own SEVEN salon. spa in downtown Stockbridge, have created a unique sense of community in the Berkshires since they opened the salon in 2006. Johnson, who began his successful career at the prestigious Vidal Sassoon on Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles and later on Fifth Avenue in New York, has been recognized for his work on runway shows styling the locks of supermodels such as Stephanie Seymour, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Tyra Banks. During his time in the Berkshires, Johnson has tirelessly given his time, energy, and resources to the community. Johnson and Peterson regularly donate to local charities and generously support other local nonprofits. During the pandemic, they have been extra careful to keep clients and staff safe, following guidelines with utmost care. With hearts as big as their talents, “pay it forward” is clearly their credo. As well as being co-owner of SEVEN, Peterson is an artist nationally recognized for his work on racial justice, including the award-winning series Reinventing Rockwell, bringing attention to racial inequality through interpretation of Norman Rockwell paintings. Peterson’s The Problem Persists, 1964-2014 updates Rockwell’s Ruby Bridges painting to reflect on the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown. His Freedom from What? (I Can’t Breathe) traveled across the nation in the Norman Rockwell: Imagining Freedom exhibition. Celebrating America’s diversity and embracing Rockwell’s sense of humanity, Peterson has created images that envision social change and express his desire for a positive, inclusive, and just world.
Kristen Lovallo
Kristen Lovallo, lead medical assistant at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC)’s COVID Testing and Nurse Call Center, has led efforts to test and vaccinate thousands in the community, devoting countless hours to assuring registration and scheduling staff are trained and current on latest departmental changes. Lovallo is known by her peers as the one who can fix it all. She will drop everything at a moment’s notice to fill in when things are busy, even swabbing down surfaces when needed. “She is one of the most caring and dedicated professionals who has supported every aspect of the COVID Call Center,” says Robert Shearer, DNP, Cardiology at BMC. “She is truly an unsung hero!”
Mary Makuc
Mary Makuc is officially the coordinator at the Monterey Community Center (which she helped create), but she is so much more. After a near-fatal accident at 21, she became an advocate for people with challenges and was Monterey’s ADA representative for many years. During the pandemic, Makuc worked to ensure vaccine accessibility, arranging for a mobile clinic in town. Makuc also was one of the founders of the Monterey Food Pantry to help those experiencing food insecurity. “Mary is so inspiring, so passionate about finding solutions to social problems, it seems impossible to say ‘no’ to her,” says Community Center colleague Wendy Germain. “Mary spreads a lot of joy, kindness and compassion all over town.”
Kayli Manning
Kayli Manning, clinical nurse at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) and the Visiting Nurse Association, has been instrumental in the success of the COVID Testing and Nurse Call Center, making sure that she and her fellow nurses are current with the often daily changes in CDC and Massachusetts Department of Health guidelines. Throughout the pandemic, Manning has gone above and beyond to make sure the community is well cared for. With her calming tone and detailed knowledge, she is dedicated to helping others learn more about COVID, assuring that those who have been infected receive every resource available. “Her compassion and dedication to her community and her colleagues is second to none,” says Robert Shearer, DNP, Cardiology, BMC.
Julia Marko
Julia Marko, director of finance and operations at BART Charter Public School in Adams, is a champion of women in finance. She has worked to make the school’s Finance and Audit committee more diverse, and the school has seen immense growth under her direction. She also brings her professionalism, compassion, and creativity to bear as Development Committee member for Roots Rising and as a member of the Northern Berkshire United Way Finance Committee. Marko lives in Adams with her husband and two small children and is pursuing her MBA at MCLA. “Julia is a powerhouse,” says colleague Leah Thompson.
Kathy Orlando
Kathy Orlando is executive director for land protection at the Sheffield Land Trust. “We work to protect land that’s important to the whole rural character of Sheffield—agricultural land, wildlife areas, scenic, historic, within the town of Sheffield,” says Orlando. The Trust protects over 5,000 acres in the town and owns another 400 acres of farmland, mountainside, and trails. “She communicates with the farmers, identifies priorities, and connects with donors,” says Dale Abrams, education and volunteer coordinator at Mass Audubon and vice president of the Great Barrington Land Conservancy. “Kathy works tirelessly to preserve Sheffield’s agricultural legacy, which is unique in the Berkshires. As the neighboring land trust, we admire the permanent impact she has achieved.”
Thomas Ragusa
Thomas Ragusa, Otis resident and Knox Trail expert, has spent 12 years mapping the part of the 300-mile trail through Otis and Sandisfield. The trail was used by General Henry Knox to transport cannons from Ticonderoga to Boston during the Revolutionary War. Ragus, whose trail walks are popular with residents and visitors alike, spent 42 years working for the Department of Conservation and Recreation before retiring. A member of the Otis Historical Commission (OHC), he is an authority in local history. “We are lucky to have a resident expert to help put Otis on the map!” says OHC colleague Diane Provenz.
Jessica Rufo
Jessica Rufo opened Dottie’s Coffee Lounge in downtown Pittsfield in 2007 after honing her coffee craft in New York City. The Pittsfield native singlehandedly created the first sustainable coffeehouse in Pittsfield—no investors, business partners, or grants to lighten the load—with the intention to build community and to offer exceptional coffee and real, homemade food. Described as a combination of beauty, truth, courage, and love, Rufo has kept Dottie’s open for the community throughout the pandemic, maintaining it as a place for conversation and connection. She lives in Lanesborough with her husband and three young children.
Ben Sosne
Ben Sosne is the innovative executive director of Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC). The BIC opened in 2020 to provide “a catalyst to accelerate the innovation and growth of existing companies in the Berkshire region.” When COVID forced the BIC to shut down, Sosne adapted, pivoted, and promoted businesses that were working toward providing COVID support and getting impacted businesses back on their feet. “A dynamic professional and authentic servant leader who could align BIC’s vision and values while executing its mission. That’s Ben,” says Stephen Boyd, the BIC’s co-founder and chair. “He has been instrumental in using BIC resources to support the local economy.”
Tom Tyning
Tom Tyning is professor of environmental science at Berkshire Community College, former field biologist and master naturalist for the Mass Audubon Society, author of A Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles, and founder of the Berkshire Natural History Conference. Tyning brings his authority and enthusiasm to everything he does, from teaching, to work on Salamander Tunnels in Amherst, to research on the local rattlesnake and butterfly populations. “Tom is one of the greatest naturalists Berkshire County has ever known,” says Rene Wendell of The Nature Conservancy, “but more importantly, he inspires and introduces novices to a love for nature and the natural world.”
Kristen Tool & Chris Wheeler
Kristen Tool & Chris Wheeler, entrepreneurial farmers and beekeepers, own Olsen Farm in Lanesborough. During a six-year effort to purchase and restore Wheeler’s family property, they repaired, cultivated, and raised animals while keeping their eye on the prize—sharing knowledge and bounty with the community, creating new generations of confident farmers, and connecting children and adults to the land their food comes from. They are on their way to accomplishing all this, having recently hosted a “Honey CSA” and free community beekeeping workshops, and piloted a 2020 Free Produce Program for local seniors, expanding it in 2021 to families and surrounding communities. During the pandemic, Kristen donated more than 750 handmade cotton face masks to local organizations and dozens of toiletry and snack pouches for unhoused members of the Berkshire community. “Kristen Tool and Chris Wheeler are generous neighbors, caring citizens and stalwart stewards of the land,” says Jenn Smith, journalist and Berkshire 25 alum.
Susan Witt
Susan Witt is executive director of the Schumacher Center for a New Economics in Great Barrington, which she cofounded in 1980 with Robert Swann. She has led development of the center’s highly regarded publications, library, seminars, and other programs. “We think of ourselves as a think and do tank,” said Witt in a recent Berkshire Eagle article. “We research and come up with approaches for citizens to better support their local economies.” Cases in point include the community-supported agriculture (CSA) movement, which began in Great Barrington in 1986, and the BerkShares local currency that was initiated in 2006. Deeply engaged with the history and theory of a new economics and its implications for the transformation of our relationship to land, labor, and capital, Witt has worked to turn theory into practice in her home region.
Jane Winn
Jane Winn is one of a small band of environmentalists determined to stop illegal environmental destruction in the Berkshires. She cofounded the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) in 2002 and has won numerous awards for her tireless efforts to protect the environment. Under this Pittsfield native’s leadership, BEAT protects the environment for wildlife and educates citizens about the environment, collaborating with organizations and individuals. “Long an environmental advocate and mobilizer of community involvement, Jane Winn is fierce in her determination and seldom willing to take ‘no’ for a final answer,” says a colleague at the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions.
Andy Wrba
Andy Wrba has been sparking the Berkshires jazz and contemporary music scene for years. He founded the Berkshire Jazz Collective and has organized the annual Lenox Jazz Stroll, Pittsfield’s free screenings of Tanglewood in the City, MASS MoCA concerts, and streaming performances of local musicians during the pandemic. A fixture at Mission restaurant in Pittsfield, Wrba has rotated top-caliber jazz musicians through Pittsfield. He has accomplished all this while being Hudson Valley Magazine’s 2021 award-winning teacher at The Darrow School. “Andy is motivated, creative and selflessly working to prove the Berkshires music scene world class in all forms of music,” says Paul Friedrichs, a Berkshire summer resident and regular at Mission.
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