| 45th Anniversary (cont.)
A moving and inspiring video documenting BCARC services to individuals, produced by Berkshire Television, kicked off the event. Guest speaker Gerry Morrissey, Commissioner of the Department of Mental Retardation, continued the celebration with a positive and upbeat address stressing the partnership between DMR and BCARC. Ken Singer and Joyce Degrosseilliers then collaborated on a spirited recounting of BCARC’s first forty-five years. Early on, Ken cited Mrs. Eunice Manzolini and Mrs. Bertha Weinberg, two of the original eleven founders of the agency. Mrs. Weinberg could not be present to receive her recognition, but Mrs. Manzolini accepted her award and then quietly spoke to the |
gathering. Her words (see below) about the acts of love and vision
of both the founders and the present keepers of the Berkshire County Arc
dream, captured well the essence of the evening.
Ken and Joyce continued, saluting members of BCARC’s extended family, past and present, whose efforts have, directly or indirectly, benefited literally thousands of developmentally disabled individuals Among those honored was Dr. Alfred Eramo, an early advocate for individuals with mental retardation and the person in whose honor BCARC’s Eramo House was named. Henry and Ann Archey were honored for being among the first supporters of the agency. Their son Tom Archey, continuing the tradition of service as Chairman of BCARC’s Human Rights Committee, accepted the award on behalf of his father and mother. |
Mrs. Bertha Weinberg recieves her founder's Award from Ken Singer at her home
Tom Archey |
Mrs. Manzolini |
