became friends. Michael walked Grace home after the get together, and have been together since that night. The Kuvent’s are currently living in Pittsfield, where Michael works at the Blue Q warehouse. While both are active members of their community, Michael is an avid self-advocate who helps others to stand up for their human rights. Twenty years ago the world was a different place, but one thing that has remained constant is that Michael and Grace Kuvent have remained best friends and stayed in love for two decades. Congratulations Michael and Grace! May you have many more years of happiness in your marriage!

On Friday September 16, 2005, Berkshire County Arc marked another year of accomplishments at its 51st Annual Meeting breakfast held at the ITAM in Pittsfield.
     The morning’s events began with a welcome from BCARC Board President Joseph Woitkoski, followed by a business meeting and election of the agency’s Board for the coming year. Elected to office were Joseph Woitkoski, Board President; Carol Craighead, Vice President; Michael Ferry, Treasurer; Joyce Desgroseilliers, Assistant Treasurer; Kathleen Flynn– Kasuba, Clerk; and Board members Kathy Clark, Bob Sinopoli, and Lisa George.
     The Annual Meeting was also a ceremony to honor the dedication and outstanding accomplishments of BCARC individuals and employees over the past year. Awards were presented to recipients by Executive Director Ken Singer and Joseph Woitkoski.

Eric Koscielniak, pictured here with staff member Theresa May, received the Achievement in Personal Growth Award..

     Individuals cited for their outstanding achievements were Randall Dutton, Work Achievement Award; Eric Koscielniak, Achievement in Personal Growth; Gene Pelkey, Achievement Award; Marie DeFreest, Citizenship Award; and Julie Raymond, Joan Grant Self-Advocate Award.
     Employees at the event receiving awards were Holly Desmond, Outstanding Residential Employee; Christopher Andrews, Outstanding Administrative Employee; Grace Greenan, Outstanding Vocational Services Employee; Constance Hubbel, Outstanding Advocacy Services Employee; Adam Holst, Employee of the Year; and Antoine Kablan, BCARC Mission Award.
     An award for Citizen Advocate of the Year was presented to Cynthia Smith-Corbett. Employer of the Year was Greylock Federal Credit Union. BCARC employees were also honored for their dedicated years of service to the agency and the