Berkshire and Southern Berkshire Advocates Celebrate 10 Years of Advocacy
     On June 29, 2005, Berkshire and Southern Berkshire Self-Advocates, distinguished guests, and staff gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the two groups at the Stockbridge Sportsman’s Club.
     Self-advocates and their guests were welcomed into the door by the lilting melodies of the St. Mark’s Flute Choir, who donated their time and talent to the event. Everyone enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and drinks before a delicious dinner prepared by Castle Street Café.
     BCARC Executive Director Ken Singer reminded the members of the groups what life was like ten years ago when they started self-advocating, and how much many of the members have accomplished over this period of time. State Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli also spoke at the event, remarking on the accomplishments of the groups as well as adding confidence for future self-advocacy endeavors.
     While attendees enjoyed their chocolate mousse cake for dessert,



Bob Gray, former self-advocacy advisor, and Ann Belcher,  member of  the Berkshire Advocates, are proud to stop for a picture with their gifts. 

Tom Coutherut, recipient of the Self-Advocacy Volunteerism Award.

awards were presented to the following individuals by Bruce Brewer, DMR Community Development Manager, for their dedication to self-advocacy over the past 10 years: Enthusiasm Award– Joanne King; Friendship Award– Kathy Clark; Distinguished Citizen Award– George Sampson; Volunteerism Award– Tom Coutherut; and the Lifetime Achievement Award– Michael Kuvent. Bruce also presented Certificates of Appreciation to the two self-advocacy groups for their past efforts. All self-advocates who participated in one of the two groups over the past 10 years received Achievement Awards. Self-advocates include:

Berkshire Advocates


Tiffany Austin, Ann Belcher, Madeline Bialor, Kathy Clark, Debbie Copeland, Tom Coutherut, Cindy Crine, Heide Curtis, Marie DeFreest, Marilyn England, Robert Hall, Karen Kennedy, Michael Kuvent ,Grace Kuvent, Jason Martin, Doug Risk, Mark Satori, Patty Troy
Southern Berkshire Self-Advocates

Francis Amanti, John Bernasconi, Brian Biernacki, Mike Blasedale, Andrea Bradley, Cathy Crofut, Susan Croll, Peter Daniels, Aaron Gardner, David Gardner, Ellen Gerlich, Judy Goodwin, Kathy Horan, Joanne King, Mary Maltzoff, Betty Ann Marshall, Jean Maschino, Diane McManus, Victoria Provencher, Carol P. Ray, Christy Rich, Marissa Rose, George Sampson, Kim Scace, Eric Schumann, Chad Williams

     Members of the Berkshire and Southern Berkshire Advocates have not only been strong self-advocates over the years, but they have also made countless contributions to their communities. With money raised at their “Chance to Dance” dances, members have made joint decisions to donate some of their money every year to the Giving Tree Program, as well as various other charities.
     Congratulations to all Berkshire and Southern Berkshire Self-Advocates on ten years of self-advocacy! You are positive members of your community, and have encouraged others to stand up for their own rights.


The self-advocates were honored to have BCARC  Executive Director Ken Singer and State Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli in attendance at their anniversary celebration.  

 
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