PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Two outgoing leaders were recognized with Kusik Awards at the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission’s annual meeting.
Ellen Kennedy, Berkshire Community College’s retiring president, and Jane Winn, retired executive director of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team, were recognized for outstanding contributions to Berkshire County.
Meg Bandarra of Unpaved Trails for All and Rene Wood, of Sheffield, also received the award to applause at The Proprietor’s Lodge last week.
It is named in honor of the late Charles Kusik of Richmond who, for over three decades, placed his imprint on the zoning bylaws of nearly every town in Berkshire County.
Kennedy said Berkshire Community College is hardwired to meet the economic and educational needs of Berkshire County, “just as so many of you are hardwired to meet your community’s needs in land use, housing planning, and environmental stewardship.”
“After 46 years of calling the Berkshires home, I remain grateful every day that so much of what we love about this place, the landscape, the scale, the sense of community, endures because of thoughtful planning, stewardship, and care,” she said.