Longtime Berkshire County Arc Board Chair Stepping Down

Joseph Woitkoski

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Joseph Woitkoski, board chair of Berkshire County Arc, has stepped down from his position after 36 years of service. 

As board member and chair since 1984, he has helped lead agency growth from a few employees and a small budget into an organization with 800 employees, 43 group homes, numerous other offerings to the disability community, and a $36 million dollar budget.

"The number of changes and accomplishments BC Arc has experienced is mind-boggling," Woitkoski said. "I am so proud to have been part of this caring and successful group for all these years."

He credited the staff of BC Arc, along with its leadership, for the success and growth of the organization. 

"I never intended to stay involved this long, but after you see the love and respect the staff have for the people they serve, it's impossible to leave," he said. "And while it has been hard for me to resign, it's time for me to step down, allow for new leadership, and enjoy my retirement."

BC Arc provides a range of programs from employment to residential homes to day programs for people with disabilities. While many of the board members become engaged with BC Arc because of a personal connection with the disabilities community, Woitkoski fell into it as a community member. 

"I had a friend invite me to a board meeting, and I haven't left since. The entire board cherishes this agency like I do," he said.

He recalled joining the board in 1984.

"The fiscal situation was grave, no one knew we existed, and we knew new leadership would be crucial," he said. He served on a search committee to appoint a new executive director. "After a long and arduous search, we appointed Ken Singer, and he's brought the agency to its current state, a reputable and fiscally sound state even in these incredible times. 

"I've enjoyed every minute of my time on the board. It's a wonderful organization."

"Joe brought immeasurable value to the Agency, BC Arc would not have reached this point without his leadership," Singer said. "We are all thankful for his dedication."

Outside of BC Arc, Woitkoski worked in the financial services field for 49 years, employed by investment firms and banks in the region. He is a graduate of Assumption College, Worcester, and holds a graduate degree from Northwestern University in Chicago. He is a lifelong resident of Berkshire County, has been married for 49 years, and has three grown children.

BC Arc will soon announce the new board chair.

New Pittsfield Mural Unveiled in Reimagine Dunham Mall Effort

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:59PM / Monday, September 08, 2025

Emily Elizabeth Bunnel created at map of downtown Pittsfield displayed at Dunham Mall. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — During First Friday a new mosaic mural and Downtown Pittsfield map was unveiled with a ribbon cutting.

Artist Robert Markey designed three panels. The three different panels represent the river and mountains in Pittsfield, the second represents people dancing, and the third represents the center of the city.

Markey says he was shown photos of the city and also took photos himself before putting these together.

"The process is deciding what is important to show, and that's why those three panels, the river and the mountains behind and in the center of the city and the people, those were the three things that made sense," he said.

The murals were tasked to help beautify downtown Pittsfield, part of the Reimagine Dunham Mall effort. Markey hopes his murals make people happy.

"I want people to feel good. The whole point of art is to make people feel good. They'll see something, oh yeah, that's beautiful. They feel good when they see it," he said.

Since the murals were hung, Markey says the community has really liked it.

"When I finish something, you know, painting, sculpture, whatever, never quite know how people are going to respond to it, and people love it. And so that makes me feel so good that, oh, wow, they really like it,"  he said.

Right next to the murals, Downtown Pittsfield Inc. also unveiled a new Downtown Pittsfield map. The map was created by local artist Emily Elizabeth Bunnel. The map aims to highlight the walkability and major sites of the downtown area.

"I would hope that the map encourages more people to walk downtown Pittsfield and explore all of the sites and activities that are happening down here. I think pedestrian foot traffic really is the lifeblood of the town, and helps support local businesses," Bunnel said.

Both of these works are through the Reimagine Dunham Mall effort, which is aimed to support the area business, recreation, and parking accessibility for residents and visitors of downtown Pittsfield.  

This is made possible through a MassDevelopment grant, with a funding match by Pittsfield Beautiful and community donations.

Also added to help uplift Dunham Mall have been Heritage Birch trees to provide shade and natural habitats, smaller planters filled with colorful annuals, and seating.