PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city of Pittsfield's Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Berkshire County (RSVP) will mark 50 years of service throughout the county with the event, “50 Years and Counting,” on Wednesday, April 12, in the auditorium at the Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Ave.

 

The event, which will be held from 1-3 p.m., is free and open to the public. It will feature close to 30 volunteer stations representing organizations who are partners with RSVP throughout the county. The celebration also aligns with the recognition of National Volunteer Month which occurs in April.

 

“It is an honor for me to serve my community and steward such an amazing and important human service organization. I really believe in RSVP and the work that we do in Berkshire County,” said Director Lisa Torrey, of RSVP. “I can think of no better way to celebrate our 50th anniversary than during National Volunteer Month. It is my intention to continue the good work we do in the community for many years to come.”

 

Currently, RSVP partners with almost 50 volunteer sites throughout the Berkshires. RSVP has 265 active volunteers who donated almost 33,000 hours of time in 2022, said Torrey.

 

RSVP, a national program since 1971, is funded in part by AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP. It is considered one of the largest volunteer efforts in the country for people 55 and older, providing recruitment, training, and placement. There are currently 5,000 host agencies in 50 states, with more than 400,000 volunteers.

 

Since 1973, the city of Pittsfield has served as the local sponsor of RSVP, supporting and promoting the volunteer opportunities available through the program. The first RSVP office was located at the Senior Center formerly located on Bradford Street, and headed by Courtney Flanders, the program's first executive director. RSVP

 

Some past and present volunteer stations include the athenaeum, Berkshire Community College, Berkshire Medical Center, City Hall, Pittsfield Public Schools, RSVP Transportation Program, and former Information Booth in downtown Pittsfield.

 

Sheila Marinaro, who now serves on the RSVP board, became acquainted with the organization as an employee in December 2003. Her start date coincided with the loss of her husband of 39 years.

 

“The people welcomed, guided, and taught me how to be strong, accepting my new chapter ahead of me,” said Marinaro. Shortly after, we moved to Bartlett Avenue, making the RSVP office our home for the volunteers to be comfortable.

 

RSVP is the place to look into if you feel alone, are 55 and over, or don't quite know what to do after retirement or the loss of a family member. Our motto, then and now, is: If you want to feel good, help someone else feel good. I am proud to stand by that.”

 

RSVP is located at 16 Bartlett Ave., adjacent to the athenaeum. For more information about RSVP, please call 413-499-9345.