BOSTON — A North Berkshire woman was among the 130 honored June 23 as a Commonwealth Heroine.
Erin Forbush, director of shelter and housing at ServiceNet, was nominated by state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.
Each year, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women partners with state legislators to identify women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and in their communities. Legislators are encouraged to nominate a woman from their constituency who is making a big difference in the community, to recognize her invaluable efforts and extraordinary acts of service.
"The Commonwealth Heroines are women who don't make the news, but make all the difference in their communities," MCSW Chair Sarah Glenn-Smith said as the commission celebrated its 20th class of Commonwealth Heroines at the 2023 awards ceremony in the State House's Great Hall of Flags.
Farley-Bouvier said she nominated Forbush because she sets the example for respecting others, especially the most disabled, disenfranchised members of our community, and that she has a natural ability to connect with and inspire people who are at their lowest point in life.
"Recently, she guided our family and individual shelters through the COVID-19 pandemic — engaging in problem-solving and answering the call 24/7 for three years. Her leadership bolstered the staff during these strenuous times, as it does every day," said the Pittsfield lawmaker. "Erin's professionalism, knowledge, humility, and compassion make her an invaluable asset to ServiceNet and to the community."
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Community Hero: Noelle Howland
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
Noelle Howland is committed to keeping alive the late Pittsfield ACO Eleanor Sonsini's mission of helping animals ... albeit farther north in North Adams.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — No Paws Left Behind Executive Director Noelle Howland has been selected as the November Community Hero of the Month.
The Community Hero of the Month series honors individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact in their community. The series sponsor, Haddad Auto, has extended this initiative for one more month.
Howland breathed new life into the mission of the former Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter, which closed in August 2023.
The shelter in Pittsfield operated under the mission established by Eleanor Sonsini, a local animal rights activist and longtime animal control officer in Pittsfield, to be a no-kill shelter committed to finding surrendered and abandoned pets new forever homes.
Howland's love for animals, dedication to their well-being, and expertise in animal behavior and training and shelter management brought this mission to new heights at No Paws Left Behind, a new shelter for dogs located at 69 Hodges Cross Road.
"I want people to understand that I know it's hard to surrender. So, my biggest thing is [making sure] people know that, of course, we're not judging you. We're here to help you," Howland said.
When Sonsini announced its closing, Howland, who was the shelter's manager, worked to save it, launching fundraising initiatives. However, the previous board decided to close the shelter down and agreed to let Howland open her own shelter using their mission.
Now dubbed the North Adams Recreation Center, the building attached to Brayton Elementary School has been scrubbed clean and opened last month for some activities.
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There are several events this weekend, including an immersive installation, live music, and book activities. See a list of upcoming bazaars, craft fairs and markets here.
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