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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Letter: Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
The Board of Directors of the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry in North Adams wishes to thank the North Adams, Clarksburg and Florida Mountain community for their generation donations to the May 11 Letter Carrier Food Drive.
We received a total of 3,595 pounds of food and personal care items.
We equally want to thank our Letter Carriers who work out of the North Adams Post Office. They again went above and beyond in collecting the donations and bringing them to the collection and sorting site. They are always a pleasure to work with.
We also want to thank the Northern Berkshire United Way, the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, and the Berkshire United Way for their support, as well all of the volunteers who helped on the day of the Food Drive.
Lois Daunis North Adams, Mass.
Daunis is the board president of the Friendship Center.
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