Berkshire Money Management Welcomes New Employee

08:30AM / Thursday, August 10, 2023Print Story | Email Story

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Money Management (BMM), the full-service financial advising firm with offices in Dalton and Great Barrington, announced the expansion of its Great Barrington team with the addition of Airen Wadsworth as Front Office Coordinator.

As the Front Office Coordinator, Airen is the first person to welcome guests to the new Great Barrington office at 72 Stockbridge Road. His goal is to help every client and visitor feel comfortable, at home, and part of the BMM culture. He will also support the firm with scheduling, data entry, and other vital tasks.

Airen, a lifelong resident of Lee, earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from MCLA in 2018.

Airen works with motocross athletes from around the world in his role as owner and CEO of Airtime Clothing. A motocross rider himself, Airen also enjoys spending time with family, friends, and his dogs, cats, horses, and goats.

"Our decision to invest in a dedicated Front Office Coordinator in our Great Barrington office underscores our commitment to ensuring exceptional service and efficiency in all aspects of our business," said Natalie Wheeler, Berkshire Money Management's Chief Operating Officer. "Airen's proven ability to manage complex tasks and create a welcoming atmosphere aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering top-notch service to our clients."

Berkshire Money Management also thanks and bids farewell to their summer intern, Marlon Binns.

Marlon, a graduate of Pittsfield High School, returns this month to the University of California where he is studying business administration with the aim of pursuing a career in wealth management, investment banking, or financial consulting. He joined the BMM team earlier this summer to learn through firsthand experience what it's like to work in the wealth management industry and what aspects he might enjoy most.

During his time with BMM, Marlon assisted the team with a variety of tasks, attended meetings, and shadowed colleagues to learn the fundamentals of team operations and client services. Outside of his internship and studies, Marlon pursues illustration and fashion design, and enjoys golf, basketball, and hiking – especially at Runyon Canyon near Los Angeles or the Boulders here in the Berkshires.

"Hosting interns is a great opportunity to not only support the development of upcoming financial advisors but also to ensure the relevance of BMM in the years to come. Adding fresh eyes helps to identify new technologies and ideas to connect with younger and more diverse clients," said Chief Operating Officer Natalie Wheeler. "Marlon challenged us to improve every time he asked, ‘why do you do it this way?' or, 'what does that mean?' If he didn't know the answer, our clients may not know either. We are grateful for his time with us and wish him the best as he returns to his studies."

Tags: Berkshire Money Management,

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Rain Slows Growth of Butternut Fire

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:35PM / Thursday, November 21, 2024

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.— Rain has slowed the Butternut Fire's growth but it's estimated at about 1,200 acres at this point.

It's the largest wildfire in the Berkshires since nearly a 1,000 acres burned in Clarksburg State Forest back in 2021.

"We want to start with some good news. Ground patrols are finding minimal new fire activity since this morning's rains began," the Great Barrington Fire Department posted on its Facebook page at 12:45 p.m..

"We want to reiterate that the rain will not extinguish the fire but it is helping to stop the spread. The weather has also delayed some of the drone operations — as a result we do not have an official size. What we do know — the growth has been minimal."

Fire Lt. Brian Mead earlier Thursday morning said the fire had seen some growth overnight but not to extent of Wednesday's surge. Fire was reported within a quarter mile of homes and was "stopped in its tracks." There are now more than 100 personnel on the ground and there has been one injury related to the fire, which he did not elaborate on.

"The rain will help to some extent but it will not extinguish the fire," said Mead. "We will remain on scene for the days and weeks to come but we still need your help. Please, please follow the local and state bans on outdoor fire. The last thing we need is another preventable fire."

At 4 p.m., the department reported that it will continue to operate under unified command with support from local, state, and federal agencies. Friday's operations will be scaled back with smaller crews and focused on monitoring and reporting.

At the last live update of the day, Mead said the fire would continue to be monitored and fire crews dispatched as needed.

"There is a lot of misinformation on out social media and we ask that you please, please rely on local official sites," he said. "Please avoid the areas and allow us to do our work."

The rain and smoke has made drone monitoring difficult so the exact size of the fire is not known; he estimated it grew about 100 acres over the past 24 hours.

Two rumors he dispelled were that the fire did not start at Camp Eisner. Mead said the initial location of the burn has not been identified but it did not start at the camp, which is occupied. Ski Butternut is also not in danger and that fire crews have kept the blaze to a safe distance.

A section of the Appalachian Trail has been affected and that area shut down.

Thursday's rain slowed growth and allowed crews to establish strong fire boundaries meaning that swaths have been cut and cleared to create fire breaks — which are holding.

At this time, no homes or structures are in immediate danger.

The fire near Brush Hill Road off East Mountain was first reported Monday evening. On Tuesday, it spread over 100 acres, and on Wednesday, it covered over 1,100 acres, expanding into Sheffield.

The town remains in a state of emergency, as declared by the Select Board on Tuesday, but first responders assure that Great Barrington is not in danger.

Firefighters were dispatched to three locations for concerns of fire extension into homes and in one instance, the fire was allowed to continue in a controlled state to a driveway and self-extinguished. They are aware of one injury from the fire and urge community members to avoid the area and leave firefighting to the professionals.

"More than 120 personnel are on the ground today fighting this fire," Mead reported on Thursday morning.

He said the day’s rain will help to some extent but will not extinguish the fire, explaining "We will remain on scene for the days and weeks to come."

At this time, the primary focus remains the protection of life and property, as patrols and alert residents identified some encroaching fire and stopped it in its tracks.

"We have strategically placed structural task forces, prepared to protect homes and property. Although they are staged and at the ready — there is NO immediate threat to residents," the department wrote in the 12:45 update.

"At the same time, crews have been working through the rain cutting fire breaks in the forest to further stop any expansion. Those control lines are holding."

Area residents can expect smoke to linger for the next several days. The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative released guidance for the poor air quality, as it can worsen allergies and cause respiratory infections, especially for those with heart disease asthma, or other lung diseases.

Residents are urged to monitor air quality and symptoms, move outdoor activities inside, wear a KN-95 mask when outdoors, close windows and vents in homes, and use HEPA filters.

Even with recent rains — there is a burn ban in Great Barrington until further notice. Additionally, state officials are evaluating week by week for statewide bans.

"With an immense amount of appreciation, we are not accepting donations at this time. In true New England fashion — neighbors have truly helped neighbors," the department wrote. "We are grateful to the community for once again showing your support."

Mead urged the community to "please please follow the local and state bans on fire, the last thing we need is another preventable fire."