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Josh Billings RunAground Triathlon Returns Sept. 10

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LENOX, Mass. – The 47th annual Josh Billings RunAground Triathlon returns to Camp Mah-Kee-Nac on Sept. 10. This year, Abby Chaput will be calling the shots as the new race director.
 
Reflecting on her new role and the tenure of her predecessor, Patty Spector, Chaput said “assuming the position of someone with such big ties in the community like Patty has been an experience, but I am honored and excited to now lead this prominent local event. I’m happy to see the race return to Camp Mah-Kee-Nac and appreciate all the support from the racers, sponsors, volunteers, and spectators.”
 
Race proceeds will again benefit both the Berkshire Humane Society and Berkshire United Way.
 
The triathlon begins with the bike leg departing from the Price Chopper parking lot in Great Barrington at 9:30 a.m. The paddle leg follows at the Stockbridge Bowl boat ramp and the race wraps up with the running leg around Stockbridge Bowl before finishing at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac.
 
Learn more and register for the Josh Billings RunAground.
 
Chaput offered these reminders: Road closures include Route 183 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Hawthorne Road from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; all parking is in the Lions Gate lot (there is no parking at the camp); “and please be respectful of Tanglewood property and staff during the event.”
 
“We always are amazed by the turnout and the incredible spirit of everyone at the Josh, and I wish Abby all the best in her new role as race director,” Berkshire United Way President and CEO Tom Bernard said. “Our team looks forward to volunteering again with the Kids Race. It’s always great fun and we are thankful to be a beneficiary of this event. Over the years our collaboration with the Josh has brought in $100,000 in donations to support our work.”
 
The Josh Billings Kids Race will begin at 2 p.m. at Camp Mac-Kee-Nac and is free for ages 5-12. Register noon to 3 p.m. on Sept. 9 at the Arcadian Shop, 91 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, or noon to 1 p.m. on race day at the camp (look for the BUW tent).
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Berkshire Natural Resources Council Welcomes Director of Advancement

LENOX, Mass. — Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) announced the appointment of Emily Daunis as the organization's new Director of Advancement. 
 
With a background spanning over 15 years in strategic fundraising, major donor development, and building inclusive philanthropic programs, Daunis will lead BNRC's fundraising and engagement initiatives to support its mission of land conservation and access to nature in the Berkshires.  
 
In her most recent role as Director of Development at Berkshire United Way, Daunis played a part in advancing the organization's revenue goals by conducting new sponsorship initiatives and engagement strategies. Her extensive background also includes fundraising roles at prominent regional institutions such as the Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, and UMASS Amherst. 
 
"Daunis joins BNRC at a critical time, when we need to do even more to conserve land and help people connect to nature in the face of a changing climate. Her ability to connect to people in all walks of life and to create innovative fundraising strategies will enable BNRC to reach its ambitious strategic goals of conserving 20,000 more acres of habitat by 2030," Jenny Hansell, president of BNRC said. "I'm really looking forward to seeing how her leadership will help BNRC forge deeper connections with our supporters, engage new allies, and broaden our impact across the Berkshires." 
 
Daunis, an active member of the local community, holds leadership roles in North Adams, including serving as an elected member of the North Adams Public School Committee. In her new role at BNRC, she will continue her commitment to fostering a culture of philanthropy that is inclusive and rooted in the local community. 
 
"Joining BNRC is an opportunity to help conserve the landscapes that mean so much to everyone in Berkshire County," said Daunis. "I look forward to collaborating with the dedicated team, board of directors, volunteers, and supporters who care so deeply about protecting natural resources. Together we can make an impact that lasts generations." 
 
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