1Berkshire's Berkshire Leadership Program Accepting Applications

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire's Berkshire Leadership Program (BLP) is excited to announce that the 2025 class applications are open. 

The Berkshire Leadership Program seeks, prepares, involves, and sustains individuals from diverse backgrounds who are committed to and competent in addressing community challenges and improving the quality of life in the Berkshires. More than 640 community-minded individuals have graduated from the program since its inception in 1997. 

The Class of 2025 will kick off with a two-day retreat Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, which includes training in many facets of leadership, problem-solving techniques, and networking. The retreat is followed by weekly sessions held on Thursdays, May 8 - June 26, focusing on areas of economic development, healthcare, tourism, creative economy, housing, and community involvement.

The Berkshire Leadership Program is coordinated by 1Berkshire with the dynamic support of the volunteer BLP Steering Committee, composed of professionals from across the region who commit their time and expertise to develop and facilitate the entire program.

The deadline to apply for the Class of 2025 is 4:00 pm on Friday, December 20, 2024. The cost of tuition is $800; some scholarship dollars are available.

The application and a full program schedule can be found at: 

Please contact blp@1berkshire.com with any questions.
https://1berkshire.jotform.com/242754067299165


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Michael Cook Sr. Sentenced to 25 Years to Life

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Thursday, Oct. 10 Michael A. Cook Sr. was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years for the 2nd degree murder of his wife, Charli Cook.  
 
The sentences for the remaining four charges will be served concurrently to the lead charge, Murder in the Second Degree. The remaining charges are:
  • Assault with Intent to Murder
  • Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon Causin Serious Bodily Injury
  • Assault and Battery on a Family/Household Member
  • Armed Assault with Intent to Murder
Michael Cook Sr. will serve his sentence in State Prison.
 
On July 11, 2019, Michael Cook Sr., of North Adams, broke into the house of his estranged wife Charli Cook. Charli was in her bed when Cook assaulted her with a hammer to the back-side of her head. The assault resulted in significant injury to Charli's skull causing traumatic brain injury. Charli passed away approximately five months after the assault. The Medical Examiner ruled Charli's cause of death as a direct result of the brain injury from the July 11th assault. 
 
The Commonwealth requested that the four lesser charges be sentenced to be served on and after the lead charge. This would extend Cook's sentence by 18 to 20 years; however, the judge denied the request. The Commonwealth made this request based on Cook's extensive, violent criminal history which spans 28 years. The history includes domestic assault and battery of past intimate partners and other violent actions. Michael Cook is a registered level 3 sex offender.
 
District Attorney Shugrue was in the courtroom for sentencing. Judge Flannery presided.
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