Eric Denette offers training for BFAIR in Basic Neurology and Pharmacology

On May 21st, 2013 from 9:00 to noon BFAIR (Berkshire Family And Individual Resources) is offering a training on Basic Neurology and Pharmacology.  The training offered by BFAIR’s Director Clinical Services Eric Denette, M.Ed., BCBA, provides an overview of the basic principles of neurology and psychopharmacology and how it relates to medication treatment.  A review of the components of the brain, fundamentals of neurotransmission and their processes is provided. These concepts are applied to psychotropic medications with respect to various psychiatric diagnoses. Discussion is also provided in the context of adults with developmental disabilities and children as well.   The cost of the training is $30.00 and will be held at BFAIR’s administrative office located at 771 South Church Street, North Adams.  To register contact Carol Fox at 664-9382 x40.

BFAIR is a non-profit organization providing full array of services for people with developmental disabilities, autism and traumatic brain injury. For more information about BFAIR’s programs and services or to make a tax deductible donation visit www.bfair.org or call 413-664-9382.

From L to R: Ethel Altiery, BFAIR Director of Program Operations, Theresa Biagini, BFAIR Day Habilitation Director and Alexis Bartos, Wal-Mart Store Manager with the check on Tuesday, May 7th.

The Wal-Mart Foundation awarded Berkshire Family And Individual Resources (BFAIR) of North Adams and Pittsfield a $500.00 grant through their Local Community Contribution Program.

“The award will be used to support the installation of an ADA compliant door opener for our Day Habilitation program. The ADA door opener will help people utilizing wheelchairs and others with mobility challenges attending our program as well as members of our community to independently access our Day Habilitation program” said Theresa Biagini, Program Director.

Rich Weisenflue, BFAIR’s executive director remarked that “The Wal-Mart grant provides financial support to continue the agency’s efforts toward full accessibility for the people we support at all of our programs and residences. The Wal-Mart Foundation has assisted us in the past with a similar endeavor and through this grant has once again demonstrated their support for people with disabilities and BFAIR’s programs.”

The event included service awards for 12 current employees with five or more years of service, and seven special recognition awards in several categories.  Sue Brooks, Day Habilitation Specialist for The Day Habilitation Program, was the recipient of the George A. Crosby Memorial award.  Hope Bourdon, Home Life Support Counselor, within the Residential Department, received the Armand Quintal Memorial Award.  Dennis Satori and Christopher McClendon who both receive services from BFAIR, each won the Edward Frampton Self-Determination Award.  The Big Y Supermarket in North Adams received the Employer of the Year award for its impressive record of providing job opportunities for people with disabilities.  Debora DiDonna, Human Rights Coordinator and Quality Facilitator received the Leadership Award and Angie Phienpoupha, Administrative Assistant received the Board of Directors award.

BFAIR staff receiving service awards, grouped by years of service, included:

• 5 Years of service:  Deb Bailey, Greg Bascom, Colleen Davignon, Mindy Lemieux, Jen Lesnick, Darlene McCarthy, Mary Underwood
• 10 Years of service:  Jim Sulzmann
• 15 Years of service:  Terry Blair, Liz Figueroa, Jackie Thomas, Nancy Torres

Staff receiving Direct Care Level II certificates included: Deanna Burdick, Al Castro, Jessica Lemaire, Tyler Roberts, Jim Sulzmann, Gretchen Thomas.

Suzanne Doswell, Western regional Manager of the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts presented the keynote address “Collaboration in the World of Brain Injury.

A member agency of the Northern Berkshire United way, BFAIR is an established provider of support services for adults, adolescents and children with developmental; disabilities, autism and acquired brain injury.  For more information regarding BFAIR’s programs or services call (413) 664-9382.

Carrie Piaggi assists Gammelgarden Creamery with labeling their products.Stina Kutzer operates Gammelgarden Creamery in Pownal, Vermont and produces and sells yogurt and

Stina Kutzer operates Gammelgarden Creamery in Pownal, Vermont and produces and sells yogurt and butter.  Fortunately, business is booming and Stina was finding it difficult to complete all her tasks and decided that if she had someone putting the labels on the 1000+ yogurt containers each week that would be a huge help.  Luckily, Stina had knowledge and past history with BFAIR and contacted Sharon Boyd, Director of Arcadia Employment Services, to inquire as to BFAIR’s possible interest and availability.  Thus the partnership was born and is proving beneficial to both sides.  BFAIR works with over 18 employers which provides job opportunities to the people we support through Arcadia Employment Services.

A very special thank you to our newest employer-Gammelgarden Creamery!

Also honored during the reception was Dan Elias, who works in BFAIR’s Arcadia Employment Services program as an Employment Specialist.

Congratulations to both John and Dan for a job well done!

When: March 27th, 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Where: Gardner Auditorium, The State House, Boston, MA

The Northern Berkshire Brain Injury Support Group, a collaboration between BFAIR (Berkshire Family and Individual Resources) and the BIA-MA (Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts) is scheduled to meet Tuesday, March 26th at BFAIR’s Administrative office from 4pm-6pm. The support group will continue to meet on the 4th Tuesday of every month.There are many people living in northern Berkshire whose lives have been affected by a brain injury. Our support group is open to survivors, people affected by a brain injury, family members, caregivers and interested communitymembers. The support group will be co-facilitated by Helen Stewart, RN, BIA-MAand Scott Doane, AFC Case Manager, BFAIR. If this is your first time attending or have questions please call 413-443-0200.

Fronted by fiddler Cate, Blueberry Buckle embraces a variety of traditions including Celtic, Blues, Jazz, Old Time, and a little rock and roll. There is some danceable fun for everybody.