Daily News

Third Annual BerkshireSPEAKS Slated for Sept. 18

GREAT BARRINGTON — The third annual BerkshireSPEAKS will take place Sunday, Sept. 18 at 1:30 p.m. at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire in Great Barrington. This year’s event will feature six Berkshire trailblazers and visionaries sharing their inspirational stories.

BerkshireSPEAKS was established to create an opportunity for the entire community to hear from local residents who have had a significant impact on the Berkshires and beyond.

“BerkshireSPEAKS continues to grow each year, with speakers whose passion reminds us that anything is possible,” said Toby Levine, event co-chair. “We have a fantastic program planned and look forward to an afternoon that brings the community together to share empowering ideas.”

This year’s speakers include John Downing, CEO of Soldier On, a national organization fighting veteran homelessness; Nancy Kalodner, Berkshire Realtor, teacher, and arts supporter; Gwendolyn Hampton-VanSant, CEO and Founder of Multicultural BRIDGE; Mary Pope Osborne, award-winning author of the Magic Tree House series (130 million copies sold worldwide); John Hockenberry, author, journalist, and award-winning public radio host; and state Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli, who represents the 4th Berkshire District. A reception with the speakers will follow the presentations.

Registration costs $15 online and $18 at the door. To register online, visit www.hevreh.org/berkshirespeaks.