Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Dr. Tom Hyde awarded Northern Berkshire Hero Award

Dr. Tom Hyde at today's Coalition Annual Meeting.

At Wednesday's 29th Annual Meeting of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, Dr. Tom Hyde -- a weekly volunteer at the Friendship Center Food Pantry -- received the Northern Berkshire Hero Award.

A greatly respected Northern Berkshire pediatrician, Tom was recognized for his volunteer involvement with the Friendship Center Food Pantry, the Northern Berkshire RX/Heroin Work Group and with the Hoosic River Watershed Association (HooRWA) for which he serves as president.

Tom is a great guy and we are lucky to have him as a volunteer.

The meeting was poignant because it was the last annual meeting for Executive Director Al Bashevkin, the only director the organization has ever had, who is retiring. In his remarks, Al highlighted three lessons . One of them was for organizations to help out fledgling organizations. This happened back when the Coalition was born when MCLA (then North Adams State College) provided space and support.

So, in the same way, Al noted did the Coalition help out us (NBIAI/Friendship Center Food Pantry) when we started out, including as acting as our fiscal agent for several years. Al directed some of his staff our way when we were initially swamped with guests at our food pantry. 

Al also gave us, specifically me, some great advice along the way. 

He has huge shoes to fill and will be missed.


Tom Hyde and Al Bashevkin at today's event.

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