This one is bittersweet.

What can you say about the impact that Megan Whilden made during her time in the Berkshires, and specifically, in her time as the director of cultural development for the city of Pittsfield? It was a time that we believed anything was possible, envisioned ourselves as the greatest small city in the Northeast, "Brooklyn of the Berkshires," (coined by Megan herself), and, most certainly, filling the center of the former so-called “donut hole” in this culturally-rich region.

Much of that progress was due to Megan’s unlimited energy, endless optimism and ability to break-through the previously-accepted perceptions of what the small post-industrial city of Pittsfield, Massachusetts was, and was not.

As she departs to return to her native Monterey, California her contribution will not soon be forgotten…and it’s now on all of us to recommit and recognize how truly investing in our people, the power of arts and culture, and lifting each other up can elevate an entire community.

I hope you’ll enjoy my conversation with Megan.