Our speakers were Eric Cooper and Leia Miller from Bousquet Sport.  Bousquet Sport is the revitalized Berkshire West athletic facility.   This revitalization was done my Mill Town Capital, which is an impact investment enterprise based in the Berkshires. They pursue both traditional and impact investments in real estate, private equity, and venture capital across a variety of business sectors. Their geographic focus is New England and Eastern New York. Their mission is to improve the quality of life in our community through sustainable investments and projects. Their goal is to enhance the opportunities to Live, Work, and Play in our region.

Eric Cooper is Executive Director of Bousquet Sport and joined Mill Town in 2021. He is responsible for executive management and operations of Bousquet Sport, a comprehensive wellness facility with a wide range of fitness, pickleball, and tennis offerings. Prior to Mill Town, Eric served as Director of Institutional Client Service for an asset management firm. He is a graduate of Colgate University, and a native of Sheffield, Massachusetts.   Leia Miller is the Pickleball Manager, where she tirelessly works behind the scenes to foster a thriving Pickleball community. She has committed herself to honing her skills on and off the court. The passion and dedication paid off when she earned her Level One certification from the IPTPA (International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association) in April 2023. With all the hard work, Leia has earned the position of Director of Pickleball in October 2023.  

Bousquet Sport’s Mission is to support positive connections, personal growth, and healthy lifestyles through diverse programming and high-quality amenities. Bousquet Sport maintains a community-first mindset. They aim to foster an inclusive environment that supports fitness goals and enhances well-being. Our dedicated staff create a welcoming atmosphere where people of all ages and experience levels feel comfortable, motivated, and inspired to grow. 

 

Eric and Leia described the services for us which included the following:

Stay active with our cutting-edge exercise equipment.

USTA team play, tournaments, special events, and player matchmaking.

Learn from talented staff who can teach players at any skill level.

Experience Zumba, strength training, cardio tennis, and more.

Find your focus in our weight room with the right equipment for everyone.

Dedicated spaces to meet your needs.

Experience ICG Spin Technology with our indoor cycling classes.

Play some of the world's top golf courses in any weather.

Our club is so lucky to have identified 2 Pittsfield High School students to study abroad next year with Rotary Youth Exchange.

We're putting the plan together for this month's 3rd Thursday to have the Grand Reveal, when we learn where Clare Meighan & David Bernal will go, representing our community and our club.

Especially with two outgoing students, it would be awesome for us to welcome an exchange student here.

Do you know someone that would be a great host?

Maybe your house is a little empty these days? 

This is a great opportunity to welcome a student here and share our wonderful community with them.

Hosts report that it is such a fulfilling experience for the host family, too.

We're hoping to identify at least two (if not more) families to serve as hosts, so that at maximum it would be a commitment of half of the school year including someone new in your family.

What do you say? Can you volunteer or recommend someone?

Please share your ideas with me. Give me a call -- 413-441-8036 -- and let's figure out something great for a student! 

Thank you for your consideration,

-Alex

 

Alex Reczkowski

Pittsfield Rotary Club Secretary.