08/12/2026
The Kagan award was established in 1977 in memory of Dr. David B. Kagan, a long-time Pittsfield Rotarian and community citizen. Presented annually beginning in 1978 it has been given to one female and one male from the Central Berkshire area to recognize volunteerism "above and beyond" the call of duty. Each recipient receives a recognition plaque and in their honor a stipend in the amount of $200 is directed to the charity of their choice. Our congratulations to this year’s recipients: Jane Salata, nominated by Eva Sereghy, and Daniel Proskin nominated by Vin Marinaro. The Stipend for Jane will go to Berkshire Kids’ Place and for Dan to UCP Berkshires.
Jane Salata is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked with Berkshire Children and Families and as a Medical Social Worker and Bereavement Counselor with HospiceCare in the Berkshires. She volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, Berkshire Bounty, and Berkshire Community College’s student mentoring program, and volunteers as Coordinator of the Berkshire Psychotherapy Network. As member of the Guild of Berkshire Artists, Jane has coordinated art shows at the Berkshire Humane Society with sales benefiting that organization. She sings with and is on the board of directors of Berkshire Concert Choir, where she is involved in fundraising and grant writing, publicity and promotion, newsletter development, and many other tasks - plus so much more.
Daniel Proskin is the owner and President of BBE Office Interiors in Pittsfield, Through his business, Dan has given back to Pittsfield through his extensive community involvement and many charitable contributions. Dan has served as a member of the Board of Directors of UCP of Western Massachusetts, for 15 years where he is current Board President. He's also served on the task force leading the merger between UCP of Western Massachusetts and BFAIR. As Chair of the UCP Golf Committee, Dan has helped raise over $500,000 for the agency. He has served for four years as a member of the Board of Trustees of Berkshire Theatre Group and also as a parent volunteer of Pittsfield’s Irish Dance School, Scoil Rince Breifne O’Ruaric, assisting in taking care of the dance studio, and volunteering for Irish competitions for the children both here in the Berkshires, and throughout the Northeast. Dan’s father, Rob Proskin who attended the meeting, was a past Pittsfield Rotarian of many years.
Picture here are our award recipients, their family members, nominators, President, Jim Bronson, Dr. Kagan's daughter, Joan, Co-Chairs of the Kagan Awards, Ed Forfa and John Hudnall.
