BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY, JAN. 25, 2016) — Through our sources, THE PLANET has obtained recent internal memos regarding The Battles of the Boards. At stake: Control of Community ReStart, a “good will” agency that has lost sight of its mission to help those in need in favor of as ugly an internal squabble you you’re likely to see short of the Kardashians, whoever they are.

The situation on the ground is far too fluid to a definitive judgment of right and wrong in this case. However, the leaked documents provide a naked look at the battle. To make better sense of all this, “Ralph” is Rev. Ralph W. Howe, pastor of First United Methodist Church on Fenn Street. He is currently head of Community ReStart Board 1 — CRB1. “Paul” is Paul Deslauriers, head CRB2. Deslauriers has been executive director from the group’s inception in 2008 until late November last year, when an internal shakeup left Howe as board president, this after his own brief resignation.

The civil war began when the agency lost its non-profit status because of non-compliance with federal regulations as a 501(3)C corporation. There since have been charges and countercharges of mismanagement, lax accounting, missing or owed money, and more. With two boards, here are the possibilities:

1. There is one genuine board and one rogue board.

2. There are two unauthorized boards.

There cannot be two properly constituted boards. Caught in the middle of this eye-clawing are the very people CR supposedly is set up to help. Yes, the alarming aspect of this tawdry display is how it leaves the needy and poor out in the cold — literally, apparently, since there have been allegations of tenants being forced out of “affordable housing” for the benefit of “connected” members.

THE PLANET has obtained a mountain of leaked e-mails and messages that have been circulating within the two boards and at each other. We present a selected version to help shine the light on a perverse battled that needs to be brought into the sunlight. Publicly, Rev. Howe has said the two boards are in negotiations to iron out the differences. On Thursday, Jan. 21, Howe told Jim Therrien of The Berkshire Eagle, ” … there is a constructive conversation going on.” Privately, these letters and notes depict a far different scenario.

Venture on, intrepid readers:

 ——– 000 ——–

Two Messages on Jan. 20, 2016, internal Board 2 memo, talking about Rev. Howe:

On Wed, Jan 20, 2016 at 8:39 PM, Joseph <eldercare@earthlink.net> wrote:

(1)

“I sent Paul a modified Memo of Agreement.  Paul will circulate it shortly.  Let’s see if Ralph can get over himself and give us a reasonable counter proposal.  I suggest the new Board read what Paul wants to send and quickly vote on it. 

“I would encourage all to consider the time and expense it will take to fight a war with Ralph and the outgoing Board.  If it costs us $10K we don’t currently have, and we have to let go of feeling offended and wanting justice, and we just sign and move on, it will be a higher road.  Take the hit.  Look at what we have.  5 properties and a strong sense of community that is being held hostage by all this.  Negotiate this away, but don’t give in to Ralph’s bluster.  I don’t care if Ralph “wins.”  I care that CoAct is reinvigorated.  There are people out there in need of assistance.”

Joe”

(2)

—–Original Message—–
From: Kiril Ravensong <kirilravensong@gmail.com>
To: Joseph <eldercare@earthlink.net>
Cc: Isabel Obrien <iobrien001@nycap.rr.com>; Paul Deslauriers <paulnrg@aol.com>; Ruby2sD <Ruby2sD@aol.com>; Ben Schawinsky <Touchwood@earthlink.net>; James Conroy <himselfjamesb@yahoo.com>; pneri <pneri@earthlink.net>; bruceatstage <bruceatstage@gmail.com>; John G Root Jr <johngrootjr@gmail.com>; wschaepe <wschaepe@earthlink.net>; zackeryd <zackeryd@gmail.com>
Sent: Wed, Jan 20, 2016 9:04 pm
Subject: Re: Ralph’s response

“Well said Joe.

“Let’s put all options on the table, agree to focus on moving forward, and get back to the actual mission ASAP.

“I believe that any Christian Priest, worthy of their collar, would naturally concur: that service to those in need comes before material arguments between those who already have plenty to be grateful for.

“The work is our strength. Our strength flows from our purpose. Our purpose is life and life promotes that which is life promoting.

“In addition to the other comments, I encourage us to remember our power to complete our missions, by working together, as a community. This power can never be broken, nor lost. Only, from time, in moments of great challenge, be temporarily forgotten… And reclaimed in an instant.

“CoAct brought us together to fulfill a simple, but noble mission. On our own, we are each Good Samaritans. Together, we are Great Samaritans.

“Stay strong. Keep the faith. Keep on, keeping on. Courage.”

Kiril

——– 000 ——–

This next set of messages consist of an internal letter to CRB2’s “Core Team” from Deslauriers (3), followed by a memo sent from Deslauriers to Rev. Howe (4). Date: Friday, Jan. 22:

(3)

—–Original Message—–
From: paulnrg <paulnrg@aol.com>
To: paulnrg <paulnrg@aol.com>; kirilravensong <kirilravensong@gmail.com>; eldercare <eldercare@earthlink.net>
Cc: iobrien001 <iobrien001@nycap.rr.com>; Ruby2sD <Ruby2sD@aol.com>; Touchwood <Touchwood@earthlink.net>; himselfjamesb <himselfjamesb@yahoo.com>; pneri <pneri@earthlink.net>; bruceatstage <bruceatstage@gmail.com>; johngrootjr <johngrootjr@gmail.com>; wschaepe <wschaepe@earthlink.net>
Sent: Fri, Jan 22, 2016 3:50 pm
Subject: response to Ralph and 1/25 meeting 6 to 8 pm, 213 B Francis Ave

1/25 meeting 6 to 8 pm, 213 B Francis Ave

 “Dear Core Team

“We need to have an important meeting to address our finances, reputation, and completing the agreement. After talking with a potential Brien Center grant collaborator, he had to withdraw working with us  based on the negative messages which appears to be coming from Ralph to funding sources and other non profit heads. It does not harm our program as there are other alternatives. Mark suggestion is  letters to the editors, and an article that outlines what has occurred and Ralph’s role. Also making a presentation to Ralph’s church Board. Let us consider this for discussion.

“If we sign the agreement we are barred from correcting the slander. Something to discuss”

Paul

(4)

Dear Ralph –

“The incoming Co-Act board will be meeting early next week to “make this deal real” (not that it ever wasn’t) and come up with a satisfactory financing plan to the outgoing Co-Act board.  We have several options at our disposal, one of which you discussed with Jim.  Either way, we will send a modified Memo of Agreement and a payment plan by Feb 1.  It will incorporate your response. This financial closure will also be the closure of your involvement with Co-Act.

 “In future, it would be respectful if you withheld your pejorative comments.  Ultimatums are inappropriate now that we are nearing closure.” 

In loving service,  

Paul

——– 000 ——–

The same day, Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, Rev. Howe responded for himself and CRB1 to Deslauriers with this letter:

“I have been quite restrained and was vague about your departure until you began your public defamation game.  I do believe that you are mentally ill and need help, but I doubt you would seek that. (E.g. You do not take responsibility for your actions. You do not play well with others. Although you talk collaboration I have never seen you actually do it.  You are an autocrat.  You belittle and badger your subordinants into obedience and compliance. You see the world as revolving around you.  You love to see the world as a conspiracy and and to tilt at windmills.  You cannot seem to listen to people to hear what they say, but listen to what you want to hear.  You are deceptive to yourself and others.  You do not take the time to do the grunt work of actually setting up and following proper financial systems, because, I suppose you are above all that.  You exploit people you claim to be helping making them work for nothing.  You make promises and do not take the effort to follow though on them, but leave people dangling.  You are not the salvation of anything,and frequently you are the cause of great damage to people.)

      “I would also advise that the board is not interested in a number of the clauses you propose, so as we near a financial solution we will need to talk through the other stuff.  

    “We asked you last summer to work through the finances, and you did not.  You and Jim kept us from doing it since.  Now, you come forward with no financial plan again.  So I suggested the means of getting the cash.  Presumably Conroy’s own foreclosures will not poison the waters with the Berkshire Bank and he will get some relief. You should understand that I specifically asked him to secure as much working capital as possible so that the new gang would have time to get the properties paying their way.  He did not seem optimistic about it.

     “I never wanted to be on the CoAct board and want nothing to do with it once this juncture is passed.  Your strategy will give you a victory, but it will be a pyrrhic one.  The damage done for the propping up of your ego will probably be fatal to the corporation, something I had hoped to avoid.”

+ Rev. Ralph W. Howe

Pastor, First United Methodist Church of Pittsfield, MA

55 Fenn Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201

——– 000 ——–

This prompted Delauriers to send this e-mail to his “Core Team,” in which he shares Rev. Howe’s response:

From: paulnrg@aol.com [mailto:paulnrg@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, January 22, 2016 6:07 PM
To: paulnrg@aol.com; kirilravensong@gmail.com; eldercare@earthlink.net
Cc: iobrien001@nycap.rr.com; Ruby2sD@aol.com; Touchwood@earthlink.net; himselfjamesb@yahoo.com; pneri@earthlink.net; bruceatstage@gmail.com; johngrootjr@gmail.com; wschaepe@earthlink.net
Subject: Ralph’s latest response

“Dear core Team

“To put this in perspective Ralph has used slander, creating problems, blame, and divisiveness as his main strategy of attack to remove me and take over the initiatives. The same approach was used on Jim. It is his only justification for his destructive behavior, he will not abandon the script. I look forward to our Monday meeting”

Paul

The Friday 1/22 flurry concludes with this note from Isabel O’Brien to Deslauriers:

From: Isabel Obrien <iobrien001@nycap.rr.com>

Date: Fri, Jan 22, 2016 at 6:46 PM

Subject: RE: Ralph’s latest response

To: Belle O’Brien <IOBRIEN001@nycap.rr.com>, Ben Schwansky <Touchwood@earthlink.net>, Bill Schaepe <wschaepe@earthlink.net>, Bruce McDonald <bruceatstage@gmail.com>, Jim Conroy <himselfjamesb@yahoo.com>, Joe Jackson <eldercare@earthlink.net>, John Root <johnroot@gmail.com>, Kathy Cardella <ruby2sd@aol.com>, Kiril Ravensong <kirilravensong@gmail.com>, Pat Neri <PNeri@earthlink.net>, Paul Deslauriers <paulnrg@aol.com>, Ron Shaw <nshaw48@gmail.com>, Zacek Durso <zacharid@gmail.com>

“Paul, this is a personal vendetta against you – not the corporation.  He is  so determined to destroy YOU – he doesn’t consider the damage to so many.  I do not know how to pursue a counter for our next move – better minds than mine will have to consider a counter to this latest rant!  Thank you so much, Jim, for your determination to stay on the current Board – I’m sure it is not a pleasant experience.

“I’m happy to re-look at my letter to the editor which was never published because II forgot to list my telephone number when submitting it.   I would send it out for core members’ OK before submitting.

“Would it be too much to include some of his derogatory remarks within the letter.  I thought maybe something like listing his remarks and then asking the question of the readers – Would you like to guess by whom these remarks were made? – someone has to expose his vitriolic remarks.”

Belle

——– 000 ——–

O’Brien sent a draft of that letter to the editor to Joseph Jackson, LICSW, president of ElderCare Advisors Inc., asking him for his “editorial comments where you feel they are needed.” Here is that draft of O’Brien’s letter:

“As a volunteer for Co-Act/Community ReStart and a person who chaired its Development Committee, I have to comment on the vicious rumors that have been generated throughout the community and among some n/p leaders regarding the character of Paul Deslauriers and his organization.

“I began volunteering for Co-Act more than two years ago and believe in this organization primarily for the good it was doing for the community, in general, and the homeless, in particular.  As a volunteer who was daily/weekly at the former Pearl Street Center, I saw the good that was done there for those less fortunate.  Paul Deslauriers gave those less fortunate individuals the opportunity to work thru an initiative called Workforce.  He allowed the Center to be open so those with no other place to be to come together, to have an address from which to communicate whether it be for job placement, or family.   It gave them access to computers for internet use, as well as access to shower facilities.  There was also a “living room” setting with a TV and comfort that they found nowhere else.   Unfortunately, this was referred to as a “flop house” by those less compassionate to the downtrodden.

“My volunteer efforts and those of my committee members evolved around opening a safe place for homeless women.  As the former President of the Women’s Club of the Berkshires, Inc. for many years, my efforts have always been to improve the welfare of women.  This was an opportunity through Paul’s generous offer to utilize one of his properties to make something happen for homeless women.  We opened Barbara’s Place just one year ago this month.  

“Currently, we have three wonderful happy, safe, independent women occupying the facility and I am so proud of all that was done to bring this initiative to fruition.  This could not have happened without Paul Deslauriers’ unselfish act of kindness, the endless number of donations made by people in the community, and the untiring efforts of so many.  Many fund raisers were carried out prior to and after the opening of this program house.  I cannot thank everyone enough and I want to assure you that during this transitional time for Co-Act, the donations made in kind and financially are safe and sound and have been/are being utilized on this initiative only.   Please know that I personally oversee every expense as well as any income.   

“There is a transition of power taking place due to administrative over sights to the IRS.  All of these corrections have been made by an accountant.  The administrative paperwork has all been submitted and Co-Act’s non-profit status in imminent.    Unfortunately, affordable housing, workforce development, Food Net, which supplied thousands of pounds of food to those in need,  and the closing of Pearl Street Center have been halted due to the actions of the current Board of Directors, headed by Ralph Howe. The plight of the needy, affordable housing for the less fortunate, food for those who do not have the funds to purchase it, work for those who need a lift up instead of someone looking down on them, are just a glimpse into the work that Paul has done during his five years as Founder and Director of Co-Act.   

“During this process of transition of the current Co-Act Board of Directors and the installation of a new Board to replace the existing Board, (after a “no confidence vote on 12/15/15 by supporters of Paul), we would like to see the current Board President, Ralph Howe, quietly walk away and return the initiatives upon which Co-Act was founded to its rightful owner.  The excuse that he must stay in his role as President of the Board will in no way enhance the financial debts to be paid by Co-Act.  The vitriolic remarks generated by Ralph Howe have left me speechless.  Where is the compassion, and consideration that you would expect from a person in his position as Pastor of the First United Methodist Church?  Where is the Board of Trustees of FUMC who should be monitoring and reviewing his communication during this period of transition?  Have they been given a copy of his destructive communications and personal remarks about Paul which include questioning his mental stability?  Are they aware that he says “he expects the worst under the new management?”  Are they aware that over $4,000 worth of computers were disposed of as ” ancient machines” without Paul’s knowledge?” These computers were donated and brought up to working order by a dedicated volunteer and every day were used by the clientele for job search and communication.  Where did they go when “discarded?””

Those of us who believe in Paul and his vision realize that there were administrative errors and oversights made under his management.  However, no one would step up and work pro bono.  He had no professional help working with him.  When we finally found an accountant who would comply with preparing the necessary accounting work and submit the required IRS forms, we were relieved that at last the required data would be submitted and the 501(c) (3) status would be reinstated.  It is imminent.   Unfortunately, the other staff members who Paul relied on (by giving them free rent and work) were not supporting his efforts – actually, doing the opposite.   A loss of over $6K was taken from our income before it was discovered.  Maybe had these funds been put into Co-Act’s account, the organization would not have had the deficit in funding which Ralph is so determined to see paid.   They are due and will be paid.    Will the individual who allegedly took these funds be treated as Paul has been treated?   Will he be ousted from FUMC and told he cannot be allowed on the property?   Will any funds be made payable to Co-Act from this individual or will it be put under the rug and excused as a desperate act by a poor, unfortunate, individual?

Who in the community is promoting gardens, planting seeds, weeding and harvesting to provide healthy food to those who need it?   Who in the community is providing clean, affordable housing to homeless women?  Who is giving a lift up to those less fortunate by providing them with work in areas where they receive an hourly wage?   Who works 60 hours per week with no pay for his efforts?  Is the congregation of FUMC proud of the actions of their leader?  Look into this unjust treatment of a man whose only fault is trying to help others, while sacrificing himself.

I am proud to be an Advisor under what will be a successful, revitalized organization which will survive and be healthy.  It’s not being knocked down that matters, but that you get back up.  That’s what Co-Act will do and Community ReStart will be back to help the less fortunate, down-trodden individuals in our community.  If you would like to support our efforts, please email me at IOBRIEN001@NYCAP.RR.COM with your name, address, and telephone number.

Belle O’Brien, 8 Westover St., Pittsfield

——– 000 ——–

Jackson responded to the Core Team of CRB2:

From: Joseph <eldercare@earthlink.net>

Date: Sat, Jan 23, 2016 at 2:17 PM

Subject: Re: Letter to the Editor

To: Isabel Obrien <iobrien001@nycap.rr.com>, Belle O’Brien <IOBRIEN001@nycap.rr.com>, Ben Schwansky <Touchwood@earthlink.net>, Bill Schaepe <wschaepe@earthlink.net>, Bruce McDonald <bruceatstage@gmail.com>, Jim Conroy <himselfjamesb@yahoo.com>, John Root <johnroot@gmail.com>, Kathy Cardella <ruby2sd@aol.com>, Kiril Ravensong <kirilravensong@gmail.com>, Pat Neri <PNeri@earthlink.net>, Paul Deslauriers <paulnrg@aol.com>, Ron Shaw <nshaw48@gmail.com>, Zacek Durso <zacharid@gmail.com>

Hello Belle et al –

“I read your letter to the editor.  I suggest you hold off for now.  We don’t want to blow up negotiations that are now nearing conclusion by taking the bait that is being chummed by Joe D and others.  Rise above… be patient…

“Think more about  this:

“If we are able to achieve two things now—1) Bruce and Ralph do their jobs and finish the filings with the IRS and the state in a timely fashion, and 2) the membership of CoAct is able to raise about $20K in the next several weeks, we will suddenly find ourselves in possession of a non-profit organization in good standing, 5 houses that can be utilized for various purposes, and a new lease on life.  If we don’t achieve these two things, we will have nothing.  Thus, we should all expend only that energy that helps us to achieve these two things.  Continuing with the tug-of-war with the church, with Ralph, with whoever has a chip on his or her shoulder is a waste of our time.  There  will be plenty of time for us to heal by our works.

“Don’t take the bait.”

Joe

——– 000 ———

Finally, yesterday, Sunday, Kiril Ravensong (5) and Ben Schawinsky (6) had this input on on O’Brien’s draft letter:

From: Kiril Ravensong <kirilravensong@gmail.com>

Date: Sun, Jan 24, 2016 at 11:08 AM

Subject: Re: Letter to the Editor

To: ben schawinsky <touchwood@earthlink.net>

Cc: Joseph <eldercare@earthlink.net>, Isabel Obrien <iobrien001@nycap.rr.com>, Bill Schaepe <wschaepe@earthlink.net>, Bruce McDonald <bruceatstage@gmail.com>, Jim Conroy <himselfjamesb@yahoo.com>, John Root <johnroot@gmail.com>, Kathy Cardella <ruby2sd@aol.com>, Pat Neri <PNeri@earthlink.net>, Paul Deslauriers <paulnrg@aol.com>, Ron Shaw <nshaw48@gmail.com>, Zacek Durso <zacharid@gmail.com>

(5)

“Wow. This is when things start to heat up and cool down all at the same time. 

“I must acknowledge the group for staying so close knit, and pitching forth writings and research and goodwill. Makes this much easier for us all, when we communicate well internally. 

“Externally, however, there are consequences to all of our actions that directly affect the final outcome of any challenge. I would like to suggest a few rules of focus in our communications, internally and externally:

RULES OF FOCUS:

“1. Positive mental attitude. – “Focus on success in all things, beginning with your own self, and radiating outward to touch upon every aspect of your life.” Fact is, we are in the right, standing on the moral high ground, with massive public support. Our communicatins really should reflect that.

“2. Gratitude for Conflict – “Sometimes, the space right at the heart of ferocious conflict is the best place to take a stand for what is right.” The gift in this circumstance is that it has clarified exactly who is in support of our mission, and provided the very challenge that will forge the team to come.

“3. Cultivate healthy Confidence – “Begin with the end in mind – Then Work your way backwards.” Every goal we hit together, every success, both small and large, becomes a group habit, and eventually forms the every day reality of our organization.  

“Let’s avoid unfettered anger, resentment, responses to slander of any kind. Ignore it. We have no need to sling mud. This guy’s own tongue is a far worse enemy to his success, than any of us could be. Let him talk trash anywhere he wants to. Its ammunition for us. The message that I would like to hear, is one of self-ownership on the things that CoAct does better than anyone else, and a focus on helping people, actual people. 

“Our message really sounds so much stronger when it brings focus back to its actual mission of helping people. That is the place where we are strong. When we keep the conversation on the area where we are strong, there is no enemy, only opportunity to heal those in pain. My personal view is that Reverend Howe is deeply suffering, may be unfit for clergy duties, may indeed be at risk spiritually, as well as legally. He really should know better. And he may indeed get schooled for it, in a big way, but if so, it is truly his own doing.

“Hope this is helpful. Keep on keeping on.”

Blessings,

Kiril

(6)

On Sat, Jan 23, 2016 at 10:46 PM, ben schawinsky <touchwood@earthlink.net> wrote:

“He said and he said is all a bunch of bologna.  Anybody can say anything and often someone is covering up something to make their picture shine.  Truthfully, usually, often both sides are at it.  Yes, I know, one side is usually the villain inspiring the other side to answer back.  ENOUGH!!  

“Actual visible proof is the only thing that is real.  The proof of CommunityRestart’s  pudding is buildings and it is time to work with them and drop all the other nonsense.   Mistakes have been made and hopefully some hard lessons learned.  It’s time to acknowledge what IS,  drop all that is not, and  work with and develop the assets at hand.

“Please!!!!!!!!!!!! No smear campaigns.  Both sides end up with egg on their face with nothing accomplished!!!!”

Ben

—————– 000000000 ——————-

If Kiril Ravensong is correct in being grateful for conflict, both rival boards should be grateful to the point of wetted bliss.

THE PLANET takes no sides here. We present this information because this agency has achieved federal non-profit status. It allowed that status to lapse (did it continue to raise money after it had lost non-profit status?). This makes the story a public issue. In addition, Rev. Ralph Howe, in his letter to Paul Deslauriers, warns, “The damage done … will probably be fatal to the corporation, something I had hoped to avoid.”

The word “probably” offers a tiny glimmer of hope. By shining a light on these “negotiations,” THE PLANET hopes that the matter can be successfully resolved for the victims here: the poor, destitute, and needy.

————————————————————————————

“Today’s brief passion limits their range; / It seethes with the morrow for us and more.” — Robert Browning, from “Old Pictures in Florence,” Stanza XVI, first two lines, (1855).

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.