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Bits & Bytes: Mac-Haydn Theatre reopens July 29; BCC adds certificate programs; ‘Lee Earns a Living’ exhibit; Becket Athenaeum events

This fall, BCC will offer a Medical Coding Certificate and a Health Information Management Certificate.

Mac-Haydn Theatre to reopen July 29 for live performances

CHATHAM, N.Y. — The Mac-Haydn Theatre will reopen for live performances July 29, after more than a year of closure. Audience members and staff will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The theatre’s season will run July 29–October 3 and include five musicals, as well as several limited performances. Tickets go on sale later in June.

Since the season is starting later than usual, the team plans to keep the programming coming through the month of September with a new performance schedule. “Rep-tember,” consisting of two musicals and various limited performances, will be presented on a repertory schedule. Guest artists will include Broadway artist Elizabeth Ward Land, innovative ensemble Touch, award-winning Kurt Weill performer James Benjamin Rodgers, Mac-Haydn favorite Laura Helm, and the combined talent of the 2021 artists roster for the Showstoppers revue.

To allow for more social distancing, an entire section of the theatre has been removed. This will be unique for 2021, as the theatre anticipates returning to full capacity in 2022. “Even with the reconfigured stage, we have still managed to maintain the “in-the round” feel we are famous for,” said Producing Artistic Director John Saunders.

On the Main Stage: Pippin (July 29–August 8), She Loves Me (August 12–22), Man of La Mancha (August 26–September 5), Beehive: The ‘60s Musical (September 11–October 2), The World Goes ‘Round (September 10–October 3). All Tickets $42.

Children’s Theatre: The Most Incredible Thing (August 20–28). All Tickets $14.

Limited Events: Exiled: The Evolution of Kurt Weill — James Benjamin Rodgers (September 1 & 29), Still Within the Sound of My Voice: The Songs of Linda Ronstadt — Elizabeth Ward Land (August 18, September 10 & 17), Showstoppers — Mac-Haydn Company (September 4, 15, 22 & 29), Touch (dates TBD), Laura’s at the Helm — Laura Helm (September 15 & 22). All Tickets $42.

Tickets can be purchased by phone at 518-392-9292 and online beginning in late June.

—A.K.

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BCC offers medical coding and health information management certificates

PITTSFIELD — Medical coding and health information specialists are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that at least 27,000 new jobs will be needed in this profession by 2026. Berkshire Community College (BCC) is ready to prepare students for this rapidly growing field with its hybrid Medical Coding courses, which focus on how to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), CPT, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS coding manuals. Courses also include hands-on practice using medical coding software.

Students may enroll any time to begin the program this fall. The Medical Coding Certificate may be completed in two semesters, while the Health Information Management Certificate may be completed in three semesters.

Medical coders and health information specialists are responsible for safeguarding medical records, transmitting information for third-party reimbursement (insurance, Medicare, etc.), handling requests for patient records, and a new field called “informatics.” Professionals in this growing field play a vital role in healthcare by maintaining standards of confidentiality, assuring accuracy in records, and expediting health insurance payments.

Upon course completion, students study for the credential exam of their choice:

  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, offered by the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC)
  • Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam, offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

“In a recent survey of 22 health care facilities within a 100-mile radius of Berkshire Community College, 88% reported job openings in medical coding and health information management,” said Marsha Estabrook-Adams, adjunct faculty, Medical Coding.

For information on how to enroll, visit berkshirecc.edu/academics.

—A.K.

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“Lee Earns a Living” exhibit coming to Lee Library

LEE — The Lee Historical Society will mount a major exhibit titled “Lee Earns a Living” throughout the month of July at the Scolforo Gallery in the Lee Library. The exhibit traces the development of the local business community from the early days of homespun living to the arrival of retail stores and professional services, through hard times and into the modern era of a diverse economy. The exhibit will be liberally illustrated with photographs, ads, business correspondence, and artifacts. It will include complete business listings for 1860 (about 42), 1934 (about 100), and 2021 (about 350). The exhibit is free and open to the public. Inquire at the Library desk for viewing times.

—A.K.

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Becket Athenaeum announces upcoming programming

BECKET — Becket Athenaeum has announced programming through the end of July. Events are as follows.

Ongoing: Wednesdays, June 23–August 25, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.: Outdoor Storytime, including crafts with the Becket Arts Center

Ongoing: June 23–August 25, Becket Athenaeum Summer Reading Program with prizes for meeting individualized reading goals.

Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Summer Kickoff Community Day: Becket Athenaeum Book Sale, Storytimes held at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m., along with take-home activities for the Summer Solstice and Juneteenth. Becket Arts Center will have a craft for children following each storytime. The Mullen House and Historical Commission will be open that day for visitors, with families able to enjoy and add to the nature Fairy Garden on the premises. The Becket Arts Center will have its art exhibit open from 12-4 p.m. and music on the lawn from 5-7 p.m.

Thursday, June 24, 6–7:30 p.m., on Zoom: NASA Ambassador presentation on the Curiosity and Perseverance’s Mars rovers; the Perseverance helicopter, Ingenuity; the current human diversity and continued need for more diversity in the space program; and the Artemis mission to the Moon with its explicit goal of diversity. Pre-registration required: bit.ly/BA-nasa

Saturday, June 26, 1 p.m.: Community Drumming with Otha Day. Preregistration appreciated: bit.ly/BA-drumming

Wednesday, June 30, 6 p.m.: Cookbook Club: “In Pursuit of Flavor.” Prepare a dish from “In Pursuit of Flavor” by Edna Lewis to share at the outdoor meeting, under tents. Email info@BWLibrary.org to request a copy of the cookbook and notify the library of your recipe selection.

Tuesday, July 6, 1:30–2:30 p.m.: Book Club: “The Night Swim.” All are welcome to join the discussion “The Night Swim” by Megan Goldin. Email info@BWLibrary.org for details regarding the Zoom meeting or an off-site outdoor meeting.

Saturday, July 10, 1–2 p.m.: Storytelling by Motoko. Held outdoors under tents at 12 Brooker Hill Rd. in Becket (behind the Mullen House, across the street from the library). Seating is on grass. Bring your own blanket. Preregistration appreciated.

Saturday, July 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: Outdoor book sale

Sunday, July 11, 10 a.m.: Garden Composting Workshop with Pat Parkins, owner of Gardens of the Goddess. For more information, email info@bwlibrary.org

Saturday, July 31, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Storytelling by Eshu Bumpus. Held outdoors under tents at 12 Brooker Hill Rd. in Becket (behind the Mullen House, across the street from the library). Seating is on grass. Bring your own blanket. Preregistration appreciated.

—A.K.

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