Bard College awarded $69,886 by Hudson River Foundation to improve water quality datasets
Annandale-On-Hudson— Bard College is pleased to announce that it has received $69,886 from the Hudson River Foundation for Science and Environmental Research, Inc., a New York not-for-profit corporation based in New York City. The funding will support a two-year project to update and improve water quality datasets that will be used to strengthen community advocacy and better address public health, policy, and management questions.
The principal investigators on the project, Elias Dueker, associate professor of environmental and urban studies, and Gabriel Perron, associate professor of biology, will work with students to analyze microbiological micropollution samples and then synthesize those results with historical water quality data obtained from Bard and community partnership programs that monitored the Saw Kill tributary from the mid ’70s to early ’80s, and from 2015 to present. Bard faculty members Krista Caballero, Jordan Ayala, Beate Liepert, and Josh Bardfield, who helped write the grant, will also participate in the project during its second year.
“This partnership with Hudson River Foundation allows the Bard Center for Environmental Science and Humanities to strengthen its commitment to using science as a tool for environmental and social change,” said Deuker. “We hope this unique effort to utilize and elevate community-fueled science will serve as a model for contemporary and meaningful approaches to creating climate resilient communities in the Hudson Valley.”
The research will be presented to community groups, and community member participation will be solicited. The results will be published in white papers and academic journal articles with the hopes that the information will be used to inform tributary stewardship and management decisions. Bard will partner with the Saw Kill Watershed Community and the Hudson River Water Association to disseminate the results.
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Jewish Federation of the Berkshires announces $50,000 allocation to support critical trauma and relief needs in Israel
Pittsfield— Jewish Federation of the Berkshires today announced that its executive board of directors has allocated $50,000 to support emergency needs in Israel during this time of crisis. The allocation will be drawn from the Federation’s reserve fund and will be distributed to address critical needs as identified by Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and its partners.
The allocation comes in light of a historic $500 million emergency campaign launched by JFNA to support critical needs in response to the savage attack by Hamas terrorists on October 7th and the ongoing military conflict. “The needs are extraordinary, especially to provide trauma support, emergency medical services, and immediate relief to victims and their families whose lives have been shattered by these horrific attacks,” said Federation president Judy Usow. “We are grateful to be able to provide this immediate and direct support.”
The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires is accepting donations from the broader community and has already raised over $101,000 within the Berkshire community. “Jewish Federations of North America has boots on the ground coordinating with its long-time partners in Israel to assess the needs and provide oversight to ensure every dollar is used effectively to support those most impacted,” said Federation Executive Director Dara Kaufman. Donations can be made via Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ home page: jewishberkshires.org.
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Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick Trust grants $250,000 to Berkshire Waldorf High School to remediate asbestos in Old Town Hall in Stockbridge
Stockbridge— The Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick Trust has awarded Berkshire Waldorf High School a $250,000 grant toward the cost of remediating asbestos in Old Town Hall in Stockbridge as part of the school’s project to purchase and renovate the building as a permanent home. Earlier this year, the Myrin Institute provided a multi-year grant of $500,000 directed at this effort. Individual donors have provided a significant portion of the overall $6.5 million project cost.
Trustees of the Fitzpatrick Trust wrote, “The Berkshire Waldorf Board has done great work in finding a permanent home for the school, while at the same time preserving a beautiful and important historical building on the town’s Main Street.”
Asbestos remediation will be a first step toward the planned renovation. Architectural and engineering work by Pamela Sandler Architects has proceeded for the past year, and the school hopes to begin actual construction in January 2024.
Stephen Sagarin, Berkshire Waldorf High School Executive Director, said, “We cannot adequately express our gratitude toward both institutions, and the more than 100 donors who have contributed to the project so far, for their generosity and dedication to our school and to the Town of Stockbridge.” Board Chair Teresa O’Brient added, “This project is the last, best hope for Old Town Hall to avoid demolition. It will provide millions in direct economic benefit to the Town of Stockbridge, both in terms of construction spending and ongoing support of town merchants.”
The Fitzpatrick Trust grant is contingent on school ownership of the Old Town Hall, currently owned by the First Congregational Church of Stockbridge, UCC. The Church and Berkshire Waldorf High School have entered into a purchase and sale agreement, contingent on the Stockbridge Zoning Board of Appeals approving a variance. The hearing will likely occur before Thanksgiving.
The Old Town Hall has been unoccupied since 2007, when Stockbridge Town Offices moved to the renovated former Stockbridge Plain School. The building was originally constructed in 1829, with a larger addition in 1904.
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BIC Manufacturing Academy graduates cohort #001
Pittsfield— The Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC), is proud to announce the graduation of Cohort #001 from the BIC Manufacturing Academy (BMA). At the core of the BMA is the STAT training program, which stands for Systems Thinking for the Application of Technologies. The program is designed to address two key industry needs: developing employee troubleshooting and systems thinking, and enhancing human skills.
Thursday, October 12th marked the culmination of the 26 weeks for each of the graduates. Each of them presented a summary and explanation of the project they chose for the final phase of the program. The Berkshire Innovation Center is proud of the work all the graduates put into their final projects and throughout the entire program.
We are pleased to announce the Cohort #001 graduates of the BIC Manufacturing Academy:
- Rachel Birch, Accounting Manager at Boyd Biomedical (Lee)
- Jordan Callahan, Product Design & Development Specialist for Pro Workforce Development (Richmond)
- Jason Hover, Supervisor, Printing and Marking at Spectrum Plastics (Pittsfield)
- Michelle Jones, VP of Manufacturing at Boyd Biomedical (Lee)
- Kenny Loynes, Production Supervisor, Concrete Finishing at Unistress Corp. (Pittsfield)
- Matthew McInerney, Finishing Supervisor for Interprint (Pittsfield)
- Luis Ortiz, Assembler/Operator at Sinicon Plastics (Dalton)
- Ricky Reynolds, Quality Control Representative at Interprint (Pittsfield)
- Matthew Roccabruna, Manufacturing Engineering Supervisor at General Dynamics Mission Systems (Pittsfield)
- Robert Smith, Lab Technician at Electro Magnetic Applications (Pittsfield)
- Paddy Sullivan, Apprentice Mold Maker at Spectrum Plastics (Pittsfield)
- DJ Tanner, Operations Supervisor at General Dynamics Mission Systems (Pittsfield)
The BIC Manufacturing Academy was made possible through the support of a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, as well as support from MassDevelopment, MassTech Collaborative, and General Dynamics Mission Systems. We could also not have done this without the partnership of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) which played a pivotal role in program development and instructions.
During Thursday’s address, John Liu, representing BIC partner, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), addressed the students, organizational leaders, and the BMA instructional team. “At MIT we search for key partners around the world, and we are so glad to have found one such partner in the BIC right here in Western Massachusetts.” Specifically, when speaking to the students, Liu declared: “There is a human element to manufacturing. No one can take away the critical thinking and soft skills you learned by attending this Academy. You’ll take that away with you, wherever you go in the world.”
The next cohort of the BIC Manufacturing Academy will begin on Tuesday, November 7th and we are currently accepting nominations. The nomination form can be found online.
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Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires resource fair mixes networking, education, and fun
Pittsfield— The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires (NPC) is hosting a Nonprofit Resource Fair at the Berkshire Innovation Center on Tuesday, October 24th from noon to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Toole Insurance and CORE 401(k) Program, this free networking event is designed to connect local and regional businesses with charitable organizations researching services such as fundraising consulting, event suppliers and web design.
The Resource Fair features a broad range of vendors including: Adams Community Bank, Berkshire Funding Focus, BFAIR, Connect First Consulting, CORE 401(k) Program, Fundraising Levers, Julia Dixon, JustServe.org, Lee Bank, MA Health, MacFarlane Office Products, Marketplace Kitchen, MassDevelopment, MassHire, Massachusetts Service Alliance, Midnightson Designs, MusiChris DJ & Lighting Service, Pear Associates Marketing, Philanthropy MA, Prosper Nonprofit Advisors, Roger Magnus Research, Second Line Marketing, Toole Insurance, UCP Assistive Technologies, UCP Family Support, and the Williams Inn.
“We try to make this an irresistible event,” said NPC founder, Liana Toscanini. “In addition to networking and refreshments, we’ve got a presentation by five regional organizations that don’t have offices in the Berkshires, chair massage sponsored by Lee Bank, a mini-workshop on the Foundation Directory presented by the Berkshire Athenaeum, lots of swag, and chocolate.”
While the Nonprofit Resource Fair is targeted to nonprofits, anyone can attend and walk-ins are welcome. Those who register in advance are eligible to win door prizes such as consulting sessions with experts, a day pass to Kripalu Yoga Center, and a night at the Williams Inn. For more information or to register in advance, visit npcberkshires.org.
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Bard College to meet financial need of applicants accepted through Early Action I and Early Decision I
Annandale-On-Hudson— Bard College has announced that starting with this application cycle, the College will meet 100% of the full demonstrated need (tuition, food and housing, required fees, and first year programming, if applicable) for U.S. citizens as well as dual citizens (US citizens with other citizenship(s)), permanent U.S. residents, and DACA/undocumented students admitted in the early rounds (Early Action and Early Decision I).
“We are pleased to be in a position to expand our financial aid offerings in this way and hope we can continue to expand our support for students through financial aid resources in the coming years,” said Bard’s Director of Admission Mackie Siebens. Students can apply with the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir. For more information on applying to Bard, visit bard.edu/admission/applying or call 845-758-7472. Applications must be received by November 1st.
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MCLA to host information session for graduate programs at Berkshire Innovation Center
North Adams— MCLA will host information sessions for its Graduate Programs: Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Education (MEd) as well as the Leadership Academy on November 9th at 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) in Pittsfield. A virtual session will follow on December 5th at noon.
Potential students will have the opportunity to meet with faculty, students, and staff to learn more about how to continue education in three of MCLA’s unique and innovative programs that are designed to support the rising workforce needs both here in the Berkshires and beyond.
The MBA program offers a broad-based, multidisciplinary education that combines the strengths of MCLA business faculty with those of practicing managers actively involved in day-to-day decision making in the field. It is a part-time 30-credit program designed for working professionals and in partnership with the BIC.
The MEd Program offers a thoughtful blend of classroom and fieldwork experiences that prepare students to make a meaningful impact in their school communities. Programs include: MEd with Initial Licensure, Professional Teacher Licensure with MEd, MEd with Individualized Plan of Study Non-Licensure, Accelerated +1 Bachelor’s Degree with MEd.
MCLA Leadership Academy prepares candidates to serve as highly effective leaders of educational institutions and active citizens in their communities. The Academy readies school and district leaders who will ensure the highest quality and most equitable, just, and effective learning environments for students.
To register: MCLA Graduate Information Sessions or contact the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education at 413-662-5575.
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120+ people turned out for a public gathering to learn about plans to expand the Harlem Valley Rail Trail from Philmont through Ghent to Chatham
Ghent— More than 120 people turned out for a public gathering on Sunday to learn about plans to expand the Harlem Valley Rail Trail from Philmont through Ghent to Chatham.
The meeting at the Ghent VFW Hall attracted longtime supporters of the trail as well as newcomers and officials from a number of towns in the region. They heard from leaders of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association, the nonprofit group that helps oversee the trail’s growth and maintenance, as well as the landscape architectural firm creating a construction-ready plan for the 8-mile addition, MKM Landscape Architecture of New York.
Mark Morrison, principal of the firm, displayed maps and photos of the proposed route and Phil Meeks, chair of the HVRTA board, gave a slide show about the history of the rail trail as well as a glimpse of a five-year strategic plan for its future expansion. An extensive question and answer period followed their presentations.
“We’re thrilled by the number of people who came out to hear about the rail trail’s expansion plans and the enthusiasm they expressed toward the project,” said Mr. Meeks. “Their support will be a vital factor in moving the work forward.”
Mr. Morrison’s firm is creating a shovel-ready engineering and construction plan for the new trail section, which will link the village of Philmont to the town of Ghent and village of Chatham. MKM Landscape Architecture has extensive experience in designing trails, including 2.5 miles of earlier extensions of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.
The new, fully paved section will dramatically increase the trail’s range and bring it to central and northern Columbia County for the first time. It will travel through farmland, fields and woods and run atop a stone-arch railroad bridge in Ghent from the 1800s. The trail will end in the village of Chatham near the planned new Shaker Museum.
Funding for the $500,000 construction design plan comes from a state grant and local funds to be raised by the rail trail association, in cooperation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Construction of the new section, whose cost hasn’t been determined, will require additional government and local funding.
The Harlem Valley Rail Trail currently consists of 25 paved miles that link the Metro-North Railroad station in Wassaic to Copake, which includes a separate section traveling 1.5 miles southeast from Hillsdale’s Hamlet. The association’s ultimate goal is a 46-mile continuous trail from Wassaic to Chatham following the route of the onetime New York and Harlem Railroad.
