Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art receives grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to support exhibition celebrating North American Indigenous picture book art
Amherst— The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art proudly announces that it is a 2024 recipient of a Museums for America grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Carle will receive $244,003 in federal funds to develop an exhibition celebrating and centering North American Indigenous picture book artists and documenting the chronology of their contributions to children’s literature.
Artists and authors have represented Indigenous people in children’s literature for nearly 300 years. Most early portrayals were made by non-Indigenous creators who often essentialized Native identity, perpetuated stereotypes, and did irreparable harm to Indigenous people. The past two decades have seen a rise in children’s book art and stories created by Indigenous artists, from the brilliant and complex collages of Julie Flett (Cree–Métis) to the iridescent watercolors of Michaela Goade (enrolled member of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.) North American Indigenous illustrators are creating a new space in the publishing world, while simultaneously building new audiences of young readers, teachers, and parents who need and value authentic stories and images.
The Museums for America grant will support The Carle’s development of “North American Indigenous Picture Book Art, Past-Present-Future,” an exhibition planned for 2027 that will celebrate and center Indigenous picture book artists and document the chronology of their contributions to children’s literature. With the support of an Indigenous guest curator and an Indigenous Community Advisory Group, The Carle’s project team will highlight the creativity of Indigenous artists who have been historically marginalized in art museums, children’s publishing, and broader society.
“We are grateful to IMLS for supporting this important project,” said Jennifer Schantz, director of The Carle. “The exhibition will bring together the art of Indigenous children’s book illustrators from across what is now known as North America to share their collective efforts to create positive, dynamic representations of historical and contemporary Native lives and cultures.”
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TEDx Berkshires 2024 at Berkshire Innovation Center
Pittsfield— On Thursday, October 10th at 1:30 p.m., the Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield hosts TEDx Berkshires 2024, an opportunity to hear from people with the wisdom, passion, and solutions that are changing our world.
TEDx Berkshires 2024 features a fantastic line-up of speakers, thought leaders who will bring their powerful ideas to the stage in short 12 to 18 minute talks designed to inspire us.
“Innovation usually starts with an idea, sparked in response to a need for change or a desire to improve,” shares TEDx Berkshires Executive Producer Stephen Boyd, the CEO of Boyd Biomedical and Chair of the Berkshire Innovation Center. “The TEDx Berkshires stage offers the perfect showcase to share the success of diverse ideas and the vision of the Berkshire Innovation Center. Collective wisdom always wins, and we are thrilled to promote this year’s event as a growing community focused on life-long learning and exploring technology together.” Learn more at: https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/tedx-berkshires-2024.
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Berkshire Community College staffing updates
Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of seven faculty/staff members, four promotions, and four title changes.
Jacob Barnett joins BCC as Assistant Professor of Biology. He comes to BCC from UMass Amherst, where he completed a PhD in organismic and evolutionary biology in December 2023 after studying wild tomato plants for his dissertation. Previously, he worked as a middle and high school biology teacher in the Boston suburbs for six years. Barnett also holds a master of education degree in science education from Lesley University and a bachelor of science degree in biological sciences from Cornell University.
Destinee Branch joins BCC as Accountant I. She oversees the accounts payable process, ensuring the timely payment of the College’s bills. Originally from the western United States, Destinee previously worked as the office manager at Karl Malone Ford & Chevrolet before relocating to the Berkshires.
Meghan Donnelly joins BCC as Essential Needs Coordinator – Community/Outreach Counselor. She earned a master’s degree in school counseling from Westfield State University and a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish and English from Elms College. Prior to joining BCC, she worked as a school counselor with the Pittsfield Public Schools. Previously, she was a Spanish teacher, a volunteer with AmeriCorps and a college affordability advisor for high school seniors. Donnelly volunteered with the Notre Dame Mission Volunteers International, where she worked as a Family Gardens Project Manager.
Jack Golden joins BCC as Assistant Professor of Theatre. He holds a master of fine arts in theatre (scenic design) from the University of Maryland, College Park. Previously, he was an adjunct professor at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and at Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mawah. Golden’s work has been seen off and off-off Broadway as well as on tour and at regional theatre companies. Most recently, Golden is designing the set for “Spells of the Sea,” a musical, which will open at the Family Theatre at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC this fall. Along with his own work, he regularly assists nationally and internationally known designers at some of the most acclaimed regional theatre companies in the country, including Arena Stage, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Huntington, Alliance Theatre, Hartford Stage, Baltimore Center Stage, Studio Theatre and many others.
Tsz Fun Hung joins BCC as Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Prior to joining BCC full-time, he served as an adjunct instructor at the University at Buffalo and as a visiting assistant professor at Fort Lewis College. Hung earned his PhD in mathematics from University at Buffalo, as well as a master’s degree in philosophy and bachelor of science degree in mathematics from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Kathryn Lally joins BCC as Assistant Professor of Human Services. She holds a master of social work degree and a master of public health degree from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Clark University. Previously, Lally was Clinical Assistant Professor in St. Ambrose University’s social work program. She was also a teaching assistant in the psychology program at Washington University. Her non-teaching experience includes work with the Moline Police Department through the Center for Youth and Family Solutions and several roles at the Yale Child Study Center.
Denise Reid joins BCC as Director of Grants Development and Administration. She comes to BCC from Framingham State University, where she managed over $23 million in grants, ensuring accurate budget analysis, monitoring and reporting. Reid has extensive experience in the education sector and a strong track record in securing competitive grants. Currently, she is pursuing an MBA in accounting. Reid lives in Hudson, Massachusetts with her husband, two children and their incredibly spoiled cat Seamus. She enjoys sustainable gardening, landscaping with native plants, the Berkshires, and traveling to Iceland and the UK. She is a proud first-generation college graduate and currently serves as a board member for the Hudson Land Trust.
Jillian Albano is now Associate Professor of Nursing. She was previously Assistant Professor – Nursing. She has been with BCC since November 2020. Jennifer Charbonneau is now Associate Professor of Nursing. She was previously Assistant Professor of Nursing. She has been with BCC since August 2020. Gabriela Sheehan is now Director of TRIO. Previously, she was Paraprofessional Cohort Mentor, a position she held since December 2022. Ann Stevens is now Assistant Director of Human Resources. Previously, she was HR Operations & Benefits Manager. She has been with BCC since 2020.
Sarah Burdick now an Academic/Career Counselor. She was previously Special Programs Coordinator – Academic SUCCESS/Career Coach. She has been with BCC since October 2022. Cheryl Mirer is now Academic Counselor. She was previously Special Programs Coordinator – Academic SUCCESS Coach. She has been with BCC since February 2022. Eric Nystrom is now Academic Counselor. He was previously Special Program Coordinator – Academic SUCCESS Coach. He has been with BCC since September 2021. Addie VanDeurzen is now CTE Linkage and Concurrent Enrollment Coordinator. She was previously Special Programs Coordinator – CTE Linkage Coordinator. She has been with BCC since October 2013.
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Springfield Museums holds Annual Meeting and reelects five board members
Springfield— The Springfield Museums reelected five members to its Board of Trustees at the Annual Meeting of Corporators held on Wednesday, September 25th.
Attendees gathered in the Davis Auditorium in the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts and heard from several of the Museum’s leaders, including President & CEO Kay Simpson, Board of Trustees Chair Cynthia Campbell, Treasurer Sam Hamner, and Governance Committee Chair Mark Keroack, M.D. The presenters touted the Museums’ accomplishments over the past year, reviewed the challenges faced, and looked toward the Museums’ future.
The re-elected trustees are Francis J. Cataldo, Jr., Lydia E. Martinez-Alvarez, John M. O’Brien III, Richard E. Ryall, and Glenn S. Welch. Robin Wheeler was also named to the Trustees Emeriti and 14 new corporators were elected, bringing the total number of Springfield Museums Corporators to 393.
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Grand Marshal of 68th annual Fall Foliage Parade announced
North Adams— David Fabiano of Northern Berkshire Community Television Corporation (NBCTC) has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the upcoming 68th Annual Fall Foliage Parade presented by 1Berkshire.
Dave has a degree in Communication Studies with a Broadcasting concentration from Oswego State University. In 1983, Dave was hired by Cox Cable Communications in North Adams to produce local programming and provide Public Access to the five Northern Berkshire communities served by the cable system, including covering the Northern Berkshire Fall Foliage Parade on October 2, 1983. Since then, Dave has produced the Fall Foliage Parade coverage each year, allowing for homebound individuals to watch the parade live on parade day. His coverage also allowed the parade to be viewed at later dates and times by individuals who participated or those who may have missed this annual community tradition live.
In 1995, Dave was hired as Executive Director of NBCTC, a newly formed Not-for-Profit 501c3 corporation created specifically to provide Public, Educational, and Governmental Access going on the air in September 1995 on cable channels 15, 16 and 17. Under Dave’s leadership at NBCTC, individuals have been able to channel their creativity into programming that has informed and entertained the community television audience. In its 29 years of existence, NBCTC has grown from one employee to four, with three additional part-time, per diem staff and dozens of local volunteers who routinely use NBCTC’s facilities to produce television programs for the Northern Berkshire community.
The parade will be held in downtown North Adams on Sunday, October 6th at 1 p.m., marking Dave’s 41st broadcast of the Northern Berkshire Fall Foliage Parade and his final production with NBCTC. The parade committee invites the entire Berkshire community to celebrate Dave. This year’s parade theme is “Berk du Soleil – The Greatest Show in North Berkshire,” a spellbinding journey into the extraordinary, where dreams take flight and imagination knows no bounds.
There is still time to participate in this year’s parade. There are a variety of ways to get involved, including signing up to have a float, or entering a band/music unit or a marching unit. Volunteers are needed to help on parade day with the lineup or as a banner carrier. Also, sponsorship of the parade helps with making the parade bigger and better each year. For more information about how you can help, please visit 1berkshire.com.
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Berkshire Community College to hold ribbon cutting for new quad
Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC) will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating its newly imagined quad on Friday, October 11th at 2 p.m. at 1350 Main Street, Pittsfield. It is free and open to the public. To RSVP, visit www.berkshirecc.com/ribboncutting.
The process of reimagining the quad included removing cracked concrete and leveling out areas too steep to be considered accessible. The new quad, now ADA accessible, honors Madeline Snide, a 1978 graduate of BCC. The first paraplegic to enroll at the college, Snide joined the liberal arts program at BCC at age 45, determined to fulfill her dream of becoming a journalist. In 1978, she graduated with honors, earning her associate of arts degree.
Madeline’s determination and success inspired lasting change at BCC, including the installation of its first dedicated parking area for vehicles used by or transporting disabled individuals and, with federal funding, a $500,000 project in 1983 to improve campus accessibility. Snide passed away in 1986 at age 57.
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Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ranked a top public liberal arts college by U.S. News & World Report
North Adams— Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has earned the No. 6 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation, after earning the number seven spot for the past three consecutive years and appeared on list for 10 consecutive years.
“Being ranked as a Top Ten Public College is just one of the many ways MCLA’s dedication to its students is made visible,” said Mohan Boodram, chair of the MCLA Board of Trustees. “The positive impact MCLA makes on their lives, as well as on the community at large, is impressive and I am pleased that the hard work that goes into making the College a high-quality, accessible, and affordable educational option has again been recognized.”
U.S. News ranks colleges based on indicators that reflect a school’s financial strength, faculty expertise, and educational outcome measures. For more information, go to usnews.com/colleges. Learn more at www.mcla.edu.
