Flying Cloud Receives $8K Matching Challenge

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Flying Cloud Institute has received an $8,000 Matching Challenge Gift from a summer camp family. 
 
This will allow donations received by Flying Cloud on Giving Tuesday, which is December 3, 2024, to be doubled, up to $8,000.
 
The funds raised will enable Flying Cloud to run its innovative science and art programs at two local Berkshire County schools, offering in-school science residencies and after school workshops to area youth. 
 
Flying Cloud educators will lead project-based investigations and model the Next Generation Science Strategies for inquiry-based learning. They will bring local STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) professionals as expert resources to the classroom, along with local artists who help students express their learning through original, creative work such as sculpture, dance, poetry, painting or film.
 
"I can't thank you enough for the experience you gave my students this week. The empowered looks on their faces and in their voices was pure magic today," said Sue Garcia, Morningside Elementary School Science Specialist, after a recent residency program with Flying Cloud.
 
To donate to the matching challenge, visit flyingcloudinstitute.org on December 3, 2024.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Council OKs Privacy Measure, Sees Bridge Update

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

The state plans to remove some of crumbling concrete on the Dalton Avenue bridge and wrap its repairs into a project with the rail trail. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council is taking steps to protect its own privacy, as well as public comment speakers' privacy. 

On Tuesday, councilors voted to remove their home addresses from city documents and websites and replace them with 70 Allen St., or City Hall, to improve safety. It was brought forward by Ward 4 Councilor James Conant, Ward 7 Councilor Katherine Moody, Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, and Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham. 

"This is an easy proposal to support," Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi said. 

While this doesn't completely block their addresses from public view, as they are listed elsewhere as residents, it makes them a little harder to access. 

Moody pointed out that a Virginia city councilor was set on fire last year by a member of the public. NBC News reported that the attack stemmed from a personal matter. 

"I don't think anybody worries about me being able to defend myself, but I do have children, and I worry for them," Moody explained. 

Warren pointed out that they have done the same for those who speak at public comment. When he was first elected into office years ago, people picketed at his home for his stance on a School Committee issue. 

"Back then, it wasn't that big a deal. Now we find ourselves in very divisive times," Warren said. 

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