Berkshire Green Drinks: From Pretzel Slime to Carnival Candy

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Shelby Perry of Northeast Wilderness Trust will speak at the February Berkshire Green Drinks event, covering the life cycle of slime molds. 
 
This free virtual event will take place online via Zoom on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 6:00 PM. 
 
According to a press release:
 
Animal, vegetable, mineral…or none of the above? Learn about the unexpected lives of slime molds (myxomycetes) in this naturalist presentation by Shelby Perry, Wildlands Ecology Director at Northeast Wilderness Trust. During this talk, Shelby will explain the life cycle of the slime mold and some of its surprising habits. Attendees will learn where and when to find them in the forest and see a variety of impressive species that live in the Northeast. Resources will be compiled at the end of the presentation for those psyched on slime molds who want to learn more!
 
Registration is required to attend this virtual event. Register at https://tinyurl.com/Feb2025-Berks-Green-Drinks.
 
Berkshire Green Drinks is an informal gathering on the second Wednesday of the month that is free and open to everyone with any environmental interest. A guest speaker talks about an environmentally related topic for approximately 30 minutes beginning at 6 PM; the presentation is followed by a discussion and Q&A.
 
Berkshire Green Drinks is sponsored and organized by the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT). 

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18 Degrees Event Celebrates Reunified Families

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For many families involved with the Department of Children and Families, the first feeling is often fear of their child being removed from the home.
 
In reality, its goal is the opposite.
 
Last week, families, attorneys, social workers, and agency staff gathered at the 18 Degrees Family Resource Center to honor four families who overcame obstacles, such as addiction, successfully navigated the system, and were ultimately reunited with their children.
 
According to the event flyer, since 2010, the child welfare community has recognized June as Family Unification Month, formerly Family Reunification Month, to honor families working to strengthen and reunify their families, as well as the advocates who support them and help prevent family separation.
 
Speaking at the podium, some parents reflected on the negative perceptions they once had of DCF – views that changed as they confronted their struggles, persevered, and worked with the agency to access support and become better parents.
 
The setting of the celebration reflected the theme of new beginnings, as the name 18 Degrees symbolizes the height of the sun on a new day, which is filled with new opportunities and possibilities, said Stephanie Steed, 18 Degrees president and CEO. 
 
"It is where the change from darkness to light happens, and all those things are just really symbolic and really a part of everyone's process," she said. 
 
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