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Berkshires Beat: Humans of the Berkshires Initiative Celebrates Local Youth
04:14PM / Monday, June 20, 2016
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Mason Papirio of Pittsfield High School was profiled in the new Humans of Berkshire County initiative.

We're only human: Berkshire County has adapted the successful Humans of New York social media campaign to create a countywide forum that celebrates the rich lives of local youth as well as the abundant, positive, intergenerational interactions in the area.

Humans of New York was started by photographer Brandon Stanton in 2010 as an effort to catalog New York City’s eclectic residents, posting a simple photograph of the subject alongside their story. The initiative has blossomed into a movement, having been recreated around the world to celebrate the diversity and positivity of copious communities.

Seventy percent of eighth-graders in Berkshire County do not feel appreciated by their neighbors or community, and this only increases in 10th and 12th grade. Humans of the Berkshires is a campaign aimed at featuring the diverse talents and interests of young people of the county in response to this data. The project was created by Berkshire United Way Positive Youth Development Impact Council and Berkshire Children and Families with input and participation from many county based youth and other organizations and community partners. By showcasing the rich and diverse lives that youth lead in the county, the aim is that adults will see them as active participants, and that youth will see that the adults appreciate their contributions to the community.

Humans of the Berkshires launched May 25 with a profile of Mason Papirio of Pittsfield High School. Members of the community are encouraged to like the Humans of the Berkshires Facebook page and follow Humans of the Berkshires on Instagram.  To nominate an individual between the ages of 14 and 22 for Humans of the Berkshires, email humansoftheberkshires@gmail.com.



Circus of caring: The Dalton Lions Club has brought a circus to Dalton for 24 years. As a part of this program, through the sponsorship of caring business and individuals, low-income families and children are given tickets to the circus.

Last year the Lions Club raised $7,000 to fund this program. This year, as of today, the club has raised just $4,500 and is asking for the public's help to make this a special day for these families from the six agencies  who help low-income families.  

Any donation, large or small, will be helpful. Donations can be sent to Dalton Lions Charities, 36 Claremont Road, Dalton, MA 01226-2009. All donations are tax-deductible.


Looking bright: The Berkshire Family YMCA announces limited spots still available in its Bright Futures: Summer Literacy Program for students entering grades 2-5 for those needing reading development.

The program’s goal is to develop eligible readers’ literacy knowledge and skills over the 2016 summer by providing a safe, structured environment. The program focuses on literacy and physical activities such as educational field trips and sports activities. Certified teachers from Pittsfield Public Schools and teacher aides will lead intense literacy curriculum.

The program is open to as many as 40 students entering grades two through five who would benefit from reading development. The program will meet Monday through Friday, July 5-Aug. 26, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. for $25/week. Parents can drop off as early as 8:30 a.m. (Before and after-care will be provided from 7:30-9 a.m. and 4-5:30 p.m. for an additional fee.) The Berkshire Family YMCA provides financial scholarships for those who qualify. Contact Jeremy at 413-499-7650, ext. 233, or jlevesque@pittsfieldfamilyymca.org for more information.



Caring and sharing: Seven years ago, Jane Glaser became a full time resident after vacationing in the Berkshires for 25 years. Much to her surprise, she found a very different community than the one she thought she knew. “I saw many residents who were faced with challenges that made their lives very difficult,” Glaser said.

As someone who had always been involved in philanthropic activities, she reached out to the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires to provide insight into what services might be needed. Glaser found “a great need in the general population that crossed all denominations.”

As a result, she founded a core group of like-minded women and called it the Jewish Women’s Foundation. Today, six years later, the foundation has 100 members, an elected Board of Directors and an annual granting cycle. They have gifted over $210,000 to various recipients including: Berkshire Children and Families – Kids for Harmony; Railroad Youth Street Project; Jewish Federation of the Berkshires; BMC Care Navigation; Construct Inc.; Community Health Programs; The Literacy Network of South Berkshire; Growing Healthy Garden Program; Fuel Security and Food Pantry.

In addition to financial help, the Foundation has partnered with Muddybrook Elementary School where Foundation members help students with reading skills. For further information and grant guidelines, contact jewishberkshires.org/jewish-womens-foundation.



Kickin' it: The City of Pittsfield Department of Community Development Recreation Program's Just for Kicks program will be held July 5-8.

The City of Pittsfield and Pittsfield Soccer Club have teamed up for this free program, which features instructors from Sports Domain Academy introducing and teaching youth the basics of soccer including the components, rules, and etiquette.

Just for Kicks will be a four-day program for Pittsfield children ages 5 to 10.  The program will run from 9 a.m. to noon that Tuesday through Friday at Clapp Park on West Housatonic Street.

Pre-registration is required, and is first-come, first-serve basis; the number of participants will be limited to 60.  Forms are available at the Department of Community Development in room 205 of City Hall, or online at www.cityofpittsfield.org.



Piece of the past: Hancock Shaker Village has received a grant of $110,000 from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund for continuing work on priority restoration projects within the historic Village.  

Hancock Shaker Village is currently engaged in a $500,000 Priority Restoration and Repairs Project intended to address multiple jobs within the historic Village, including the Brick Dwelling, which was the communal living hall that was home to 300 Shakers for 100 years. The Dwelling's 142 windows and 111 sets of shutters, along with the structure's bell tower, will be restored, along with improvements and repairs made to the building's electrical and fire-detection systems.

Hancock Shaker Village has other gifts and grants in hand worth $125,826. With the MCFF grant, the priority restoration fund reaches $235,826, almost half of the campaign goal of $500,000. The MCFF requires that the Massachusetts Historical Commission approve the Shaker Village restoration plan before releasing funds.  The agency's approval is expected within several months, possibly sooner.

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