Summer Planetarium Sky Opens at Williams

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williams College will put its Zeiss Skymaster Planetarium Projector through its paces, showing audiences the summer sky and the constellations on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 8:30 p.m., through August 12. The summer program began June 22.

The latest discoveries about the solar system will be described, as will plans for this summer's scientific expeditions to Santiago, Chile, to study Pluto and to Easter Island to observe the July 11 total solar eclipse. The planetarium shows are free.

The Mehlin Museum of Astronomy and the Milham Planetarium are located in the Old Hopkins Observatory, the oldest extant astronomical observatory in the United States. The facilities are located at 829 Main St. (south side of Route 2), between Spring Street and Water Street in the campus' Berkshire Quad.

The museum and planetarium open on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:10 p.m. For free reservations (which are recommended) call 413-597-2188. Others will be admitted as space permits. Large groups should call for special appointments.

The shows are designed and given by Williams College and visiting astronomy students under the direction of Professor Jay Pasachoff. The summer season is sponsored by the Brandi Fund.

Williams faculty and students also will participate in the astronomy observing being made available in Lenox on August 3 at Tanglewood on Parade in collaboration with Professor Donald Lubowich of Hofstra University.
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St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School  in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.
 
"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."
 
Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.
 
"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."
 
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
 
"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."
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