Purple Valley Aquatics Sends Eight to Championships

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Purple Valley Aquatics sent a total of seven swimmers to the championships in its debut season.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Purple Valley Aquatics, a new swimming team at Williams College, completed a successful debut season — a season where the team sent five swimmers to the 12 and under New England Championships and two swimmers to the 13-19 age group championships.

"I couldn't be prouder of this entire team, how hard they worked, and how much they supported each other this season," Purple Valley head coach Steve Kuster said. "We are fortunate to have some very talented swimmers who represented us proudly at championships this past month. I, and the rest of the Purple Valley board, could not be more pleased with the success of our first season, both in and out of the pool."
 
Purple Valley Aquatics was started in August by Coach Steve Kuster and his wife Kim, as well as board members Jennifer Bush, Janette Kessler Dudley, Carrie Ghidotti and Jay Thoman. By the end of the season, there were 45 registered swimmers, far more than the 20 the board hoped for. The Williamstown-based team attracted swimmers from Adams, Bennington (Vt.), Hinsdale (N.Y.), Lenox, Pittsfield and North Adams. Kuster was joined by coaches Karrie Honecker and the Williams College assistant coach Nick Stone.
 
The team sent six swimmers to the  12 and under New England Championships on Feb. 28 through March 3 at Upper Valley Aquatic Center in White River Junction (Vt.): Isaac Boyd (11 years old), Ellie Field (12), Gigi French (12), Cole Kuster (11), Jonah McNair (10), and Carson Wickman (11). Between them, they competed in 27 events and took 15 top-10 places.
 
The two swimmers sent to the 13-19 age group championships, hosted on March 7 through 10 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, were Jesse Tobin (13 years old) and Logan Wickman (14). Between them, they competed in 13 events and took five top-10 finishes.
 
For more information about Purple Valley Aquatics, visit their website, www.purplevalleyaquatics.org.

Tags: championship,   swimming,   

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Celebrity Chef Feed Our Neighbors Event

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Christian Center in Pittsfield is set to host a gastronomic extravaganza like no other on May 6 from 3pm to 7pm. 
 
The "Feed Our Neighbors" event promises an afternoon filled with delectable delights, lively music, and a spirit of community coming together to support a noble cause.
 
Renowned Celebrity Chef Chris Bonnivier, known for his culinary prowess and philanthropic spirit, spearheads this initiative to aid the local food pantry. With a heart as big as his flavors, Chef Bonnivier has rallied an impressive lineup of local eateries to join forces in the fight against hunger.
 
Guests can expect to indulge in a diverse array of culinary creations from beloved establishments such as Zuchini's, Fully Belly, Mazzeo's, Firehouse Cafe, KJ Nosh, Common Table, 413 Bistro, Uptown Smoke, Austin Riggs, Berkshire Catering Group, Porta Via, and more! From savory to sweet, there will be something to tantalize every palate. Haddad Subaru, will be providing a donation of their own as well as being onsite to volunteer, and raise money through some fun cornhole challenges! Subaru will also be collecting food at their East St location from now until May 5. Please stop in with your canned or dry goods.
 
Adding to the festive ambiance, Pittsfield's own musical sensation, Whiskey City, will provide the perfect backdrop of toe-tapping tunes, ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the event.
 
But it's not just about food and music - "Feed Our Neighbors" will also feature exciting raffles, offering attendees the chance to win!
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