Cameron Black of West Stockbridge Awarded Scholarship to Pursue Music

Print Story | Email Story

WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Cameron Ryan Black of West Stockbridge was awarded a $1,150 scholarship from The Jamie Fund, a fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation named in memory of Stockbridge resident and gifted musician Jamie Bugley.

Black, who recently  from Monument Mountain Regional High School in June, will attend the University of New Haven this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music and sound recording.

Black was selected from a field of eight applicants for his academic achievement and leadership in the classroom, as well as his independent initiative to produce music outside of school. He aspires to be a music producer, performer or professional disc jockey, with the specific goal of using music to express, and even solve, societal and global issues.

“As long as I’m working with music I will be happy,” Black wrote in his application. “I want my music to have a positive impact on the world.”



The Jamie Fund, which supports one graduating high school senior of Berkshire County each year who is interested in studying music or the vocational arts at an accredited educational institution, celebrates the life of James Bugley, an accomplished percussionist and vocalist who performed at venues throughout Berkshire County and in New York and Connecticut. Jamie, who died suddenly in 2010, was known for his exceptional work ethic, perfectionist attitude and warm sense of humor. These qualities live on in Cameron Black, as well as Anthony Sears of Pittsfield and Justin Geyer of Dalton, the first two Jamie Fund recipients.

“Cam has been a quiet and influential leader in our classrooms,” Principal Marianne R. Young wrote in a letter of recommendation. “He is inquisitive and funny, sincere and well-liked. He is passionate about music and philosophy, intrigued by big questions and big ideas. He is a learner.”

To learn more about The Jamie Fund, visit www.berkshiretaconic.org or call 413-229-0370.

 


Tags: Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Town Hall Lift Solutions in Development

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — Solutions are being sought for the lift in Town Hall that has been out of service since December because of safety concerns. 
 
Building Grounds Superintendent Jeff Burch told the Americans with Disabilities Act Committee meeting on Tuesday night that Hill Engineering has been contracted to come up with a potential option.
 
The lift is in the police station and the only other lift for the town hall is in the library, which is not accessible after library hours. 
 
Previous attempts by Garaventa Lift to repair it have been unsuccessful. 
 
Replacing it in the same location is not an option because the new weight limit requirement went from 400 pounds to 650 pounds. Determining whether the current railings can hold 650 pounds is outside the scope of Garaventa's services to the town. 
 
The first option Hill has proposed is to install a vertical lift in a storage closet to the left of the police entrance, which would go up into the town account's office. 
 
A member of the committee expressed concern that the current office location may not be suitable as it could hinder access to the police station during construction. 
 
View Full Story

More W. Stockbridge Stories