IS183 Art School of the Berkshires Adds Three to Board

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STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — IS183 Art School's Board of Directors has announced the addition of Joyce Bernstein of New Marlborough, Rose Ellis of Williamstown and Robin (Schultz) Gerber of New Marlborough to the Board.

"We are thrilled to welcome Joyce, Rose and Robin to the Board of IS183," said Andy Foster, IS183 board chair. "The addition of their energy, expertise and enthusiasm will be of significant value to our community art school.  I, and the entire board, look forward to working with them closely in the years to come."

Bernstein's resourcefulness is resounding as an entrepreneurial and creative executive with experience in real estate development, management and marketing. More recently she is on the Mass MoCA Board of Trustees and is active in private and public community development projects, refugee resettlement, international travel, conservation and farming.  
An obsessive gardener, art and film buff and contemporary art collector, Bernstein lives with her husband, Larry, in New Marlborough.

Ellis, former superintendent of schools in Williamstown, has dedicated her education leadership career to promoting education that is high quality, future-focused and innovative. Today, she works with non-profit organizations on visioning their future, developing strategic plans, and optimizing internal processes.



She lives in Williamstown with her husband, attorney Steven Green.

Gerber, owner of Robin Schultz Interior Design, brings her creativity, energy and enthusiasm to board service with IS183. She has a strong belief in giving back to the community and is evidenced by her donation of design services to The Little Firehouse Theater in Oradell, which is home to the Bergen County Players. She was recently elected to the Board of Berkshire Playwrights Lab.

Gerber lives with her husband, Stan, and their two Shih Tzus in New Marlborough.

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

MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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