Flying Cloud Institute Welcomes New Board Member

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Flying Cloud Institute has announced that Mary Nash has joined the Board of Directors.

Nash currently runs NASH Insights in Lenox, Mass., working with organizations to assess their needs, conduct program evaluation, and obtain grant funding. She is the former executive director of the Berkshire County Regional Employment Board and the Boston Area Health Education Center.

Nash has shown her dedication to the students and educators of Berkshire County since she moved here in 1992 by working with the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Berkshire United Way, Hillcrest Educational Centers, and Berkshire Health Systems amongst several other organizations.   

We are fortunate to have Mary’s energy and expertise on the board. She is a great person to work with and we all are grateful that she has joined the team," FCI Executive Director Maria Rundle said.



Nash said she was honored to join the board of directors.

"I love how FCI inspires young people and educators by engaging them in innovative science, engineering and arts programs," she said. "I look forward to helping the organization continue to make a positive impact in the community."

Flying Cloud Institute is a non-profit education organization that inspires young people and educators through dynamic science and art experiences that ignite creativity. FCI offers residencies and after school programs to schools to help them meet science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) standards as well as professional development for educators and summer programs that extend student learning.

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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