Miss Hall's School Teacher Honored

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Miss Hall's School announces that Christopher Himes, the school's director of engineering and technology innovation/STEAM coordinator has been recognized as an honorable mention recipient of the 2017 NCWIT Educator Award for Aspirations in Computing.

Presented by the National Center for Women & Information Technology, the Educator Award is conferred upon educators who have demonstrated a commitment to encouraging young women's aspirations in computing. The NCWIT, located at the University of Colorado Boulder, seeks to increase the meaningful participation of women in the influential field of computing, particularly in terms of innovation and development.

In presenting the award, the organization noted: "Young women represent a promising source of technical talent, yet are woefully underrepresented in computing. Great teachers are one of the most important factors in inspiring young women to engage with technology in meaningful ways and pursue technical careers. We thank you for all you have done to make computing a reality and we look forward to seeing your students among our award applicants and recipients for years to come."

Himes joined MHS in July and oversees the school's new Department of Engineering and Technology Innovation, and he directs the MHS STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) initiative. Both programs are based in the Grace Murray Hopper Innovation Lab in Linn Hall, the school's new interdisciplinary academic building.

"Dr. Himes has been a wonderful addition to the MHS faculty, and we are thrilled to see him recognized," said Head of School Julia Heaton. "He is an engaging and innovative teacher who is deeply committed to girls' leadership and inspiring young women to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, and engineering. Even students who are not taking classes with Dr. Himes have found their way to the Hopper Lab, inspired by his passion and enthusiasm for teaching STEAM. This recognition is well-deserved."


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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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