Herberg Students to Take Part in Junior National Young Leaders Conference

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Three students  from Herberg Middle School in Pittsfield were nominated and accepted to the 2017 Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC), an Envision program that provides a historical view of leadership and encourages young scholars to develop their own leadership skills and strategies for success in the 21st century.

Molly Sherman, Ahliya Phillips, and Tobias Gaulden-Wheeler will join sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students from around the country in Washington, D.C. from July 30-Aug. 4.

"The Junior National Young Leaders Conference enables students to recognize their own leadership abilities in the context of great men and women from the past and present," said Andrew Potter, the chief academic officer for Envision. "They return home with new confidence in their ability to make a positive impact in their school and communities. Washington, D.C., serves as the perfect backdrop for this inspiring program to generate a new generation of U.S. leaders."


At the six-day conference, sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students take part in fun and exciting workshops and participate in simulations to expand their leadership abilities. Scholars explore historically significant sites, such as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and memorials throughout Washington, D.C., to reflect upon and learn from leaders and events of the past.

"The students gain greater sense of themselves, their roles to preserve American democracy, and their responsibilities as tomorrow’s leaders," Potter said.

JrNYLC prepares students to utilize their improved leadership skills to promote positive change in their schools and communities through social advocacy. Students will work with their peers to create action plans for change to put into practice when they return home.


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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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