MCLA to Host the 22nd Annual Undergraduate Research Conference

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — On Thursday, April 18, 2024, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will hold the 22nd annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) to recognize students for their work and dedication in producing academic projects.
 
This year's keynote speaker is MCLA alumnus Deven Philbrick '16 – a poet and PhD Candidate in English Language and Literature at the University of Michigan. Philbrick earned his bachelor's in English/Communications & Philosophy with a double major in Literature and Writing concentrations from MCLA, then received a master's degree in creative writing from the University of Seattle-Washington in 2018. Currently, he is working on a dissertation on 20th-century innovative poetry and process philosophy.
 
The full-day event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a poster session at 11 a.m. and the keynote speaker and lunch at noon. Additional event schedules and locations are forthcoming.
 
"Undergraduate research is a value that underlies the mission of MCLA because it promotes excellence and innovation, creativity and critical thinking, service, and citizenship," said Graziana D'Elia-Brillante, URC chair and professor of modern languages at MCLA. "It is a transformative experience that transcends traditional classroom learning, offering students a profound journey of personal and intellectual growth going beyond textbooks, so students delve deeply into their chosen field, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts and methodologies."
 
Students will present 15-minute talks, posters, and artistic work; the URC will also include special sessions and events focused on specific themes and performances. Members of the media are welcome to cover this MCLA community event, sit in on virtual talks, and interview students and faculty members.
 
"Furthermore, undergraduate research nurtures a sense of independence and self-reliance, as students take ownership of their projects from conception to completion. This autonomy not only builds confidence but also instills a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence," said D'Elia-Brillante.   
 

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Weekend Outlook: Mount Greylock, Shakespeare Day

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this weekend including birding, theater, and more to welcome the warmer weather.

Here is a list of Memorial Day events happening around the county.

Editor's Picks

Mount Greylock Summit Opening Day
Mount Greylock, Adams

Welcome the warm weather on the state's highest peak. Bascom Lodge opens Saturday at 10 a.m. A live raptor demonstration is at noon on Saturday; beekeeping presentation from 11 to 2 and presentation on the Greylock Glen at 5:30 on Sunday.

The War Memorial will also be open. Tours and a presentation on the "Tower of Remembrance" will be held on Sunday and Monday at 1 and 2 p.m. Meet at the bronze map. 

More information here.

Shakespeare & Company Community Day 
70 Kemble St., Lenox
Time: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event features live demonstrations and performances, scavenger hunts, film screenings, food trucks, and dozens of other local nonprofits sharing the ways they serve the Berkshires — and beyond. 

More information here

Friday 

Wine and Warblers
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 5 to 7 p.m.

Enjoy a glass of wine and look for migratory birds like warblers, orioles, and other spring arrivals.

Tickets: $35 for members, $42 for nonmembers.

More information here.

Ronnie's Harley-Davidson Bike Night
Ronnie's Cycles, Pittsfield
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.

Ronnie's Cycles celebrates its 70th year with vendors, drinks, food, music, and more. Bring your bike to show off against others.

More information here.

Friday Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.

More information here.

Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Bring a craft you have been working on and join others to socialize.

More information here.

Saturday

Community Bike Ride
886 Crane Ave., Pittsfield
Time: 10  to noon

Take a bike ride with others in your community. Come earlier and decorate your bike and complete a bike safety check. This is open to ages 5 and up.

More information here.

Radical Reptile Series
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.

Second of a three-part series on reptiles and amphibians introduced by The Reptile Nook. This Saturday will focus on the world of lizards, and next Saturday on snakes.

More information here.

Pine Cobble Annual Plant Sale
Pine Copple School, Williamstown
Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The school's annual fundraiser features perennials, annuals and houseplants. Donations accepted.

More information here.

Mayfest
Downtown Bennington, Vt.
Time: 10 to 5
 
The 39th annual arts and crafts festival with more than 100 vendors. Free and family friendly with live performances, food trucks and local restaurant and downtown business specials. Held on Main and School streets. 
 
More information here

Sunday

Introduction to Bird Watching
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.

Interested in learning about the birds and trying to catch a glimpse of all the different types? Join Mass Audubon and practice birding. Bring your own binoculars, some loaners available. 

More information and register here.

Farmer's Markets 

Great Barrington Farmers Market
18 Church St.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
 
The market is open every Saturday. Every week, locally grown food, flowers, and plants will be available, along with other local vendors. The market accepts and offers doubling SNAP, HIP, WIC, and Senior market coupons. More information is here

Lee Farmers Market
The Town Park
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

The market offers locally grown produce, prepared foods, locally created arts and crafts, and herbal products. YogaLee offers free community yoga from 9:30 to 10:30 on the first Saturday of each month.

The market accepts SNAP, HIP, Senior Coupons, and WIC Coupons and also offers Market Match. More information here

Lenox Farmers Market
St. Ann's Church
Fridays: 11 to 3. 

This market is open every Friday through Sept. 12 and features fresh produce, pastries, cheeses, and more.

More information here

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