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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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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