They're up before dawn checking radar maps, faxed and emailed reports, gauges and charts. They boil all the information down to a few sentences - so we can turn on the radio and decide whether to grab an umbrella as we head out the door.
Three Egremont School grade 4 students on Thursday got a taste of what it's like to be an on-air weather forecaster. Joleigh Ferro, Nicholas Russo and Lauryn Garner, accompanied by their teacher, Meg Skowron, showed up at the WUPE/WUHN studios at 6 a.m., ready to go to work as "weatherkids."
This marks the seventh year that WUPE/WUHN has hosted the Pittsfield "weatherkids."
Their job for the next three hours would be to work with radio hosts Alex Seseske and Larry Kratka to present periodic on-air weather reports - along with the cheerful banter that radio listeners expect with their morning drives.
It was the first radio experience for the group of youngsters, and it was an experience they clearly enjoyed. "I just think this is cool," Ferro said, after finishing an on-air weather update.
Garner admitted to being "kind of" nervous at first. But she quickly relaxed, smiling as she shared information with listeners. The audience, no doubt, included many of her friends, classmates and family.
Russo said the radio studio was "a little different" than he imagined but he relished being on the air. "It was something I've never done, but I'm really excited about it," he said. 'It's interesting to think that everybody is listening to what you say."
The "weatherkids" day marked the culmination of a 7-week science unit for the entire grade 4 class. Students learned about the tools and technology that help meteorologists forecast the weather and kept "weather journals" - which must be fairly interesting given the roller coaster weather over the past few months.
The three students were selected by Skowron to represent the class as "weatherkids." The teacher said the weather unit is "absolutely" one of her highlights during the school year.
Seseske, Kratka and other WUPE staffers appeared to enjoy the morning, made more exciting by the eager youngsters and popping of camera flash. Ferro even shared the fin with her younger brother, showing him around the studio and helping him to try on headphones. The kids presented the two radio personalities with candy and gifts as a thank-you.
Despite the excitement, all of the kids remarked on one thing - you have to get up pretty early to be a radio weather person. "I'm pretty tired," remarked Ferro, as she waited to go on the air. "One of the best parts about this is that we get to get out of school."
Following the on-air session, the students, along with Skowron and Seseske, headed to Court Square Breakfast and Deli for breakfast - an annual post "weatherkids" tradition.
• Click here to watch Joleigh Ferro on the air • Click here to watch Lauryn Garner on the air•(122KB) Audio: Nick Russo•(126KB)Audio: Lauryn Garner•(90KB)Audio: Joleigh Ferro
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
The home prior to renovations.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.
The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.
The house is listed for $359,500.
We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieriand Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.
What was your first impression when you walked into the home?
Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.
Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.) The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.
What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?
Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few. All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.
Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house. New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house. New paver patio in the back yard.
What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?
Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.
Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.
Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.
Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?
Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.
Andrews: Built in about 1965.
What do the current owners love about this home?
Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.
Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.
You can find out more about this house on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
The city has lifted a boil water order — with several exceptions — that was issued late Monday morning following several water line breaks over the weekend. click for more
The bridge had been closed to all vehicle traffic since March 2023 after being deemed structurally deficient by the state Department of Transportation. click for more
• Click here to watch Joleigh Ferro on the air
