BCC Announces Year-End Music and Dance Programs

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The Fine and Performing Arts department at Berkshire Community College announces three concerts showcasing student talent.

The first event is the College’s annual Spring Concert, to be held in the Boland Theatre on Friday evening, May 2 at 7:30. The program features the BCC Chorale, directed by Ellen Shanahan, professor of music; Berkapella, the college’s a capella singing group; and “Circle Dance” and “Along the Way,” two dance performances by the students of Dance I and II taught by BCC dance instructor Andrea Borak. Student solo and small-ensemble performances, include Broadway and popular songs, original compositions, and a “Stomp” style percussion piece. Featured soloists include Emily Brooks, Amy Dellea, Christopher E. Dellea, Justin Furlon, Chris Hairston, Kim Gritman, Corey Doucette, Justin Hillman, Robin MacDonald, Judy McNutt, Maizy Scarpa, and Joe Sicotte.

On Tuesday evening, May 6, voice students of BCC voice instructor Arthur DeCandia will present a recital at 7:30 in room K111 of the Koussevitzky Arts Center. Piano accompaniment will be provided by Rahima Hohlstein. Students performing include Amber Page, Sonalben Mehta, Krista Duplantis, Christina D’Ascanio, Christopher Dellea, Joseph Sicotte, Robin MacDonald, Justin Furlon, Santos Pizarro, Emily Osthoff, Kim Gritman, and Ariana Bashara.

The final presentation is a concert by the BCC Jazz Ensemble under the direction of music instructor and guitarist Brian Rabuse. The ensemble will present an hour-long program of jazz classics on Saturday evening, May 10, at 7:30 in room K111 of the Koussevitzky Arts Center.

All three events are free and open to the public. For more information, call Ellen Shanahan at (413) 236-4703.
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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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