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Peter and Mary Ellen Breen, Shannon Roberts, Mayor Richard Alcombright, Jennifer Breen Kirsch, Daniel Kirsch and Michele Alcombright at the ribbon cutting to open Breen Kirsch's new law office.

North Adams Attorney Offers Mediation Services

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Local attorney Jennifer Breen Kirsch has opened a new office on the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art campus and announced a new focus to her services.

Kirsch is expanding her firm to include divorce mediation services in an effort to help entire families successfully meet the complicated challenges that often accompany divorce.

"The reason I'm entering mediation practice is to save people the pain and anguish of litigation, and to preserve the integrity of co-parenting," she said in announcing the new service.

In addition to divorce mediation, Kirsch also practices criminal law, family law, Juvenile Court proceedings and CHINS cases. She also handles real estate, probate, and care and protection matters. She was admitted to the bar in 2004.

Kirsch opened her new office on the second floor of Building 13 with a reception and ribbon cutting on Thursday afternoon with the help of friend Mayor Richard Alcombright.

"I truly appreciate the mayor's support in my new endeavor. This is not just a change of address, but a big change in my practice," she said. On Thursday, she also thanked her family and friends for their support, particularly her husband Daniel Kirsch.

Alcombright said Kirsch is an example that opportunities exist in the city.

"We hear a lot that there are no opportunities for young people, that they don't come back because they can't come back," he said on Thursday. "And Jen is kind of living walking proof of someone I would suggest clawed her way back here ... in the nicest way ... in the sense of her working her way through the district attroney's office and working as a defense attorney ... and working so hard to establish an office.

"I'm really proud of you and welcome to North Adams."

Kirsch earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology and political science from Union College, her law degree from Northeastern University, and is certified in divorce mediation. She served as a prosecutor in the Middlesex County district attorney's office from 2004 to 2006, before returning to her hometown of North Adams to enter private practice.

"Mass MoCA is a beautiful location and the campus is striking in architecture and tradition,” Kirsch said of her new office location. "I grew up with a father who worked for Sprague Electric, and now appreciate what this space has become, given the changing times. I'm looking forward to expanding my practice in such a professional and unique space."

Kirsch is chairman of the North Adams Housing Authority and serves on the Berkshire Commission on the Status of Women. For more information, contact Kirsch at 413-441-5905.



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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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