MCLA's Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation Receives LEED Gold Certification

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts's Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the United States Green Building Council.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, developed by USGBC, is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.

According to MCLA President James F. Birge, the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation is a model of sustainability. The building's photovoltaic solar panel array, he said, is just one feature that helps make this 65,000-square-foot, high-tech building exceptionally energy-efficient.

"Sustainability is extremely important to MCLA," Birge said. "We are delighted that our Center for Science and Innovation has been recognized at this very high level of certification."


"MCLA's LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership," said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. "The urgency of USGBC's mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and MCLA serves as a prime example of just how much we can accomplish."

According to Lawrence Behan, MCLA vice president of administration and finance, "This project emphasizes that ongoing investments in public higher education infrastructure are not only essential, but can be cost effective to operate with green-build technologies.  This is an example of the many collaborative efforts between state agencies, in this case the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and MCLA."

In addition to its LEED certification, the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation features state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, research and presentation spaces, a greenhouse, a rooftop classroom and outdoor instruction areas.

Like the Science Center, MCLA's recently renovated Bowman Hall is LEED-certified, and features heat- and cooling-efficient devices, new windows and digital controls that provide operational cost savings.


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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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