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Norman Rockwell Museum has hosted naturalization ceremonies for several years. This year the ceremony will be held Sept. 9.

Norman Rockwell Museum to Host Naturalization Ceremony

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STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — In partnership with Berkshire Immigrant Center, Norman Rockwell Museum once again will host a naturalization ceremony inside its galleries on Saturday, Sept. 9, starting at 10 a.m.

Berkshire County residents who immigrated to the country from around the world will be sworn-in as new naturalized United States citizens during a special ceremony to be held against the backdrop of Norman Rockwell’s iconic Four Freedoms paintings.

"Hosting the citizenship naturalization ceremonies has been one of my most rewarding moments during all my years with the museum," said Norman Rockwell Museum Director/CEO Laurie Norton Moffatt. "Norman Rockwell celebrated all the world's cultures and peoples through his art. I hope our new citizens will always feel at home here at the Museum, and hold a special memory of this ceremony."

For the second year, the ceremony will be presided over by the Honorable Joan M. McMenemy, first justice of Berkshire County Juvenile Court. Remarks are to be provided by Norton Moffatt and Brooke Mead, director of Berkshire Immigrant Center.



Adding to the proceedings, pianist Karen Tchougourian will offer music during the reception for the new citizens and their families, following the ceremony.

This year's ceremony is made possible with generous support from Helen Bing and Berkshire Bank. Additional support provided by Blue Q, The Great Barrington Bagel Company & Deli, and Kapiloff's Glass Inc.

Support for the event is encouraged and can be arranged by contacting the museum at 413-931-2221. Priority seating is given to new citizens and their families; Museum visitors are welcome to observe the ceremony based on space availability.


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Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.

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