Berkshire Museum Announces Key Hires

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Museum welcomes Stacy Parsons as education program manager and Roshni Bhambhwani as activation manager, bringing to the museum deep experience in education and museum programming.

"We are making thoughtful additions to a strong staff as the Berkshire Museum moves into the future with a renewed commitment to our community and our mission," said Elizabeth McGraw, president of the museum's Board of Trustees. "Local students and educators are seeking more from the museum, and we are working hard with them to expand opportunities for learning."

As education program manager, Parsons will be responsible for developing, implementing, and promoting educational programs and school-directed educational services for students and teachers that interpret the museum's natural science and arts collection. Parsons comes to the museum from Berkshire County Head Start where she was responsible for program administration for 20 preschool classrooms at seven different sites serving at-risk and high-risk families located throughout Berkshire County.

"The Berkshire Museum is so important to providing educational opportunities to people young and old across our community. I am excited to become a part of that critical work, developing new and innovative ways to engage students and educators in the lessons to be learned through the museum's extraordinary collection," Parsons said.



As activation manager, Bhambhwani will be responsible for the development and presentation of public programs, including adult and family programs, classes, presentations, gallery programs, museum tours and camps. Programming also includes educator-led programs, outreach, after-school programs, and assisting with teacher professional development workshops.

Bhambhwani has been working in the museum field for the better part of the last decade with positions in programming, education, and marketing. Her most recent appointments include multiple positions at miSci in Schenectady, N.Y.

“This is such an exciting time to be joining the Berkshire Museum, with great opportunities to engage the community in new and innovative ways. I am eager to help the museum as it moves into the future," Bhambhwani said.


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Toy Library Installed at Onota Lake

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Feel free to use or leave a toy at Onota Lake's newest infrastructure meant to foster community and benefit kids.

Burbank Park now has a toy library thanks to Wahconah Regional High School senior Alexandra Bills. Located along the wall at the beach area, the green and blue structure features two shelves with sand toys that can be used to enhance children's visits.

The Parks Commission supported Bills' proposal in February as part of her National Honors Society individual service project and it was installed this month. Measuring about 4 feet wide and 5.8 feet tall, it was built by the student and her father with donated materials from a local lumber company.

Friends and family members provided toys to fill the library such as pails, shovels, Frisbees, and trucks.

"I wanted to create a toy library like the other examples in Berkshire County from the sled library to the book libraries," she told the commission in February.

"But I wanted to make it toys for Onota Lake because a lot of kids forget their toys or some kids can't afford toys."

Bills lives nearby and will check on the library weekly — if not daily — to ensure the operation is running smoothly.  A sign reading "Borrow-Play-Return" asks community members to clean up after themselves after using the toys.

It was built to accommodate children's heights and will be stored during the winter season.

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