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Superintendent James Brosnan, right, is presented with the Richard J. Bradley Endowment Fund Award by NEASC President and CEO Cameron Staples at the 133rd annual meeting and Conference in Boston on Dec. 14, 2018.

McCann Superintendent Receives Award

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — James Brosnan was recognized late last year for his work with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
 
The nonprofit, independent accreditation organization presented Brosnan, superintendent of the Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational School District, with the Richard J. Bradley Endowment Fund Award.
 
"To be recognized by your peers when you spend an entire lifetime in education being a committee member, a commissioner, and chair fo NEASC over 15 plus years," the superintendent said at Thursday's School Committee meeting at McCann Technical School. "To be recognized by your peers is one of the single most important honors in my life."
 
Brosnan received the award at NEASC's annual conference in December. Brosnan is the immediate past chairman of the organization's board of trustees.
 
"I am obviously an advocate for the accreditation process and the organization will stay something that I am connected to," he said.
 
The award is given in the name of the longtime executive director of NEASC and is presented annually to an active New England educator who has made significant contributions to the work and purpose of NEASC and whose exemplary work maintains and advocates high standards of excellence in education.
 
According to NEASC, Brosnan oversaw the corporate restructuring as its Commission on Higher Education transitioned to a "separate and independent" entity. 
 
"The process involved a tremendous amount of time and effort over the past few years, and those who worked with Brosnan have lauded his high level of engagement, attention to detail, and dedication to ensuring that NEASC continue to be effective in its mission to assess, provide support to, and promote high-quality education in schools across the K-16 continuum."
 
Brosnan has been superintendent of McCann for 24 years. 
 

Tags: academic award,   McCann,   recognition event,   

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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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