North Adams Superintendent Honored by Peers

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Barbara Malkas is honored with the MASS President's Award. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Superintendent of Schools Barbara Malkas has been recognized by her peers for her professional accomplishment and her advocacy for students. 
 
Malkas was presented with the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents' 2019 President's Award at the association's May conference. 
 
A member of the MASS executive committee, she has been an educator for more than 32 years in the roles of science teacher, school administrator, district administrator, deputy superintendent, and superintendent. She has been superintendent of the North Adams Public Schools for three years and of the Webster Public Schools for the previous four years.  
 
She was selected for the award because in each of her districts and roles, she has strived to improve the quality of education for all students, particularly those representing underserved populations. As a MASS committee member, she consistently advocates for the unique needs of students in Western Massachusetts. She also served as the Berkshire County representative to the Superintendents Advisory Council, often reminding the commissioner in a clear and professional manner of the unique conditions in Berkshire County.
 
Her own experiences in education contribute to her belief that education is the key to lifelong satisfaction and meaning. She said she is forever grateful to those early teachers in her own life who encouraged and assured her that it was OK to be the "smart girl," even in the 1960s and '70s.
 
Malkas completed the New Superintendents Induction Program in 2015. She made an important contribution to this Program through her well-developed strategy for the district, her thoughtful presentation of Problems of Practice and her strong commitment to the importance of the leadership team.
 
In addition to her professional responsibilities, she is the board president of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to preventing environmental causes of breast cancer through education, research advocacy and changes to public policy. Through her involvement with this organization the "Let's Talk Prevention: Actions You Can Take" environmental education program was designed with four high school modules and a middle and elementary grades modules are in development.

Tags: recognition event,   superintendent,   

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The home prior to renovations.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.

The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.

The house is listed for $359,500.

We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieri and Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.

 

Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.)  The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.  

 

 

What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?

 

Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few.  All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.

 

Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house.  New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house.  New paver patio in the back yard.

 

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

 

Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.

 

Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.

 

 

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

 

Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.

 

Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.

 

Andrews: Built in about 1965.

 

What do the current owners love about this home?

 

Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.

 

Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.

 

 

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

 

Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.  

 

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

 

 

 

 

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