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Lenox Holds First Annual Tree Walk

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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LENOX, Mass. — Downtown Lenox is utilizing sidewalks this holiday season by lining them with decorated trees.

The first annual Holiday Tree Walk is happening through the month of December on Main Street, Housatonic Street, Walker Street, and Church Street.

During this holiday season, these trees can be viewed in a safe, social distancing manner while browsing historical Lenox.

The event is a collaboration with the Lenox Chamber of Commerce, the townolki9"? and the Lenox Cultural District.

"It was a collaborative brainchild between the Cultural District and the Chamber of Commerce's Director Jennifer Nacht," the chamber's Creative Services Manager Deirdre McKenna said. "It was something that came out of some of the discussions with the Cultural District committee members."

Nearly 30 decorated holiday trees can be found lining the streets and featuring a Pickle Scavenger Hunt in which viewers locate a good luck pickle on every tree.



Most of the trees' decorations were a result of a business and an artist being paired, with the business paying the cost of the decorations.

Organizations including Shakespeare & Company, Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, and Ventfort Hall, and more submitted staff-decorated trees for the tree walk.

This event is free to the public and can be viewed at any time, as the trees will be up through December.

For more information visit lenox.org/holiday-tree-walk-2020.


Tags: holiday event,   

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18 Degrees Event Celebrates Reunified Families

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For many families involved with the Department of Children and Families, the first feeling is often fear of their child being removed from the home.
 
In reality, its goal is the opposite.
 
Last week, families, attorneys, social workers, and agency staff gathered at the 18 Degrees Family Resource Center to honor four families who overcame obstacles, such as addiction, successfully navigated the system, and were ultimately reunited with their children.
 
According to the event flyer, since 2010, the child welfare community has recognized June as Family Unification Month, formerly Family Reunification Month, to honor families working to strengthen and reunify their families, as well as the advocates who support them and help prevent family separation.
 
Speaking at the podium, some parents reflected on the negative perceptions they once had of DCF – views that changed as they confronted their struggles, persevered, and worked with the agency to access support and become better parents.
 
The setting of the celebration reflected the theme of new beginnings, as the name 18 Degrees symbolizes the height of the sun on a new day, which is filled with new opportunities and possibilities, said Stephanie Steed, 18 Degrees president and CEO. 
 
"It is where the change from darkness to light happens, and all those things are just really symbolic and really a part of everyone's process," she said. 
 
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