BBPW announces 2021 Scholarship recipients

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Business & Professional Women (BBPW) announced the recipients of its annual Career Advancement Scholarship Program.
 
After receiving a record number of applications for the 2021 program, BBPW awarded total of $20,000 in scholarships to 20 local women.
 
This year's scholarship recipients include: Denise Andre, Monica Bernal, Libby Boissy, Alyssa Dunham, Brittany Durand, Diana El Hariri Saie, Ashley Brooke Fox, Nicole Haas, Tara Jones-Nutting, Johanna Lenski, Erin Merrigan, Patricia Molina, Jennifer Parker, Doreen Perullo, Lisa Polidoro, Nataliia Riva, Joanna Nicole Rivera, Kristen Sparhawk, Laura Tubbs, and Jennifer Valente.
 
BBPW President Hannah DeLisle-Stall, a co-chair of the Scholarship Committee, said this year's scholarship recipients represent a wide variety of career goals and industries - including healthcare, social services, education, STEM, and business. 
 
"One of our goals this year was to serve a broader range of needs through our scholarship. We recognize that a traditional degree program is not the only way to advance one's career, so we are pleased to award scholarships to women in diverse academic programs, those pursuing specialized certificates and licenses, as well as associates, bachelors and masters degrees," said DeLisle-Stall, who received a BBPW scholarship in 2013.
 
Ivy Rodriguez Campos, who also co-chairs the Scholarship Committee and was a 2019 scholarship recipient, said she was thrilled to know BBPW is able to support women's professional aspirations during these uncertain times. 
 
"The challenge of building a career has only increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for women. BBPW is pleased to recognize these women working diligently to advance their careers," said Campos.
 
Merrigan, one of this year's recipients, who is obtaining a degree in Health Sciences from Berkshire Community College, said her BBPW scholarship symbolized more than a financial boost.
 
"It has reminded me of what is so special about this community and has been a huge morale booster and further motivates me to do the best that I can."
 
Fellow awardee, Valente, said the scholarship provides a meaningful resource to advance her goals. 
 
"I am so excited to have this opportunity to enhance my skill set and to be on my way to achieving a new level of autonomy in my professional life," said Valente, who is using her scholarship to pursue a massage therapy certificate to complement her work as a physical therapist assistant. 
 

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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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