Flying Cloud Institute Appoints Afterschool Educator

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Flying Cloud Institute (FCI) has hired Liliana Atanacio as an Afterschool Science and Art Educator. 
 
In this role, Atanacio will lead afterschool Girls Science Clubs and MakerSpaces, as well as in-school residencies. She brings an understanding of the interconnectedness of multiple disciplines and the ability to analyze systems and incorporate critical thinking to create positive change.
 
"STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education has had a transformative power on my own life. I love watching the next generation of learners and leaders in our community. Nothing makes me happier than helping and supporting their dreams," said Atanacio.
 
Atanacio holds an Associate of Science in Engineering degree from Berkshire Community College (BCC) and has completed Arduino and coding coursework at Mount Holyoke College. In 2016, Atanacio participated in the first Community College hackathon in Massachusetts with Major league Hacking and BCC. Her work experience includes serving as a Maintenance Technician for Global Foundries, a semiconductor company where she optimized and maximized tool utilization through automation and inventory planning systems.
 
Outside of work, Liliana brings her passion for helping others to the Latinx community of Berkshire County. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and serves as co-president and founder of Latinas413, a nonprofit organization that advocates for Latinas representation. She spearheaded a mentorship program for Latinas413 and continues to mentor and to fundraise for scholarships.
 
"We welcome Liliana to the FCI team to inspire young people and educators through dynamic experiences with science and art that ignite creativity," said Executive Director Maria Rundle. "We are so grateful to have found an educator to support our mission."

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Hannah Wicklund and Turning Jane Perform at Barrington Hall

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Hannah Wicklund and Turning Jane will take the stage at Barrington Hall on Saturday, bringing a night of rock 'n' roll, self-expression and empowerment as part of their independently produced tour, "Cowards, Kings & Queens of Hearts."
 
The duo is challenging traditional music industry practices by taking control of their careers, bringing live performances to smaller communities, and fostering human connection with the goal of inspiring creativity and individuality, Wicklund said.
 
Having toured since she was 16, the South Carolina native said most of her previous performances were concentrated in major markets.
 
Great Barrington was intentionally selected as a stop on the tour because it "fit perfectly" with the artists' efforts to bring their music to smaller communities, raise awareness of independent artists, and demonstrate alternatives to the traditional, corporate-driven music industry, she said.
 
The tour's name, "Cowards, Kings & Queens of Hearts," combines the titles of songs and albums from its two co-headlining acts: Wicklund's song "Cowards and Kings," from her album "War on Women, Calling All Good Men," and four-piece rock band Turning Jane's album "Queen of Hearts." 
 
The two performers bring contrasting styles to the stage, with Turning Jane delivering a more traditional rock sound and Wicklund adding a psychedelic edge. These different rock styles add variety to the show while sharing a similar passion for music and a strong sense of artistic identity, Wicklund said.
 
"I'm wishing to create [an atmosphere that] is constantly inspirational, and hoping to have people walk away feeling like they want to go home and paint or write or learn guitar, any of the self-expression tools that I know and love," Wicklund said. 
 
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