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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Great Barrington Unveils 9/11 Memorial Featuring World Trade Center Steel

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — A piece of history will now stand in front of the Great Barrington Fire Department, serving as a lasting reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and heroism of those who rushed in, stepped forward, and answered the call on Sept. 11, 2001.
 
Hundreds of community members gathered outside the Fire Department for the unveiling of a 9/11 memorial featuring a steel I-beam salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.
 
The monument marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, and its effect reached far and wide beyond New York, said Deputy Fire Chief James Mead.
 
"There are moments in our lives that become markers of time. Moments when we remember not only what happened, but where we were, who was beside us, and how the world somehow felt different afterwards," Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove said. 
 
"For those of us who experienced September 11, 2001 — it is one of those moments for us to share."
 
The acquisition of the beam was a multi-year effort initiated by the late Andy Moro, former commander of American Legion Post 298 in Housatonic, and was carried on by the Legion's second vice commander, John Morris. 
 
Morris said he was able to obtain the warped steel I-beam through connections he made during his time as a New York City firefighter.
 
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