BArT Educator Named Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction

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ADAMS, Mass. — Alex Chautin, an English Language Arts teacher at Berkshire Arts & Technology (BArT) Charter Public School was recently selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). 
 
Chautin was nominated by a student for outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the profession, said a press release.  
 
Each year student members of NSHSS are invited to nominate the educator who has made the most significant contribution to their academic career for the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award. 
 
"Dedicated educators who exhibit a commitment to excellence deserve our highest praise and appreciation," said NSHSS President James W. Lewis. "Through our Educators of Distinction program and the grants we provide to support professional development and enrich classroom instruction, we hope to acknowledge and encourage the vital work of the teachers, counselors and administrators who are shaping the intellect and character of our young scholars."
 
Formed in 2002 by James W. Lewis and Claes Nobel, senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prize, The National Society of High School Scholars recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and helps to advance the goals and aspirations of high-achieving students through learning experiences, scholarships, internships, international study and peer networks. NSHSS members become lifetime members. 
 

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Special Minerals Agrees to Pay Adams, River Groups Over River Discharge

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Adams plans to use the $50,000 it will get in the consent decree toward the removal of the Peck's Road Dam. 
BOSTON — Specialty Minerals is expected to pay $299,000 for a discharge of calcium carbonate into the Hoosic River nearly three years ago in a consent decree with the Attorney General's Office. 
 
The river turned visibly white from Adams to the Vermont state line from the mineral that leaked out from the plant's settling ponds on Howland Avenue in November 2021. 
 
Calcium carbonate, also known as chalk or limestone, is not toxic to humans or animals. However, the sudden discoloration of the water alarmed local officials and environmentalists and prompted an emergency session of the Northern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee. 
 
"We allege that this company violated its permits, disregarded federal and state law, and put the Hoosic River — a resource cherished by the Adams community — at risk," said AG Andrea Campbell in a statement. "I am grateful for this collaboration with our state agency partners and committed to holding polluters accountable and working to bring resources back to communities disproportionately impacted by environmental harms."   
 
If approved by the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts, the consent decree will require Specialty Minerals to pay a total of $299,000, which includes payments to the town of Adams and three community groups in Northern Berkshire County that will be used to benefit water quality and prevent stormwater impacts. 
 
Once approved, most of the settlement would fund multiple projects to benefit water quality, including infrastructure improvements and native plantings to mitigate stormwater impacts in the Hoosic River Watershed. Specifically, the proposed settlement provides for: 
  • $50,000 to the town of Adams for infrastructure improvements in a tributary of the Hoosic River
  • $50,000 to Hoosic River Revival for stormwater mitigation projects  
  • $50,000 to Hoosic River Watershed Association for a native plant garden and other projects to mitigate stormwater impacts and benefit water quality 
  • $50,000 to Sonrisas to fund invasive plant removal and native plant habitat establishment at Finca Luna Búho, a community land project that centers the voices and prioritizes the decision-making of those living in marginalization. 
It will also provide $30,000 in civil assessments to the state's Natural Heritage Endangered Species Fund and $20,000 in civil penalties for violation of state law, as well as $49,000 to offset the costs of the AG's enforcement efforts. 
 
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