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Berkshire Athenaeum Announces 2023 Short Story Contest Winners

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, and the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum announced the winners of the 45th Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Children and the 26th Annual Short Story Writing Contest
for Young Adults.
 
Entries were combined into four age categories with a total of 31 submissions. A committee of judges read through the submissions and rated the entries on originality, appeal, writing style, and artwork, if applicable. All short story submissions are on display in the Children's Library now through September 16, 2023. The winning submissions are also displayed on the library's website.
 
When asked about her experience with the contest, 2023 winner Nora Schoeny said: "I enjoy writing a short story every year for the Berkshire Athenaeum because I love the chance to have my work displayed. It's fun to brainstorm what I'm going to write about, and I love reading everyone else's submissions!"
 
2023 winners of the Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Children and Young Adults:
 
Children Age 6 – 8
1st place: "The Ginger Bread Lady" by Kayleigh Gallagher
2nd place: "The Three Enemies" by Lacy Beach
Honorable Mention: "The Two Magic Scarves" by Chloe Mishk
 
Children Age 9 – 10
1st place: "Trapped at Tanglewood" by Tyler Banfield
2nd place: "Flying Socks" by Sophie Goddard
Honorable Mention: "The Segrub Family Trip Number 1: The Cottage" by Maisy Burgess
 
Young Adults Age 11 – 13
1st place: "Surviving the American Dream: A Historical Fiction Short Story" by Olivia Monti
2nd place: "Fairyland" by Nora Schoeny
Honorable Mention: "The Truth About Writing" by Jocelyn Coco Gilardi
 
Young Adults Age 14 – 17
1st place: "Home" by Amelia Coco Gilardi
2nd place: "Life to Death" by John McComish
Honorable Mention: "Jumping Out" by Jack Neiner
 

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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