Call For Nominations for the Teacher of the Month Series

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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The Teacher of the Month series has been renewed for another 12 months, and we need nominations. The 12-month series is in partnership with Berkshire Community College. 
 
Throughout the first season, we met some of the outstanding teachers in Berkshire County who have influenced and inspired the next generation, and we know there are more. Submit a nomination for a teacher who deserves the spotlight here
 
"Teachers are an integral part of a community and often go underappreciated despite their impact," iBerkshires Publisher Osmin Alvarez said. "A good teacher not only teaches the curriculum to the students but does so in a way that inspires them to become part of a community and change it for the better."
 
Last year's honorees were teachers from various grades and schools, including Gabriel Abbott Memorial School, Mount Greylock Regional School, Berkshire Family YMCA and Mount Everett Regional School.
 
These educators influenced their program or school's culture by participating in or spearheading extracurricular activities or fundraising opportunities for local organizations. 
 
This year, we hope to see even more nominations for teachers, professors, paraprofessionals, and all the educators who have had a clear and lasting impact on their students, colleagues, and the community.
 
Thank you to everyone who sent in a nomination last year. Nominate a teacher here
 
Last year's honorees were: 
 
May: Williamstown Elementary School kindergarten teacher Jenna Dickinson. 
 
June: Morningside Community School fourth-grade teacher Breanna Sumy
 
July: Berkshire Family YMCA preschool teacher Marissia Bibbo-LaFog
 
August: 18 Degrees prekindergarten teacher Celia Armstrong 
 
September: Mount Greylock Regional School physics teacher Shawn Burdick 
 
October: Morris Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Ashley Scherben
 
November: Mount Everett Regional School science teacher Asha Von Ruden 
 
December: Stearns Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Krista Harrington
 
January: Hoosac Valley Elementary School kindergarten teacher Sarah Leidhold
 
February: Clarksburg School prekindergarten teacher Mary Quinto
 
March: Gabriel Abbott Memorial School third-grade teacher Kimberly Wall 
 
AprilBerkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School history teacher Alla Chelukhova

Tags: teacher of the month,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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