2nd Street Seeks Submissions for Literary Project

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 2nd Street seeks submissions for Using Our Outside Voices, a literary project created in partnership with Berkshire Community College (BCC) that is designed to promote creativity, acceptance and inclusion for presently or formerly incarcerated men and women in Berkshire County. The deadline for submissions is June 15, 2024.
 
Authors whose work is selected will receive a cash award of $200, and winning submissions will be published in a journal. The initial run of 400 printed copies of the free journal will be distributed locally, and digital copies will be available online. In addition, public readings will be held at various venues in the Berkshires.
 
Any presently or formerly incarcerated resident of Berkshire County is invited to submit original poetry, short fiction, personal essays or other literary works. Those who need editorial help can bring their work to 2nd Street, located at 264 Second Street, Pittsfield.
 
For more details on how to submit a literary work, visit www.2nd-street.org and click Special Projects, or call (413) 443-7220, ext. 1275. 
 
Financial and in-kind support of Using Our Outside Voices is provided by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Arts Build Community initiative with funding from the Barr Foundation; by Berkshire United Way; by Berkshire Community College; and by Pittsfield Cultural Council, a local agency supported by Mass Cultural Council.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Veteran Spotlight: Air Force Master Sgt. Mark Gilliard

By Wayne SoaresSpecial to iBerkshires
FALMOUNTH, Mass. — Mark Gilliard served his country for an amazing 31 years in the Air Force and Army National Guard retiring as a master sergeant.
 
During his service, he also received numerous "Man of The Year" awards in a variety of capacities, which highlight an exceptional military career of service.
 
Born in Savannah, Ga., he did his first basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. 
 
"I was that 18-year old kid, I think that's an appropriate age to enlist," he said. "I learned so much — the whole experience was a meaningful, exciting and impactful learning experience for me. Coming home from boot camp was a bit of an eye-opener as we were in our uniforms and were treated with unexpected contempt by people who still had Vietnam on their minds. It was 1979."
 
I asked Gilliard his thoughts on leadership and why he was so successful in that capacity.
 
"I had great mentors in all of my experiences, my biggest attribute has always been listening and being open-minded," he said. "My drill sergeants were mostly Vietnam veterans. They told us stories ... for me it's about patriotism and service to your country. Wearing your greens is something, but putting on your dress blues — you feel like you're the protector of your country. It's just amazing to combine your passion with your purpose."
 
Gilliard was deployed six times. I asked him what it was like being away for the holidays. 
 
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