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.

Jewish Federation Hosts Program on Judaism, Tai Chi

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents Dr. Joel Friedman, who will lead a program on "Judaism and Tai Chi: Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World" on Thursday, July 30, at 10:45 a.m.
 
In this workshop, he explores how Judaism and tai chi can help cultivate a more balanced life by teaching effective responses to the constant stream of verbal, physical, and internal stresses of daily living. These skills, he emphasizes, must be learned and practiced, centering on a dynamic balance between what we take in and what we express outwardly — whether in conversation or conflict.
 
This free program will be presented as part of the Federation's Connecting With Community Series at Knesset Israel. The conversation will continue with a home-cooked lunch around the community table. All are welcome; advance lunch reservations are required by calling 413-442-2200 before 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Suggested donation of $3 for adults over age 60, $7 for all others.
 
Friedman is a research scientist and doctor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He brings a interdisciplinary perspective shaped by decades in science and medicine, more than 40 years of training and teaching Taoist-based internal martial and healing arts, and a deep commitment to Jewish learning.
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