Letter: Yes to Greylock Project

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To the Editor:

It was brought to my attention that a claim I referenced in my previous letter to the editor was not accurate in my representation of it. However innocuous my intention was, it still mischaracterized the arguments that were made regarding the number of studies utilized. And, beyond that, I realized making the case for the school using the quotes of others was unnecessary. There are a plethora of good faith and factual reasons to support the school project, and I will continue to work with those at the forefront.

Reflecting on my own experiences in the North Adams Public School system, it's easy to reminisce about my time at Greylock Elementary over a decade ago. It's just as easy to remember my time fondly at the Brayton Elementary afterschool programs and at the YMCA. But nostalgia should not lead this vote, nor should the controversy of the moment.

The Greylock School Project is worth the investment. City history has been achieved in its record grant funding from the MSBA. $42 million offered by the state; that kind of money doesn't often come to North Adams. But this time it did. $20 million is not a small number to consider, but the alternative is an estimated double with no state assistance. Factored into this alternative would be roof repairs, piping renovations, and mechanical systems replacements. The estimated cost of such runs at approximately $45 million, laid solely at the feet of the taxpayers of North Adams.



This project has been in development for years, with the opportunity for public feedback and scrutiny. It has reached this point because the MSBA understands that our schools need to meet the quality expectations of the moment. We need to think about what kind of environment we are creating for our children's educational outcomes, as well as our educator's pedagogical outcomes. They deserve a more accessible outdoor environment. They deserve better opportunities for natural light in every classroom. They deserve to have a space that allows for the greatest impact and top-notch atmosphere to reflect the learning outcomes necessary of our student population.

Please join me in voting "Yes" to the Greylock School Project on October 8th.

Josh Vallieres
North Adams, Mass. 

 

 

 

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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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