Lenox Library Lecture: Ben Nickley of Berkshire Bird Observatory

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LENOX, Mass. — Lenox Library will continue its 2024-2025 Distinguished Lecture Series on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. when Ben Nickley, President and Executive Director of Berkshire Bird Observatory, will discuss "Comprehensive Connections: How Birds Bridge Hemispheres and Bring People in Touch with Place."
 
According to a press release:
 
Birds are great connectors. Liberated from land, birds move freely—from tree to tree, across land and sea and continent. Their ties to habitat are rooted in evolutionary history—deep, strong, and dynamic. They fascinate us with their flight, serenade us with song, and open a gateway to communion with nature. In this talk, Ben Nickley will showcase birds of Berkshire County and tell the story of Berkshire Bird Observatory’s efforts to conserve birds in the Berkshires and beyond.
 
Ben Nickley is a scientist with a passion for birds and the ecosystems they are an integral part of. Always fascinated by nature, he got his start in science at Ohio State University where his research was recognized with an award at the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum. Since then, Nickley has travelled across North America pursuing avian field studies for nonprofits, universities, and state governments—picking up his master’s in biology along the way. He is the author of several peer-reviewed articles and has presented his work at international conferences. Helping others connect with the natural world through birds is his forte and his mission. His role as Executive Director is to oversee the day-to-day operations of Berkshire Bird Observatory and steer its development. 
 
Now in its 18th season, the Distinguished Lecture Series is organized and hosted by Dr. Jeremy Yudkin, a resident of the Berkshires and Professor of Music and Co-Director of the Center for Beethoven Research at Boston University. Lectures are free and open to the public. Please visit https://lenoxlib.org or the Library's Facebook page for more information.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Mother Plans Memorial Bench at Clapp Park

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Parks Commission has OK'd a memorial bench for a young man who had many happy memories at Clapp Park. 

"I hate this. I lost my son in December to a fatal overdose, and so I am looking to have a memorial bench installed for him at Clapp Park. He was 23 when he passed," said Sarah DeJesus, through tears. 

"The first half of his life, we lived in that neighborhood … and so we have so many great memories at Clapp Park." 

DeJesus has worked to mitigate health complications from substance use for years as the program manager of Berkshire Harm Reduction. The bench will be placed above the park's splash pad overlooking the area in honor of Premier Ashton DeJesus.

As for cost, DeJesus said she will fund the bench, installation, and associated expenses. 

"I've always thought that the top of the hill could use some seating opportunities, and I think this is a perfect opportunity to sort of honor a young person who Clapp Park was very meaningful to him and to the family," Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath said. 

She and McGrath have selected a durable bench that can be fixed to the concrete, with a plaque on the back. 

DeJesus said her son went to summer camp at the park, movie nights, sledding, played sports there, met friends, and gained independence as a child. 

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