MCLA's Greylock LEAD Academy Completes Second Successful Year

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Greylock LEAD Academy, a Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) program to help new students integrate into college life, has completed its second expanded year thanks to continued support from Greylock Federal Credit Union (Greylock).
 
In 2023, Greylock pledged $100,000 to reimagine the College's LEAD Academy, allowing the program to grow from around 30 MCLA students each year to encompass each fall's new student cohort.
 
"Our LEAD program has a long history of being incredibly successful at boosting student retention rates," said MCLA President James F. Birge, Ph.D. "With help from Greylock, we are now seeing even greater success, with a remarkable retention rate this semester, just one year after implementing Greylock LEAD Academy."
 
LEAD, which stands for Leadership, Education, Action, and Development, is a success, leadership, and civic engagement program designed to help students develop leadership skills and the tools necessary for college, which they can immediately apply. From Aug. 25 to Sept. 3, this year's LEAD students participated in a holistic onboarding experience prior to the start of fall classes. 
 
The first five days provided a signature experience focused on leadership development, team-building, community-building, and workshops conducted by student leaders. In addition to these important components, the program provides a sense of belonging and connection for those new to campus.
 
The LEAD Program is organized by MCLA's Office of Civic and Community Engagement, led by Director Spencer Moser. 
 
"Through Greylock funding, we were able to enhance our leadership and team-building skills by bringing in outside experts," said Moser. 
 
He said many students who participated in last year's inaugural Greylock-funded LEAD Academy were excited to become this year's newest peer mentors.
 
"Greylock is proud to support such a successful program and be here to see it grow," said Jennifer Shumsky, Greylock assistant vice president, community support and events. "The LEAD Academy equips the next generation of leaders with the tools they'll need to thrive in their academic experiences and professional development. At Greylock, we believe in the power of financial wellness, and we're thrilled to provide support for the financial literacy presentation during the first five days of LEAD."

Tags: Greylock Federal,   MCLA,   

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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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