Flying Cloud Receives $8K Matching Challenge

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Flying Cloud Institute has received an $8,000 Matching Challenge Gift from a summer camp family. 
 
This will allow donations received by Flying Cloud on Giving Tuesday, which is December 3, 2024, to be doubled, up to $8,000.
 
The funds raised will enable Flying Cloud to run its innovative science and art programs at two local Berkshire County schools, offering in-school science residencies and after school workshops to area youth. 
 
Flying Cloud educators will lead project-based investigations and model the Next Generation Science Strategies for inquiry-based learning. They will bring local STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) professionals as expert resources to the classroom, along with local artists who help students express their learning through original, creative work such as sculpture, dance, poetry, painting or film.
 
"I can't thank you enough for the experience you gave my students this week. The empowered looks on their faces and in their voices was pure magic today," said Sue Garcia, Morningside Elementary School Science Specialist, after a recent residency program with Flying Cloud.
 
To donate to the matching challenge, visit flyingcloudinstitute.org on December 3, 2024.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Parks Commission OKs Lessons at Pittsfield Pickleball Facility

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's pickleball culture is ramping up with classes at the Benedict Road courts.  

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission approved Michael Latini's request to offer pickleball lessons at the facility, which opened a couple of years ago

Certified instructor Michael Latini plans to offer one-hour lessons to beginner-to-advanced level players from August to November on Tuesdays.  

Latini has been a member of Berkshire Mountain Pickleball for eight years and was on the committee that helped erect the courts. He has seen the organization grow from around 100 people to about 400 people, and lives nearby, playing up to five times a week. 

"So I'm very passionate about pickleball," he explained. 

He traveled to Nashville, Tenn., to become a certified pickleball teacher, and is Berkshire County's USA Pickleball ambassador, which entails getting pickleball to grow and teaching people how to play. 

The sport has also positively impacted his health. 

"One of the benefits that I've had out of pickleball is I'm a Type 2 diabetic, and through pickleball, I've been able to get off insulin, which my doctor was thrilled about," Latini said. 

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