Poet Stephen Rifkin Launches New Book at North Adams Library

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Public Library will host a book launch and reading with poet Stephen Rifkin on Tuesday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m.

Rifkin will present his new book, "Changing Skies, New and Selected Poems," at the event. The poems in the collection address Rifkin's relocation from Deer Isle, Maine, to the Berkshires, and explore themes of introspection, nature, memory, and language. Wilma Rifkin's artwork is featured in the book.

The event will take place in the library’s front parlor. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

The North Adams Public Library is located at 74 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Teacher of the Month: Kaylea Nocher

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — First-grade students in Kaylea Nocher's class feel secure and empowered in the classroom, confidently embracing mistakes as they take charge of their learning.
 
This safe and fun atmosphere has earned Nocher the iBerkshires Teacher of the Month designation. The Teacher of the Month series, in collaboration with Berkshire Community College, features distinguished teachers nominated by community members. You can nominate a teacher here
 
Nearly a dozen parents and colleagues nominated the Brayton Elementary School teacher, praising her dedication, connection to students, and engaging classroom environment — going above and beyond to foster growth in her students.
 
"My students are the most important part of the job, and instilling love and a love for learning with them is so valuable," she said. 
 
"We have these little minds that we get to mold in a safe and loving environment, and it's really special to be able to do that with them."
 
Nocher has built her classroom on the foundation of love, describing it as the umbrella for all learning. 
 
"If you have your students feel loved… in the sense that they have a love for learning, they have a love for taking risks, they have a love for themselves, and they can use that in everything that they do," she said. 
 
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