Tom Bernard Appointed to Mass Cultural Council

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BOSTON — Mass Cultural Council announced the appointment of Thomas W. Bernard of North Adams as a member of the Agency's governing body.
 
Bernard was appointed to the Council by Governor Maura Healey on July 16, 2025. Bernard recently served as the President and CEO of Berkshire United Way. He also previously served two terms as Mayor of the City of North Adams and as Chair of the North Adams School Committee.
 
"I'm so excited to welcome Tom to the Council," said Marc Carroll, Mass Cultural Council Chair. "His experience working with Berkshire County decision-makers – as both a municipal elected official and a leader in philanthropy - will be invaluable to my colleagues and I on the Council as we continue to work to support creative communities in all corners of the Commonwealth."
 
As the Commonwealth's independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector.
 
As directed by state law, Council members are appointed by the Governor and have demonstrated scholarship or creativity in, or distinguished service to, the arts, humanities, interpretative sciences, or local arts.  Council members serve staggered, three-year terms and reside in every region of the Commonwealth. 
 
"Mass Cultural Council is gaining a true asset in Tom," said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. "As we continue to build cross-sector partnerships and advance municipal support and investment for the arts, Tom's leadership and guidance will be critical to expanding the creative sector not only in the Berkshires, but all across the state."
 
"Through my work in North Adams and throughout Berkshire County, I know firsthand how a commitment to arts and culture can be transformative for a community and a region," said Bernard. "I look forward to getting right to work with Chair Carroll, Michael, my Council colleagues and the staff team to further advance the sector and uplift the power of culture."

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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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