Northern Berkshire Community Contra Dance

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. There will be a community contra dance on Saturday, Aug. 9.
 
North Berkshire Community Dance will hold its monthly contra dance with calling by Andy Davis, and live music provided by local musicians.
 
All are welcome.  Come alone, or with friends - most people change partners for each dance throughout the evening. New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 for instruction in the basics.
 
The dance will run 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the All Saints Episcopal Church, 59 Summer St., North Adams.  Use the door closest to the post office.  Admission is pay-as-you-can:  $5 - $15, or barter equivalent, suggested. For community health, please stay home if you feel unwell or have any cold symptoms.
 
Davis will teach all dances, starting the evening with easy dances friendly to newcomers and families with children. As caller, Davis will teach new moves and skills as needed, so that beginners can dance with everyone right from the start. Music will be live, by local musicians in varied small ensembles, organized by Seamus Connor. 
 
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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