9/11 Survivor and Inspirational Speaker to Visit MCLA

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host author and inspirational speaker Michael Hingson on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium. 
 
The presentation will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by a meet and greet with book signing from 7 to 7:30 p.m. 
 
"We are honored to welcome Michael Hingson to our campus on such a significant day," said MCLA Assistant Director of Disability Resources Nancy Rumbolt-Trzcinski. "His story of survival, resilience, and the power of human-animal partnerships offers invaluable lessons for our students as they navigate their own challenges and prepare for their futures." 
 
On Sept. 11, 2001, Hingson and his guide dog, Roselle, escaped from the 78th floor of Tower One of the World Trade Center, descending 78 flights of stairs moments before the building collapsed. 
 
"Michael Hingson's visit reinforces our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every student can thrive," said MCLA Director of Disability Resources Cindy MacDonald. "His message about partnership, trust, and overcoming fear speaks directly to the values we work to instill across our campus community." 
 
According to a press release: Blind since birth, Hingson was raised in Chicago with a can-do attitude that saw him riding bikes, mastering advanced mathematics, and excelling academically. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in physics from the University of California, Irvine, along with a secondary teaching credential, before embarking on a nearly 30-year career in high-tech management. 
 
Following the September 11 attacks, Hingson has shared his story with world leaders including former President George W. Bush and appearing on hundreds of television and radio programs. He has traveled globally, speaking to Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations about teamwork, trust, diversity, inclusion, and adaptive technology. 
 
Hingson is the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller "Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, his Guide Dog & the Triumph of Trust," which has sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. His second book, "Running with Roselle," was written specifically for young audiences to help them understand one of America's darkest days. His latest work, "Live Like a Guide Dog," released in August 2024, teaches readers how to control fear and avoid becoming "blinded by fear in the face of crisis." 
 
In June 2024, Hingson was inducted into the honors fraternity Phi Beta Kappa at UC Irvine, as an alumni member, for his outstanding contributions to academia and society. 
 
During his visit to MCLA, Hingson will present "Turning the Tails on Terror in our Uncertain and Scary World: Labrador Lessons from September 11, 2001," on how people can learn to live better lives by staying focused rather than panicking, even in the most challenging circumstances. He will also engage with students and faculty throughout the day, including a visit to Professor Dr. Anthony Daly's War, Science, and Society course. 
 
Currently serving as National Ambassador for the Braille Literacy Campaign of the National Federation of the Blind, Hingson continues his advocacy work while living in Victorville, California, with his 8th guide dog, Alamo, and rescue cat, Stitch. 

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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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