Berkshire Athenaeum Hosts an Early Literacy Event

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum and Pittsfield Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE), based out of Berkshire County Head Start, invite children ages 6 and under and their families to a free early literacy event celebrating the children's book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. 
 
The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, from 10:30 am to noon in the auditorium of the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library located at 1 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
 
This event aims to engage young learners and their families through a variety of fun, STEAM- based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. Attendees can look forward to a special storytime reading of the book and hands-on activity stations designed to explore themes from the story.
 
"We are so excited to bring this classic book to life for our community's youngest readers," said Sara Russell-Scholl, Youth Services Supervisor. "This event provides a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a morning of literacy and play together. The STEAM activities and a visit from 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' himself will help inspire a love for reading and learning."
 
Activities will include:
  • Storytime: A dynamic reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
  • Activity Stations: Interactive inspired by Eric Carle's book's.
  • Character Meet & Greet: A chance to meet and take pictures with The Very Hungry Caterpillar character.
  • Book Giveaway: Every family will receive a free book to take home while supplies last.
This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Families are encouraged to attend and discover the joys of reading and early learning.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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