MCLA Physics Department to Host U.S. Department of Energy Physicist

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Physics Department will welcome Dr. Brian Beckford, a nuclear and particle physicist with the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of High Energy Physics, for a free public lecture on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m. in the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121. 
 
This talk is funded by the American Institute of Physics Foundation's TEAM-UP Together EXCEL grant. 
 
In his talk, "The Road Less Traveled and My Path in Physics," Beckford will share both his research and his personal journey in science, from his immigrant childhood in Miami to conducting experiments in Japan. The presentation will offer audiences a unique blend of scientific insight and personal narrative, exploring the challenges and opportunities that have defined his career, stated a press release. 
 
Beckford's research focuses on photoproduction and rare decay experiments, conducted at facilities in Japan, that contribute to our understanding of fundamental particles and forces. Beyond his scientific contributions, Dr. Beckford is a passionate advocate for diversity in STEM fields and has dedicated significant effort to broadening participation in physics for students from underrepresented groups.  
 
"This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and the broader community to hear from a leading physicist who exemplifies both scientific excellence and a commitment to making physics more accessible," said MCLA Professor and Physics Department Chair Dr. Kebra Ward. 
 
The lecture is designed to appeal to a wide audience, from physics students and STEM majors to anyone interested in science careers, diversity in academia, or the human stories behind scientific discovery. The event is free and open to the public, and community members, students, and faculty from all disciplines are encouraged to attend. 

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A North Adams Turnkey Home

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a three-story home that's newly renovated? Then this is the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 74 Washington Ave.

This home was originally built in 1880 and has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is 2,320 square feet on less than an acre. 

The first floor includes the kitchen, a full bathroom, an office, a large open living room and dining area, and an entry with a staircase to the second floor, which has three bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and a laundry closet. The third floor was turned into a spacious primary suite with a full bathroom.

The house comes with major kitchen and laundry appliances.

It's on the market for $349,900.

We spoke to Allison Pacelli with Pacelli Zepka Corp., which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market? 

A house at this price point with so much space for several people is not easy to find. There are four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, large living room, kitchen, and a bonus room off the kitchen that could be an office or dining room or possibly even an extra guest room.

What was your first impression when you walked into this home?

I love some of the character of the house. For example, the banister and railing on the stairs is ornate and beautiful.

How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home? 

The house is light and bright. It's a great mix of some class features like the stairway and updates like the kitchen and bathrooms.

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for? 

I can see all sorts of people in this house. 

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

North Adams is such a vibrant and welcoming community. You can walk to MCLA or downtown. Williams College and Mass MoCA are close. The hospital is nearby, and the house would be great for doctors or nurses. There are a lot of opportunities in the area.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations? 

The entire house was renovated about two years ago. The owners removed all knob & tube wiring, installed a new boiler, added a new laundry setup on the second floor, and redid the third floor into a great primary suite, with private bathroom. The kitchen and all three bathrooms are also new.

You can find out more about this home on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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