Northern Berkshire United Way Adds Two Board Members

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire United Way announced that Deborah Foss, professor emerita of psychology at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and Annie Pecor, assistant superintendent of the North Adams Public Schools, have joined its Board of Directors.
 
Foss brings decades of experience and leadership to the board. Originally from New Bedford, she was professor of psychology at MCLA from 1987 to 2021 and was the founding associate dean of the Center for Student Success and Engagement.
 
An advocate for students, she was honored twice with the Senior Class Faculty Appreciation Award and received both the Faculty Association's Junior and Senior Faculty Awards.
 
Her commitment to community service is longstanding, having contributed to Northern Berkshire United Way since her first semester at MCLA, thanks to the encouragement of Steve Green and Jerry Desmarais. Foss has played an active role in the organization, serving on and chairing allocation panels for many years.
 
Beyond her professional and community achievements, Foss is the mother of two adult children and four grandchildren.
 
Northern Berkshire United Way welcomes Foss to its Board of Directors and looks forward to her continued dedication and leadership in supporting the organization's mission to strengthen the local community.
 
Pecor brings over 15 years of educational leadership and community service to the board. A native of Berkshire County, she began her career as a middle school English language arts teacher and transitioned into school administration as principal of Craneville Elementary School in Dalton. Pecor attended North Adams Public Schools and earned her master's degree, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, and is a graduate of the MCLA Leadership Academy. She later received her educational doctorate from the University of New England.
 
In 2021, Pecor joined NAPS as director of Northern Berkshire Adult Education and 21st Century programming, where she demonstrated her commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement. As assistant superintendent, she continues to champion educational excellence and equity for students throughout the region.
 
Pecor is also actively involved in local initiatives, serving as vice chair of the Berkshire Leadership Program and as a board member of the Berkshire Food Project.
 
The Northern Berkshire United Way welcomes Pecor to its Board of Directors and looks forward to her dedication, leadership, and passion for strengthening the local community.
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North Adams Student Struck by Bicyclist at Bus Stop

Staff Reports

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A North Adams Public Schools student was sent to the hospital with minor injuries after being hit by a bicyclist at a bus stop.

According to police, the incident happened around 8:14 Friday morning near the intersection of Hudson Street and Eagle Street.

An adult was riding a bicycle southbound on Eagle Street down a steep decline. The bicycle's brakes were not working, and the rider was unable to stop.

A group of children was waiting for the school bus at the intersection when the bicyclist struck one of the students. 

First responders were on scene, and other adults present at the bus stop also intervened.

The child sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital, where he was treated and released later that morning.

The bicyclist was charged with operating a bicycle to endanger. Police confirmed the bicycle was not an e-bike.

The school district sent families an email stating that students riding the Brayton B2 bus and the Colgrove C2 bus witnessed the accident. Staff checked in with each student witness, and school adjustment counselors provided support for students throughout the day.

 

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