St. Joseph Central High School Newsletter, November 2002

12:00AM / Friday, November 08, 2002Print Story | Email Story

Open House Draws Many Families An open house for families interested in St. Joseph Central Catholic High attracted a diverse and inquisitive crowd on Oct. 27 and was called a tremendous success, according to Margaret E. Downing, principal. Planned and organized by Judith L. Fairweather, director of admissions, the Sunday evening event attracted nearly 70 families, she said. Schools represented by students included St. Mark, Reid, and Herberg in Pittsfield; St. Agnes Middle School in Adams; St. Mary in Lee; Berkshire Christian School in Lenox, and Richmond Consolidated School. There were also two students who are home schooled. "Seeing so many future students and parents mingling with current parents and student and teachers was very encouraging of this school's mission," said William J. Fitzgerald, president of Catholic Schools in Pittsfield. "Mrs. Fairweather had some nervous moments around 6:15pm, with all the balloons afloat, the coffee perked, the halls shining, the faculty excited, and the students smiling. But even with the Pats' season on the line and the World Series in a seventh game, the crowd came through the doors at the appointed time. Mrs. Marilyn Kirby's new chorus led us in prayer and the conversation concerning the spiritual and moral and social value of Catholic education began." There were 41 families with girls and 28 with boys attending. Nearly all faculty and staff provided an overview of the school, curriculum and lessons. Tours of the building were so conducted. "I am thrilled at the numbers of families that attended, particularly the 7th graders," Fairweather said." It really shows great forethought to explore the choice of high schools so early. We also received tremendous support from each parish's bulletin editor and director of religious education." Napolitano Named AP Scholar Craig A. Napolitano has been named an AP Scholar by The College Board, Margaret E. Downing, principal of St. Joseph High, has announced. "This is a tremendous honor and recognizes Craig's exceptional achievement on the college-level AP examinations," Downing said. "Only about 13 percent of the more than 700,000 students who took the AP exams in May performed at a sufficiently high level to merit such recognition." Napolitano graduates from St. Joseph Central High School in June. He is a freshman at Boston College. Napoliano received a grade of 3.0 on the AP test in United States history. He received a grade of 4 English literature and Composition and 4 in chemistry. He received a perfect grade of 5 in calculus. His AP grade average was 4.0. He is the son of Frank and Valerie Napolitano of Greenings Ave., Pittsfield. Most of the nation's colleges and universities award credit, advanced placement, or both based on successful performance on the AP exams. More than 1,400 institutions award a year of credit, usually sophomore level, to students with a sufficient number of qualifying grades. Craft Show Needs Parking Helpers Volunteers are still needed for the 5th Annual Holiday Harvest Craft Show, according to Sharon Ferry and Sheila Coughlin, coordinators. The event is slated for Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 to 3. "One thing we could use some help on is parking," Ferry said. Shoppers at the show are asked to park in the school lot, which is filled very quickly. The overflow lots are the 510 Medical Walk-in and the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home, both on Maplewood Ave. Both lots are open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shifts are 8 to 11 and 11 to 2. To volunteer, contact Ferry at (413) 442-5369 or Coughlin at (413) 445-4406. Things are well in Catholic Schools National enrollments are up by 85,000 in the last five years. We educated over 2 Â½ million students a year. In 2001, half the schools in the country reported a waiting list and thirty-seven new schools opened. Seventy-five years ago there was a movement in America to outlaw Catholic schools. Today, our graduates are in Congress, are Presidential advisor's, are CEOs of Fortune 500s. Catholics have become, alongside our Jewish siblings, the wealthiest religious subgroup in America. Rather than a threat to democracy, we have become its guarantor. For millions, the Catholic school has made education a passport to social equality and economic parity. Are these schools still worth the sacrifice? Today, or graduates pursue a professional career in college twice as often as do their counterparts. Our graduates go to college a full third more often. Our graduation rate is 98%. At St. Joseph High last year, 100% of our students graduated and 98% went onto college. In standardized tests, Catholic schools outscore both public and private school students by 5 percentage points in both math and science, and by 12 Â½ in reading. It is not about scores. We are not in competition with other schools. We are partners with public schools-both of us working hard to produce a responsible and productive citizenry for our communities. Where we differ is in the belief that the best and surest way to achieve an effective citizen is through a direct, personal, and active encounter with Jesus Christ, the good news he preached, and which we teach. Our primary mission, as school, is to teach the truth of Christ's gospel to the next generation. And, in this fragmented, entertainment-addicted society, in this age of radical individualism and violent racism and economic inequity, I hold that our schools have never, ever been more essential to our Church, to our families, and to our children than they are today. There are serious challenges. In 1950, ninety percent of our teaching staff consisted of religious men and woman; today less than six percent are professed. Once every parish was required to build a school, today forty-five percent of our Catholic schools are independent, private schools. The Challenge is not that these schools will close; they are too good a bargain. The challenge is that these schools will lose their Catholicity. And, that, I fear more than any closing. We have never been about prohibitive tuitions or social elitism. That is not where we came from-and it is no way to perpetrate our faith into the future. Being Catholic should mean that everyone is welcome here, that everyone has a place. We must keep our schools Catholic, and we must keep them open to all. The answer is not high tuitions, nor is it low salaries. Everyone who comes to us deserves to be met at the door by authentic, caring, and qualified teachers. We have other needs, to be sure-some of our facilities need rebuilding, technology lags, resources are scarce but the one thing we cannot do without are committed, authentic, Catholic teachers. The Bishops' pastoral, "Economic Justice for All," makes it clear that teachers "are worthy of their hire;" so does the Bible. St. Paul places teachers second only to the Apostles in importance. Research affirms that the main reason Catholic schools are so successful today is because of the authenticity of our teachers. And that report means religious as well as lay. It means lay and religious together. All our teachers are worthy of their hire. So, things are well in Catholic schools today. But they need cultivating and the situation is not something that can be left to Bishop Dupre, or to the pastors, or to the sisters. If we are going to welcome everyone, we are all going to have to be there at the door to do so. Bishop Dupre has been uncommonly generous in his support of our Catholic schools. Sister Bette Gould is to be applauded for staring the future of our Catholic schools in the face and undertaking that Diocesan Strategic Plan. But they cannot do it alone. We have become, alongside our Jewish siblings, the wealthiest religious subgroup in America. To what end? Our success must become the means by which we will preserve this faith for generations to come. Good teachers, competitive facilities and current technology can only be had, this time around, through your time, and talent, and treasure. Boosters Make BINGO Assignments Families that have not volunteered to assist with St. Joseph BINGO duties have been assigned responsibilities, according to Mark Lange, coordinator. "We realize that people are busy and have not had the opportunity to come for all assignment. So, we have filled in the schedule with family names, Lange said." Families that have responsibilities will be called on the Thursday or Friday of the week they are working. The assignments are in the kitchen or BINGO rooms. "If someone would like more than a few days notice, they can give me a call. I have the master list," Lange said. Lange can be reached at (413) 499-3275. Those with questions may also contact Margaret E. Downing, Principal, at the school. All families with students at St. Joseph High are required to work for the BINGO committee, according to Booster Club bylaws. But, a family unable to commit time to Sunday evenings can negotiate another responsibility by calling Lange. BINGO is played every Sunday evening at St. Joseph High. Games begin at 6 p.m. Seats Still Open for April Italy Tour This year's April vacation get-away will be a jaunt through sunny Italy, says St. Eunice Tassone, who is St. Joseph High School's official cruise director for such events. "This year's trip will be a more concentrated emersion in Italian culture than we have had in the past," Sr. Tassone said. "We are spending 11 days instead of eight and we will be in Italy the entire time. It will be an excellent learning experience." The trip is scheduled to depart on Tuesday, April 15 and run through Oct. 31 and that there are still plenty of seats open. After landing in Rome the tour will immediately head to Florence for a day of touring. The next day the group heads to Venice for two days. Then, on to San Marino and Assisi. On the seventh day the group heads back to Rome for two days of touring. The trip ends with tours of Sorrento, Capri and Pompeii. Details are available in the main office. Discount Books are Holiday Item "Students are finding that selling discount books is one of the easiest projects in the school year," said Anne F. Gilbert, co-advisor to the junior class. The sophomore and junior classes are again be selling the books that can save the participants thousands of dollars in purchases. The hefty books contain coupons that can be used in hundreds of stores, outlets and venues in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampton and Hamden countries in Western Massachusetts. Cost of books is only $20. The books must be sold before the end of the Craft Fair and each student is responsible for sell five books, Gilbert said. Coupons in the books are good for "buy one, get one free" or a 50 percent discount. Outlets include movies, sporting and cultural events, dry cleaning, video rentals, airfare, hotels, car rentals and restaurants. "Once again, we have been getting calls from people who want to purchase them," said Gilbert. Adviser to the junior class is Judith G. Licht and the other co-advisor to the juniors is St. Joyce Culverwell. "There are also people who purchase out-of-town books to use them as gifts to family and friends in other communities," said Gilbert. A listing of all the areas where the books are published is printed in the books. Now in its sixth year, the program last year sold more than 600 books. They will also be sold at the Booster Club Craft Fair in November. "All proceeds from the sale go to the individual class selling the books and is used to cover senior class expenses such as the prom, yearbook, 100 Night Dinner, etc.," Gilbert said. Guidance Info at SJH Website The Guidance Office has posted important information for senior students and families at the St. Joseph High website, according to Tammi J. Dunham, counselor. "There are just so many dates to remember and applications to complete, we felt that posting the information on the website would make it available to families when they needed it," Dunham said. To access the information, go to stjoehigh.org and click on "About Us." Then go to the Guidance section of that tab. Information includes SAT dates, college visits, college applications and fees. Colleges Continue Visits to SJH The annual invasion of college and university representatives continues at St. Joseph High. The schedule in the guidance office is: 11/4 UMass-Lowell Saint Michael's College 11/5 Canisius College Catholic University of America 11/7 Bay Path College 11/13 Mass. College of Liberal Arts Elms College St. Joseph's of Maine 11/14 Mitchell College 11/19 Siena College 11/21 Westfield State College 11/22 Bryant College 12/4 College of New Rochelle N. Downing is Scholarship Finalist Nathaniel S. Downing has been selected a finalist in the U.S. Senate Youth Scholarship Program and may be eligible to receive a $5,000 scholarship and one week work study program in Washington, D.C. according to Leslie M. Walton, guidance director at St. Joseph Central Catholic High School. Downing is one of only 10 state finalists who was interviewed and tested by representatives of the Massachusetts Department of Education in Malden in lat October. In December two finalists will be announced to represent Massachusetts at a one-week program in Washington, D.C. to study the workings of federal government. The program is sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, which provides all the necessary funding for two high school juniors District of Columbia to participate. Downing is the only finalist selected in Berkshire County. He is son of Gerard and Pamela Downing of Pomeroy Ave., Pittsfield. Nathaniel Downing is a senior at St. Joseph Central Catholic High School and is a member of the Student Council, has been elected Class Council Representative for the pat three years, is a member of the National Honor Society, Model Congress, was selected as a representative to the National Youth Leadership Forum on Defense, Intelligence and Diplomacy and was an assistant in the Ruberto Mayoral Campaign. Civics Class Tours Boston Sites Eighteen members of civics class spent a day in Boston last month immersing themselves in politics and touring sites, according to L. Gordon Roberts, history teacher. The group first listened to a debate between representatives of gubernatorial candidates Mitt Romney of the Republican Party and Democrat Shannon O'Brien conducted at the John F. Kennedy Library. They also participated in discussion groups on political issues. The daylong event was sponsored by the JFK Library. Several hundred students from across the commonwealth attended. The St. Joseph High group also toured the JFK Library, the University of Massachusetts Boston Campus and the Massachusetts Archives. Assisting Roberts was Kurt Haswell, father of junior Caitlin and a member of the civics class. Booster Cub Helps Keep Score The St. Joseph High Booster Club has been playing with numbers the lat few years, and now they are going to put some numbers on the wall for the basketball teams. According to Pamela Downing, Booster Club president, the organization recently approved spending $3,500 for a new scoreboard in the gymnasium. It is a project that can be traced back at least four years. "it was Laura Donald(mother of then freshman Jamie) of Richmond who said the school should look in to getting a new scoreboard," said DICK ward, girls' basketball coach. Standard procedure had been to approach a soft drink manufacturer. A company would donate a scoreboard to a school in order to get advertising and a guarantee that its product would be sold at games. "Bet they don't do that anymore so we had to figure out a new way," said Ward. "It took us years to find the board we wanted at the cost that we could afford." Several months ago Ward and Donald approached the Booster Club with a proposal to purchase a scoreboard from Varsity Scoreboards in Murray, Kentucky. "Its everything we have now, but better and with a few extras," Ward said. The most noticeable change is the addition of timing at 10ths of a second during the final minute of play. There will also be protective net to screen the scoreboard from errant balls. The new scoreboard is expected to be installed and working at the first basketball game this year in early December. No Moss On This Senior Class The 2002 Senior Class at St. Joseph High has apparently decided to leave like a lion. "Not content with the trailed blazed by their predecessors, this class is charting new courses, said Lori O. Cote, advisor. As of late October, the class had at least three events planned that break tradition. "And I suspect they will come up with a few more surprises before they're through," Cote said. A somewhat tradition semi-formal dance is planned for Nov. 2 at the Lighthouse in the Boys and Girls Club. In early December the group has scheduled a talent show already boasting more than a dozen acts. It will be in the school's gymnasium. The jewel in the crown (so far) is an excursion to Walt Disney World Friday, May 2 to Sunday, May 4. Cote and her crew of chaperones will corral the seniors into a plane at Bradley International Airport on Friday morning. Friday evening the St. Joseph contingent will be welcomed by Disney staff to Pleasure Island where all clubs will be open to them from 9 to 11. Then its off to the Magic Kingdom which will be open to them from 11:30 until 5 Saturday morning. The group heads back to their rooms for a catnap before heading off for the day at Blizzard Beach. Saturday evening will have either open shopping in Downtown Disney or a baseball game with the Orlando Devil rays. "Our flight back on Sunday should be unusually quiet," said Cote. Officers for the Senior Class are Tim DeMarco, Josh Stocklosa, Caitlin Quinn, Kristen Knightly, and Nate Downing. Per person cost for the weekend is around $500, but after the class finishes all of its fundraisers, cost to each student should be around $100. "But that's only if everyone gets their ads sold for the yearbook," Cote warned. Tyringham Sisters Host SJH Girls The 14 sisters of Visitation last month hosted a contingent of girls from St. Joseph High for a day of prayer, exploration and learning, according to Anne F. Gilbert, religion department chair. The sisters had communicated to the school that they would welcome a visit to their convent by girls from the school. "The one condition was that the girls had to volunteer to go," said Gilbert. That did not present a problem, the 18 openings filled immediately. The students arrived shortly after 8 and joined the sisters for morning prayers and in the singing of their office. The students then spent time with five of the sisters who each explained their journey that resulted in joining the contemplative cloister. The Sisters of Visitation have a special connection to the school, having lived in St. Joseph Convent while their new building was being constructed a few years ago. After a lunch provided by the sisters, a question and answer session with the sisters explored many areas of living the cloistered life. A similar day with the sisters is planned in the spring, Gilbert said. M. Joyce Culverwell, SSJ, Teacher Honor M. Joyce Culverwell of the Sisters of St. Joseph has been named educator of the year at St. Joseph Central Catholic High School, Margaret E. Downing, principal, has announced. The award was presented Oct. 9, at the third annual Catholic School Endowment Dinner at the Log Cabin Meeting House in Holyoke. Bette Gould, SSJ, diocesan superintendent of schools, and the Most Rev. Thomas L. Dupre, Bishop of Springfield, made the presentation of the award. In her introduction of Sister Joyce, Downing offered a prayer: "Lord send me an intelligent, patient, person whose willingness to learn will keep him/her current in their field and on top of the latest developments in education. Please choose one with amazing organizational skills, an ability to pay attention to detail, a sharp sense of humor and a talent to reach students who struggle. P.S. Lord- It would help if this person could serve as a class adviser, director of one-act plays, assistant basketball coach, speech league coach, and member of countless department- and school-wide committees. I know/guess you will need to send an SSJ. Answer to prayer: Sister Joyce Culverwell. Sister Joyce was born and raised in Dalton, graduating from Dalton High School. Following graduation she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph and went on to Elms College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in mathematics. She then did graduate work in mathematics at the College of Holy Cross in Worcester. She had taught in many schools throughout Massachusetts including St. Peter's High School in Worcester, St. Mary's High School in Westfield and at St. Joseph Central Catholic from 1978. She taught mathematics until 1994 when she switched to English. Sister Joyce had two-year stint as assistant director at the Mount Marie Conference Center in Holyoke. Asked about retirement, Sister Joyce said: "No plans at this time" Other teachers in Berkshire County recognized at the dinner and their schools, are: Matthew L. Collins, St. Mark Middle School, Pittsfield; Carole M. Kalisz, St. Stranislause Kosta School, Adams; Danielle Lummus, St. Agnes School, Dalton; Mary Monette, Sacred Heart School, Pittsfield; and Shelia Viale, St. Mary School, Lee.

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:57PM / Friday, December 19, 2025

The home prior to renovations.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.

The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.

The house is listed for $359,500.

We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieri and Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.

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

Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.

Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.) The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.

What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?

Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few. All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.

Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house. New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house. New paver patio in the back yard.

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.

Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.

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

Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.

Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.

Andrews: Built in about 1965.

What do the current owners love about this home?

Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.

Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.

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

Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.

You can find out more about this house 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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