image description — Victoria Kennedy was the keynote speaker at BCC's 52nd commencement exercises.

Kennedy Has Three Wishes For BCC Graduates

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
01:03AM / Saturday, June 02, 2012Print Story | Email Story

Kennedy told graduates to have faith in themselves, be open to new things and participate in their community and nation.

LENOX, Mass. — Many of the 308 graduates of Berkshire Community College are in a position to start a "chain reaction" within their families through their academic success.

Victoria Kennedy, wife of the late U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, spoke of how her own father was the first in his family to graduate from college, then went on to law school.

His educational opportunity "started a chain reaction of opportunity for all his children and grandchildren," said the Tulane University graduate and successful attorney to those gathered in The Shed at Tanglewood on Friday evening for the Pittsfield college's 52nd commencement exercises. Those about to be awarded their associate's degrees and certificates included a number who were also the first in their families to pursue a secondary education, she said.

"You're starting your own chain reaction of opportunities for your families that will cascade down to your children and grandchildren and beyond," said Kennedy. "You have all the right tools to make a positive difference in the life of your family, your community and your nation."

Kennedy got the graduates on their feet to give their loved ones and friends a standing ovation for the support they'd been given over the course of their studies. She teased them a bit, too, by noting that the only word they wanted to hear was "congratulations."

"There is never only one word," she said before promising not to speak for the "very, very long time" like the speaker at her graduation. Then she threw out her arms and grinned, "I'm actually on the stage at Tanglewood!"

There was more joshing on the stage than in the front-row seats where the mostly quiet graduates were seated — at least until most of the diplomas were handed out and the whooping began. And there was some joking about the college's new leader "President (Ellen) Kennedy" — "Doesn't it make you feel special that it took a Kennedy to replace a Raverta," quipped state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli to retired BCC leader Paul Raverta in the audience. He also got the graduates shouting with an "Are you ready for this?" "YEAH," they responded.

Ellen Kennedy, recently selected by the board of trustees after several months as interim, thanked the staff and faculty and boards of the college and BCC Foundation for their efforts. Most of all, it's the students she found most inspiring.

"The words 'commitment' and 'hard work' don't come close to describing what you did to get here today," she said. "Sacrifice is probably more accurate. I listened to your stories ... I know your stories. You inspire me and everyone in the audience.

"And today, we celebrate those stories and what you have accomplished. Hope alone would not have gotten your here."

Pittsfield Mayor Daniel Bianchi congratulated the graduates for their "bold move" to pursue higher education but also noted the "special place in our hearts for BCC," which he described as a creative and innovative partner.

Victoria Kennedy also noted BCC's role in "vanguard of educational innovation" as the state's first community college. Beginning with 153 students 52 years ago, the school now enrolls more than 2,600 students in more than 30 disciplines while also providing one of the few lifetime learning programs in the state.

She gave the graduates a list with three wishes: first, that they have faith in themselves and a positive attitude, and second that they be willing to collaborate, listen and ask for help. "I hope you will chose to be civil because we need so much more civility in our daily lives," said Kennedy, pointing to the ability her husband had to cross the aisle and work with Republicans, despite being a Democratic leader.

Thirdly, that they become active in their community and in public service - and especially, vote. "What matters is that you participate," she said. "Your voice and vote are important. ... Please don't leave something as important as your future in someone else's hands."

Ellen Kennedy presided over her first BCC graduation. Right, valedictorian Caitlyn Bessette said the college was a steppingstone for her future. More photos here.

Also attending were Eugene Dellea, president of the BCC Foundation and a longtime friend of the Kennedy family; state Reps. Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Gailanne Cariddi, and Sheriff Tom Bowler, who opened and closed the commencement. Recognized as professor emeriti were Benigna Chilla, Alice Jehle and Nancy Travis. Joseph Sicotte sang the national anthem. Susan Lombard, chairman, brought greeting from trustees and asked each graduate to "commit yourself to being a lifelong learner."

Valedictorian Caitlyn Bessette, a liberal arts major, said she thought of BCC as her foundation and a steppingstone to her future, and thanked her mom for pushing her to do better. She stressed the importance of education in modern society and told her classmates they should be proud of the hard work they had done in educating themselves.

"We have the power to do anything and to achieve everything and to soar beyond all expectations," she said. "Congratulations class of 2012."

The two-year school awarded 263 associate degrees and 55 certificates. Graduates spilled out onto the lawn for pictures and congratulations from friends and family.

Rachael Daley, a graduate of Lee High School, returned to attend BCC after four years in the Air Force. The main reason she chose BCC was because of her other responsibilities: two young sons.

"It's a little tough but doable," she said as the crowd began to disperse. With a degree in health science in hand, she's planning to continue her education in occupational therapy. But Daley isn't the start of a chain reaction that Kennedy spoke of; rather, she's part of the cascade.

"My mom was the first to graduate from college in her family," said Daley, and earned her master's degree a few years ago. She was appreciative of Kennedy's call for civility and to vote. "She's wonderful," said Daily. "My family, we all love the Kennedys."

Kennedy, recalling her husband's words, sent the class off with a call to create their own legacy.

"All of us will live on in the future we make," she said. "Class of 2012, we're all looking forward to the future you make. I know it's in good hands with you. Congratulations and godspeed."

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Rain Slows Growth of Butternut Fire

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:35PM / Thursday, November 21, 2024

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.— Rain has slowed the Butternut Fire's growth but it's estimated at about 1,200 acres at this point.

It's the largest wildfire in the Berkshires since nearly a 1,000 acres burned in Clarksburg State Forest back in 2021.

"We want to start with some good news. Ground patrols are finding minimal new fire activity since this morning's rains began," the Great Barrington Fire Department posted on its Facebook page at 12:45 p.m..

"We want to reiterate that the rain will not extinguish the fire but it is helping to stop the spread. The weather has also delayed some of the drone operations — as a result we do not have an official size. What we do know — the growth has been minimal."

Fire Lt. Brian Mead earlier Thursday morning said the fire had seen some growth overnight but not to extent of Wednesday's surge. Fire was reported within a quarter mile of homes and was "stopped in its tracks." There are now more than 100 personnel on the ground and there has been one injury related to the fire, which he did not elaborate on.

"The rain will help to some extent but it will not extinguish the fire," said Mead. "We will remain on scene for the days and weeks to come but we still need your help. Please, please follow the local and state bans on outdoor fire. The last thing we need is another preventable fire."

At 4 p.m., the department reported that it will continue to operate under unified command with support from local, state, and federal agencies. Friday's operations will be scaled back with smaller crews and focused on monitoring and reporting.

At the last live update of the day, Mead said the fire would continue to be monitored and fire crews dispatched as needed.

"There is a lot of misinformation on out social media and we ask that you please, please rely on local official sites," he said. "Please avoid the areas and allow us to do our work."

The rain and smoke has made drone monitoring difficult so the exact size of the fire is not known; he estimated it grew about 100 acres over the past 24 hours.

Two rumors he dispelled were that the fire did not start at Camp Eisner. Mead said the initial location of the burn has not been identified but it did not start at the camp, which is occupied. Ski Butternut is also not in danger and that fire crews have kept the blaze to a safe distance.

A section of the Appalachian Trail has been affected and that area shut down.

Thursday's rain slowed growth and allowed crews to establish strong fire boundaries meaning that swaths have been cut and cleared to create fire breaks — which are holding.

At this time, no homes or structures are in immediate danger.

The fire near Brush Hill Road off East Mountain was first reported Monday evening. On Tuesday, it spread over 100 acres, and on Wednesday, it covered over 1,100 acres, expanding into Sheffield.

The town remains in a state of emergency, as declared by the Select Board on Tuesday, but first responders assure that Great Barrington is not in danger.

Firefighters were dispatched to three locations for concerns of fire extension into homes and in one instance, the fire was allowed to continue in a controlled state to a driveway and self-extinguished. They are aware of one injury from the fire and urge community members to avoid the area and leave firefighting to the professionals.

"More than 120 personnel are on the ground today fighting this fire," Mead reported on Thursday morning.

He said the day’s rain will help to some extent but will not extinguish the fire, explaining "We will remain on scene for the days and weeks to come."

At this time, the primary focus remains the protection of life and property, as patrols and alert residents identified some encroaching fire and stopped it in its tracks.

"We have strategically placed structural task forces, prepared to protect homes and property. Although they are staged and at the ready — there is NO immediate threat to residents," the department wrote in the 12:45 update.

"At the same time, crews have been working through the rain cutting fire breaks in the forest to further stop any expansion. Those control lines are holding."

Area residents can expect smoke to linger for the next several days. The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative released guidance for the poor air quality, as it can worsen allergies and cause respiratory infections, especially for those with heart disease asthma, or other lung diseases.

Residents are urged to monitor air quality and symptoms, move outdoor activities inside, wear a KN-95 mask when outdoors, close windows and vents in homes, and use HEPA filters.

Even with recent rains — there is a burn ban in Great Barrington until further notice. Additionally, state officials are evaluating week by week for statewide bans.

"With an immense amount of appreciation, we are not accepting donations at this time. In true New England fashion — neighbors have truly helped neighbors," the department wrote. "We are grateful to the community for once again showing your support."

Mead urged the community to "please please follow the local and state bans on fire, the last thing we need is another preventable fire."