Five Things to Love About the Northern Berkshires V

By Susan Bush
12:00AM / Thursday, July 21, 2005

The Hairpin Turn-based Golden Eagle Restaurant hosts a second-story balcony overlooking valleys and vistas.

Welcome to the fifth installment of a regular feature highlighting the people, places, and entities that bring something special to our Northern Berkshires communities. We live, work and play in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, and we welcome visitors to explore and enjoy the Northern Berkshires.

What We Love About the Golden Eagle Restaurant

Nestled against rocky ledge and the sharp curve of the famous Route 2 Hairpin Turn, the Golden Eagle Restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience. Diners may enjoy meals served at tables set up along a second-floor balcony overlooking exquisite valley views and vistas. During the summer months, the views are steeped in hues of emerald green, sky blue, and shades of gray and white; in the fall, the blazing foliage produces a visual masterpiece of epic proportions. Restaurant owner John Morris is usually on the premises and enjoys exchanging pleasantries with restaurant patrons. The restaurant location is also a bit unusual, while most of the roadway near the eatery is in North Adams, the Hairpin Turn itself is designated as part of Clarksburg, a valley town that may be viewed from the restaurant. We love the Golden Eagle Restaurant for its views, its ambiance, and the friendly demeanor of Morris and his staff.

What We Love About the Florida Elk Memorial

The majestic elk near Whitcomb Summit on Route 2

Just beyond the Route 2 Whitcomb Summit in Florida stands a regal bronze elk surrounded by a wreath-adorned iron fence. Erected by Massachusetts Elks Association members in June 1923 as a tribute to Elks members killed in war, the elk has stood strong and silent for 82 years. The site is very well maintained and a plaque attached to the statue and a newspaper article recounting the story of the elk are still legible. It is worth noting that the on the day of the elk dedication ceremony, over 10,000 people traveled to the summit to witness then 9-year-old Muriel Michelman of Greenfield unveil the memorial statue. We love the elk memorial as a quiet and steadfast guardian of the summit and as a fitting tribute to Elks Association brotherhood members lost to war.

What We Love About Art On The Green

The recent Art on the Green exhibit on the Adams Town Hall lawn offered regional artists an opportunity to show their talents without the burden of “fees.” Several artists who participated during the event explained that the fees associated with most art shows prevent lesser-known artists from participation. The practice has a Catch-22 effect; artists must show their work to gain

Pittsfield artist Angela Brett brought her work to a July "Art on the Green."

recognition or following, but until they are known for their work, art sales can be few and far between. The Art on the Green exhibit, organized by Adams resident Dawn Davis, brings a variety of artists to a downtown location and eliminates the artists’ financial stress. Another art show is set to occur on Aug. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and we encourage artists to register and residents to attend. We love Art on the Green as a valuable venue for regional artists and a fine opportunity for residents to peruse a variety of art.

What We Love About the Wild Oats Food Co-Operative and Community Market

The Wild Oats Community Market in Williamstown

Wild Oats is a non-profit market with a mission that includes supporting local food production, social and environmental responsibility, and “sound business practices in order to provide quality products at a fair price.” The market has opened at a large, renovated 320 Main St, Williamstown, site that has been termed “super-energy-efficient” by Advocate newspaper writer Linda Carman. The market’s informational flier claims that the store offers “the largest selection of local and organic produce, natural foods, and bulk foods in the area,” and this, of course, adds to the region’s food shopping options. The new store features a deli section overseen by former “Robin’s Restaurant” owner Robin Lenz, and we’re certain that Lenz fans are delighted by the news. We love that the Wild Oats Community Market [which began as a food co-op during the mid -1970s] has flourished and grown, and that both co-operative members and the public may shop the store aisles. Membership and other information is available by calling 413-458-8060 or by visiting the Wild Oats www.wildoats.coop./News.htm Internet web site.

What We Love About R.O.P.E.S. Camp

This unique, free summer camp is offered to new Northern Berkshire Drug And Alcohol Resistance Education school-based curriculum graduates on a yearly basis, and its’ blend of rope-based

A camper at R.O.P.E.S. camp learns from two Northern Berkshire police officers.

challenges, interaction with Northern Berkshire law enforcement officers and teachers, and confidence builders can deliver a host of positives to young campers. The camp hosts two week-long sessions, one in July and one in August; this year, over 80 Northern Berkshire youth have enrolled for each session. Past campers are welcome to return as “mentors” and the mentor list grows year after year. The Respecting Other People Establishing Self-esteem camp is possible only because of the commitment of Northern Berkshire police agencies, the City of North Adams, which donates space at Windsor Lake for the program, and generosity of many businesses. The camp's continued success boils down to one thing: the unwavering support of local youth. We love R.O.P.E.S. camp as another Northern Berkshires example of investment in our youngest residents.

Susan Bush may be reached by e-mail at suebush123@adelphia.net or by calling 802-823-9367.