History talk
NORTH ADAMS — Carole Owens, author of “The Berkshire Cottages: A Vanishing Era†and “The Lost Days of Agatha Christie,†will be the next speaker in the Local History Lecture Series, Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. in the shippers’ office at Western Gateway Heritage State Park.
Owens will speak on “Our Berkshire Roots, From Farming to Industry.†Admission is free, but those attending are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Food Pantry.
“Berkshire County during the 17th and 18th centuries was rugged and difficult,†Owens said in a news release. “Many who came found it too difficult and immediately left. Those who stayed were particularly strong in body and mind. Their stories are memorable and often amusing. From simple beginnings, the Berkshires became home to founders of the republic, signers of the Constitution and one of the nation’s best educational institutions.â€
The first program in the series, “The Chinese in North Adams†by Professor Anthony Lee of Mount Holyoke College, was presented on Jan. 25 to a standing room only audience. The series will continue on Feb. 29 with “Smoke on the Mountains,†about early iron making and charcoaling in the Berkshires, presented by historian Bernard A. Drew. On March 14, author Stuart Murray will discuss “The Berkshires in the Civil War.†The series will conclude on March 28 with “The Scenic Mohawk Trail†by Clint Richmond.
This series is a collaborative effort of the North Adams Public Library, North Adams Historical Society and state Department of Conservation and Recreation at Heritage State Park. Information: www.geocities.com/northadamshistory/, www.naplibrary.com or the visitors; center, 663-6312.
Blood drive
WILLIAMSTOWN — The American Red Cross will hold its annual winter blood drive on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 10 and 11, from noon to 5 at the First Congregational Church on Main Street.
The goal for the two-day drive is 180 units (90 units each day). Donors 17 years and older will be welcomed either by appointment or on a walk-in basis. Appointments may be arranged by telephone at 458-3540. First-time donors are particularly welcome. Currently, 17 year-olds may give on their own volition, without parental consent.
As in the past, the canteen for donors will feature refreshments provided by a local eating establishment. Sandwiches from the Williams Inn will be served to everyone.
The procedures for blood donation take about one hour to complete. Mid-afternoon is generally the least busy time, and no donations can be started later than 5 p.m. on either day. The blood obtained in drives every three months helps to meet the needs of the western Massachusetts area. Information: Sheila O’Neill, 458-3540.
Volunteers honored
FLORIDA — The Senior Center hosted a Volunteer Recognition tea and coffee event on Friday, Jan. 23, honoring volunteers who have consistently given time to the center during the year.
Director Sandy Sheldon served them refreshments and awarded them certificates of recognition. Those recognized for their service were as follows:
Pauline Campbell, “Snack & Chat,†lunch/bunch, center maintenance; Maralyn Brown, Shine volunteer, center maintenance; Stanley Brown, center maintenance; Reggie Rowett, Bingo; Mae Embry, feature presentation (music), newsletter; Chieko Mullett, “Walk About†and tai chi; Earl Mullett, “Walk About;†Helen Hanna, “Snack & Chat;†Ed Morrone, feature presentation (music); Priscilla Brayman, newsletter; Barbara Newman, newsletter.
Also, Heidi Dugal and the sixth grade class at Gabriel Abbott Memorial School, Christmas party; Terry Culpepper and Cub Scout Pack 76, Christmas party; Margo Van Peterson, weight training; Al Bedini, feature presentation (music), center maintenance Ed Briscoe, lunch/brunch; Judy St. Jacques, Bingo; Shane St. Jacques, Bingo; Pearl Mullett, Bingo; Marie Briscoe, L.P.N., blood pressure clinic; Anna Gentes, Christmas party, center maintenance; Jana H. Brule, lunch/brunch, office assistance; The Aladdins, feature presentation (music).
Chess winners
NORTH ADAMS — North Adams native Dan Johnson became the new champion of the North Berkshire Chess Club in the annual tournament held over four nights evenings in January during its regular Wednesday night meetings at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.
The first evening produced an upset: Perennial club champion Jeff Brassard of Adams lost his first-round game to Johnson. Both Johnson and club president, Ray Gaudette of Williamstown, remained undefeated through the second round, while Brassard came back with a win.
Round Three featured a tense battle between the two leaders, ending in a draw that sent them into the final round tied. At the next table, Brassard remained in contention by pulling off a dazzling combination to narrowly defeat Mike Shakar of Bennington, Vt.
While Johnson won his fourth-round game, ensuring him of at least a tie for first place, Gaudette and Brassard battled to determine the order of the top three finishers. After a long, close game, Brassard emerged victorious to claim second place, dropping Gaudette into third.
Each contestant played four games with a time limit of 60 minutes per player per game, with players alternating colors each game. Standings were determined by a point system, with one point for a win, one half for a draw and no points for a loss. Final results were: Johnson (3.5), Brassard (3), Gaudette (2.5), Shakar (1), Bill Montgomery of North Adams (1) and Mike Day of Williamstown (0).
The club meets every Wednesday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on the first floor of Building 10. Players from the community are welcome and encouraged to play on meeting nights throughout the year. Membership is free and open to players at all levels, with instruction available. Boards and chess sets are provided. Information: Gaudette, 458-8271, any evening after 6 — except Wednesdays, of course.
School council
WILLIAMSTOWN — The Mount Greylock School Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 11, promptly at 4 p.m. in the Bruce R.Carlson Library at the school.
School Council meetings are open to the public. To request that an item be placed on the agenda, call the principal’s office, 458-9582, ext.5.
Tree birthday
NORTH ADAMS — Congregation Beth Israel, at 53 Lois St., will celebrate Tu BiShvat, the Jewish "birthday of the trees," on Saturday, Feb. 7, which will include a "seder," or ritual meal, at which those attending eat fruits and nuts grown on trees.
"It's the original Arbor Day," said Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser. "It's a day for reconnecting to the natural world and discovering once again that we are a part of it and all creation."
The seder, a mystical traditional that originated some 400 years ago, will be led by member Rachel Barenblat. Mystical connections will be described between the fruits of the trees and the Four Worlds of Emanation, Creation, Formation and Action. Those participating will be called upon to heighten awareness of God's presence in the world.
Tu Bishvat, which has become a rallying point for Jews to live up to their tradition's concern for the health of all of creation, was named for the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. In the land of Israel, it is the time when almond trees, the first to bloom, put out their white and pink petals, as well as the date in anceint times assigned for counting the age of trees to determine when their fruits were to be offered at the Temple.
Services begin at 9:30 a.m., and the seder will begin about noon. Reservations: 663-5830.
Valentine dance
ADAMS — Youth Center Inc., serving Adams, Cheshire and Savoy, will host a Family Valentine Dance on Feb. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the town’s community center, 20 East St.
Executive Director Elizabeth Baker said, "The Family Valentine Dance & Fun Night is one of the most popular events the youth center has.â€
She said the reason for its past success has been its affordability.
"Going to the movies for a family of four can cost up to $50, after you pay for admission and refreshments,†she said.
The cost for the dance is $10 for member families and $12 for non-member families. Those costs are for entire families, no matter how big. Those attending are asked to bring baked goods or a snack. The board of directors will supply beverages. The night will include dancing in the main hall and use of the upstairs entertainment, which includes a pool table, video games and computers.
Information: Baker, 743-3550, or e-mail youth.center@verizon.com.
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Dalton Day Returns This Saturday
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center.
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents.
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager.
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event.
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Jason Codey struck out 13, walked two and allowed just an infield single as the Generals earned a 7-1 win over Wahconah to claim their third straight regional title. click for more
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