St. Stanislaus School benefit, 9 to 4 in Kolbe Hall, Adams. Bake sale, snack bar, games, Chinese auctions, money raffle, crafts, and pierogi.
Blackinton Union Church, 1373 Massachusetts Ave., North Adams; 10 to 2. Crafts table, bake sale, Chinese auction, the Christmas table, and kid's grab bag. Lunch $4, $2 kids.
First Congregational Church, North Adams, 9-2.
Nov. 28 Becket Federated Church, Route 8, holiday bazaar from 9-3. Lunch, crafts, baked goods, holiday and other items. Information: Mary Peltier, Parish House, 413-623-5217.
Dec. 5
Holiday Fair at First Congregational Church, 25 Park Place, Lee, from 10 to 3; handcrafted items, raffles, children's shop, bake sale, cut Christmas trees and lunch from 11 to 1. Includes angel-themed goods from SERRV. Information, 413-243-1033 or www.ucc-lee.org.
Dec. 12-13
North Adams Country Club, crafts 9-4; food from That's a Wrap from 11-2. Information: Sheryl Morehouse at 413-822-3329.
Planning a bazaar this season? Submit information to info@iberkshires.com to have it listed here.
We're trying out blogs to offer shorter, easy-to-find news. Let us know what you think.
Send press releases and announcements to info@iberkshires.com. Need to contact someone at iBerkshires? Here's how.
Mammography Dispute The government's issued controversial new guidelines stating that women shouldn't get annual mammograms until age 50, rather than age 40.
iBerkshires will be meeting with local medical experts Monday. Have a question you'd like answered on this issue? Send it info@iberkshires.com with "mammogram" in the subject line.
NORTH ADAMS — Nothing can compare to the Berkshires' breathtaking views, its natural scenes, its unparalleled vistas.
But to truly appreciate the beauty of the mountains, they have to be seen from the sky.
Thanks to Shamrock Aviation, residents and visitors to the county have that chance. Offering scenic airplane rides that take off from Harriman-West Airport, the fixed-base operator takes passengers on a 40-minute air tour of the city, Williamstown and Mount Greylock.
"This area has so much potential," said general manager Matthew Champney at the Shamrock Aviation hangar on Monday morning. "We have a really nice airport here, just no one knows about it."
The tours come complete with narration and notes about important landmarks, including Williams College's campus and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Able to accommodate up to three passengers at a time, the flights showcase the variety of Berkshire landscapes — from congested city streets to sprawling farm lands to serene mountain views, complete with snow still on their at peaks.
According to Champney, he and owner Liam Shirley, of Lanesborough, want to bring back the glory days of Peter Esposito's flying service, which closed several years ago.
A view of Mount Greylock from the air, taken by Jen Thomas.
"We want to breathe some new life into it," said Champney, 24, who pilots the aircraft himself.
The scenic flights, similar to what Esposito used to provide, are available seven days a week, during what Champney called "normal business hours."
Open since the first of the new year, Shamrock Aviation began hosting passengers at the first sign of spring and, so far, customers have been responding positively.
Above Williamstown
"Mostly we've been getting people who are visiting someone who lives here who have never seen the area like this but when there are more tourists, we hope we can get them, too," said Champney.
Since opening three weeks ago, Champney, who earned a degree in aviation science from Bridgewater State College, said he's taken customers on about 10 scenic flights.
Beginning on May 1, Shamrock Aviation plans to offer flight instruction; potential pilots can train to acquire a pilot's license. And, by mid-summer, Champney said they hope to be certified to make charter flights.
Though it's mainly a one-man operation at the moment, Champney expects to build a staff throughout the next few months. Shamrock Aviation boasts three planes — two Cessnas and a Piper.
"We're trying to re-spark things around here in terms of aviation," he said.
Harriman-West Airport, nestled behind the Stop & Shop Plaza on Route 2, has been in the process of implementing an airport improvement plan over the last five years. According to the Berkshire Pilots Association, past improvements include "tree clearing in both approach paths (which has caused significant controversy among Williamstown residents), new security fencing and gates, resurfacing of the runway and the acquisition of new maintenance equipment."
In the cockpit
"Upcoming projects include reconstruction of the runway, ramp, and taxiways, a new airport beacon and the completion of perimeter fencing," reads the Pilots Association Web site. "The airport is home to several businesses employing more than 35 people."
Shamrock Aviation offers scenic flights daily, at a rate of $35 per person. Call Champney at 413-663-3330 for more information.
I recently went up with Mr. Champney for my first time ever flying. It was a fathers day gift from my wife and kids. I absolutley loved it! Mark is a stupendous pilot, and if you are nervous about flying as I was, I strongly advise putting your full trust in Mr. Champney, and the Shamrock Avaiation! Good luck with everything Mark, and I will be in touch for some more flying very soon!
from: David Shade
on: 06-25-2009
The flight was amazing, can't wait to do it again!
from: Tazz
on: 07-02-2008
Good Luck Matt
We hope the best for you and your new
endevor. Congratulations you deserve the best.
Rick and Tammy Moon
from: Rick and Tammy Moon
on: 05-21-2008
It brought back memories of my first solo flight many years ago. You're right the view is absolutely stupendous.
from: fran
on: 04-18-2008
Excellent, shows the true beauty of Northern Berkshiresfrom the sky. Can't wait to take my turn
from: B. Dougherty
on: 04-16-2008
Excellent story, Jenthomas. The tour sounds like a lot of fun.
from: C-Llew
on: 04-15-2008
I love this! Fantastic, beautiful pictures.
from: Emily
on: 04-15-2008
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