Chesterwood to Hold First Annual Cider Mash Bash

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STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Chesterwood, the country home, studio and gardens of America’s foremost sculptor of public monuments, Daniel Chester French, will hold its First Annual Cider Mash with an of locally grown and prepared food and beverages, dance music by the B.T.U.s (formerly the Bluestars), and other highlights inspired by the treasures of the Berkshires on Saturday, Sept. 25, at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $80 ($150 per couple) for dinner, dessert, dancing and drinks; $40 for dessert and dancing only, beginning at 8:30 p.m., and may be purchased online at www.chesterwood.org or by calling 413-298-3579, ext. 25210. Casual, festive attire is suggested. The tented event will be held rain or shine and is a benefit for Chesterwood, A National Trust Historic Site, the historic home, studio, gardens and woodland walks of America’s foremost public sculptor Daniel Chester French, 1850-1931, famous for his sculpture of a seated Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial.

Guests may choose beverages by Barrington Brewery Beer, Berkshire Mountain Distillery Spirits, Furnace Brook Winery apple cider and French Cidre, and Wandering Star Brewing Company Beer, with dinner by Mad Jack’s BBQ. Desserts and confections will include delicacies by Cakewalk Bakery & Café Pastries, Chocolate Springs Confections and The Red Lion Inn, and cider doughnuts from Hilltop Orchards. The evening will continue at 8:30 p.m. with dancing on the grounds of Chesterwood to the B.T.U.s, long time veterans of the Northeast blues and dance club scene who have filled dance floors for more than two decades. The band members include Steve Ide on guitar and vocals, Bobby MacVeety on guitar and vocals, Robert Amiot on bass, and Rick Leab on drums.

“Chesterwood’s beautiful and historic grounds provide the perfect setting for a party, especially one that celebrates autumn in the Berkshires. This is the first of what I am sure will be many memorable Cider Mash Bashes to benefit Chesterwood, which is one of the Berkshire’s true gems,” said Chesterwood’s Director Donna Hassler.

Chesterwood’s Cider Mash Bash event committee includes Carol Bosco Baumann, Event Chair, and Rich Bradway, Amanda Rae Busch, Helena Fruscio, Bess Hochstein, Sara LaCour, Pam Malumphy, Michele Miller, Peter Murkett, Katherine Myers, Kim Noltemy, Andrea Nuciforo, Jr., and Kevin Sprague.

Chesterwood, A National Trust Historic Site, is the home, studio and gardens of America’s foremost public sculptor Daniel Chester French (1850-1931), creator of the Minute Man and Abraham Lincoln for the Lincoln Memorial. Open daily, May 29 through Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $15; free admission for kids 18 and under, sponsored by grants from local businesses, including Legacy Bank and Berkshire Bank. Guided tours are available at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., for an additional fee. Chesterwood is located at 4 Williamsville Road, off Route 183, in Stockbridge.

For more information, go to
www.chesterwood.org or call 413-298-3579, ext. 25210.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.
 
Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.
 
They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
 
College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.
 
She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication. 
 
"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."
 
Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.
 
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