Cultural Pittsfield This Week: July 25-31

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Hairspray JR  

Friday+: Hairspray Jr At Berkshire Museum

Based on the film and Tony Award-winning stage musical of the same name, Hairspray JR. features the popular songs You Can't Stop the Beat and Good Morning Baltimore. Filled with energetic dance numbers and unique characters, Hairspray JR. follows spunky plus-sized teen, Tracy Turnblad as she pursues her dream of dancing on national television and navigates the racial tensions and stereotypes of the 1960s.

Through August 10 | Performance Times Vary | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-236-8888 | $12 youth, $16 adults


 

FridayTuesday: Cork & Canvas at Bisque, Beads & Beyond

Create your own masterpiece at Bisque, Beads & Beyond! Friday is The Sunflower, Monday is Shasta Daisies and Tuesday brings Day At Sea. The classes are small for individualized instruction, the studio is bright and cheery and snacks will be provided.Pre-registration required!

Friday-Tuesday, July 25-29 | 6pm-9pm | Bisque Beads & Beyond | 141 North Street | 413-442-9300 | $35  


 

Friday, Saturday & Thursday: Pittsfield Suns at Wahconah Park

The Pittsfield Suns have three home games this week. Friday they're against The North Shore Navigators, Saturday versus Torrington Titans and on Thursday playing Martha's Vineyard Sharks. Cross your fingers that the sunshine continues to shine for Pittsfields hometown team! 

Friday, Saturday & Wednesday, July 25, 26 & 31 | 7pm | Wahconah Park | 143 Wahconah Street | 413-445-7867 | $8


 

Friday: Coffee House Concert Series At South Congregational Church

South Church Mission Board is pleased to announce their Coffee House Concert Series is continuing on Friday. David Grover and Linda Worster will perform originals mixed in with folk and rock favorites from the 50's, 60's 70's. Please for an evening of fun and friendship with these well-known musical artists in the Berkshires.

Friday, July 25 | 7pm | South Congregational Church | 110 South Street| FREE


 

Friday: Opera Notte At Whitney Center For The Arts

Midsummer Night's Arias at The Whit! Tapas, beer, and wine will be available for purchase. Show starts at 7:30, seating begins at 6:45.

Friday, July 25 | 7:30pm | Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave| $20


 

Friday+: The Golem of Havana At Barrington Stage

The story of a Hungarian-Jewish family living in Batista's Havana on the brink of the Cuban Revolution. When their maid's son, a guerrilla fighter, is injured, they must choose between protecting him and guarding their fragile prosperity since emigrating to Cuba after World War II. The Golem of Havana weaves together the music and traditions of two worlds, asking questions about family, community, religion and politics.

Through August 10 | Tues - Sat 7:30pm Thurs, Sat, Sun 3pm | Barrington Stage Company | Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center | 36 Linden Street | 413-236-8888 | $40+


 

Friday+: Breaking The Code At Boyd-Quinson Mainstage

The life story of famed mathematician and computer science pioneer Alan Turing, who solved the German Enigma code during World War II, not knowing he'd fight a much harder personal battle on the homefront. Starring Mark H. Dold, Directed by Joe Calarco.

Through August 2 | Tues & Wed 7pm Thurs - Sat 8pm Sun 5pm Wed & Fri 2pm | Barrington Stage Company | Boyd-Quinson Mainstage | 30 Union Street | 413-236-8888 | $20+


Pittsfield Shakespeare in the Park  

Friday+: Pittsfield Shakespeare In The Park

More than 400 people enjoyed the first weekend of this play.  Don't miss this last opportunity to catch the inaugural season of Pittsfield Shakespeare in the Park!  Featuring a cast of local actors and children, A Midsummer Night's Dream will be performed outdoors, under the stars—so bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the magic.

Thursday-Sunday through July 27 | 8pm | Springside Park | 874 North Street| FREE


 

Friday+: Outdoor Movies at Clapp Park: The Zookeeper

The Summer Outdoor Movie Series continues this week with The Zookeeper.  Join the animals at the Franklin Park Zoo under the stars on the lawn of Clapp Park.   The movie begins shortly after dusk.  Next week's movie is Rudy.

Fridays through August 1 | 8:30pm | Clapp Park | 413-499-9368 | FREE


 

Friday: Morningside Lane, Eye and I, and Sifer At Casey's

Berkshire County's long-running hard rock stalwarts Sifer, make their return to Casey's and are joined by Eye & I from New York and Morningside Lane from New Jersey. Your $5 admission includes free pool.

Friday, July 25 | 9pm | Casey's | 501 Dalton Ave | 413-997-2255 | $5 21+


 

Friday: Bull Nite Part 5 At Fairways

The Fairway's bar and banquet present Bull Night Part 5, featuring DJ Yung and DJ B playing non-stop music. The latest hip hop, r&b, top 40's and much, much more. Must have a proper ID, doors open at 9pm.

Friday, July 25 | 9pm| Fairways at the A | 303 Crane Ave | 413-442-3585| $5


 

Saturday: Pittsfield Track & Field Games

This free program introduces and teaches youth the basics of track and field including warm-ups and several running and field components. Pittsfield Track and Field Games will take place this Saturday for children ages 6 to 14. Registration and warm-ups will begin at 9 am with events beginning at 9:30 am.

Saturday, July 26 | 9am | Taconic High School | 96 Valentine Road | 413-499-9368 | FREE


 
 

Saturday: Korean War Memorial At City Hall

This is a memorial service for the Korean War with a posting of the colors, rifle salute, taps and retire the colors.

Saturday, July 26 | 9am-10am | Pittsfield City Hall | 70 Allen Street | 413-443-0309 | FREE


 

Saturday: Housatonic River Cleanup

Join Berkshire Environmental Action Team and HVA for a River Clean Up on the West Branch of the Housatonic River. Meet at Fred Garner Park, then teams will be dispersed to different locations. If conditions are right, a group paddle will remove more tires and miscellaneous debris from that stretch. Gloves, bags and lunch will be provided, plus some waders and boots you can borrow, too. Please bring a water bottle, sunscreen and a hat. You can bring your canoe, too.

Saturday, July 26 | 9am | Fred Garner Park | Pomeroy Ave | 413-230-7321 | FREE


 

Saturday: Yoga on the Lawn at Arrowhead

Waterfall Perry will be offering yoga on the lawn every Saturday morning during June, July and August. Enjoy this healthy and relaxing activity amidst the serenity of Melville's trees.

Saturdays through August 23 | 9am | Arrowhead | 780 Holmes Road | 413-442-1793 | $10 


 

Saturday+: Pittsfield Farmers Market

Farmers, food producers and artisans bring locally grown and raised food and products into the heart of the community. Weekly market features fresh, locally grown food, local artisans, food trucks and much more.  This week features DIY Saturday

Saturdays Through October 25 | 9am-1pm | First Street (across from the Common) | info@farmersmarketpittsfield.org | NO COVER 


 

Saturday+: Yoga & Zumba On Onota Lake

Back by popular demand! Soak in the beauty of Onota Lake and join us every First and Last Saturday of the month for Yoga and Zumba on Onota Lake at Burbank Park. All levels and ages welcome. Bring a mat if you have one (extras available) and a blanket or towel for underneath if you like, maybe even your bathing suit for a swim after class!

Saturday, July 26 | 9am-11:15am | Onota Lake | Burbank Park | 413-822-2034 | $10


 

Saturday+: Stick Your Hands In History At Arrowhead

Saturdays in July and August, middle school children will be offered the opportunity to explore the creative intersection of art and history by using objects from the Historical Society's collection to curate an exhibit on the theme of Art & Industry. Each exhibit created from a pool of 60 items, will be on display for one week and will change each Saturday. 

Saturdays through August 23 | 9:30am-11:30am | Arrowhead | 780 Holmes Road | 413-442-1793 | FREE


 

Saturday: Kitchen Ka-Boom at Berkshire Museum

Sign up for Kitchen Ka-Boom and perform thrilling and fun science experiments in the Sabic Innovation Lab! All experiments are kid-safe and can be recreated using items found in almost any kitchen. Each session features different experiments. Adult must accompany child. Seating is limited, so reservations are requested. 

 

Saturday, July 26 | 11am | Berkshire Museum  | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | Included with Museum Admission 


 

Saturday & Sunday: The Year I Was Gifted At Whitney Center For The Arts

Drama with comedy for anyone who's ever wondered what to do with their life. Direct from New York, a gay-straight love story. The true tale of a working class girl's attempt to survive a prestigious boarding school for the arts. Written and performed by Monica Bauer who said, "When I was 15 years old I lied my way into the best boarding school for the arts. Then I had to decide if I was willing to betray my beliefs to stay there." 

Saturday & Sunday, July 26-27 | Sat 1pm, Sun 2pm | Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave| $15


 

Saturday: Parting Glances Screening At Whitney Center For The Arts

This is a fundraiser for Berkshire Stonewall and will be shown directly after the matinee performance of The Year I Was Gifted.  Parting Glances by Bill Sherwood has been lauded as a landmark of gay cinema, the first realistic portrayal on film of gay men with Aids. Those who have seen it will never forget it, and those who haven't seen it will be surprised by the sophistication, humor, and warmth of this great first film by a young film maker. 

Saturday, July 26 | 3:30pm | Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave| $10


 

Saturday-Monday: The Lunchbox at Little Cinema

Middle-class housewife Ila is trying once again to add some spice to her marriage, this time through her cooking. She desperately hopes that this new recipe will finally arouse some kind of reaction from her neglectful husband. She prepares a special lunchbox to be delivered to him at work, but, unbeknownst to her, it is mistakenly delivered to another office worker, Saajan, a lonely man on the verge of retirement.

Saturday-Monday, July 26-28 | Sat-Mon 7pm Mon 3pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 | $5 Museum Members $7.50 Museum Non-Members


 

Saturday: Schickele at The Colonial

It's been 50 years since Professor Peter Schickele released P.D.Q. Bach on an unsuspecting musical public. And now, because everyone loves a birthday, Professor Schickele has reached back across the decades to explore the damp vaults and dusty attics of Leipzig to once again celebrate the twenty-first child (out of twenty) of the great J.S. Bach. This special, once in a half-century, musical extravaganza will feature the crème de la crème of history's most justifiably neglected composer.

Saturday, July 26 | 8pm | Colonial Theatre | 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | $25+


 

Sunday: The Robbins-Zust Marionettes 44th Summer Season

The Robbins-Zust Marionettes are pleased to announce their 44th summer season! Performing classic fairytales for every child.

Sundays Through August 31 | 11am | Marketplace Cafe | 53 North Street | 413-358-4777 | FREE


 

Sunday: Pittsfield Ethnic Fair & Classic Car Show

One day, two BIG events.  The Pittsfield Ethnic Fair and Classic Car Show featuring food and entertainment from around the world and classic cars by the Piston Poppers Car Club. Free and open to the public so bring the whole family. Rain or shine.

Sunday, July 27 | 11am-5pm | Downtown Pittsfield |413-443-6501| FREE


 

Sunday: God Of Carnage Staged Reading At The Whitney

The Town Players of Pittsfield present a staged reading of God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza. The reading is directed by Matt Barbas.

Sunday, July 27 | 3pm | Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave| $5


 

Sunday & Monday: Presto Change-O At Barrington Stage

A new musical about three generations of illusionists—and the woman who loves all of them—as they learn to co-exist, make amends, and reconcile what is truth and illusion in their own lives. A staged reading.

Sunday & Monday, July 27 & 28 | Sun 7pm, Mon 2pm | St. Germain Stage | Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center | 36 Linden Street | 413-236-8888 |$15


 

Monday+: Zumba & Yoga at Springside Park

Take in the natural beauty and gardens of Springside Park while bringing our yoga practice and dance moves outside! This is an on-going weekly class which is being offered for the second year this summer. All ages and levels welcome - Bring a mat if you have one and a blanket to put underneath. Kids are Welcome!

Mondays through August 25 | 5:30pm-7:45pm | Springside Park | $10

 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

EPA Lays Out Draft Plan for PCB Remediation in Pittsfield

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Ward 4 Councilor James Conant requested the meeting be held at Herberg Middle School as his ward will be most affected. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency and General Electric have a preliminary plan to remediate polychlorinated biphenyls from the city's Rest of River stretch by 2032.

"We're going to implement the remedy, move on, and in five years we can be done with the majority of the issues in Pittsfield," Project Manager Dean Tagliaferro said during a hearing on Wednesday.

"The goal is to restore the (Housatonic) river, make the river an asset. Right now, it's a liability."

The PCB-polluted "Rest of River" stretches nearly 125 miles from the confluence of the East and West Branches of the river in Pittsfield to the end of Reach 16 just before Long Island Sound in Connecticut.  The city's five-mile reach, 5A, goes from the confluence to the wastewater treatment plant and includes river channels, banks, backwaters, and 325 acres of floodplains.

The event was held at Herberg Middle School, as Ward 4 Councilor James Conant wanted to ensure that the residents who will be most affected by the cleanup didn't have to travel far.

Conant emphasized that "nothing is set in actual stone" and it will not be solidified for many months.

In February 2020, the Rest of River settlement agreement that outlines the continued cleanup was signed by the U.S. EPA, GE, the state, the city of Pittsfield, the towns of Lenox, Lee, Stockbridge, Great Barrington, and Sheffield, and other interested parties.

Remediation has been in progress since the 1970s, including 27 cleanups. The remedy settled in 2020 includes the removal of one million cubic yards of contaminated sediment and floodplain soils, an 89 percent reduction of downstream transport of PCBs, an upland disposal facility located near Woods Pond (which has been contested by Southern Berkshire residents) as well as offsite disposal, and the removal of two dams.

The estimated cost is about $576 million and will take about 13 years to complete once construction begins.

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