Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Nov. 14-20

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Friday: Wee-Muse Adventures At Berkshire Museum

Little ones can explore the Aquarium and three Museum galleries!Each week features songs, stories, scavenger hunts, play time, and more. Check our weekly e-news for each week's theme. This program is geared towards children 18 months to 3 years. Older and younger siblings are always welcome!

Friday, November 14 | 11am-11:30am | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 x 10 | FREE with admission


 

Friday: Assembly Coffee Roasters Ethiopian Pour Over Tasting at Dottie's

This will be a fun coffee tasting with Assembly Coffee Roasters, which will explore the world of Ethiopian Coffees. This tasting will give you an expansive understanding of Ethiopian coffees, a vocabulary to discuss coffee and a greater appreciation for the dynamic world of our favorite beverage! Please call the shop and let them know you will be joining.. .not an official reservation-- just a heads up! 

Friday, November 14 | 4:30pm-5:30pm | Dottie's Coffee Lounge | 444 North Street | 413-443-1792 | FREE


 

Friday: Festival of Trees on Safari Festive Preview Party at Berkshire Museum

Enjoy a first look at holiday trees decked out with a safari theme, taste tantalizing treats, and interact with Rick Roth of Creature Teachers and some of his wonderful wild animal friends.

Friday, November 14 | 5:30pm-7:30pm | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-443-7171 x 10 | $50 adult, $25 child; Museum members $30 adult, $15 child


 

Friday-Monday: Listen Up Phillip at The Little Cinema

A complex, intimate, and highly idiosyncratic comedy, Listen Up Philip is a literary look at the triumph of reality over the human spirit. Anger rages in Philip (Jason Schwartzman) as he awaits the publication of his sure-to-succeed second novel. He feels pushed out of his adopted home city by the constant crowds and noise, a deteriorating relationship with his photographer girlfriend Ashley (Elisabeth Moss), and his indifference to promoting his own work. When Philip's idol Ike Zimmerman (Jonathan Pryce) offers his isolated summer home as a refuge, he finally gets the peace and quiet to focus on his favorite subject — himself.

Friday-Monday, November 14-17 | Fri-Mon 7pm Mon 3pm | Berkshire Museum | Little Cinema | 39 South Street |413-443-7171 | $5 Museum Members $7.50 Museum Non Members


 

Friday: 1st Annul National Domestic Violence Awareness/ Winter Clothes Drive at Fairways

The 1st annual event to raise awareness for domestic violence will also accept donations for a winter clothes drive. $5 cover fee also gets you a raffle ticket to enter a surprise giveaway. Also $1 raffle tickets for a gift basket giveaway and food will be available for free. Donations are not mandatory, but will be greatly appreciated. There will also be live performances all night to keep you dancing. This is all for a great cause so please come out!

Friday, November 14 | 8pm | Fairways at the A | 303 Crane Ave | 413-442-3585| $5


 

SaturdaySt. Mark School Holiday Craft/Vendor Fair

St. Mark School kicks off the Holiday Season with this craft fair featuring more than 30 vendors, free admission and plenty of free parking. There will also be raffles including a 50/50 drawing.

Saturday, November 15 | 9am-1pm |St. Mark School | 400 Columbus Ave Ext.| 413-442-6040 | NO COVER


 

Saturday: Annual Holiday Bazaar and Tag Sale at Zion Lutheran Church

The Zion Lutheran Church of Pittsfield will host its annual Holiday Bazaar & Tag Sale on Saturday. Parking is available in the public lot across the street. The Holiday Bazaar includes tag sale items, craft vendors, raffles, baked goods and a cookie walk. Lunch is served from 11am until 2pm.  Take out will be available!

Saturday, November 15 | 9am-3pm | Zion Lutheran Church | 74 First Street | 413-442-3525 | Free Will Donation


 

Saturday+: Berkshire Museum's Festival of Trees 2014: On Safari!

View a wildlife expedition through the galleries! More than 100 holiday trees decorated to evoke an exotic safari adventure will be on view Saturday, November 15 through Sunday, January 4. Don't forget your binoculars!

Through January 4 | 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday; 12pm-5pm Sunday | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street |413-443-7171 | $13 adult; $6 child; Museum members & children 3 and under FREE


 

Saturday+: Lions & Tigers and Bears: Through the Lens with National Geographic at Berkshire Museum

This exhibition of compelling wildlife photography features 50 photos from three of National Geographic's top photojournalists — Michael "Nick” Nichols, Steve Winter, and Paul Nicklen. Lions & Tigers & Bears exemplifies the profound impact of visual storytelling, with stunning images of these three iconic animals.

Through January 4 | 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday; 12pm-5pm Sunday | Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street |413-443-7171 | $13 adult; $6 child; Museum members & children 3 and under FREE


 

Saturday: Chow Time At Berkshire Museum

Join the staff in the aquarium for an interactive look at what it takes to feed some of Berkshire Museum's most interesting residents. Prepare some heaping salads for some of our largest reptiles as we discuss what the aquarium animals eat here in the museum and what they would find in the wild. 

Saturday, November 15 | 12:30pm-1pm |Berkshire Museum | 39 South Street | 413-236-8888 | FREE with Museum 


 

Saturday: BCC Falcons vs. the Alleycats Crush Club Team

It's the second weekend of the Berkshire Community College's new soccer club team's home game under the lights on the College's main field behind Paterson Field House. This week they take on the Alleycats Crush Club Team.  The game is free and open to the public.

Saturday, November 15 | 6pm | Berkshire Community College |  1350 West Street | 413-236-1661 | FREE


 
 

Saturday: Berkshire Ballroom "Thanksgiving Celebration”

The Berkshire Ballroom Chapter 3045 of USA Dance, Inc. will host a Thanksgiving Celebration! Admission to the event includes a FREE East Coast Dance lesson, general dancing and a generous and healthy snack table.

Saturday, November 15 | 7pm-10:30pm | Masonic Hall | 116 South Street | 413-441-7806 | $9 for members, $13 guests, $5 students.


 

Saturday: Metaphor at the Whitney Center For The Arts

Join the Whitney for this encore performance of Metaphor.  Sam Talora and Ron Ramsey bring you some of their Broadway favorites, standards, popular tunes and more! Joined by the brilliance of the phenomenal Michael Gillespie on Sax, Flute & Clarinet and the lovely Courtney Clark on Violin!  Tapas Menu & Beverages available for Purchase.

Saturday, November 15 | Doors Open 6:45pm Show Begins 7:30pm| Whitney Center For The Arts | 42 Wendell Ave| 413-212-4459 | $20


 

Saturday: Highland Band at Mission

Powered by brilliant high school minds, Highland brings old school grooves, revamped with a fresh, youthful feeling! Come check them rock out in our window and come early as it will fill up quick!

Saturday, November 15 | 8pm-11pm | Mission Bar + Tapas | 438 North Street | NO PHONE | NO COVER


 

Saturday: Pure Prairie League at The Colonial

Country Rockers Pure Prairie League, are most known for their first hit Amie, perhaps the most well known and beloved country rock songs of all time. PPL prospered over the years with Mike Reilly as well as Country superstar Vince Gill, who was a band member for a short time. Whether they are Pickin to Beat the Devil or taking you riding down a Two Lane Highway, Pure Prairie League is a sure fire good time.

Saturday, November 15 | 8pm | Colonial Theatre | 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | $30-$70


 

Sunday: Sharyl Calitri Noroian Art Show at Unitarian Universalist Church

You are invited to a gallery exhibit featuring the work of artist Sharyl Noroian. Gallery hours with the artist are Sundays, November 16, 23 and 30; December 7 and 21 and January 4.

Sundays through January 4 | 12pm-2pm | Unitarian Universalist Church | 175 Wendell Ave | FREE


 

Sunday: Dine to Donate for Civitan Club at Patrick's Pub

The Civitan Club of Pittsfield will be holding a Dine To Donate event at Patrick's Pub. At no extra cost to you, Patrick's will be donating 20% of your check to the Civitan Club of Pittsfield. All proceeds will be used to fund local charities. A Civitan representative will be on hand to provide a Civitan coupon or just tell your waitress you are dining for Civitan and write for Civitan on your check.

Sunday, November 16 | 4:30pm-10:30pm | Patrick's Pub | 44 Bank Road | NO COVER


 

Tuesday: Excel 101 Computer Class at Berkshire Athenaeum

This class will review the interface, create a basic spreadsheet, and insert formulas. An optional guided half hour of practice will be available at the end of the session. Computer Lab sessions are taught presuming attendees' ability to type on a computer keyboard; use either a laptop touchpad or a mouse; and enter an address in the address bar of a browser. Those who do not have these skills are welcome to sign up for our sessions; however they may find they are unable to fully participate.

Tuesday, November 18 | 9:30am-11am | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE


Holiday Concert  

Tuesday: Holiday Concert at Berkshire Athenaeum

The Pittsfield High School Chamber Orchestra presents a Holiday Concert. This year the accomplished students musicians will be joined by the 60 member Berkshire Concert Choir.  The program will include Mozart's Impresario Overture, the Dance of the Tumblers by Rimsky-Korsakov, Richard Rogers in Concert arranged by Mac Huff, Ubi Caritas by Maura Tuffy and Vivaldi's Gloria.  Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum.

Tuesday, November 18 | 7pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480  | FREE


 

Wednesday: NaNoWriMo Write-in at Berkshire Athenaeum

National Novel Writing Month, shortened as NaNoWriMo is an annual internet-based creative writing project that takes place during the month of November.  NaNoWriMo challenges participants to write 50,000 words of a new novel from November 1st until the deadline at 11:59PM on November 30th. The goal of NaNoWriMo is to get people writing and keep them motivated throughout the process. On Wednesday, participants are invited to gather in the Athenaeum Room to work on their novels or scripts, with refreshments provided.

Wednesday, November 19 | 2:30pm-8pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 |FREE


 

Wednesday: Step by Step Paint Class at Battista's Italian Eatery

This guided painting class will be held at the restaurant, so you can order your dinner and sip on wine as artist Kathy Stocking-Koza guides you step-by-step to a painting you can take home right after class. This class is for all skill levels with no experience necessary. 

Wednesday, November 19 | 3:45pm |Battista's Italian Eatery | 1231 West Housatonic Street | 413-281-4893 | $30


 

Wednesday: Business-to-Business Showcase & Chamber Nite at the Crowne Plaza

The largest B2B event in the region establishes successful business-to-business connections, sparks mutually beneficial collaborations, markets products and services to the community at large and a limited number of exhibitors will have the chance to give a brief demonstration of their product or service. This year will feature a fashion show hosted by the Lee Premium outlets. All businesses are welcome and encouraged to participate.  It is also a great networking opportunity for all.  

Wednesday, November 19 | 4pm-9pm | Crowne Plaza | 1 West Street | 413-499-4000| FREE


 

Wednesday: Warren Miller's No Turning Back at The Colonial

This fall, Warren Miller releases its 65th ski film, No Turning Back. The newest installment pays homage to the 65 years of mountain culture and adventure film making. Watch Olympian Ted Ligety shred the World Cup in Colorado, Ingrid Backstrom and Jess McMillan push the boundaries of the Alaskan Chugach, and JT Holmes and Ulie Kestenholz take flight high above the Swiss Alps. Revel in the celebration for this year's winter season and remember, this time there's No Turning Back.

Wednesday, November 19 | 7:30pm | Colonial Theatre | 111 South Street | 413-997-4444 | $19


Berkshire Athenaeum  

Thursday: Play And Learn With Jenn at Berkshire Athenaeum

Come hear stories, sing songs and play some games! This playgroup is cosponsored by Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) and the Berkshire Athenaeum. This event is geared towards ages ages 1 1/2 – 5. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult, age 18 or older, at all times. No registration required.

Thursday, November 20 | 10am | Berkshire Athenaeum | One Wendell Ave | 413-499-9480 | FREE


Grateful by Joanie Ciolfi  

Thursday-Saturday+: Pop Up Art Show at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts

Give the gift of art this Holiday Season!  Start your shopping at the The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts'  Pop Up Art Show, taking place during two weekends this month.  Featured artists include:  Michael Boroniec; Mario Caluori;  ‎Lucie Castaldo; Tom Ciaburri; Joanie Ciolfi (Grateful pictured left); Peg Dotchin; Crispina Ffrench; John Houseman; Ellie Kreisher; Edward J. Moran; Stephanie Quetti; Scott Taylor; Donna Tukel; Warren Vienneau; Nicole Webster.  Click here for more information.

Thursday-Saturday, November 20-22 AND Saturday, November 29 | 11am-4pm | Lichtenstein Center for the Arts | 28 Renne Avenue | 413-499-9348 | NO COVER

 


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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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