North Adams Happenings: Nov. 25-Dec. 3

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Save the Date!

Thursday December 3
Unsilent Night
Meet at MASS MoCA
1040 MASS MoCA Way
5pm
FREE
for more information
 
Presented by Frogpond Creative, join composer Phil Kline for North Adams’ 2nd Annual Unsilent Night - an evolving, enveloping soundscape played by participants on boomboxes, mp3 players and carried through the streets of North Adams. A new North Adams tradition not to be missed! Meet in front of ‘tree logic’ the upside down Maple trees in the MASS MoCA courtyard and help bring Phil Kline’s luminous and festive soundscape to life. As the music crescendos, we’ll end our participatory experience at the doors of MCLA’s Gallery 51. Stay for hot chocolate and the opening of Spectacle 99.
Please RSVP at mcla.ticketleap.com/unsilentnight
 

Save the Date!

Thursday December 3
Exhibition Opening Spectacle 99
MCLA Gallery 51
51 Main Street
413-662-5324
5-8pm
FREE
for more information

Join us for the opening reception of Spectacle 99, MCLA Gallery 51’s annual affordable art show celebrates the artwork of local and previously featured artists at MCLA Gallery 51, and includes functional ware, sculpture, ceramics, watercolors, jewelry, paintings, postcards, key chains, stickers, buttons, collages, photography and printmaking. All artwork will be sold on a “cash and carry” basis and is priced between .99 and 99.99.
 
Participating artists include: Stephanie Boyd, Valerie Carrigan, Danielle Christensen, Michelle Daly, John Etes, Sara Farrell-Okamura, Richard Harrington, Larry Lorusso, Jennifer Huberdeau, Ellen Joffe-Halpren, Amrita Lash, Jonas McCaffery, Julia Morgan-Leamon, Melanie Mowinski, Danny Oh, Hideyo Okamura, Jackie Sedlock, Sarah Sutro, Sarah Tefft and Sandra Thomas.
 

Save the Date!

Friday December 4
MCLA Presents! Anais Mitchell
MCLA Church Street Center
375 Church Street
7:30 pm
$2-$12
for tickets and more information
 
Anaïs Mitchell is first and foremost a storyteller. As a Vermont based singer-songwriter, Mitchell recorded for Ani Difranco's Righteous Babe Records for several years before starting her own Wilderland label in 2012.

If there's a common thread in Mitchell's work-- from her earliest acoustic records, to the Hadestown opera, to this new chapter-- it's that she's as interested in the world around her as the one inside her. She has a way of tackling big themes with the same emotional intimacy most artists use to describe their inner lives. "That's why," as one journalist put it, "even in her most intimate moments, she never sounds like a confessional songwriter."
 
Opening for Anais are: Bridget Kearney and Benjamin Lazar Davis
Anais Mitchell - Now You Know
 

Wednesday November 25

Free Blood Pressure Screening
First Baptist Church
Use Eagle Street entrance
9:30 – 11:30 AM
Free
call for more information

Get Cuffed Berkshires free blood pressure screening at the Friendship Food Pantry in North Adams every Wednesday in October. Ask about the Apple Crunch! You could win a $50 Guido's gift certificate!
 
North Adams Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Main Street
413-664-6180
6 PM
Free
for more information

Join us along with hundreds of your neighbors as we celebrate the holiday season with our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! The tree lighting will take place at 6p.m transforming Main Street into a twinkling wonderland of thousands of lights illuminating the tree-lined street and decorating our two towering holiday trees at the ends of Main Street.
We’d like to thank Norm & Ann Martin for donating the tree by the monument, in memory of Max Fiske, beloved neighbor.  Also, thank you to Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Homes for donating the tree by City Hall. Once the lights go up be on the lookout for Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will make a special appearance to bring goody bags to the children! Stick around and see what holiday gifts are to be found in the downtown shops!
 
Drury Class Of 1980 Reunion
Mingo’s
41 Roberts Road
413-652-5768
7 PM
call for information

The Drury Senior High School Class of 1980 will be celebrating its 35th year reunion on Thanksgiving Eve at Mingo’s Restaurant. Classmates are encouraged to help spread the word via social media.  For further information, class mates can contact Paul Gaudreau at 413-652-5768 or Mike Nuvallie at 413-441-0619. 
 

Thursday November 26th

 
 

Friday November 27th

 
Kids’ Night Out
NB YMCA
22 Brickyard Court
413-663-5700/ 413-663-6529
5:30-8:30 PM
$5 (only for ages 8-14 years)
For more information

The Northern Berkshire YMCA welcomes youth and teens ages 8-14 years for a night of fun, active play at Kids’ Night Out, held every Friday night until Dec. 18 at the YMCA on Brickyard Court. Parents can enjoy a night out while their youth and teens have fun in a safe, secure environment. Youth and teens enjoy an evening of fun and games, gym time and pool time (bring your bathing suits)! A movie with a snack will finish the evening. The cost is $5 for each night. For more information, contact Jeremy Levesque at  413-663-6529.
 
Free Skate Fridays
Peter Foote Veterans Memorial Skating Rink
1267 Church Street
413-664-8185
8 – 10 PM
Free
Call for more information
 
Fridays from 8-10PM there will FREE skating at the rink from November 27th to December 18th! Bring your own skates or rentals will be available.
 

Saturday November 28th

 

Small Business Saturday! 
Support your local small businesses!

Citywide
Skip the Black Friday madness and head downtown on Small Business Saturday to support your small local businesses. Why support small business? Here are a few fun facts:
  • Small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to non-profits and community causes (Source: Seattle Good Business Network).
  • If you spend $100 at a local business, roughly $68 stays in your local economy. If you spend the same are a large business, only $43 stays in the local economy (Source: Civic Economics Study in Grand Rapids, Michigan).
  • Small businesses have generated over 65% of the net new jobs since 1995
 

Saturday Dad and Me- Playtime and Pizza Lunch
210 State Street
413-664-4821
11 AM
Free
The fun starts at 11:00 am. We will play in the Haskins Center Gym, 210 State Street, North Adams, for active fun followed by a pizza lunch. Please call the Family Center office at 413-664-4821 to register. Stepdads, grandfathers, uncles or other male caregivers are welcome!
 

 
Blackinton Mansion Tours
North Adams Public Library
74 Church Street
413-662-3133 ext 13
2 PM
$5/person

The North Adams Public Library is now offering tours of the historic Blackinton Mansion! Space is limited so reservations are suggested. These tours will happen every Saturday at 2PM.
 
 

Sunday November 29th

 
Handmade Cloth Dolls Workshop (2 part series)
Makers' Mill 73 Main Street
(413) 749-2073
2 – 4:30 PM
$50
for more information

This two-part workshop will run on Sunday, November 29th and Dec 6th from 2–4:30.
In it you will learn to create your own unique cloth doll using a variety of materials and techniques. All skill levels are strongly encouraged to participate; no experience is necessary. The first class will focus on the construction of the doll, and the second class will focus on the decoration of it. Feel free to bring ideas/sketches/inspiration/materials with you if you wish, or choose to make it up as you go if you prefer, but come and make something fun and special to give your loved one for the holidays!

Instructor Bio
Phyllis Criddle is a self-taught fashion designer living in North Adams, Massachusetts, who has recently discovered a passion for creating cloth dolls. She is also Director of Retail Operations at MASS MoCA, and is known for creating unusual garments and accessories out of materials from the museum and it's music festivals.
 
Free (weekly) Screening of the Walking Dead
North Adams Movieplex
80 Main Street
413-663-6300
9 PM
Free
For more information 

Watch the latest episode with your friends on the big screen!
 

Monday November 30th

 
Last Chance to VOTE!
Help us bring 10 FREE Concerts to Colegrove Park, North Adams!
Voting Ends November 30, 5PM PST

Step 1: register to vote by clicking the “sign up to vote” button at: https://grant.levittamp.org/
Step 2: Confirm your registration via email (Check your spam folder if you don't see it in the inbox)
Step 3: View proposals and VOTE for MCLA Berkshire Cultural Resource Center. Colegrove Park, North Adams!
Step 4: SHARE!!
 
Figure Drawing Collective
Makers' Mill 73 Main Street
(413) 749-2073
7-9PM
$5/members, $10/drop-in
For more information

Be part of a new figure drawing collective starting up at Makers’ Mill. Sessions will run every Monday and will focus on long poses, and include a warm up consisting of several short poses. We’ll be bringing in local models and a local, figure drawing instructor who will drop-in as available. Get in as at the ground level to shape the direction this collective takes. Bring your own lap board, paper, pencils, and creative energy!
 
 
 

Community Fundraisers

Wednesday November 25
 
The Drury High School Band Annual Papa Gino’s fundraiser
36 American Legion Drive
413-664-4942
4 – 9 PM

The Drury High School Band will hold its annual Papa Gino’s fundraiser November 25, 2015 from 4 – 9pm at Papa Ginos, 36 American Legion Dr., North Adams.  Papa Ginos will donate 20% of the total pre-tax sales from all guests who submit a DHS Band flyer with their order ( dine-in, carry-out, and delivery; if ordering online, please reference flyer in the comments section).  DHS Band flyers are available from all band members and also be distributed at the North Adams Christmas Tree lighting ceremony that evening on Main St.  . This year’s fundraiser is specifically to raise funds for the band trip to Washington DC for the July 4, 2016 parade. For more information or to obtain a DHS Band flyer for Papa Gino’s please contact Tom Bernard at (413) 664-4942 or email drurybandparents @gmail.com



Saturday November 28
Coffee & Canines

Tunnel City Coffee
100 Spring Street, Williamstown
11 AM- 1 PM
Free
Meet local dog photographer Amanda Jones, whose fun photos are currently on display at Tunnel City! Bring your well behaved* dog, enjoy the wall art, and sip your favorite coffee. Homemade dog treats from Bark N' Cat in North Adams will be for sale as well as Amanda's new book, Dog Years. Bring a photo of you and your dog and you can join our "Post Your Puppy" board on display! A dog shoot with Amanda will be raffled! Tickets are $5.00. All proceeds will benefit the Berkshire Humane Society.

 
 

From Our Neighbors

Thursday November 26
 
Thanksgiving Service
White Oaks Congo Church, 480 White Oaks Rd., Williamstown
9 AM
The annual Thanksgiving Day Service for the community will be held at White Oaks Congregational Church, 480 White Oaks Road. All are welcome.
 
Friday November 27
 
Milham Planetarium Shows
Old Hopkins Observatory at Williams College ,Williamstown
413-597-2188
8 PM
Free
email for more information

Williams College astronomy students will host free shows for the public at the Milham Planetarium, located inside the Old Hopkins Observatory at Williams College. Audiences will be treated to shows from the high-precision Zeiss Skymaster ZKP3/B opto-mechanical planetarium projector, installed in April 2005. The Hopkins Observatory, built in 1836-38 by the first professor of astronomy at Williams College, Albert Hopkins, is the oldest extant observatory in the United States. Shows will last about 50 minutes. For reservations (recommended) contact Michele Rech at 413-597-2188 or email mcr4@williams.edu

Saturday November 28 - Sunday November 29
 
Williamstown Artist Open Studios
10 AM – 5 PM 
for more information

Visit local Williamstown artists during this free, public event. This is a great opportunity to meet local artists, explore their workspaces, and build connections!
 
 

Opportunities

Call for Entries - Black Lives Matter Art Exhibition – Deadline 12/1
MCLA Gallery 51, 51 Main Street , North Adams
Submissions due by December 1, 2015. Exhibition Dates 1/28 - 2/221/16
Apply online

Artists are encouraged to explore from the literal to the conceptual underpinnings of Black Lives Matter and seeks to examine the impact of state and national violence on black lives. We invite submissions that encourage and incite conversation about race relations, the importance of black lives, and proposals for what we each must do to make a difference in our society.
 

MA Health Connector’s Open Enrollment begins November 1st and runs
through January 31st, 2016
Call Ecu-Health Care at 663-8711 if you:
- Need to update income, family size, address etc. for your current MA
Health Connector health insurance plan
- Do not have health insurance
- Have a Connector Care Plan or other health insurance through the MA
Health Connector and want to change to a different plan
- Have questions about the affordability of your employer’s health sponsored
insurance.
 
 
 
 

Ongoing Events

(free unless otherwise noted)

 
Wednesday 
6AM | Miner Combat |69 Union Street |(413) 652-4563$5
https://www.facebook.com/MinerCombat
 
9:15AM  | Zumba | 69 Union Street | (413) 652-4563 | $5
https://www.facebook.com/zumbaintheberkshires
 
10AM | Toddler Playgroup |Haskins Center Lower Level Playroom | 210 State Street(413) 664-4821
http://ccberkshire.org
 
10:30AM | Preschool Story Time and Crafts |North Adams Public Library, 74 Church Street 
(413) 662-3133 ext. 14 http://www.naplibrary.com/
 
6PM | Let’s Dance! | SOMA (Eclipse Mill Artist Lofts, #407) | 243 Union Street | (413) 626-2463 
 
$8-10 donation suggested soma.eclipse407@gmail.com
 

Thursday
11:30AM | Haskins Center Gym Group | Haskins Center, 210 State Street | (413) 664-4821
http://ccberkshire.org


Friday
4:30PM | Community Yoga|Frog Lotus Yoga | 189 Beaver Street, Suite #207 |(413)664-8686 | $5 suggested donation
www.froglotusyoga.com
 
6PM | Restorative Yoga|Frog Lotus Yoga | 189 Beaver Street, Suite #207 |(413)664-8686 | $5 suggested donation
www.froglotusyoga.com
 
6:30PM | Bingo | The Elks Lodge | 100 Eagle Street | (413)664-9039 | $ varies
https://www.facebook.com/#!/Elks487
 
6:00 PM | Friday Night Fun Club | North Adams YMCA | 22 Brickyard Ct. | (413) 663-6529
http://ymcanb.org/

9PM | Karaoke Friday at State Street Tavern | 167 State Street | (413) 664-9151
https://www.facebook.com/pages/State-Street-Tavern/244085679495
 

Saturday
7AM | Freedom Community Yoga | Freedom Dance Studio, backside of Holiday Inn | 40 Main Street 
(413) 281-0831 | Donations Suggested http://freedomstudio.dance/
 
8PM | Music at Freight Yard Pub | 3 Furnace Street | (413) 663-6547
Featuring: Anthony Luchi http://www.freightyardpub.com/
  
Sunday
9:45AM | HIIT FIT | 69 Union Street | (413) 652-4563 | $5
https://www.facebook.com/MinerCombat
 
4:30PM | Community Yoga Classes | Frog Lotus Yoga | 189 Beaver Street, Suite #207 | (413) 664-8686 
$5 suggested donation www.froglotusyoga.com
 

Monday
10:30AM | Garden Club | North Adams Public Library Children's Deptartment, 74 Church Street | 413. 662-3133 ext. 13 | http://www.naplibrary.com/children/ 

6AM | Miner Combat | 69 Union Street | (413) 652-4563 |$5
https://www.facebook.com/MinerCombat
 
9:15AM | Zumba | 69 Union Street | (413) 652-4563 | $5
https://www.facebook.com/zumbaintheberkshires
 
11:30AM | Haskins Center Gym Group | Haskins Center, 210 State Street | (413) 664-4821
http://ccberkshire.org/2013/08/family-resource-center/
 
6:35PM | St Elizabeth's Pray for Peace Prayer Group | St. Elizabeth’s , 70 Marshall St. | (413) 346-4099
http://www.stelizabethofhungary.org
 

Tuesday
$5 Tuesdays! | North Adams Movieplex  |86 Main Street  | (413)663-6300 | $5 or $6.50 3D movies
http://www.northadamsmovieplex.com/
 
10AM | Haskin Center Preschool Playgroup | Haskins Center Lower Level Playroom
210 State Street | (413) 664-4821
http://ccberkshire.org/2013/08/family-resource-center/
 
10AM | Berkshire Nursing Families Baby Group | Haskins Center Lower Level Playroom
210 State Street | (413) 743-5338
http://www.berkshirenursingfamilies.org/weekly-groups/
 
10:30AM | Toddler Time: Stories & Songs | North Adams Public Library, 74 Church Street
(413) 662-3133 ext. 14
http://www.naplibrary.com/children/
 
5:30PM | Greylock Apartments Playgroup | Angeli Street | (413) 743-5338
http://ccberkshire.org/2013/08/family-resource-center/
 
6PM | Bereavment  Support Group | First Congregational Church | (413) 447-2862 ext 5634
https://www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/BerkshireVNA
 

 

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

Macksey Updates on Eagle Street Demo and Myriad City Projects

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

The back of Moderne Studio in late January. The mayor said the city had begun planning for its removal if the owner could not address the problems. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Moderne Studio building is coming down brick by brick on Eagle Street on the city's dime. 
 
Concerns over the failing structure's proximity to its neighbor — just a few feet — means the demolition underway is taking far longer than usual. It's also been delayed somewhat because of recent high winds and weather. 
 
The city had been making plans for the demolition a month ago because of the deterioration of the building, Mayor Jennifer Macksey told the City Council on Tuesday. The project was accelerated after the back of the 150-year-old structure collapsed on March 5
 
Initial estimates for demolition had been $190,000 to $210,000 and included asbestos removal. Those concerns have since been set aside after testing and the mayor believes that the demolition will be lower because it is not a hazardous site.
 
"We also had a lot of contractors who came to look at it for us to not want to touch it because of the proximity to the next building," she said. "Unfortunately time ran out on that property and we did have the building failure. 
 
"And it's an unfortunate situation. I think most of us who have lived here our whole lives and had our pictures taken there and remember being in the window so, you know, we were really hoping the building could be safe."
 
Macksey said the city had tried working with the owner, who could not find a contractor to demolish the building, "so we found one for him."
 
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