Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Save the Date
1/24
Opening Reception
COLOUR & FORM: BEAUTY IN ABSTRACTION
MCLA Gallery 51, 51 Main St.
(413) 662-5253
5pm - 7pm
Free for more information
Colour & Form: Beauty in Abstraction explores the beauty, complexities and depth of abstract art and our continuing interest in it and how it inspires our curiosity about the reaches of our imagination.
1/26
MASS MoCA Free Day
MASS MoCA, 1040 Mass MoCA Way
(413) 662-2111
All Day
Free for more information
We’ll amplify your MASS MoCA experience when we throw open the doors to the museum for free and fill the galleries with art-making activities, lively discussions, and pop-up performances. Create some art, take a tour, catch some live music in the elevator, and learn about the history of our life on Marshall Street.
Our TEDxNorthAdams 2019 speakers:
Dr. Lisa Donovan: Will discuss her "Berkshire Blueprint" which would help small towns grow.
dysFUNKcrew: Step team using their differences to create community
Hamza Farrukh: Water specialist will talk about how water impacts community.
Craig Floyd: Manages a farm that gives 100% of their crops to people in need.
Kristen van Ginhoven: Shares her expertise on the integration and intersectionality of arts and activism across communities.
Ty Allan Jackson: Preaches literacy and accessibility to books.
Barbara Ann Malkas Ed.D: Discusses her findings on how creating inclusive communities makes strong communities.
Mark Stewart: Uses his musicianship to create specific and once in a lifetime moments.
Catherine Storing: Will break down why conflict is important to creating community.
2/14
Community Outreach Volunteer Training
NbCC, 61 Main St, Suite 218
(413) 663-7588
5:30 - 8pm
Free
call for more information
Want to help your neighbors and be more engaged in our community? Become a Community Outreach Volunteer!
Northern Berkshire Neighbors is seeking community-minded individuals to take part in the Community Outreach and Civic Engagement Volunteer Training. Join over 60 Northern Berkshire residents who are now Community Outreach Volunteers! Trainings will be held on Thursdays from 5:30 to 8pm beginning on February 14th and running through July. As part of the training, participants will learn about the many local health and human service providers, and community organizations; engage in workshops and training on topics such as styles of leadership, accessing local government, community organizing, conflict management and more; complete a project that meets a community need or builds upon an existing asset.
No prior education or experience necessary. Applications are available at the nbCC offices, or at www.nbccoalition.org. For more info, call Glenda.
Submissions
Deadline February 22
Reconnection: MCLA Alumni Exhibition Call for Submissions
MCLA Gallery 51 is pleased to announce an opportunity for ALL alumni to exhibit their work in a group exhibition highlighting their creative pursuits since graduation. It is a unique chance for the college to present the work of our alumni in our downtown gallery, highlighting the impact of an innovative liberal arts education and MCLA’s Alumni’s contribution to vibrant creative communities in North Adams and beyond.
Preschool Storytime
North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St
(413) 662-3133
10:30 AM
Free! for more information
Preschool storytime and craft at the North Adams Public Library in the Youth Services Department is held for ages 3 to 6 years old, siblings welcome. Several stories will be read and there is time to share ideas and thoughts as well as complete a craft.
Sit & Knit
The Spin-Off Yarn Shop, Norad Mill, Ste. 302
413-344-6257
2-4 PM & 5 - 7 PM
Free for more information
Join us for fellowship and help with your project. All knitters and crocheters are welcome!
The Spin-Off Yarn Shop has an extensive and beautiful selection of yarn for every budget. The shop carries Malabrigo, Juniper Moon Farm, Ella Rae, Rowan, DanDoh, Urth, Freia, Toft, Frabjous, and many others, along with locally produced and hand-dyed yarns.
We have patterns and books to provide inspiration for your next project. Knitting needles, crochet hooks, gifts, and must-have haberdashery are available. For those finishing touches, we have thousands of beautiful buttons, making our button selection the best in the area.
nbCC’s Teen Writing Workshop
nbCC Conference Room, 61 Main Street
413-663-7588
5 - 7 PM
Free for more information
An afterschool writing program for teens of all writing experiences. Teens will hone in on their skill with professional local writers and peers. For more information, call Tim at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition at (413) 663-7588.
Drumming and Movement
The Green, 85 Main St., North Adams
413-663-758 ext 28
5:30-6:30 pm
Free
call for more information
FREE Working on Well-being Workshop. The Freedom Youth Drummers will perform. There will be an instructional opportunity to learn to drum followed by a group jam and movement session. This is family friendly event. RSVP to Bret at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition at 663-7588 ext 28 or bbeattie@nbccoalition.org.
Pondering Panels: Black Hole
State Street Tavern, 167 State St
6 - 8 PM
Free for more information
Join us for our inaugural meeting of Pondering Panels: A Graphic Novel Book Club. We will read and discuss Black Hole by Charles Burns.
Black Hole is a twelve-issue comic book limited series written and illustrated by Charles Burns and published first by Kitchen Sink Press, then Fantagraphics. It was released in collected form in 2005 by Pantheon Books. The story deals with the aftermath of a sexually transmitted disease which causes grotesque mutations in teenagers.
The North County Casual Writers Group
UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams
6:30 - 8 PM
Free
This casual group meets twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 6:30pm at the UNO Community Center. The group is structured to meet the needs of, and appeal to all ages, all writing skill levels, and all genre in a safe, encouraging, inclusive, environment, meant to nurture creativity. Coffee and snacks are provided. The group is free of charge.
Thursday January 17th
After-School Program
UNO Community Center, 157 River Street
(413) 663-7588
6:30-7:30pm
Free for more information
Serving students in 4th Grade - 8th Grade. Healthy snack, homework assistance, tutoring, computer access and creative activities. Call or email Glenda at (413) 663-7588 ext. 20 or gmcarter@nbccoalition.org for more information.
Third Thursday Literary Open Mic
The Parlor Cafe, 303 Ashland St.
413-398-5554
6:30 - 9:30 PM
Free (suggested donation of $2) for more information
Third Thursday Poetry at The Parlor Cafe features a monthly literary open mic which starts at 7pm.
Door open and sign ups at 6:30.
All poets have approximately 5-8 minutes(or 2 pieces) depending on the evening. You are encouraged to bring poems, prose, lyrics, essays, etc, be it yours or written by someone else. This is a safe space, come use your beautiful voices!
!!Audience and poets are encouraged to show up at 6:30pm, sign up for open mic, order food or drink, and find yourself a seat.
WE START PROMPTLY AT 7PM!!
FREE. We ask for a suggested $2 or greater donation to help with the logistics and bring in feature poets from across the country, and pay you poets. Thanks for all the support.
Musical Bingo: 80s Metal/Hair Bands
Mingo's Sports Bar & Grill, 41 Roberts Dr
(413) 346-4067
7:30PM
Free for more information
SPECIAL GUEST DJs at Musical Bingo 🤘Don't miss this one🤘Thursday, January 17
Friday January 18th
Sit & Knit
The Spin-Off Yarn Shop, Norad Mill, Ste. 302
Join us for fellowship and help with your project. All knitters and crocheters are welcome!
The Spin-Off Yarn Shop has an extensive and beautiful selection of yarn for every budget. The shop carries Malabrigo, Juniper Moon Farm, Ella Rae, Rowan, DanDoh, Urth, Freia, Toft, Frabjous, and many others, along with locally produced and hand-dyed yarns.
We have patterns and books to provide inspiration for your next project. Knitting needles, crochet hooks, gifts, and must-have haberdashery are available. For those finishing touches, we have thousands of beautiful buttons, making our button selection the best in the area.
Create & Empower:An Arts Workshop for Women
AR Designs Fine Art & Tattoo, 18 Holden St.
(413) 464-1110
6 - 8 PM
$15.00 per person for more information
Open to 12 participants. Join local women in a creative event of nurturing and honoring themselves through art. With the beautiful setting of AR Designs we will delve into the deliciousness of relaxing creativity. This mixed media workshop will introduce the concept of experiential creativity where we will learn from one another and have the freedom to cultivate our visual voice with warmth and excitement.
You will leave with a piece of art that speaks directly to you. Please bring a personally significant object, something that speaks to you that day. -All other materials are provided
Storm Sign Up Meeting
Ramunto’s, 67 Main St.
(413) 398-5152
6 - 8 PM
Free for more information
Looking to play football in 2019? Look no further, the Storm are looking for players to fill out a already very competitive roster. Here is YOUR chance!
#championsplayhere
Underground Sounds: Community Open Mic
ROOTS Teen Center, 43 Eagle St.
(413) 398-4088
6:30 - 9:30 PM
Free, but donations encouraged for more information
Come one, come all! ROOTS presents Underground Sounds: An Open Mic series geared toward folks of all ages and open to the community. Come perform with us: poets, musicians, artists, magicians, and all of the like, and enjoy a night of awesomly talented individuals! All art forms are welcome.
Sign ups start at 6:30pm. Come early to make sure you get on the list. And don't forget to invite and share this with your friends!
Free Admission, but donations are strongly encouraged! Free Taco Bar.
Come to the Common Folk space and knit with folks alike! There's plenty of space and materials for use. Participation by donation. Yarn/fabric is "fill a bag" for $3 and attendees can get 20% off that.
McCann Tech boys basketball is hosting a corn hole tournament at the school from noon to 4. Cost is $40 per team; all proceeds to benefit the team.
Contact:mccannboyshoops@gmail.com.This is a friendly cornhole tournament for our boys to raise money for our Booster Club. We will have Chinese Auction and a Bake Sale as well. If any parents or family members that can make/bake food, Donate Auction Items or donate boards for this , it would be GREAT!! Please Contact Sonja Dwyer, Lila Briggs, Alicia Davis and Stacy Gagne with any questions. Any parents that could help with this event please contact us. WE SURE COULD USE IT!
Blind Boy Paxton
MASS MoCA, 1040 Mass MoCA Way
(413) 662-2111
8 PM
$15 student, $17 advance, $26 day of, $40 preferred for more information
Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton is, in the words of The Wall Street Journal, “virtually the only music-maker of his generation — playing guitar, banjo, piano and violin, among other implements — to fully assimilate the blues idiom of the 1920s and ’30s.” This storyteller and deeply talented multi-instrumentalist will captivate with his musical literacy and authentic blues.
Monday January 20th
Unspoken Live Concert
First Baptist Church, 131 Main St
(413) 663-3780
7 - 10 PM
$15- 39/person for more information
See Unspoken live in concert, performing songs from their upcoming release.
Monday January 21st
MLK Jr. Day of Service
MCLA Venable Gym, 375 Church St.
(413) 663-7588, (413) 664-4006, kathykeeser@gmail.com
8:30AM - 2PM
Free for more information
Registration begins at 8:30 am along with light refreshments. Participants will choose a service project either on-site tasks or off-site at various community locations. Service tasks are suitable for all ages and abilities and include tasks such as: painting, cleaning, organizing, building, winterizing, simple sewing, or making kits (assembly, decorating). The free luncheon and community celebration begins at 12:30 at MCLA's Venable Gym and includes entertainment and inspiration. Special highlight will be the presentation of the annual Peacemaker Award. For more information, contact Kathy Keeser at Kathykeeser@gmail.com, (413) 664-4006 or Liz Boland at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition at 663-7588.
Tuesday January 22nd
A Matter of Balance
The Green, 85 Main St., Ste 105
413-663-7588
9 - 11 AM
Free ( Pre-registration required)
call for more information
A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. A FREE series of 8 classes including tips to reduce fear of falling and increase strength and balance. January 8, 15,22,30 and February 5,12,19,26 from 9-11am at The Green located at 85 Main Street, North Adams. Pre-registration is required, call Bret or Amanda at (413) 663-7588.
Toddler Storytime
North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St
(413) 662-3133
10:30 am
Free for more information
Toddler storytime and songs at the North Adams Public Library in Youth Services Department is held for ages birth to 3 years old, siblings welcome. One to two stories are read with lots of songs and gross motor skill activities as well.
Preschool STEM Group
The Family Center, 210 State St.
413-664-4821
3:30 - 4:30 PM
Free for more information
Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in The Family Center Playroom. Explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. For children ages 2.5-5 years old. A variety of FUN hands-on STEM activities for preschoolers.
4-H Wacky STEAM Club
UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams
413-663-7588 ext 20
4:00 to 5:30pm
Free
call for more information
A free club focusing on interesting and interactive science experiments, as well as other great academic-based programming from the 4-H curriculum. Have fun learning science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. For youth 6 to 18 years old. Snacks provided. Contact Glenda at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition to register at (413) 663-7588 ext. 20 or gmcarter@nbccoalition.org
Youth Leadership Program
nbCC Conference Room, 61 Main Street
413-663-7588
5 - 7 PM
Free for more information
Tuesdays, 5 - 7pm, January 8, 15, 22, 29.UNITY staff engage local teens in a wide variety of exercises related to leadership skills such as communication, problem-solving, team work, identifying community needs, and project/event planning. For more information, email Tim Shiebler at tshiebler@nbccoalition.org or call the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition at (413) 663-7588.
January Moms Night Out: Spa Recipes
The Family Center, 210 State St.
413-664-4821
5:30 - 6:30 PM
Free for more information
Tuesday, January 22 from 5:30-6:30 FREE at The Family Center in North Adam. Treat yourself to a mom’s night out! We will be making homemade body scrubs and other spa recipes. On- site child care and light refreshments are provided. Transportation if needed. Come enjoy a night out! Call 413-664-4821 to register.
Jam-uary
Bright Ideas Brewing, 111 MASS MoCA Way
(413) 346-4460
6 – 7 PM
Free ($5-10 Donations to musician strongly encouraged) for more information
Jam: (n,v) Two or more musicians making music together but not an official band. An informal gathering of musicians to play improvised or unrehearsed music.
Move your feet. Dance in your seat. Grab and beer and LETS JAM.
$5-$10 Strongly Suggested Donation! While we don't have a cover charge, we hope that you can throw a few (or more) dollars in the chalice to help support O+ North Adams.
O+ is a music and art festival coming to North Adams on May 10 and 11. Performers and artists provide their talents for the exchange of free health care.
Read more here: https://opositivefestival.org/north-adams/
After-School Program
UNO Community Center, 157 River Street
(413) 663-7588
6:30-7:30pm
Free for more information
Serving students in 4th Grade - 8th Grade. Healthy snack, homework assistance, tutoring, computer access and creative activities. Call or email Glenda at (413) 663-7588 ext. 20 or gmcarter@nbccoalition.org for more information.
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Clarksburg Gets 3 Years of Free Cash Certified
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Town officials have heaved a sigh of relief with the state's certification of free cash for the first time in more than three years.
The town's parade of employees through its financial offices the past few years put it behind on closing out its fiscal years between 2021 and 2023. A new treasurer and two part-time accountants have been working the past year in closing the books and filing with the state.
Some $231,000 in stabilization was used last year to reduce the tax rate — draining the account. The town's had minimal reserves for the past nine months.
Chairman Robert Norcross said he didn't want residents to think the town was suddenly flush with cash.
"We have to keep in mind that we have no money in the stabilization fund and we now have a free cash, so we have now got to replenish that account," he said. "So it's not like we have this money to spend ... most of it will go into the stabilization fund."
The account's been hit several times over the past few fiscal years in place of free cash, which has normally been used for capital spending, to offset the budget and to refill stabilization. Free cash was last used in fiscal 2020.
Officers Nicholas Lillie, Steven Wandrei, Nannette Reid and Elizabeth Zipp joined the force as full-time officers; Lillie and Wandrei recently graduated from the Police Academy.
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The proposal is to reconstruct some of the dry-laid stone retaining with new cast-in-place concrete and to relocated the existing drainage and stabilize the slope. The runoff will be tied into the storm drainage system at the bottom along State Street.
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The Airport Commission voted to re-release the request for proposals (RFP) for the airport restaurant space but only after the city formed a new and improved document. click for more