iBerkshires.com - The Berkshires online guide to events, news and Berkshire County community information.

2 CLASSES -- 4 FREE CEUS

Pittsfield, 10 a.m. -- 2 p.m.
Berkshire Real Estate School presents: 4 FREE CE Credits January 23rd, at Pittsfield County Club Sponsored by Adams Community Bank

ABC READ WITH ME � EVERY CHILD READY TO READ WITH NEW BOOKS!
North Adams, 4 to 5 p.m.
ABC Read With Me – Every Child Ready to Read with new books! Wednesdays January 23 and 30, February 6 and 11 from 4:00-5:00 pm in The Family Center Playroom, 210 State St, North Adams. We have new books and more reading fun with activities and learning toys to take home. For families and their children 2-5 years old. Week 1: The Three Little Pigs/Intro to program Week 2: ABC I Like Me/Fun with letters Week 3: Pancakes for Breakfast/Telling stories Week 4: Little Blue and Little Yellow/ STEM Call 413-664-4821 to register or sign up at Playgroup.

THURSDAY - JANUARY 24, 2019

1ST BCC ALUMNI MEET-UP

Pittsfield, 5 - 7 p.m.
1st BCC Alumni Meet-Up Thursday, January 24, 5-7pm Framework Coworking 437 North St., Pittsfield, MA Free & Open to all BCC Alumni Come together to exchange your experiences and expand your network. Get the chance to connect with others from your sector in the Berkshires. Are you looking for a change' Meet other BCC alumni that are in transition and pick their brains about new opportunities. This is a free event - all BCC alumni are welcome! If you haven't signed up for our membership yet, no problem! You can register on our website berkshirecc.edu/alumni or become a member right at the Meet-Up on Thursday, January 24th. (No strings attached!) This is event is FREE for members with light hors d’oeuvres & cash bar. Please RSVP by Monday, January 14th through http://www.berkshirecc.edu/about-bcc/alumni/alumni-events.php and follow us on https://www.facebook.com/berkshireccalumni/

PAINT & SIP TO BENEFIT FIRST FRIDAYS ARTSWALK

Pittsfield, 6:45 p.m.
Paint me a Portrait of some Pine Trees! Join us on THU 1/24/19 6:45-8:45 pm for a Paint and Sip fundraiser to benefit the First Fridays Artswalk of Downtown Pittsfield. You'll learn to paint this artsy image of "Portrait of Pines” on a large 16x20 canvas. At Berkshire Paint and Sip, 305 North St, Pittsfield, MA. All painting materials, light snack and donation included for $35. BYOB. Reserve your seats at https://berkshirepaintandsip.squarespace.com/deliveries/thu-124-645pm-open-to-the-public-portrait-of-pines-pittsfield-ma or call (413) 205-8346.

GEEK COMEDY HOUR

North Adams, 7 p.m.
Alt-comedy arrives again in North Adams with absurdist comedian Ed Smyth and punster Seth Brown at the Parlor Cafe, 303 Ashland Street, North Adams. Wally the Happy Talking Neutrino, Oog Son of Ahg entertainer from 30,000 BC, Lenin Live! In Vegas, Ed's MicroWorld of Fun, and more. 14 and up recommended. One hot drink purchase asked for admission.

FRIDAY - JANUARY 25, 2019

VAN GOGH STARRY NIGHT PAINT & SIP FUNDRAISER

New York, 6:30 p.m.
Stand back and gaze into your own Starry Night! Join us on FRI 1/25/19 6:30-8:30pm for a Paint and Sip fundraiser to benefit the East Chatham Ladies Auxiliary. You'll learn to paint this famous image of Van Gogh’s "Starry Night" on a large 16x20 canvas. At the Fire Station, 26 Frisbee St, E. Chatham, NY. All painting materials, instruction and donation included for $35. BYOB. Reserve your seats athttps://berkshirepaintandsip.squarespace.com/deliveries/fri-12519-630pm-open-to-the-public-van-goghs-starry-night-e-chatham-ny or call (413) 205-8346

A STAGED READING OF BEYOND THE VEIL

Great Barrington, 7 p.m.
FREE Performed by Shakespeare & Company Written by Emily DeVoti Directed by Regge Life Panel respondent Dr. Frances Jones-Sneed Sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union, Berkshire Bank, and Multicultural BRIDGE Beyond the Veil stages a fictitious meeting between W.E.B. Du Bois and Edith Wharton at The Mount, Wharton's home, in 1910. Inspired by the exclusion of Du Bois from this region’s cultural history, the play examines racism in the higher echelons of our society and asks: what would happen if the racial veil were lifted and, for one magical moment, these two dazzling iconoclasts could see each other clearly— mind to mind, eye to eye'

SATURDAY - JANUARY 26, 2019

LIBERI SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

New York, 10 am - 12 pm
LIBERI SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Saturday, January 26 10am-12pm 3521 US Route 9 Hudson, NY 12534 Join us to learn more about The Liberi School. Pre-Kindergarten to Grade Eight. A Contemporary One-Room Schoolhouse. Speak with founder/director, teachers, and current Liberi families. Children are welcome. For inquiries, please contact director@liberischool.org or call 518.697.5065.

PLEASANT VALLEY SNOWSHOE HIKE
Lenox, 12:30-3 p.m.
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary will host a snowshoe hike for adults around the sanctuary trails. Snowshoes or microspikes may be required depending on conditions; bring your own or borrow some of ours. Dress for the weather and bring water and a snack. The cost is $15; register online.

LONDON�S NATIONAL THEATRE IN HD: ANTONY & CLEOPATRA

Great Barrington, 2 p.m.
From the National Theatre, Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo play Shakespeare’s famous fated couple in his great tragedy of politics, passion and power. Caesar and his assassins are dead. General Mark Antony now rules alongside his fellow defenders of Rome. But at the fringes of a war-torn empire the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony have fallen fiercely in love. In a tragic fight between devotion and duty, obsession becomes a catalyst for war. For tickets and additional information visit the Mahawie Performing Arts web site.

FREE PUBLIC SKATING
Pittsfield, 3-4:30 p.m.
The City of Pittsfield Recreation Program has teamed up with the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires for free public skating events. The first 100 people through the door will receive both free admission for skating and skate rental, if needed (limited size availability). The club is located at 16 Melville St.

ST MARY'S SCHOOL RUSTIC BARN PAINT & SIP BENEFIT

Lee, 6 p.m.
Get ready to render a really rad rustic red barn image! Join us on SAT 1/26/19 6pm for a Paint and Sip fundraiser to benefit St. Mary's School. You’ll learn how to paint this Berkshire inspired image of "Rustic Barns" on a large 16x20 canvas. At St. Mary’s School, 115 Orchard St, Lee, MA. All painting materials, snacks and donation included for $38. Beer & Wine available for donation. Reserve your seats at https://berkshirepaintandsip.squarespace.com/deliveries/sat-12619-6pm-open-to-the-public-rustic-barns-lee-ma or call (413) 205-8346.

NANA SIMOPOULOS, ROYAL HARTIGAN AND FRIENDS
Dalton, 7:30 p.m.
World Music Concert 6:30 Doors / 7:30 Show $15 / $10 Students Nana Simopoulos returns to the Berkshires from New York City after her tour of Zagreb, Greece and Montenegro to full houses. Teaming up with master percussionist Royal Hartigan on drums, Nana plays sitar and guitar and sings in an exotic style that blends sounds and textures from around the world with jazz. Virtuoso saxophonist Charlie Tokarz and bassist Otto Garner accompany her along with Caryn Heilman on keyboard and vocals. Nana Simopoulos: Guitar, Sitar, Vocals Caryn Heilman: Voice, Keyboards Royal Hartigan: Drums Charlie Tokarz: Saxes, Flute Otto Gardner: Bass World Music Workshops 4:00pm - 6:00pm $25 / $15 Student - includes concert ticket - Vocal Circle Workshop with Nana Simopoulos - Hands on World Music: West African Drumming and Dance with Royal Hartigan

WILDLIFE CSI: UNDERSTANDING ANIMAL TRACKS & SIGNS
Sheffield, 9-11 a.m.
Lime Kiln Farm Wildlife Sanctuary will host "Wildlife CSI: Understanding Animal Tracks & Signs." Guests are invited to search for tracks, scat, and other signs of wildlife that stay active through the winter. Snowshoes may be required depending on conditions; bring yours or borrow ours. Call Pleasant Valley office ahead to reserve and register at 413-637-0320. Suitable for children 8 and up, the cost is $10 for adults and $6 for children.

SUNDAY - JANUARY 27, 2019

PAINT & SIP FOR ST PAUL'S CHILDREN CENTER

Lenox, 1 p.m.
Capture this subtle winter sunrise on your canvas. Join us on SUN 1/27/19 1-3pm for a Paint and Sip fundraiser to benefit the St. Paul's Children's Centerin Stockbridge. You'll learn to paint this locally inspired of "High Lawn Farm” on a large 16x20 canvas. At the Cork 'N Hearth Restaurant, 635 Laurel St, Lenox, MA. All painting materials, light snack and donation included for $35. Cash Bar. Reserve your seats at https://berkshirepaintandsip.squarespace.com/deliveries/sun-127-1pm-open-to-the-public-high-lawn-farm-lenox-ma or call (413) 205-8346.

'NEW ILLUMINATIONS'
Great Barrington, 2-3:30 p.m.
Suzi Banks Baum’s "New Illuminations" artist residency in Gyumri, Armenia, brings book arts and personal narrative writing to Armenian women artists. By reconnecting Armenian women with their heritage of binding and illuminating books, New Illuminations empowers women through art in a community far outside the international gaze. The project is providing art supplies to eager artists and is building a community of makers in a city hobbled by trauma and poverty. In this short presentation and discussion at Elixir Cafe, Baum will share photographs, artwork, and stories, from her three residencies in Gyumri, Armenia, where she first traveled with John Stanmeyer in 2016. Admission is $35; reservation requested at 413-644-8999.

ART OPENING
Lenox, 3-5 p.m.
Kimball Farms Life Care will host an opening reception for art works by local pediatrician Michael Fabrizio and Ivor Parry, a graduate of the Pratt Institute, on Sunday, Jan. 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. The exhibit is on display through the end of March. Parry worked as an art director in various advertising agencies and later as designer and illustrator at Parry Design. His colorful, lively work, in varied media, has been shown in galleries throughout New England. Fabrizio has been practicing medicine in Pittsfield since 1979. He has had no formal art training and finds joy in direct engagement with the fullness of life which he brings to expression in bold, original, unique paintings.

MONDAY - JANUARY 28, 2019

HOORWA ANNUAL MEETING

Williamstown, 7 p.m.

The Hoosic River Watershed Association will hold its annual meeting on Monday, January 28th, 2019 at 7 p.m. in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church in Williamstown, featuring a presentation by Cassandra Wright and Professor Elena Traister, MCLA, on "Climate Adaptation Planning for the Hoosic.” In addition to remarks by Board President Andy Kawczak and election of members to the Board of Directors, the watershed association will present the Irving Jack Tanzman Friend of the Hoosic Award, given in recognition of conservation work along the Hoosic River, to Judith M. Grinnell, founding president and past director of Hoosic River Revival. The Hoosic River Watershed Association is dedicated to the habitat restoration, conservation and enjoyment of the Hoosic River and its watershed through education, research and advocacy. The public is invited to attend and light refreshments will be served. Contact: Steve McMahon; call 413-458-2742 or email s.mcmahon@hoorwa.org for more details. --

TUESDAY - JANUARY 29, 2019

ACTIVE PARENTING -AGES 1-4 YEARS
North Adams, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Tuesdays January 29 and February 5, 12 and 19 from 5:30-7:00 pm at The Family Center, 210 State Street, North Adams. Learn about The 1-year-old Explorer, The 2-year-old Boss, The 3 year old Pal and The 4-year-old Adventurer. Typical behaviors, child development and positive discipline techniques will be covered. Includes a workbook, meal and on-site child care. Transportation if needed. Call 413-664-4821 to register.

WEDNESDAY - JANUARY 30, 2019

WINTER LIGHTHOUSE PAINT PARTY FUNDRAISER

Williamstown, 6 p.m.
One more chance to paint this winter wonderland! Join us on WED 1/30/19 6-8pm for a Paint and Sip party to benefit the Mount Regional HS Girl’s Basketball Team. You’ll learn how to paint this beautiful seasonal image of “Winter Light House" on a large 16x20 canvas. At Mount Greylock Regional High School Cafeteria, 1781 Cold Spring Rd, Williamstown, MA. All painting materials, instruction, light snacks and drinks (to include a Cocoa Bar) included for $35. Alcohol not permitted. Reserve your seats at https://berkshirepaintandsip.squarespace.com/deliveries/wed-130-6pm-open-to-the-public-winter-light-house-williamstown-ma or call (413) 205-8346.

SATURDAY - FEBRUARY 02, 2019

MONDAY - FEBRUARY 04, 2019

COMBATING COGNITIVE DECLINE
Pittsfield, 10:45 a.m.
Connecting With Community will host Meghan Lemay, regional manager of The Alzheimer’s Association in Western Massachusetts, for “Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia,” which will offer an opportunity to learn about the impact of Alzheimer's, the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, the stages and risk factors of Alzheimer's, current research and treatments, and Alzheimer's Association resources. This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, is part of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Connecting With Community series. The program precedes a kosher lunch at noon ($2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age, $7 for all others). Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling 413-442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.

WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 06, 2019

FREE MS EDUCATION PROGRAM
Williamstown, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
MS SUPPORT FOUNDATION is offering a FREE Educational Program. "Reiki and Essential Oils-Symptomatic Relief for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis" Wednesday, February 6, 2019 Time: 5:30p.m - 8:30 pm. Sweetwood Retirement Community 16 Cold Spring Road Williamstown, MA Speaker: Ann Shacar, RMT Consultant, Inner Spirit Management. DINNER IS INCLUDED! Pre-register by January 30, 2019 Call: 1-844-280-7292 or email: chrisvanluling@msresource.org. Certificates of Attendance will be offered.

FRIDAY - FEBRUARY 08, 2019

DRAWING CLASS
Williamstown, 10:30 a.m.
The Clark Art Institute invites artists of all skill levels to participate in a series of three free drawing classes, offered on Fridays, Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and March 8. The hour-long classes will be held in the Manton Study Center for Works on Paper. Space is limited to 12 participants; reservations are required. To reserve, call 413-458-0524.

TUSCAN POPPY MEADOW PAINT & SIP BENEFIT FOR THE LIBRARY

New York, 6 p.m.
Let this European landscape of Tuscany take you away from the frigid cold. Join us on FRI 2/8/19 6-8pm for a Paint and Sip fundraiser to benefit the New Lebanon Library. You'll learn to paint this European image of “Tuscan Poppy Meadow" on a large 16x20 canvas. At the New Lebanon Library, 550 State Route 20, New Lebanon, NY. All painting materials, donation, wine and snacks included for $35! Reserve your seats at https://berkshirepaintandsip.squarespace.com/deliveries/fri-2819-6pm-open-to-the-public-tuscan-poppy-meadow-new-lebanon-ny or call (413) 205-8346.

SATURDAY - FEBRUARY 16, 2019

WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 20, 2019

FREE PUBLIC SKATING
Pittsfield, 1-2:30 p.m.
The City of Pittsfield Recreation Program has teamed up with the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires for free public skating events. The first 100 people through the door will receive both free admission for skating and skate rental, if needed (limited size availability). The club is located at 16 Melville St.

FRIDAY - MARCH 08, 2019