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

VOLUNTEER FAIR
Great Barrington, 1-3:30 p.m.

Four organizations have teamed up to present a volunteer fair at Saint James Place, 352 Main St. Age Friendly Berkshires (AFB), Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires (NPC), Berkshire United Way and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), are promoting volunteerism as a way to keep people active, healthy and engaged in community life. The fair will give 30 nonprofits as well as municipalities, the opportunity to meet face-to-face with prospective volunteers. Attendees will be given a Volunteer Passport and encouraged to visit four or more volunteer stations for the chance to win door prizes. They will also receive volunteer tips and a Skills Checklist for matching personal talents, interests and values with local volunteer opportunities. The Volunteer Fair is free to attend, but registration is required online.

CONVERSATION WITH POET, ACTIVIST
Williamstown, 5-7 p.m.

The English Department at Williams College presents a joint presentation by Andrea Schmid, co-director of the Pioneer Valley Workers Center, and poet and award-winning author José Olivarez. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held in Griffin Hall, room 3. The speakers will lead a discussion after the talk. In addition, two workshops hosted by Olivarez and Schmid, respectively, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, in Sawyer Library’s Mabie Room. The workshop with Olivarez will start at 1 p.m., and the workshop with Schmid will start at 2:30 p.m. The workshops are free and open to the public.

FESTIVAL OF TREES PREVIEW PARTY
Pittsfield, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

"Festival of Trees 2019: Heroes" at the Berkshire Museum celebrates those who inspire us to reach great heights and attempt the impossible; the members of our community who do the right thing with no expectation of reward; and the individuals who dedicate themselves to saving lives and changing the world. The annual festival kicks off at the Festive Preview Party and will be open to the public Saturday, Nov. 16, through Sunday, Jan. 5. At the preview party, explore the indoor forest of spectacularly decorated trees, mingle with everyday heroes from our community, enjoy delicious appetizers and beverages, and discover other exciting surprises. Tickets are $50 adult, $25 child; for museum members, $30 adult, $15 child. Children ages 3 and under attend free of charge. Call 413-443-7171, ext. 319, to reserve tickets.

"FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT!" TM
Great Barrington, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Brandon is a one of a kind Com-Medium. He Mixes his ability as a medium with the healing benefits of laughter. His show "Funny You Should Say That!" is tailored as an interactive delivery of messages from loved ones and comedic interludes with stories of becoming a medium. Brandon sews the experience together with improvisational humor and satisfies the audience with the impact of communications with passed loved ones. $32 prepaid by November 8th, $37 thereafter To register, call Crystal Essence 413.528.2595

'THE TEMPEST'
Williamstown, 7 p.m.

Mount Greylock Regional School and Shakespeare & Company present William Shakespeare's "The Tempest" at the school, on Cold Spring Road. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for seniors and $3 foir students.

RUSSIAN BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS �SWAN LAKE�

Pittsfield, 7:30 p.m.

Swan Lake, which has mesmerized audiences for over a century, is based on a German fairy tale. Tchaikovsky’s score tells the tragic love story of Prince Siegfried and Swan Princess, Odette, who is cursed to be a swan by day but a young woman at night. The Russian Ballet Theatre’s new production will captivate audiences with time-honored Russian traditions while adding new choreography, hand painted sets, radiant hand sewn costumes, artistic hair designs and special effects makeup.The production’s hand-painted sets and more than 150 hand-sewn costumes were created in the tradition of the great masters by young, accomplished designer Sergei Novikov (Mariinksy Theatre, Omsk State Music Theatre, St. Petersburg State Music Hall). The SFX makeup is done by Award-winning Irina Strukova (Crazy Rich Asians, Netflix, HBO) and will make ballet devotees feel as though they are seeing the beautiful Swan Lake for the first time! More information and tickets are available at https://russianballettheatre.com/ The Colonial Theatre

BERKSHIRE SYMPHONY - MOZART, BRAHMS, SHAWN

Williamstown, 7:30 p.m.
Berkshire Symphony - Mozart, Brahms, Shawn Conductor Ronald Feldman and the 75-member Berkshire Symphony offer the season’s second concert featuring Symphony No. 21 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as well as the world premiere of the Cello Concerto No. 2 by Allen Shawn, performed by faculty soloist Nathaniel Parke, cello. Also on offer is the much beloved Symphony No. 2 by Johannes Brahms. https://events.williams.edu/event/berkshire-symphony-4/ Free Chapin Hall Bernhard Music Center, 54 Chapin Drive, Williams College, Williamstown, MA @ 7:30 p.m.

PLANETARIUM SHOWS
Williamstown, 8 p.m.

Williams College invites the community to experience the wonders of our universe at the Milham Planetarium, located inside the Old Hopkins Observatory at Williams College. Astronomy students at the college will host free shows for the public on Friday evenings at 8 p.m. from Sept. 13 through Dec. 6. Audiences will be treated to shows from the high-precision Zeiss Skymaster ZKP3/B opto-mechanical planetarium projector. Shows will be hosted by Williams College students Peter Knowlton ’21, Christian Lockwood ’20, Duncan McCarthy ’21, and Patrick Postec ‘21. Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy Jay Pasachoff is director of the Hopkins Observatory. For reservations (required), contact Michele Rech at 413-597-2188 or by email. Others will be admitted as space permits. Large groups should call for special appointments.

'GUT GIRLS'
Pittsfield, 8 p.m.

The Miss Hall’s School Theater Ensemble will present "Gut Girls," a gritty drama about working women at the turn of the 20th century. Performances are in the Woods Theater of the Elizabeth Gatchell Klein Arts Center on the Miss Hall’s School campus. Call 413-395-7023 to reserve tickets. General admission is $10, and reservations are recommended. Senior citizen and handicapped-accessible seating is available. The performance is rated PG-13, with adult content and implied violence.

'BEDROOM FARCE'
Pittsfield, 8 p.m.

The BCC Players will present "Bedroom Farce," a comedy in two acts by Alan Ayckbourn, at the Robert Boland Theatre at Berkshire Community College, 1350 West St. "Bedroom Farce" is directed by Gary Cannon and presented through special arrangement with Samuel French. The cast includes Hunter J. Cannon, Ryan Cavanaugh, Dana Grieb, Kimberly Gritman, Rebecca Hughes, Grace Kelley, Joseph Sicotte, and Sam Slack. Tickets are $15 general admission and $10 for BCC faculty, staff, students and alumni as well as for senior citizens. Tickets can be reserved by calling 413-236-2100 or by visiting Brown Paper Tickets.

SATURDAY - NOVEMBER 16, 2019

ORNAMENT-MAKING WORKSHOP
Pittsfield, 1-4 p.m.

Hancock Shaker Village will host an ornament-making workshop. Participants make three festive woven ornaments: a large eight-point snowflake, a puffy heart, and a reindeer, woven in thin maple strips and dyed reed. The workshop is suitable for ages 14 and up; beginners are welcome. Tickets are $30 ($27 members) plus a $15 cash-only materials fee. Pre-registration is required; to register, call 413-443-0188. Instructor Sandy Salada, a basket maker since 1995, weaves a variety of baskets including patterns of her own design, patterns by other teachers, and reproductions of cultural and historical baskets.

"SNOWMAN WITH BIRD" PAINT AND SIP BENEFIT FOR SARA DINICOLA

Pittsfield, 1:00 PM
Create this classic cutie for a notable cause! Join us SAT 11/16/19 1-3pm for a Paint and Sip fundraiser to benefit Sara Dinicola. You'll learn to paint this splendid image of "Snowman with Bird” on a large 16x20 canvas or on an authentic roofing slate tile (various sizes to choose from). At Berkshire Paint and Sip, 305 North St, Pittsfield, MA. All painting materials, instruction, light snacks and donation included for $35. BYOB. Reserve your seats at www.berkshirepaintandsip.com or call (413) 205-8346.

WILLIAMS GOSPEL CHOIR - �RAIN ON US�

Williamstown, 4 p.m.
The Williams Gospel Choir celebrates a love of gospel music with the entire community. For over thirty years people of all faiths have been invited to join the Gospel Choir to celebrate the tradition and move ahead into a future of joyous song. All are invited to “Rain on Us“ featuring the choir and talented collaborating musicians. https://events.williams.edu/event/williams-gospel-choir/ Free Chapin Hall Bernhard Music Center, 54 Chapin Drive, Williams College, Williamstown, MA @ 4 p.m.

'THE TEMPEST'
Williamstown, 7 p.m.

LENOX CONTRA DANCE 3RD SATURDAY

Lenox, 7:45 - 11:00 p.m.
Music by Ben Wetherbee (fiddle) and Ruth Rappaport (guitar), with Katy Heine calling. Come join us contra dancing to live music with a different band and caller each month on Third Saturday nights in Lenox, Massachusetts in the Lenox Community Center, at 65 Walker Street. Experience the pleasure of dancing on a beautiful wood floor, in a high-ceiling second floor (handicap accessible) ballroom with a raised stage. Admission is $12 and $6 for students. New Dancers - 2nd dance free! Dances begin with a 15 minute beginner introduction at 7:45 followed by dancing from 8:00 to 11:00. Refreshments are offered during the social break from dancing. All the dances are taught. No partner necessary. Come alone or bring friends. .

'GUT GIRLS'
Pittsfield, 8 p.m.

'BEDROOM FARCE'
Pittsfield, 8 p.m.

THE SONGS OF SAMMY CAHN AND JULE STYNE
Sandisfield, 8 p.m.

An evening of the music written by two of the most beloved songwriters of all time, Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, will take place at the Sandisfield Arts Center. Tickets for this event are $50 and available at the Sandisfield Arts Center’s website. The Evening of Song is a fund raising event to benefit the Arts Center’s ongoing programs. The voices of Brian De Lorenzo, Linda Mironti, and Mary Verdi, with piano accompaniment by Joe Rose offer their interpretations of Cahn and Styne’s work. The program includes Just in Time, People, Be My Love, Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry, Everything’s Coming up Roses and many other selections from Gypsy, Funny Girl and Standards sung by many of the greats. Tickets are available at 413-258-4100.

HARVEST & HOLLY CHURCH BAZAAR
Dalton, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This annual event at the First Congregational Church, 514 Main Street in Dalton, starts the holiday season off with a shopper's dream of holiday gifts and decorations, delicious baked goods and cookie walk, a silent auction, basket raffle, and bazaar greenhouse. The Green Gargoyle Thrift Shop will be open, as well as the Book Corner. Local crafters will be on hand to offer their specialties. Early shoppers may enjoy a continental breakfast, and lunch will be served from 11:30 - 1:30. Admission and parking is free and all are welcomed.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Dalton, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

St. Agnes Parish will hold their annual Holiday Bazaar at St. Agnes Academy, 30 Carson Ave. There will be a cafe, more than 70 artisans and vendors, a bake sale, a lottery tree, big money raffle, silent auction, country store, handmade items and Balloon Ben/Pixie Peepers Balloons.

CRAFT, VENDOR FAIR
Cheshire, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The First Baptist Church of Cheshire will hold a craft and vendor fair featuring a large variety of vendors and crafters. There will also be a cafe for lunch as well as a bake sale.

NATURAL HISTORY CONFERENCE
Williamstown, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Clark Art Institute, in conjunction with the Williams College Center for Environmental Studies, Williams College Department of Biology, will host the fifth annual Berkshire Natural History Conference, which brings together residents and visitors to celebrate the remarkable biological diversity of Berkshire County and the efforts to preserve, restore, and learn more about species, landscapes, and the myriad interactions among all of them. An impressive list of speakers, exhibitors, and displays will cover such wide-ranging topics as historic naturalists, native brook trout, unknown organisms, and local forests. Registration is $25 per person; $15 per students online.

TREE PLANTING
North Adams, 9 a.m.-noon

The North Adams Tree Initiative will be joining the Ashland Street Initiative to plant trees in various locations alongside Ashland Street. This is an effort to beautify the Ashland Street corridor into downtown North Adams. Volunteers will be meeting at 9 a.m. at the North Adams Armory located at 206 Ashland St. A demonstration of proper planting techniques will be held then groups will break up to plant along Ashland Street. For more information, visit the Facebook page.

ST. AGNES PARISH HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Dalton, 9 am - 3 pm

St. Agnes Parish will hold their annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 16 at St. Agnes Academy, 30 Carson Ave., Dalton from 9am-3pm. There will be a Café, over 70 Artisans/Vendors, Bake Sale, Lottery Tree, Big Money Raffle, Silent Auction, Country Store, Handmade Items and Balloon Ben/Pixie Peepers Balloons.

NORTH ADAMS ELKS 16TH HOOP SHOOT CONTEST

North Adams, Noon to 3 p.m.

The North Adams Elks, Lodge 487 will be hosting a Hoop Shoot contest on Saturday, November 16, 2019, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Charles H. McCann Technical High School, 110 Hodge Cross Road, North Adams, MA.

The Elks Hoop Shoot is a free throw contest and it is free and for boys and girls age 8-13 by April 1, 2020.

The program provides youth an opportunity to compete, connect, and succeed through hard work and competition. As the winners advance through the Lodge, District, State, Regional, and National levels, the lessons learned will help them develop grit. The six National Champions will have their names inscribed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

For questions or to reserve a spot, contact Edward LaCosse at 413-412-0733 or at emt0865@gmail.com.

HOOP SHOOT CONTEST
North Adams, Noon-3 p.m.

The North Adams Elks, Lodge 487, will be hosting a Hoop Shoot Contest at the Charles H. McCann Technical High School, 110 Hodge Cross Road. The Elks Hoop Shoot is a free throw contest and it is free and for boys and girls ages 8-13 by April 1, 2020. The program provides youth an opportunity to compete, connect, and succeed through hard work and competition. As the winners advance through the Lodge, District, State, Regional, and National levels, the lessons learned will help them develop grit. The six National Champions will have their names inscribed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. For questions or to reserve a spot, contact Edward LaCosse at 413-412-0733.

SUNDAY - NOVEMBER 17, 2019

'GUT GIRLS'
Pittsfield, 2 p.m.

'BEDROOM FARCE'
Pittsfield, 2 p.m.

OPEN MIC
Pittsfield, 3-5 p.m.

A free open mic, poetry and music will be held at Bob's, 21 First St., every Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m., with optional discussion after the show. Friendly and air-conditioned environment. For more info, send an email or look on Facebook.

SAGE CITY SYMPHONY FALL CONCERT
Vermont, 4 p.m.

\Sage City Symphony will present a free concert at Greenwall Auditorium in the VAPA Building at Bennington College. A silent auction featuring a wide array of arts, crafts, jewelry, deluxe gift baskets, and many more items ideal for holiday giving will begin before the performance and conclude at the end of intermission. The concert, directed by longtime conductor Michael Finckel, will present the Adagio movement from Symphony No. 10 by Gustav Mahler, the Nabucco Overture by Giuseppe Verdi, and Five Orchestral Scenes by Allen Shawn.

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