FEATURED CONTENT & SPOTLIGHTS
Featured Content Spotlights Sponsored ContentSVMC To Hold Online COVID-19 Information Session
The session will feature SVMC's Chief Medical Officer Trey Dobson and Bennington's Public Health Services District Director for the Vermont Department of Health Megan Herrington.
Healthy Eating on a Budget
Since COVID started, many of us have been trying to spend less money on food and make fewer trips to the grocery store.
CHP Now Leads Berkshire Baby Box Program
As of Jan. 1, CHP will run the Baby Box program. The transition comes after distribution of more than 1,000 baby boxes to Berkshire families over the past five years.
BHS Updates Visitation Guidelines
This change is for Berkshire Medical Center and its Hillcrest and North Adams Campuses, Fairview Hospital and BMC and Fairview Physician Practices.
Carr Hardware Donates PPE to Berkshire Schools
Tuesday, Carr Hardware representatives made the rounds and delivered PPE to three local school districts: North Adams Public Schools, Lee Public Schools and Pittsfield Public Schools.
Adams Holiday Home Decorating Contest Winners
Earlier this month, the town decided to resurrect the Holiday Home Decorating Contest in which homeowners are encouraged to decorate the exterior of their residences so they can be seen from the street and judged.
Support The Berkshires: Bart Raser with Carr Hardware
Wayne Soares talks with Carr Hardware owner Bart Raser. Support the Berkshires is an initiative started by iBerkshires.com to help local business during the pandemic.
Holiday Events and Tree Lightings 2020
'Tis the season to be merry and bright. Planning a holiday event? Let us know at iberkshires.com. Visit our Holiday Bazaars and Craft Fairs list for holiday craft fairs.
First-Responder Profiles: Paramedic Christine Isca
Paramedic Christine Isca has been working in emergency medical services for two decades and is currently the training supervisor and instructor coordinator for County Ambulance Service.
SVMC: COVID-19 Pep Talk
Although there are still some questions that we don't have answers for, we are now operating on experience.
North Adams Emergency Services Holding Toy Drive
In a statement released Thursday morning, city emergency services announced that they will unlikely be able to collect toys outside of Walmart as they have done in past years.
First-Responder Profiles: EMT, Firefighter Brian Sears
This is a series profiling some of our local first-responders in partnership with Lee Bank to highlight the work they do every day — not just during a pandemic.
CHP: Plan Your COVID-safe Mammogram
In the early months of COVID-19, mammography numbers declined dramatically in the U.S. as hospitals and health care facilities suspended elective and preventive medical care to reduce virus transmission. Now, with more awareness of how to prevent COVID-19 transmission, mammograms and other diagnostic care are being offered again in safe surroundings.
Massachusetts Early Voting Runs Through Oct. 29
Voting in advance or by mail is being encouraged to reduce long lines and potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. Early voting in person began on Oct. 17.
Berkshires Beat: Elizabeth Freeman Center's Walk a 'Virtual' Mile Continues
The Elizabeth Freeman Center's 2020 digital Walk a 'Virtual' Mile fundraiser to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault, and Gender Violence continues through September.
Berkshire Museum Enters Next Reopening Phase
The Berkshire Museum, which began a phased reopening on Aug. 1, will start phase of their reopening process that will bring changes to the museum’s available gallery experiences
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Aug. 18-Sept. 3
This Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29-30 is Tax-free Weekend in Massachusetts. Retail items of up to $2,500 - purchased in the state for personal use - will be exempt from sales tax on these two days. Special deals in downtown Pittsfield include a double tax-free discount at Carr Hardware, an end-of-summer sale at Dory & Ginger, and more!
Biz Briefs: Carr Hardware Donating Personal Protective Equipment for Schools
Carr Hardware, a family-owned business for more than 90 years, has launched “Round-up for the Schools” to benefit the local Berkshire County school districts.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Aug. 21-27
This star-studded online reading of Rob Ulin's irreverent comedy Judgment Day will serve as a benefit for Barrington Stage Company and The Actors Fund.
Berkshires Beat: Girl Scouts Present StoryWalk as Part of Silver Award Project
The project consists of three parts. The main part of the project is a StoryWalk® along Spring Street featuring the book "Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You" by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
It's World Breastfeeding Week
At Community Health Programs and Barrington OB/GYN, we strive to help our patients feel informed and supported in their breastfeeding journeys.
First-Responder Profiles: EMS Director Jen Weber
This is a series profiling some of our local first-responders in partnership with Lee Bank to highlight the work they do every day — not just during a pandemic.
North Adams Farmers Market Open for In-Person Shopping
During the quarantine, the farmers market created an online marketplace where customers could order from participating farms. Community volunteers then packed and delivered upwards of 125 orders every Saturday. The market is now a hybrid market: online purchasing is still available but not required to shop in-person at the market.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: July 3-Aug. 6
Welcome to Cultural Pittsfield's weekly guide featuring in-person and virtual classes, events, information, and more. If you are a Pittsfield business and would like your event listed, please email us at cultural@pittsfieldch.com. Thank you and be well!
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: July 24-30
Welcome to Cultural Pittsfield's weekly guide featuring in-person and virtual classes, events, information, and more. If you are a Pittsfield business and would like your event listed, please email us at cultural@pittsfieldch.com. Thank you and be well!
Mill Town, Dalton CRA Offer Music on Main Live Music Series
Registration is required for the event, with each performance capped at a maximum of 100 attendees in accordance with the Massachusetts state Phase III guidelines.
Tanglewood Serves Up Virtual Menu
Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony’s Berkshire summer festival in Lenox, was forced to cancel its full season but has found a novel way to surmount this misfortune via streaming a wide range of musical offerings to the public.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: July 17-23
Welcome to Cultural Pittsfield's weekly guide featuring in-person and virtual classes, events, information, and more. If you are a Pittsfield business and would like your event listed, please email us at [email protected] Thank you and be well!
Southwestern Vermont Health Care Launches Virtual Urgent Care
In medical terminology, "qd" is shorthand for "every day." Through CAREqd the community can receive urgent care at any time of day, every day. CAREqd can be accessed through a live, secure video connection on its website, careqd.com, or a mobile app for smartphones.
Berkshire Museum Will Reopen Saturday, Aug. 1
The museum, which will open in phases, plans to open exclusively to its members for two weeks during its first phase beginning Saturday, Aug. 1, before inviting the whole community in phase 2 starting Monday, Aug. 17.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: July 10-16
Welcome to Cultural Pittsfield's weekly guide featuring in-person and virtual classes and events, information, and more. If you are a Pittsfield business and would like your event listed, please email us at cultural@pittsfieldch.com. Thank you and be well!
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: July 3-9
Welcome to Cultural Pittsfield's weekly guide featuring in-person and virtual classes and events, information, and more. If you are a Pittsfield business and would like your event listed, please email us at cultural@pittsfieldch.com. Thank you and be well!
Pittsfield Community Television to Highlight Fourth of July
On Saturday, July 4, beginning at 9:30 a.m., PCTV will air a historical documentary called "Fighting for Independence: The History of the Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade." The show will look back at the history of the Pittsfield Fourth of July parade, and researchers attempt to trace the history of the parade further than ever before.
Jacob's Pillow to Launch Virtual Festival
Jacob's Pillow announced the cancellation of its 10-week festival for the first time in the organization’s 88-year history in March, due to the novel coronavirus.
Holiday Hours: Independence Day
Independence Day will be celebrated Saturday, July 4. It is a federal holiday.
BTG to Host 'Sunset Cinema' Outside at Taconic High School
The cinema will begin on Friday, July 10, with Disney’s "Newsies: The Broadway Musical!," a movie about an intrepid group of kids called the newsies in 1899, who fought corporate America and won.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: June 26-July 2
Welcome to Cultural Pittsfield's weekly guide featuring in-person and virtual classes and events, information, and more. If you are a Pittsfield business and would like your event listed, please email us at cultural@pittsfieldch.com. Thank you and be well!
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail Southern Section to Reopen; Northern Section to Close
Because of the State of Emergency declared at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts, the trail’s visitor center, restrooms and picnic areas are currently closed.
Berkshires Beat: BNRC Opens New Mahanna Cobble Trail
Together, BNRC and Mill Town have placed temporary signage at Bousquet to highlight an access route for hikers from the mountain's base lodge and parking area, up a ski hill, to BNRC's new Mahanna Cobble trail.
Your Mental Health During COVID-19: When Should You Seek Help?
For many, mental health during COVID-19 can be hard to maintain. Especially if you are hard hit economically by the punch of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be experiencing financial and emotional struggles you never before have encountered.
Guerilla Bunny Hides Eggs on Solstice Weekend
Due to COVID-19, the eggs were not put out on Easter this year. Instead, early on the morning of Sunday, June 21, the Guerilla Bunny's eggs were hidden in the Berkshire towns of Egremont, West Stockbridge, Great Barrington, Monterey, New Marlborough, Stockbridge, Pittsfield, Sheffield, Lee and Housatonic.
Heat Stroke Is No Joke
Before you head to the beaches and barbecues this summer, the folks at AMR suggest reviewing the symptoms of heat stroke, how to prevent it, and what to do if you suspect it in yourself or a loved one.
Roots Rising Presents Bike Ride Challenge
To help support the market, Roots Rising is now calling on the community for a (socially distant) bike ride challenge: "Ride for Roots Rising." Between June 20-28, road cyclists and mountain bikers can complete either a beginner, intermediate or advanced route.
Berkshires Beat: First Day School Students Donate Funds to SVHC
In the letter, Thea explained that the adults had provided the children with funds to give to the charity or charities of their choice and that the children had chosen to send a third of the funds to the hospital.
First-Responder Profiles: Fire Lt. Timothy Conroy
This is the first in a series profiling some of our local first-responders in partnership with Lee Bank to highlight the work they do every day — not just during a pandemic.
Berkshires Beat: Humane Society Launches Annual 'Choose Your Subaru' Raffle
Although tickets are only available over the phone for now, the ociety hopes to sell them at various businesses throughout Berkshire County when social distancing guidelines allow.
Lenox Library Hosting 'Where the Wild Things Are' StoryWalk
The StoryWalk will begin at the Lenox Community Center (65 Walker St.) and end at the Library (18 Main St).
UPDATED: Preschool, Kindergarten Registrations Scheduled Around County
All students, regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness, have equal access to the general education program and the full range of any occupational, vocational programs offered by public school districts.
Hancock Shaker Village Opening For Baby Animals, Outdoor Spaces
The Village will open only its outdoor spaces — including its beloved baby animals in outdoor fenced-in areas — to the public Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This schedule will be in place at least through June, as the Village plans for a full reopening in Phase 3.
Biz Briefs: SABIC Donating to Local United Way to Support COVID-19 Response Efforts
The company, which operates the Polymer Processing Development Center in Pittsfield, Mass., also is donating face shields made with SABIC’s LEXAN polycarbonate sheet product to local police and fire departments.
Mahaiwe Changing Up Its Upcoming Schedule
"It's a reminder that great art endures and resonates across eras and circumstances," Martinson said. "It's also a promise that there is great art to come back to. I am thrilled that we will have so many talented performers in the future, and I look forward to announcing others in the pipeline, when the time comes."
Berkshires Beat: Berkshire Museum Starting Series of Renovations
The lengthiest and most visible phase of construction will be the installation of a new sewer line to replace the original pipe installed when the historic institution was first built in 1903.
Biz Briefs: Wheeler & Taylor Insurance Donates Masks, Face Shields for Poll Workers
The face shields will be used by poll workers. Facemasks will be provided to poll workers and to ensure that all voters have proper facemasks on.
Berkshires Beat: Beckett-Chimney Corners YMCA Receives $500 Community Spirit Grant
An employee of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care nominated the organization for the award. Funds will be used to provide scholarships to campers in need.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: May 15-21
While we all do what we can to stop the spread of Covid-19, Cultural Pittsfield will offer weekly guides featuring online events and information. If you are a Pittsfield business and would like your event listed, please email cultural@pittsfieldch.com. Thank you and be well!
First Fridays Artswalk Features 'Quarantine Artist Profiles' on Social Media
Berkshire County artists are invited to submit images of works (or works in progress) they have created during this unprecedented time of social distance and isolation.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: May 8-14
While we all do what we can to stop the spread of Covid-19, Cultural Pittsfield will offer weekly guides featuring online events and information. If you are a Pittsfield business and would like your event listed, please email cultural@pittsfieldch.com. Thank you and be well!
Berkshires Beat: Bidwell House Museum Cancels House Tours for 2020
The Bidwell House Museum staff will continue to monitor the situation in Berkshire County and around the world and will make a decision at a later date about other events and programs scheduled for August and September.
North Adams Happenings May 6-13
MPORTANT NOTICE: In the interest of keeping these updates to a manageable length without sacrificing access to the ever growing and ever changing list of information and links, we've moved a lot of the content to this separate RESOURCE PAGE.
Community Access to the Arts to Host Virtual Gala
The celebration culminates in a gala evening, which includes the debut of a short film showcasing the talents of people with disabilities as well as a virtual paddle-raise auction to support CATA programs.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: April 30-May 7
While we all do what we can to stop the spread of Covid-19, Cultural Pittsfield will offer weekly guides featuring online events and information. If you are a Pittsfield business and would like your event listed, please email cultural@pittsfieldch.com. Thank you and be well!
MCLA's Senior Art Exhibition Opens May 1 — Virtually
The event and exhibition will feature artists Emery Bibbins, Liz Brick, Gillian Catherine Fournier, Spring Hajjar, Samantha Louise Hinds, Sierra Lamonde, Kelsey Sherman, and Macie Turrell, all class of 2020.
Honorees Chosen for Berkshire Nonprofit Awards
The Berkshire Nonprofit Awards recognize the accomplishments and dedication of the people who work in the nonprofit sector.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: April 22-29
While we all do what we can to stop the spread of Covid-19, Cultural Pittsfield will offer weekly guides featuring online events and information. If you are a Pittsfield business and would like your event listed, please email cultural@pittsfieldch.com. Thank you and be well!
North Adams Happenings April 22-28
IMPORTANT NOTICE: In the interest of keeping these updates to a manageable length without sacrificing access to the ever growing and ever changing list of information and links, we've moved a lot of the content to this separateRESOURCE PAGE.
Berkshire South to Start Supplemental Meal Program Called 'Nourishing Neighbors'
Through Nourishing Neighbors, Berkshire South will distribute 500 restaurant-prepared cold to-go meals each Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. with the help of a volunteer team. Meal recipients will drive up to a non-contact distribution system in the circle of the front lot at the community center.
Gardening Group Offering Free Seeds
Using emergency grant funding that was awarded by the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund, the Seed Savers are offering free seeds to town residents who want to plant a spring garden.
Hancock Shaker Village Focuses on Gardens, Livestock
Though the museum is closed — and, like every other business in the country closed due to the pandemic, doesn't know when it will reopen — the village made the decision to plant its gardens.
Biz Briefs: Bromley Ski Resort Donates $3,050 to SVMC Cancer Center
The donation was raised through Bromley's "Mom's Day Off" events on Feb. 5 and March 6.
MCLA Professors, Accounting Students to Prepare Virtual Tax Returns Through VITA Program
MCLA's new virtual VITA location, approved by the IRS, will be working through the end of April 2020 preparing eligible taxpayers' returns and helping ensure Berkshire County residents receive their coronavirus stimulus payment from the federal government.
Berkshire Humane Society to Hold Pet Food Drive-Thru on Friday
A Berkshire Humane Society employee in personal protective equipment will take your order and load the food you need. You do not need to leave your car or give your name.
Biz Briefs: Tunnel City Coffee Offering Coffee Care Packages
By sending something familiar and comforting like a pound of coffee, they are able to share the experience of having a cup of coffee together, even when they can't be together in person.
'A New Leaf': When Knighthood was in Flower
The thing that happens here, as it does with any film you consider among your very favorites, is that in the magical whirligig of imagination that is cinema, you presume friendship with the protagonists. You like them … maybe even love them, and it has yet to be disproven outside of the most esoteric, philosophical conjecture, that they don't feel exactly the same way about you.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: April 3-9
While we all do what we can to stop the spread of Covid-19, Cultural Pittsfield will offer weekly guides featuring online events and information. If you are a Pittsfield business and would like your event listed, please email cultural@pittsfieldch.com. Thank you and be well!
Berkshires Beat: Nursing Home Residents Share Messages With Public
Residents aim to update the message a few times a week.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: March 27-April 2
This week, while we all do what we can to stop the spread of Covid-19, Cultural Pittsfield would like to offer you this useful guide.
MCLA Offers Health Sciences Degree With Concentration in Radiologic Tech
The program has been approved through the MCLA governance process and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, and students completing the degree are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Radiography examination.
Nonprofit Center Hosting Online Auction
The "Nonprofit Necessities" online auction features items needed by nonprofit organizations as well as things that appeal to the general public.
Berkshires Beat: Local Community Radio Station WBCR Goes Live
There, the resurrected and much-loved on-air mixing board’s red and yellow lights are lit to affirm that 97.7FM has come alive again.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: March 20-26
This week, while we all do what we can to stop the spread of Covid-19, Cultural Pittsfield would like to offer you this useful guide. It is by no means exhaustive, and hours and offerings are subject to change. Please call businesses directly for up-to-the-minute info. Thank you!
Veterans Spotlight: Sgt. Delphia Took Care of Fellow Soldiers
He enlisted at the age of 19 and was sent to basic training at what was then Camp Pickett in Virginia. His first assignment was at the Army-Navy Hospital in Hot Springs, Ark.
North Adams Happenings: March 17
For the next few weeks we'll be changing our focus from promoting events in our area to offering updates and resources related to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: March 13-19
Please contact individual venues and organizations to be sure that their event is still taking place.
North Adams Happenings March 11-17
April 18 - Spring Community Day of Service Register today for the 28th Annual Spring Community Day of Service at https://tinyurl.com/spring2020DOS
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: March 6-12
Enjoy more than a dozen different art shows featuring work by more than two dozen accomplished regional and student artists in Pittsfield's bustling Upstreet Cultural District during the First Friday Artswalk and all month long!
Hinds Sets Community Outreach Events for March
The senator's staff will be available to meet with constituents in the communities of Huntington and North Adams on Wednesday, March 18, for this month's staff office hours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Veteran Spotlight: Gen. Sullivan Lead Army Into Information Age
The former Army chief of staff and retired four-star general served his country from 1959 to 1995. Born in Boston, he grew up in Quincy and graduated from Norwich University in Northfield, Vt., later earning a master's degree from the University of New Hampshire.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Feb. 28-March 5
During the 2020 Downtown Pittsfield Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will serve a lunch or dinner pre-fixe for $20.20 or another amount ending with $.20 (tax and gratuity not included). Complete a Restaurant Passport during March 1-March 7 to be entered into a raffle! Diners will receive a card punch each time they buy a Restaurant Week special. Each punch equals one entry. A grand prize winner will receive a basket of gift certificates for $20.20 from each participating restaurant!
Berkshires Beat: 'Mom's Day Off' Cancer Fundraiser Re-do Set for March 6
Once again, this year's event will benefit women's breast cancer care at the Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center in Bennington, part of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. The Cancer Center will receive the entire $25 lift ticket cost as a donation.