FEATURED CONTENT & SPOTLIGHTS
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Berkshires Beat: CATA Artists 'Making Waves' at Good Purpose Gallery
The exhibit opens Feb. 27 and features paintings by CATA artists who use the innovative Artistic Realization Technologies (A.R.T.) technique to create their work.
Biz Briefs: Two Former Prosecutors Open Local Law Firm
The law firm was founded on Feb. 4, 2019, by Gregory M. Barry and Robert W. Kinzer, two former assistant district attorneys in the Berkshire District Attorney's Office.
North Adams Happenings: Feb. 20-26
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Holiday Hours: Presidents Day
Washington's Birthday will be celebrated on Monday, Feb. 18.
North Adams Happenings: Feb. 13-19
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Berkshires Beat: Rockwell Museum, Collective Arts Brewing Host Student Art Contest
Eight winning entries — selected by a jury of representatives from Collective Arts Brewing, Norman Rockwell Museum and contemporary illustrators — will be showcased on a Collective Arts Brewing can series, distributed across North America.
10x10 Upstreet Arts Festival Celebrates Eighth Anniversary
Organized by the City of Pittsfield's Office of Cultural Development and Barrington Stage Company, the festival features 62 events in 14 different venues, highlighting dozens of artists, actors, musicians, playwrights and performers.
Edgerton, Jackson Receive 'Black Excellence on the Hill' Award
Ty Allan Jackson, local author, literacy advocate, publisher and motivational speaker, and Shirley Edgerton, founder and director of the Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program, director of Youth Alive and cultural proficiency coach for the Pittsfield Public Schools, were honored by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus.
North Adams Happenings: Feb. 6-12
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Feb. 8-14
The 10x10 Upstreet Arts Festival takes place Thursday, Feb. 14 - Sunday, Feb. 24 and features music, art, theater, dance, film and more. There is something for the entire family, from Barrington Stage's 10x10 New Play Festival and live jazz at The Whitney, to 10 Days of Play at the Berkshire Museum and a fireworks extravaganza on the Pittsfield Common.
Biz Briefs: SVHC Named One of Vermont's Best Places to Work Again
SVHC received the honor for the first time in 2015. It remains the only hospital in the state of Vermont to be recognized by the awards program
Spring 2019 ArtWeek Applications Now Available
In the Berkshires, the Downtown Great Barrington Cultural District, North Adams Cultural District, Cultural Pittsfield's Upstreet Cultural District, the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce, as well as Art Lenox and the Lenox Chamber of Commerce have all signed on as Community Partners. 1Berkshire and Berkshire Young Professionals are serving as Regional Collaborators in Western Massachusetts.
Berkshires Beat: Williams College to Host 'Equity Drafting Table'
The EDT provides visitors an opportunity to engage with thought-provoking questions on topics of privilege and sustainable communities.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Feb. 1-7
Enjoy 11 different art shows featuring work by more than a dozen accomplished regional artists in Pittsfield's bustling Upstreet Cultural District during the First Friday Artswalk, and all month long!
Biz Briefs: Big Y Bag Program Now Benefitting Hillcrest Educational Centers, BCARC
The Big Y Community Bag and Giving Tag Program, which launched in January 2019, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work.
North Adams Happenings: Jan. 29-Feb. 5
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Berkshires Beat: North Adams Winterfest Seeking Participants
The office seeks more restaurants, businesses, organizations or individuals to participate in the chowder cook-off, sponsor blocks of ice, and compete in the ice sculpture competition and Bright Ideas Brewing Homebrew Competition.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Jan. 25-31
The Four Freedoms Coalition's 3rd annual gathering, Celebrating Freedom: Democracy in Action, will take place on Sunday, Jan. 27 from 1-3 p.m. at Berkshire Community College.
Biz Briefs: Berkshire Gas, Avangrid Foundation Supports Girls Inc. STEM Program
Eureka! brings girls in the Berkshires a unique opportunity to explore STEM-related subjects through intensive, hands-on programming over five years.
North Adams Happenings: Jan. 23-29
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Berkshires Beat: Clark Art Institute Launches Free Snowshoe Program
Project Snowshoe provides visitors with the chance to borrow a pair of snowshoes from the Clark to trek the 140-acre campus during snow season.
SNAP Clients to Receive February Benefits Early
Clients are encouraged to budget this early February payment accordingly, as future benefits may not be reloaded until after the partial government shutdown comes to an end.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Jan. 18-24
On Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at Second Congregational Church, join Multicultural Bridge and the Berkshire County NAACP for Dreaming Beyond Borders, the annual community celebration of the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The speaker will be the Rev. Da Vita D. McCallister, Lead Pastor of First Church in Somerville, Mass.
Biz Briefs: Balance Rock Investment Group Celebrates 20 Years With Move
Balance Rock Investment Group closed out 2018 with after celebrating the firm's 20th anniversary and move to its new office space on South Street in Pittsfield.
North Adams Happenings: Jan. 16-22
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Berkshires Beat: Mt. Everett Students Join Dance Exchange Program in India
In addition to the participants learning classical and Bollywood-style dance, Keswick students taught traditional crafts, language, games and other cultural traditions unique to India.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Jan. 11-17
This event will present input gathered from the Westside community over the past six months as to what they would like to see at the new park, and seeks additional feedback and input.
Easy New Year's Resolutions For Your Health
For many of us, the path to good health is not an easy one. Procrastination, family obligations, work demands and lack of time and energy are just a few reasons that can halt best intentions in their tracks.
North Adams Happenings: Jan. 9-15
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Berkshires Beat: Winners of the Pittsfield Photo Challenge Announced
His photo, titled "Tropical Pittsfield," has won him a prize package donated by local downtown businesses, and his photo will be featured in Pittsfield's 2019 Downtown Guide and a Downtown Pittsfield Inc. social marketing campaign.
Watercooler: Company Donates Quilts to Hospital
The quilts were made with around 60 yards of donated fabric coming from donors from as far away as Minneapolis.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Jan. 4-10
Meet professional fitness trainers, health experts, and health and sports club representatives. Plus: blood pressure and testing, workshops, food and drink samples, and more!
Hinds Sets Community Outreach Events for January
The senator's staff will be available to meet with constituents in the communities of Blandford and Lenox for this month's staff office hours on Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
North Adams Happenings: Jan. 2-8
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Berkshires Beat: 'CHEST' Program Elevates Environmental Services Team at Fairview Hospital
The CHEST Program content consisted of seven domains: Cleaning and Disinfection, Waste Handling, Floor Care, Linen Handling, Infection Prevention, Safety, and Communication. Fairview Hospital is the only rural hospital in Massachusetts that completed the staff development program.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Dec. 28-Jan. 3
Rock On! presents A Rocking Mid-Holiday Show at The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 7 p.m. Performers include Cazmeris Polidoro, Grace Ida Marks, Christine Bile, Robin O'Herin and Immune Friction. $3 at the door.
Lee Police Chief Named First Fourth Berkshire Unsung Hero
The award was launched by Rep. Smitty Pignatelli in December 2018. It aims to recognize people, groups, and organizations who have positively contributed to the Berkshire community.
North Adams Happenings: Dec. 26-Jan. 1
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Watercooler: Allium to Close After 12 Years in Great Barrington
After nearly 12 years in the Berkshires, Allium Restaurant + Bar will be closing its doors on Jan. 1.
Holiday Hours: Christmas & New Year's
Businesses, schools and government offices will be taking breaks over the next week as the nation celebrates Christmas and New Year's.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Dec. 21-27
Samantha Talora and Ron Ramsay bring you Christmas is Here! The duo will be joined by Eileen Markland on violin and Michael Gillespie on saxophone, clarinet, flute, guitar and foot tambourine to bring you an evening of holiday songs.
North Adams Happenings: Dec. 19-25
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Berkshires Beat: Lenox Sixth-Grader Wins Hinds' Holiday Card Contest
In total, 348 students from a dozen schools located across western Massachusetts submitted entries to the contest.
North Adams Happenings: Dec. 12-18
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Berkshires Beat: SVHC Celebrates Putnam Nursing School Alumni
The event marked the 70th anniversary of the first graduating class of the school. Throughout its 50-year tenure, the school graduated more than 800 nurses.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Dec. 7-13
Enjoy 16 different art shows featuring work by more than three dozen accomplished regional artists in Pittsfield's bustling Upstreet Cultural District during the First Friday Artswalk, and all month long! In most venues, artists will be present from 5-8 p.m. A free guided tour begins at 5 p.m. at the Intermodal Center @ BRTA, 1 Columbus Ave.
North Adams Happenings: Dec. 5-11
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Nov. 30-Dec. 6
Also, stop by Hancock Shaker Village, whose gift shop is filled to the brim with new merchandise for the season.
North Adams Happenings: Nov. 28-Dec. 4
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Berkshires Beat: Berkshire Humane Society Offering '100 Cats for Christmas' Program
Appointments will be scheduled during the month of December. All cats and kittens will be dropped off at predesignated locations to be announced.
Biz Briefs: Pine Cobble School, Northshire Bookstore to Host Book Fair
Books will be sorted into categories, with selections for very young children, picture books, early chapter books, middle grade books, young adult, adult fiction, and a few specialty books. All will be gift-worthy. Twenty percent of all proceeds will go to Pine Cobble's library.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Nov. 23-29
Support your local small business owners on Saturday, November 24 and be part of a national effort to highlight these shops each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Look for special deals throughout Downtown Pittsfield and get a jump on your holiday shopping list!
Holiday Hours: Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving will be observed on Thursday, Nov. 22.
Berkshires Beat: CATA's North Adams Exhibit Features A.R.T. Technique
The paintings will be accompanied by an installation of three-dimensional, hanging "CATApillars," which were constructed by Berkshire county students with disabilities.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Nov. 16-22
Be among the first to see this year's chart-topping Festival of Trees, Often Heard, featuring more than 100 dazzling, decorated holiday trees, each depicting a popular song. Join your friends and neighbors to discover the song behind every tree, savor delicious appetizers and drinks, and enjoy exciting surprises.
Great American Smokeout Set For Nov. 15
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for 29 percent of all cancer deaths. In fact, smoking cigarettes kills more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, HIV, guns and illegal drugs combined.
North Adams Happenings: Nov. 14-20
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Berkshires Beat: Vessels for Change Returns to Aid Immigrant Center
For a $100 donation to the Berkshire Immigrant Center, donors receive a one-of-a-kind handmade mug, locally brewed beer, and a celebration.
Biz Briefs: Big Y Helps Fund Books for North Adams, Pittsfield Elementary Schools
The six elementary schools benefiting from this generous donation included Silvio O. Conte Community School, Morningside Community School and Crosby Elementary in Pittsfield and Brayton Elementary, Greylock Elementary and Colegrove Park Elementary in North Adams.
Holiday Hours: Veterans Day
Veterans Day falls on Sunday, Nov. 11, but will be observed on Monday, Nov. 12, as a state and federal holiday.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Nov. 9-16
The City of Pittsfield's annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11.
Fall Festival Of Shakespeare Celebrates 30 Years
Beginning on Nov. 15, the four-day festival marks the culmination of the nine-week program that places Shakespeare & Company Education Artists in 10 high schools across Berkshire and Columbia counties. During the program, students explore creative thinking, teamwork and Shakespeare as they create a 90-minute fully-produced performance to be shared with their neighboring communities.
North Adams Happenings: Nov. 7-13
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Biz Briefs: Main Street Hospitality Branching Outside Massachusetts to Rhode Island
When completed in the spring of 2020, the $29 million development will include an 84-room boutique hotel to be managed by Main Street Hospitality, as well as a 4,000-square-foot restaurant and 3,000 square feet of retail space.
Berkshires Beat: Two Firefighters Join Great Barrington Force
At the ceremony on Monday, Oct. 29, call firefighters Mike Bissaillon and Iovan DeRis graduated alongside call and volunteer firefighters from throughout Massachusetts.
Food Drive to Benefit North Adams Food Pantry
Collection boxes decorated by students from the North Adams Public Schools will be available at City Hall, the North Adams Public Schools central office, the North Adams Public Library, the Mary Spitzer Center and the North Adams police and fire departments.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Nov. 2-8
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!
North Adams Happenings: Oct. 31-Nov. 6
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Berkshires Beat: Pittsfield Catholic Parishes Launch Campaign for Cemetery Repairs
The "Joining Together to honor our Past and Continue our Legacy" Campaign is seeking $1.2 million in order to undertake the needed restoration work at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Oct. 26-Nov. 1
This year's Pittsfield Halloween Parade route will begin at 7 p.m. on Tyler Street, at the corner of Tyler and Smith Streets, and end at Woodlawn Avenue. Follow the link for information about road closures and parking bans before and during the parade festivities.
Trick-or-Treat, Halloween Events 2018
Below is a list of towns holding trick-or-treat hours and/or events on Halloween.
North Adams Happenings: Oct. 24-30
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Berkshires Beat: Florida Couple Invests $500,000 in the Future of Gould Farm
The Bowlers' lead gift honors Ellen's father, the Rev. Hampton E. Price, who served as executive director from 1961-1972. During his tenure, Rev. Price transformed the farm's campus, systematized the work program, and brought into focus the therapeutic value of meeting together as a community.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Oct. 19-25
Wear your cowboy hat and boots! The Hoedown for Hope fundraiser for Moments House will feature live music by Whiskey City and The Hotshot Hillbillies, line dancing with instruction by Cheryl Wendling, food, games, raffles, balloon magic with Bowey the Clown, face painting, a photo booth and more. 3-10 p.m. at the new Proprietor's Lodge (formerly the ITAM), 22 Waubeek Road.
North Adams Happenings: Oct. 17-23
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Registration, Early Voting Deadlines Set for Election Day
The last day to register to vote or change voting affiliation for the Nov. 6 state election is Wednesday, Oct. 17. ces.
Flu Shot: Get the Vaccine to Protect You — And Those Around You
The flu vaccine has dramatic impacts on public health. However, since strains of the flu may vary from year to year, the vaccine must be received annually.
North Adams Happenings: Oct. 10-16
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Oct. 5-11
Enjoy more than a dozen different art shows featuring work by more than 50 accomplished regional and student artists in Pittsfield's bustling Upstreet Cultural District during the First Friday Artswalk, and all month long!
Biz Briefs: Tunnel City Coffee Opens Fall Art Show
Sutro's abstracted realist paintings recall memories of existence among peaceful landscapes, while Osborn's macro-paintings delve into life at the cellular level, sharing the beauty of biology’s smallest divisions.
North Adams Happenings: Oct. 3-9
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Berkshires Beat: Albany Berkshire Ballet Receives Grant For 'Rockwell in Our Time'
The ballet is a multidisciplinary work inspired by Norman Rockwell's "Four Freedoms" that moves forward and backward in time reflecting World War II America and our current national reality.
This Week in Williamstown: Sept. 27-Oct. 3
This weekend is the 63rd Annual Fall Foliage Parade in North Adams.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Sept. 28-Oct. 4
Hancock Shaker Village will hold its 21st annual Country Fair on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. T
Berkshires Beat: Children's Races Kick Off Fall Foliage Festival
Terry A La Berry & Friends delighted the crowd with popular children’s tunes before the 30 registered racers lined up for their races.
North Adams Happenings: Sept. 26-Oct. 2
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Biz Briefs: Humane Society Opening Second Catwalk Boutique
The shop specializes in affordable women’s clothing with an emphasis on designer and upscale labels, current styles, and contemporary fashion.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Sept. 21-27
South Mountain Concerts presents the Juilliard String Quartet for an evening of classics and a world premiere by Lembit Beecher - "One Hundred Years Grows Shorter Over Time" - written for the Quartet in honor of the 100th anniversary of South Mountain Concerts. 3 p.m. $40.
BerkshireWorks Marks National Employ Older Workers Week
In Berkshire County, 40 percent of the population is over the age of 50 and many are actively looking for employment opportunities both full and part time.
North Adams Happenings: Sept. 18-25
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Biz Briefs: Three Local Businesses To Be Celebrated For Growth
On Wednesday, Sept. 19, officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center will celebrate three local small businesses that have received free counseling from the MSBDC and successfully acquired SBA financing to grow their business.
Berkshires Beat: Berkshire Grown Sets 20th Annual Harvest Supper for Sept. 24
More than two dozen Berkshire Grown member chefs and local beverage producers will be on-hand. The chefs will be serving a wide selection of tastings - all featuring fresh ingredients from local farms.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Sept. 14-20
September's 3rd Thursday is the last of the season and it's the annual Walk a Mile fundraiser for the Elizabeth Freeman Center! The walk kicks off at 6 p.m. from the Persip Park Stage.
North Adams Happenings: Sept. 12-18
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Berkshires Beat: SVMC Corridor Gallery Exhibits the Work of Bennington Murals Project
The exhibit is open to visitors daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Biz Briefs: Greylock's Lee Wildcats Debit Card Generates $2,130 for School
Lee Middle and High School Principal Gregg M. Brighenti said the funds have been used to purchase furniture for the library, to fund students who couldn't afford school trips, to pay for two dinners the students served to senior citizens, and to buy a small cookie oven for the Lee High School booster clubs to use at games as a fundraiser for their programs.
This Week in Williamstown: Sept. 8-14
Williams College celebrates the appointment of Maud S. Mandel as its 18th president with a formal induction ceremony on Saturday at 4 pm in Chapin Hall. This is a ticketed event, however you are invited to view the livestream of the Induction ceremony.
