Richmond students to present "Don Quixote"

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RICHMOND, Mass. - In keeping with tradition of presenting high-caliber theater performances, the students of Richmond Consolidated School this spring will present “Don Quixote,” a play adapted by Amlin Gray and based on the early seventeeth-century novel by Miguel de Cervantes. The play will be directed by Amy Brentano, a director, actor, and writer who lives in Richmond, Massachusetts.

“As always, I’ve come away from the experience learning more than I ever could teach, convincing me that we must never underestimate our children’s talents and dreams,” said Brentano. “This literary classic was a challenge to this elementary school cast, one that pushed the limits of their abilities in memorization, comprehension, and philosophical contemplation. They have met the task with courage and have far surpassed my expectations.”

The school-wide project was supported by a grant from the Richmond Educational Enrichment Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. There will be three performances: Friday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets, which cost $4.00 for students and $6.00 for adults, will be available at the door a half-hour before each performance.

As one of the smallest public schools in Berkshire County, Richmond Consolidated School is recognized for its music, arts and language programs as well its students’ academic achievement. MCAS scores for Richmond students last year placed the school among the best in Berkshire County. The school serves students from preschool through grade eight.

For additional information about the play or about Richmond Consolidated School, please contact Principal Jenevra Strock at 413-698-2207.
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Former Harry's Supermarket Under Construction for Restaurant

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Construction is underway to transform the former Harry's Supermarket into a restaurant

Late last month, the Conservation Commission greenlit some tree pruning on the property. New windows and a new door can be seen in the front of the building. 

"It's a substantial renovation that's currently underway here," Brent White of White Engineering said, speaking on behalf of the applicant and owner, Huajie Zhu. 

A fire gutted the longtime Wahconah Street supermarket in 2023, and the following year, Zhu purchased the property for $460,000 two years ago to build a restaurant with hibachi in the existing footprint of the more than 100-year-old building. 

White explained that the project has been ongoing for over a year, and the Community Development Board granted the property a waiver to reduce the minimum required number of parking spaces so that additional spaces aren't needed.  

He noted that, looking at the site plan, there is very little room to do so. A mirror will be installed near the sharp turn on Bel Air Avenue to alleviate traffic concerns. 

Pruning will be done on trees in the southeast corner of the existing paved parking lot, as a number of branches are hanging over. The new owners also intend to patch, sealcoat, and re-stripe the parking lot. 

A fire tore through the building less than an hour after the supermarket closed for the day three years ago. An automatic sprinkler system is required for the new use. 

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