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North Adams Happenings: Jan. 23-29

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North Adams Happenings:  January 23 - 29
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
 

Save the Date

 

2/2
TEDx North Adams
Club B10 @ MASS MoCA
tedxnorthadams@gmail.com
12 - 9 PM
$45 - $47.86 (Limit 2 per person)
for more information

Our TEDxNorthAdams 2019 speakers:
Dr. Lisa Donovan: Will discuss her "Berkshire Blueprint" which would help small towns grow.
dysFUNKcrew: Step team using their differences to create community
Hamza Farrukh: Water specialist will talk about how water impacts community.
Craig Floyd: Manages a farm that gives 100% of their crops to people in need.
Kristen van Ginhoven: Shares her expertise on the integration and intersectionality of arts and activism across communities.
Ty Allan Jackson: Preaches literacy and accessibility to books.
Barbara Ann Malkas Ed.D: Discusses her findings on how creating inclusive communities makes strong communities.
Mark Stewart: Uses his musicianship to create specific and once in a lifetime moments.
Catherine Storing: Will break down why conflict is important to creating community.

2/14
Community Outreach Volunteer Training
NbCC, 61 Main St, Suite 218
(413) 663-7588
5:30 - 8pm
Free
call for more information

Want to help your neighbors and be more engaged in our community? Become a Community Outreach Volunteer!

Northern Berkshire Neighbors is seeking community-minded individuals to take part in the Community Outreach and Civic Engagement Volunteer Training. Join over 60 Northern Berkshire residents who are now Community Outreach Volunteers! Trainings will be held on Thursdays from 5:30 to 8pm beginning on February 14th and running through July. As part of the training, participants will learn about the many local health and human service providers, and community organizations; engage in workshops and training on topics such as styles of leadership, accessing local government, community organizing, conflict management and more; complete a project that meets a community need or builds upon an existing asset.

No prior education or experience necessary. Applications are available at the nbCC offices, or at www.nbccoalition.org. For more info, call Glenda.
 

2/16
WINTERFEST!
Downtown
10 AM - 4 PM
Free
for more information

SATURDAY, FEB. 16TH, DOWNTOWN - All events are FREE

10 AM - 4 PM | Fun in the snow @ Colegrove Park & ice sculpting  on Main Street
10 AM - 3 PM | Winter Farmer & Artisan Market @66 Main Street (old Sleepy's space)  with Winterfest Homebrew Competition hosted by Bright Ideas Brewing
10 AM - Noon | hot cocoa, cookies & McCann Tech Robotics Team @ MountainOne Bank Lobby
Noon - 2 PM | Chowder competition @ The Green, 85 Main Street, Suite 105 & Community Campfire @ Holden & Main
1 - 3 PM | Horse-drawn wagon rides (line starts in front of MountainOne
2 - 4 PM | Ice skating & FREE skate rentals @ the Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Skating Rink, 1267 Church Street, N.Adams,MA.

Thank you to our sponsors! We couldn't do this without you! North Adams Tourism, Greylock Federal Credit Union, MountainOne, Bright Ideas Brewing and the Green

 

Submissions

 

Deadline February 22
Reconnection: MCLA Alumni Exhibition Call for Submissions

MCLA Gallery 51 is pleased to announce an opportunity for ALL alumni to exhibit their work in a group exhibition highlighting their creative pursuits since graduation. It is a unique chance for the college to present the work of our alumni in our downtown gallery, highlighting the impact of an innovative liberal arts education and MCLA’s Alumni’s contribution to vibrant creative communities in North Adams and beyond.

Details and Apply online at:
https://goo.gl/forms/UNAqSlTYmlossXwT2

 

 

Wednesday January 23rd

 

Preschool Storytime
North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St
(413) 662-3133
10:30 AM
Free!
for more information

Preschool storytime and craft at the North Adams Public Library in the Youth Services Department is held for ages 3 to 6 years old, siblings welcome. Several stories will be read and there is time to share ideas and thoughts as well as complete a craft.

Sit & Knit
The Spin-Off Yarn Shop, Norad Mill, Ste. 302
413-344-6257
2-4 PM & 5 - 7 PM
Free
for more information

Join us for fellowship and help with your project.  All knitters and crocheters are welcome!

The Spin-Off Yarn Shop has an extensive and beautiful selection of yarn for every budget.  The shop carries Malabrigo, Juniper Moon Farm, Ella Rae, Rowan, DanDoh, Urth, Freia, Toft, Frabjous, and many others, along with locally produced and hand-dyed yarns.  

We have patterns and books to provide inspiration for your next project. Knitting needles, crochet hooks, gifts, and must-have haberdashery are available.  For those finishing touches, we have thousands of beautiful buttons, making our button selection the best in the area.

ABC Read With Me - Every Child Ready to Read with new books!
The Family Center Playroom, 210 State St
413-664-4821
4 - 5 PM
Free (Please register)
for more information

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. Call 413-664-4821 to register or sign up at Playgroup.

nbCC’s Teen Writing Workshop
nbCC Conference Room, 61 Main Street
413-663-7588
5 - 7 PM
Free
for more information

An afterschool writing program for teens of all writing experiences. Teens will hone in on their skill with professional local writers and peers. For more information, call Tim at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition at (413) 663-7588.

 

Thursday January 24th

 

After-School Program
UNO Community Center, 157 River Street
(413) 663-7588
6:30-7:30pm
Free
for more information

Serving students in 4th Grade - 8th Grade. Healthy snack, homework assistance, tutoring, computer access and creative activities. Call or email Glenda at (413) 663-7588 ext. 20 or gmcarter@nbccoalition.org for more information.

Opening Reception:
Colour and Form: Beauty in Abstraction
MCLA Gallery 51, 51 Main St.
(413) 664-8718
5 - 7 PM
Free
for more information

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Gallery 51 is pleased to announce the first exhibition of 2019 “Colour and Form: Beauty in Abstraction” will open on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, and remain on view through March 16, 2019. The public is invited to attend a free opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gallery 51.

“Colour and Form: Beauty in Abstraction” features works by Kathline Carr, Dawn Nelson and Sarah Sutro. Collectively, their work explores the beauty, complexities, and depth of abstract art, and how it inspires our curiosity.

Game Night! WHAT Do You MEME?
Bright Ideas Brewing, 111 MASS MoCA Way
(413) 346-4460
7:30 - 9 PM
Free
for more information

Join us for a raucous evening of WDYM hosted by John Del Sordo and the BIB crew. If you've never played, it's like Apples to Apples or Cards Against Humanity, but with memes and NSFW (except for us of course, because we work here.)

Speak Up Western Mass:
2019 Policy Agenda Public Forum
Freight Yard Pub, 1 Furnace St., Building 3
6:30 - 8 PM
Free
for more information

State Senator Adam G. Hinds (D- Pittsfield) announces today that he will kick start his public outreach campaign this year with a Speak Up Western Mass. public forum in the northern Berkshires.  

On Thursday, January 24th from 6:30pm-8:00pm he will  host an open meeting upstairs at the Freight Yard Pub & Restaurant, located at 1 Furnace Street in North Adams.  All residents of his Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Senate District are welcome to attend.

The 2019-2020 legislative session began on January 2nd, and the deadline to file timely legislation is Friday, January 18th.  Since Labor Day the Senator and his policy team have focused on researching dozens of policy areas and drafting new legislation for consideration in the 2019-2020 session.  Senator Hinds will use this event as an opportunity to outline his policy agenda for the new term, his second in the Massachusetts Senate, as well as take questions and comments from those in attendance.

North Adams Mayor Tom Bernard will attend the session, introduce the Senator and provide opening remarks.  

Northern Berkshire Community Television has agreed to tape and televise the forum, so those who cannot attend in person will have the opportunity to view the conversation at a later date.

Parlor Café Presents “Geek Comedy Hour”
Parlor Café, 303 Ashland Street
theparlorcafe@gmail.com, 413.398.5554
7 PM
Free
for more information

Comedian Ed Smyth weaves a geeky fabric of twisted topics, quirky routines, silly micro-sketches and warped historical moments, including Wally the Happy Talking Neutrino; Oog Son of Ahg, a Neanderthal with a primitive folk song/magic/juggling/and retro Tom Jones act; a fresh dairy products sea chanty; "Lenin Live In Vegas"; kazoo heavy metal songs; a Bronx gangster-movie version of Snow White; a funk-o-licious pickle jar song; World of Micro Fun; world's fastest live reading of "Moby Dick"; and similar. It's an act that's both intelligence-friendly for adults and family-friendly for language. Audiences have described him as a sort of one-man vaudeville-like act for grown-ups with a silly streak. Ed performs his "Geek Comedy Hour" regularly in coffeehouses, performance spaces, and art venues throughout the northeast. Ed will be joined by North Adams comedian and Berkshire Eagle columnist Seth Brown, who brings a mix of off-beat stand-up, dramatic humor column readings, and possible poetry.

Door fee is simply purchase of one hot beverage per attendee. 14 and up recommended.  

 

Friday January 25th

 

Namazing Initiative Coffee Date
The Green 85 Main St., Ste 105
7:30 - 9 AM
Free
for more information

Come on down and join The NAMAzing Initiative for their winter Coffee Date at The Green. This month the coffee & pastries are sponsored by Desperados Mexican Restaurant

Interested in sponsoring coffee and pastries for next month's coffee dates? Feel free to email thenamazinginitiative@gmail.com to help coordinate.

Sit & Knit
The Spin-Off Yarn Shop, Norad Mill, Ste. 302
413-344-6257
2-4 PM & 5 - 7 PM
Free
for more information

Join us for fellowship and help with your project.  All knitters and crocheters are welcome!

The Spin-Off Yarn Shop has an extensive and beautiful selection of yarn for every budget.  The shop carries Malabrigo, Juniper Moon Farm, Ella Rae, Rowan, DanDoh, Urth, Freia, Toft, Frabjous, and many others, along with locally produced and hand-dyed yarns.  

We have patterns and books to provide inspiration for your next project. Knitting needles, crochet hooks, gifts, and must-have haberdashery are available.  For those finishing touches, we have thousands of beautiful buttons, making our button selection the best in the area.

Knitting Nights
Common Folk, 73 Main St.
wearecommonfolk@gmail.com
7 - 9 PM
By donation
for more information

Come to the Common Folk space and knit with folks alike! There's plenty of space and materials for use. Participation by donation. Yarn/fabric is "fill a bag" for $3 and attendees can get 20% off that.

Facilitator: Casey Nivens

 

Saturday January 26th

 

MASS MoCA Free Day 2019


MASS MoCA, 1040 Mass MoCA Way
(413) 662-2111
All Day
Free
for schedule and more information

We’ll amplify your MASS MoCA experience when we throw open the doors to the museum for free and fill the galleries with art-making activities, lively discussion, and pop-up performance. Create some art, take a tour, catch some live music in the elevator, and learn about the history of our life on Marshall Street.

What to Expect

Plan to spend the day! You’ll find pop-up music performances, a Sol LeWitt photo booth, art projects for the entire family happening throughout the museum, and dance performances in the galleries. Triptych, beginning at 8pm, will be a fantastic opportunity to see art being made on stage, as MASS MoCA favorite Roomful of Teeth joins friends to explore the art of Robert Mapplethorpe, featuring an original score by Bryce Dressner of The National.

Sponsored by MountainOne and Berkshire Gas

Today’s curator talks are funded in part by Mass Humanities, which receives support from the Mass Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The City Before You: Book Presentation
MASS MoCA, 1040 Mass MoCA Way
3 - 4PM
Free
for more information

Please join the students of the E3 Academy when they unveil The City Before You: E3 Sees Behind the Scenes, a book they have created compiling the stories of over a dozen long-time residents of the city.  As part of Mass MoCA's History Harvest celebration on January 26 (a free day at the museum), E3 Academy's students will present copies of their handmade book to representatives of the North Adams Historical Society and the North Adams Library.  The students will read excerpts from the book.

Saturday, January 26, at 3:00 in the Spencer Finch gallery (the one with all the pretty lights)

Open Studios
Assets for Artists, 1320 MASS MoCA Way
(413) 664-4481
3 – 6 PM
Free
for more information

Come as early as 3pm and stay into the evening for some great art, conversation and, of course, tasty snacks. This month, our artists have joined us from across the globe, traveling from Italy, Portugal, South Korea, and all corners of the U.S. Come see what they have been up to in North Adams!

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:Giuseppina Giordano www.giuseppinagiordano.com/ Erin Gleason www.eringleason.com/ Barbara Ishikura www.barbaraishikura.com/ Christopher Jagmin https://christopherjagmin.com/ June Lee www.junelee.kr / Marisa Pilo http://marisapilo.com/ Autumn Wallace https://www.veggiemon.co/  Xiao Wang www.xiaowang.co.uk

Schaub Artist Talk
The Artist Book Foundation
1327 MASS MoCA Way, Building 13, Fl 2
(413) 398-5600
3 - 6 PM
Free
for more information

Join photographer and artist innovator Stephen Schaub for a glass of mulled cider as he describes his process and the intent behind the artworks in his exhibition Recent Works in our Louis and Susan Meisel Gallery. Schaub presents both the movement and the stillness of New York City in a new perspective you won’t want to miss.

Wet Tuna/Bulle/DJ Matt Krefting
Belltower Records, Norad Mill, Suite 301, 60 Roberts Dr.
(413) 398-5569
7 - 10 PM
Free
for more information

Live music from Wet Tuna, Bulle (Clark & Wednesday from Pigeons) and DJ Matt Krefting on January 26, 2019 (Saturday) from 7-10pm. Free show! Please bring donations and refreshments for the musicians!

Wet Tuna, a project of Matt Valentine and Pat Gubler or PG Six, can be seen in these links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyQa4bHItXw
https://wettuna.bandcamp.com/releases

Bulle is a project of Clark and Wednesday from Pigeons. Follow this link for some live recordings: http://pigeonsband.com/music+videos.html

Triptych (Eyes of One on Another)
MASS MoCA, 1040 Mass MoCA Way
(413) 662-2111
8 PM
$10 student, $17 advance, $26 day of, $35 preferred
for more information

Thirty years after Robert Mapplethorpe’s death, we still cannot turn away from his photographs. Triptych (Eyes of One on Another) brings together composer Bryce Dessner (The National) and a team of extraordinary collaborators including director Daniel Fish, librettist Korde Arrington, and Roomful of Teeth in a work which — through music, projection, and theatrical lighting — puts us inside the artist’s bold, voracious view of how nature and humans look, touch, feel, hurt, and love one another. Q+A to follow.

Contains mature content.

Produced by ArKtype / Thomas O. Kriegsmann in Cooperation with The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation

This program is supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

 

Sunday January 27th

 

Upcycled Jewelry Workshop
Common Folk, 73 Main St.
wearecommonfolk@gmail.com
1-3 PM
$10 /person
for more information

Some of the most beautiful jewelry is made out of the most mundane ordinary things that serve no purpose. Come on down to 73 Main Street to turn trash into treasure!

$10 Donation lets you dig through Sweens' personal collection of upcycled materials, access to tools & supplies, coaching of jewelry making techniques, and of course, you get to take home whatever you make!

To reserve a spot in the workshop go to: https://airtable.com/shrXzLDy2JhkyEa5X

2nd Annual Bowling Tournament Fundraiser
Greylock Bowl & Golf, 41 Roberts Rd.
hello@studionorthdancearts.com
1 - 4 PM
$30/team of 2
for more information

Join us at Greylock Bowl & Golf as we host our 2nd annual bowling tournament to fundraise for the Studio North Dance Arts Competition Team on Sunday, January 27st at 1pm!

This will be ten pin tap. 2 person teams. 100% handicap of 200. Average will be assigned if you have none. Men- 120/ Women- 110/ Kids- 100. $30 per team

We will also have a 50-50 raffle and Chinese Auction, as well as a bake sale.

Please email Jessica at hello@studionorthdancearts.com to sign up your teams. Sign up sheets available at Greylock Bowl & Golf soon.

The money raised will go to Studio North's Competition Team, which is in it's fourth year, to help defray costs of participation (the expected total bill for our Team for this year is $15,000, which includes choreography fees, costumes, and entry fees for 3 regional events and one national event). Our goal from day one of the Team is that no student should have to turn down a spot on the Team for financial reasons, therefore, we are trying to raise enough money that the only fee coming from parents' pockets is necessary travel and hotel expenses.

 

HRR Trivia Night
Freight Yard Pub and Restaurant, 1 Furnace St.
wearecommonfolk@gmail.com
5:30 PM
$100 /team
for more information

Gather your smartest friends together for a fun-filled evening of trivia. Hoosic River Revival will be hosting Trivia Night on Sunday, January 27! Teams will consist of four people.
Tables of four are $100 and individual tickets are $30 (we'll team you up with someone!). A limited pub menu is included with the ticket price along with a non-alcoholic drink station. A cash bar will be available.
Attention teams: Arrive with your team at 5:30 p.m., order your meal and drinks and check out all of the fun things we have in store! Eric Kerns, our master of ceremonies, will begin questions at 6:30 p.m.

 

Monday January 28th

 

PreSchool Story Time
Clarksburg Town Library, 711 W Cross Rd.
10:00 - 11:00AM
Free
for more information

Ages 3-5; Adult Must Accompany Child
Stories and Rhymes; Crafts and Free Play

 

Tuesday January 29th

 

A Matter of Balance
The Green, 85 Main St., Ste 105
413-663-7588
9 - 11 AM
Free ( Pre-registration required)
call for more information

A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. A FREE series of 8 classes including tips to reduce fear of falling and increase strength and balance. January 8, 15,22,30 and February 5,12,19,26 from 9-11am at The Green located at 85 Main Street, North Adams. Pre-registration is required, call Bret or Amanda at (413) 663-7588.

Toddler Storytime
North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St
(413) 662-3133
10:30 am
Free
for more information

Toddler storytime and songs at the North Adams Public Library in Youth Services Department is held for ages birth to 3 years old, siblings welcome.  One to two stories are read with lots of songs and gross motor skill activities as well.

Preschool STEM Group
The Family Center, 210 State St.
413-664-4821
3:30 - 4:30 PM
Free
for more information

Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in The Family Center Playroom. Explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. For children ages 2.5-5 years old. A variety of FUN hands-on STEM activities for preschoolers.

Youth Leadership Program
nbCC Conference Room, 61 Main Street
413-663-7588
5 - 7 PM
Free
for more information

Tuesdays, 5 - 7pm, January 8, 15, 22, 29.UNITY staff engage local teens in a wide variety of exercises related to leadership skills such as communication, problem-solving, team work, identifying community needs, and project/event planning. For more information, email Tim Shiebler at tshiebler@nbccoalition.org or call the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition at (413) 663-7588.

 

Working on Wellbeing (WOW) Workshop: Learn to Grow (Easily!)
UNO Community Center, 157 River St.
413-663-7588 or bbeattie@nbccoalition.org
5 - 6 PM
Free
for more information

Working on Wellbeing (WOW) Workshop: Learn to Grow (Easily!): Microgreens, led by James Mayer. Learn the basics of growing food in your home, year-round. Tuesday, January 29th, 5:00p-6:00p @ The UNO Community Center. Call or email Bret Beattie to register: 413-663-7588 or bbeattie@nbccoalition.org

Active Parenting -Ages 1-4 Years
The Family Center, 210 State Street
413-664-4821
5:30 - 7 PM
Free (Please Register)
for more information

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.

Common Folk Presents:
Tuesday Tunes
Bright Ideas Brewing, 111 MASS MoCA Way
(413) 346-4460
6 – 7 PM
Free ($5-10 Donations to musician strongly encouraged)
for more information

Do you like live music? 
Do you like beer? 
Well come on down to @brightideasbrewing for Common Folk's #TuesdayTunes events. Donations go toward funding O+ North Adams. 

2019 State of the City Address
City Hall, 10 Main St.
413-662-3000
6:30 PM
for more information

Mayor Tom Bernard will offer updates about city achievements in 2018 and outline opportunities, challenges, and priorities for 2019.

After-School Program
UNO Community Center, 157 River Street
(413) 663-7588
6:30-7:30pm
Free
for more information

Serving students in 4th Grade - 8th Grade. Healthy snack, homework assistance, tutoring, computer access and creative activities. Call or email Glenda at (413) 663-7588 ext. 20 or gmcarter@nbccoalition.org for more information.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Clarksburg Sees Race for Select Board Seat

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The town will see a three-way race for a seat on the Select Board in May. 
 
Colton Andrews, Seth Alexander and Bryana Malloy returned papers by Wednesday's deadline to run for the three-year term vacated by Jeffrey Levanos. 
 
Andrews ran unsuccessfully for School Committee and is former chairman of the North Adams Housing Authority, on which he was a union representative. He is also president of the Pioneer Valley Building Trades Council.
 
Malloy and Alexander are both newcomers to campaigning. Malloy is manager of industrial relations for the Berkshire Workforce Board and Alexander is a resident of Gates Avenue. 
 
Alexander also returned papers for several other offices, including School Committee, moderator, library trustee and the five-year seat on the Planning Board. He took out papers for War Memorial trustee and tree warden but did not return them and withdrew a run for Board of Health. 
 
He will face off in the three-year School Committee seat against incumbent Cynthia Brule, who is running for her third term, and fellow newcomer Bonnie Cunningham for library trustee. 
 
Incumbent Ronald Boucher took out papers for a one-year term as moderator but did not return them. He was appointed by affirmation in 2021 when no won ran and accepted the post again last year as a write-in.
 
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