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North Adams Happenings: Feb. 6-12

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North Adams Happenings:  February 6 - 12
Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
 

Save the Date

 

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 February 6

 

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.

2019 SteepleCats Q & A
Freight Yard Pub, 1 Furnace St. (Heritage State Park)
7PM
Free
for more information

We are just over four months away from the start of the 2019 season. Come out and learn about the exciting events we have planned leading up to the start of season.

 

Thursday February 7th

 

nbCC's Monthly Forum
Starting a Conversation – Gentrification in North Berkshire
The Green, 85 Main Street
(413) 663-7588
5 - 7PM
Free
for more information

(Please note this is an evening forum) With community investment and growth comes change and challenges for residents. Join us for this conversation and tell us what your hopes, fears, ideas and visions are for North Berkshire. The goals of this forum are: 1) Assess our individual and community hopes and fears as development and change happen; 2) Define and introduce the general idea of "gentrification": Does this apply to North Berkshire?; 3) Sort fact from fiction: "What's really going on in North Berkshire?" For more information about this forum, contact Amber Besaw at nbCC, (413) 663-7588.

MCLA Green Living Series: Cows Save the Planet: Soil, Climate, and the Promise of Regenerative Agriculture
Room 121, Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation on the MCLA campus.
(413) 662-5303 or Elena.Traister@mcla.edu
5:30PM
for more information

All “Green Living” seminars will take at 5:30 p.m. in room 121 of the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation on the MCLA campus. Presented on Thursdays throughout the spring semester, this series is free and open to the public.

“Sustainable Food and Farming” will focus on the past, present, and future of how food is produced and distributed in our region and strategies for improving the sustainability of our food system.

“This series offers students and community members an opportunity to learn more about how food makes its way to our plate, and choices we have as individuals and as a society about how to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy fresh, healthy food now and in the future,” said Dr. Elena Traister, MCLA professor of environmental science.

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

*Rescheduled*
Comedy Coffee House feat. Moody McCarthy
DPAC, Drury High School, 1130 South Church St.
7 - 10 PM
$5-10/ person
for more information

The Drury Performing Arts Center is proud to announce comedian Moody McCarthy in our Comedy Coffee House event on January 31st at 7PM. Opening for the show (hosted by our own student Quintin DeMarsico) will be Mike Speirs. Assorted hot beverages will be available for purchase as well as a bake sale. Tickets for the event are $5 for students and $8 for general admission. There are also a limited number of premium, 4 seat tables available for $40. Wait service during the show is included in the ticket price for the tables. Tables are available for online purchase only. We hope to see you there!

-DPAM

Game Night!
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.)

 

Friday February 8th

 

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 February 9th

 

Just "Craftin" Around at The Family Place!!!
nbCC's The Family Place, 61 Main Street 2nd floor.
413-663-7588
9:30 - 11:30 AM
Free
for more information

Come and craft with us!!! Everyone is invited to a Saturday morning craft time, where we will provide all of the supplies for you to create a beautiful Valentine's craft. Light snacks and refreshments will be offered. Questions please call: 413-663-7588.

Valentine’s Day Party
UNO Community Center, 157 River St.
2 - 4 PM
(413) 664-4612
Free
for more information

Snacks! Games! Crafts! Fun for all families in Northern Berkshire. For more information, call Matt Shiebler at (413) 664-4612.

Kavita Shah


MASS MoCA, 1040 MASS MoCA Way
413-662-2111
8PM
$15 Student /$17 Advance /$26 Day Of/ $40 Preferred
for more information

The stunning vocalist and composer Kavita Shah works elements of Brazilian, West African, and Indian musical traditions into smoldering jazz, reminiscent of Norah Jones. NPR has praised her, “amazing dexterity for musical languages” and our intimate club space is the perfect venue for this transcendent musician. Shah will be joined on stage by her band Chico Pinheiro on guitar, Julian Shore on piano, Sam Minaie on bass, and Clarence Penn on drums.

Kath Bloom, Bridge of Flowers, Cruudueces, Eamon Barry
Belltower Records, Norad Mill, Suite 301, 60 Roberts Dr.
(413) 398-5569
7 PM
Free, donation suggested
for more information

Legendary artist Kath Bloom from CT

Eamonn Barry! Pittsfield favorite

Bridge of Flowers, crushers from Pittsfield

NO COVER! but STRONGLY SUGGESTED DONATION FOR MUSICIANS! We will not provide food/refreshments, but please bring your own for this mega show

 

Sunday February 10th

 

Writhing Squares, New Parents, Human Pontiac
Belltower Records, Norad Mill, Suite 301, 60 Roberts Dr.
(413) 398-5569
7 - 10 PM
Free, donation suggested
for more information

Check out another amazing night on Sunday, February 10!

Writhing Squares coming through from Philadelphia

New Parents from Turners Falls

Human Pontiac, artist and solo performer from New Haven, CT:

No cover at the door, but strongly appreciate and encourage donations for the performers! Please bring your own refreshments.

 

Monday February 11th

 

Youth Sewing Class
North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St.
413-662-3133, ext. 14 to register
Free, ages 7 - teens
for more information

Beginner sewing class for kids and teens. Youth will learn the
basics of machine sewing and create projects that build skills.
No experience necessary. All supplies and snack provided.
Every other Monday Feb 11- May 6. Youth must commit to all
classes to register. Please call 413-662-3133, ext. 14 for more
information and to register.

 

Tuesday February 12th

 

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.

 

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.

DIY Beeswax Wraps 
Working on Well-being Workshop Series
UNO Community Center,157 River Street in North Adams
Please RSVP by contacting Bret Beattie at (413) 663-7588
5- 6 PM
Free
for more information

Workshop led by local volunteer and sustainability advocate, Mary Stucklen. Every year 300 million tons of plastic are thrown away. This natural alternative reduces the need to use single-use, non-recyclable plastic wrap. Bring your own favorite fabric or old cotton t-shirt that you love to create a wrap that is unique to you! (Some fabric will be available). This is a family-friendly workshop! Please RSVP by contacting Bret Beattie at (413) 663-7588, ext. 28 or bbeattie@nbccoalition.org. Sponsored by the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition.

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

Come down to your local brewery for some #TuesdayTunes!

Spero is a multi-instrumentalist and songstress with a fondness for loops and anything Funky. Her ethereal grooves, soulful voice and dark lyrics float over an original twist on fingerstyle guitar. Having grown up on a bedrock of early Soul & Motown, she brings you luscious, new blends of her journeys through jazz, folk and world rhythms.

$5-$10 Strongly Suggested Donation! While we don't have a cover charge, we hope that you can throw a few (or more) dollars in the chalice to help support these AMAZING musicians!

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.

 

From Our Neighbors

 
Thursday 2/7
 
Trivia Thursday at The Log!
The Log, 78 Spring St.
(413) 884-6073
8 - 10 PM
Free
for more information

Come on down to The Log and show your smarts! Every Thursday at 8pm The Log by Ramuntos brings you five competitive Rounds of trivia for you and your friends to match wits and come out on top! Trivia is always FREE and open to ALL! Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams, EVERY WEEK! It may even be a BIG PRIZE NIGHT! You Never Know. We'll See You Thursday...

Saturday 2/9


Start with Art
Clark Art, 225 South St. Williamstown
(413) 458-2303
10 AM
Free
for more information

Get your preschoolers off to a good start with themed talks, gallery guides, and art-making activities specially designed for this age group. Best suited to three- to six-year-olds and their parents. Free; no registration necessary. Art project appropriate clothing encouraged.

 

Saturday 2/9

2019 Bay State Winter Games Hosted by Christmas Brook
Lansing Chapman Ring, 76 Latham St., Williamstown
8 AM - 9 PM
Free
for more information

The 2019 Bay State Winter Games Figure Skating competition will take place February 9-10, 2019 at Williams College in Williamstown, MA. 

Friday 2/8 + Saturday 2/9

The Fever
'62 Center for Theatre & Dance, 1000 Main St. Williamstown
8pm
$3-10
for more information

"The Fever" tests the limits of individual and collective responsibility, and our willingness to be there for one another. Performed in complete collaboration with the audience, The Fever examines how we assemble, organize and care for the bodies around us. Who will you be when our eyes are on you? What will we see when we all look your way? There will be a post-performance Q&A on February 8, hosted by Allana Clarke, Visiting Lecturer in Art.

 

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

North Adams Regional Reopens With Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

BHS President and CEO Darlene Rodowicz welcomes the gathering to the celebration of the hospital's reopening 10 years to the day it closed. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The joyful celebration on Thursday at North Adams Regional Hospital was a far cry from the scene 10 years ago when protests and tears marked the facility's closing
 
Hospital officials, local leaders, medical staff, residents and elected officials gathered under a tent on the campus to mark the efforts over the past decade to restore NARH and cut the ribbon officially reopening the 136-year-old medical center. 
 
"This hospital under previous ownership closed its doors. It was a day that was full of tears, anger and fear in the Northern Berkshire community about where and how residents would be able to receive what should be a fundamental right for everyone — access to health care," said Darlene Rodowicz, president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems. 
 
"Today the historic opportunity to enhance the health and wellness of Northern Berkshire community is here. And we've been waiting for this moment for 10 years. It is the key to keeping in line with our strategic plan which is to increase access and support coordinated county wide system of care." 
 
Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, under the BHS umbrella, purchased the campus and affiliated systems when Northern Berkshire Healthcare declared bankruptcy and closed on March 28, 2014. NBH had been beset by falling admissions, reductions in Medicare and Medicaid payments, and investments that had gone sour leaving it more than $30 million in debt. 
 
BMC was able to reopen the ER as an emergency satellite facility and slowly restored and enhanced medical services including outpatient surgery, imaging, dialysis, pharmacy and physician services. 
 
But it would take a slight tweak in the U.S. Health and Human Services' regulations — thank to U.S. Rep. Richie Neal — to bring back inpatient beds and resurrect North Adams Regional Hospital 
 
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