North Adams unveils a new menorah at the annual lighting on Sunday.
The holiday season is just around the corner, or upon us for some, celebrate it with one or more of the many events happening this weekend in Berkshire County, including discount shopping, menorah lightings, play readings, and more.
Mingle and Jingle in Downtown Pittsfield
Downtown Pittsfield
Downtown Pittsfield Inc. will be hosting another discount shopping opportunity this Saturday beginning at 11 a.m.
Prepare for the holidays by shopping at the local businesses and get 10 percent off at participating retailers and restaurants when you pick up a jingle bell bracelet at the Downtown Pittsfield Inc. booth.
The booth will be located on the lower level of the Beacon Cinema. The bracelet is valid until the participating business closes.
Mayor Jennifer Macksey is inviting community members to mark the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday at 5 p.m.. The event will take place in the City Hall lobby.
Rabbi Rachel Barenblat of Congregation Beth Israel will be speaking at the ceremony. The lights of the menorah represent the miracle of restoring light to the Temple in Jerusalem as it was rededicated during the second century BCE.
Berkshire Theatre Group holds a family concert this Sunday at 2 p.m.
The event will be hosted by BTG Youth Chorus and will feature performances by Berkshire County artists including Gina Coleman, Kathy Jo Grover, Dave Brown, and more.
The Berkshire Athenaeum will also be hosting an afternoon of winter themed crafting this Saturday at 1 p.m.
Attendees can make holiday gifts, cards for a local nursing home, and more. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. For more information call the Children's Library at 413-499-9480, Ext. 5.
Shakespeare & Company is holding a costumed staged reading of "Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley" this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Jane Austen-inspired play was written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, and directed by Ariel Bock.
The play depicts what Christmas at Pemberley would be like after Elizabeth Bennet marries Mr. Darcy and follows her younger sister, Mary Bennet, who has grown tired of her role as a middle child, in contrast to her siblings' romantic escapades.
The company says "an unexpected guest sparks her hopes for an intellectual match, independence, and possibly even love.
General admission is $28 or $18 for students. More information here.
Weekly Friday Night Jazz
Methuselah Bar and Lounge, Pittsfield
The Methuselah hosts Berkshires Jazz on Friday from 7 to 10 p.m.
The event is part of its weekly series that runs until the end of 2022. More information here.
Berkshire Grown North Adams Farmers Market
North Adams and Great Barrington
The North Adams market will be open this Sunday, Dec. 18, at Greylock Works, located at 508 State Road, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The Great Barrington market will be Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Housy Dome in Housatonic from 10 to 2.
Both market accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program benefits. They also provide a 100 percent match to the SNAP balance for up to $25.
More information on the North Adams market here and the Great Barrington market here.
A Scenic Christmas Train Ride
Hoosac Valley Train Ride, Adams
Santa will be riding the Tinseliner train this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to spread Christmas cheer.
Boarding will be on Friday at 1, 3:30 and 6 p.m.; Saturday at 1, 3:30 and 6 p.m.; and Sundays at 11:30 and 2.
Arrive 30 minutes before departure and check-in with the ticket agent 10 to 20 minutes prior to departure.
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Mass MoCA Commission Approves Mental Health Practices as Tenants
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Mass MoCA Commission on Thursday approved three new tenants for Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.
Kimma Stark, project manager at the museum, gave the commission the rundown on each of the new tenants.
Eric Beeman is a licensed mental health counselor who uses art in his therapy. He holds a master's degree in expressive arts and arts therapy from Lesley University, where he's also taught graduate-level practices and principles of expressive art therapy.
He integrates creative arts based interventions into his clinical work including drawing painting, poetry, writing, brief drama and roleplay, movement and sound. Beeman works one-on-one and with small groups and said he mostly works with adults.
He will be operating as Berkshires Expressive Arts Therapy on the third floor of Building 1.
Beeman said Stark has been very helpful. "It's different than just renting a space and she's been very helpful and personable and accessible," he said.
Mary Wilkes, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, works with individuals with severe mental illness, with attachment and relationship issues and needing support navigating major life transitions. She works with teenagers, college and students and adults.
Cory Ahonen, chief engagement officer for the state's Executive Office of Veterans Services, served his country in the Air Force from 2008 to 2014 as a staff sergeant. click for more
The Berkshires' Academy for Advanced Musical Studies Inc. (BAAMS) has recently garnered significant support from the family of the late Edward J. Noel Jr. click for more
But not enough for Finance Committee member Andrew Fitch, who voted against the compensation and classification plan because it did not include a city planner.
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The Corps of Engineers is in the midst of a three-year, $3 million study of the aging concrete flood chutes that control the passage of the river through the city.
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This weekend, the Berkshires and surrounding areas will have a variety of events, including concerts, comedy, farmers' markets, and more.
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