Dewey Hall Announces Dewey Drop-In Wednesday Night

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SHEFFIELD, Mass. — A new series of Wednesday evening events will premiere at Dewey Memorial Hall starting in January 2023. 
 
The Dewey Drop-In (DDI) series will feature readings, jazz jams, music and art soireés, and game nights on a rotating schedule. 
 
The first Wednesday of each month, Dewey Hall will offer "Use Your Words," which encompasses writing, readings, and storytelling. An array of local writers will take turns hosting the evenings, including Hannah van Sickle with Beth Robbins and Simon Winchester, Laura Didyk, Suzi Baum, Evelyn Battaglia, Maria Black, Melanie Greenberg,  Barbara Newman, Sheela Clary, and Peter Murkett with Bonner McCalister. The themes range from memoirs to grief, adventure, and "lives lived wildly off script." 
 
Second Wednesday Jazz Jams, will be hosted by Dewey Hall board member Brian Kantor owner of Soundry Studio and coiner of the Dewey Drop-In name. The house band, led by Luke Franco, will invite local jazz musicians to join them. Kantor said; "Informal jam sessions were the incubator for innovations in jazz music as well as offering young players like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie the priceless opportunity to play with jazz icons such as Ben Webster & Lester Young. We hope to unite members of the region's vibrant musical community, inspiring new connections across a diverse range of skill levels."
 
On third Wednesdays, DDI will be the new home for host/organizer Michael Lesko's popular Show & Tell series, where open mic meets variety show, and will include an open creative soirée with visual artists and a headlining act. According to Lesko, "This multidisciplinary event creates a rich experience for the artists, performers, and audience, providing a fertile ground for collaboration and new friendships." Show & Tell evenings will be alcohol-free to create a nightlife culture that is family friendly and welcoming for people in recovery. The first Show & Tell featured band will be the Haughties. 
 
Game nights will happen on fourth Wednesdays, with Dewey Hall's own Michael Siktberg and Maggie McRae hosting. Attendees are encouraged to "bring a game or join a game". January's game night will feature Pictionary and any other surprises that might walk through the door.
 
Dewey Drop-In will feature a new collaboration with Roberto's Pizza. Attendees will be able to order at the Hall from a special menu designed just for DDI. 
 
During Game Nights, Use Your Words, and at Show & Tell non-alcoholic beverages will be served. On the Jazz Jams evenings beer and wine will be available as well. 
 
The year-long schedule for Dewey Drop-In includes time off during high summer and winter holidays for some of the programs. The complete schedule will be on the Dewey Hall website and copies are available at Dewey Hall.

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Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll did some holiday shopping on Main Street last week after announcing millions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds

She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer. 

"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said. 

"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward." 

State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Robin's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio. 

Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units.  A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched. 

Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.  

Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant. 

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