Sister Clymena’s Chicken Pie, pot roast of beef cooked with cranberries, potatoes with rosemary, Sister Mary’s Zesty Carrots, tomato basil soup, and ginger cake are among the Shaker specialties served at Hancock Shaker Village’s Shaker Suppers this fall.
This year, the suppers will be offered September 7, 14, October 5, 12, 13, 19 & 20. Suppers are preceded by an optional guided tour and followed by a program of Shaker music. Special holiday suppers without a guided tour are offered November 29, 30, December 21 & 28.
The optional guided tour begins at 5:30 p.m. Visitors learn about Shaker life as they stroll the herb gardens and explore the 1826 Round Stone Barn, 1793 Laundry/Machine Shop and 1830 Brick Dwe11ing. At 6:30 p.m., hosts costumed in period attire greet guests and serve hors d’oeuvres and specialty hard ciders in the historic kitchen of the 1830 Brick Dwelling where for nearly 130 years the Hancock Sisters prepared three meals a day for as many as one hundred Shakers.
Following the singing of a Shaker grace, dinner is served by candle light in the Believers’ Dining Room, where the Hancock Shakers took their repast. Caterer Paul Proudy, who also manages The Village Cafe at Hancock Shaker Village and was recently recognized by Yankee Magazine, utilizes recipes from "The Best of Shaker Cooking" by Amy Bess Miller, founding President of Hancock Shaker Village, to prepare the meal.
The meal begins with a hardy soup - cream of potato and leek, and tomato basil are two of the chef’s favorites-served with bread, followed by a fresh garden salad. The entree and accompaniment selections vary each week, making use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dinner is served buffet style so guests can savor the assortment of Shaker flavors. A typical menu may include: Sister Clymena’s Chicken Pie, ham baked in cider, and pot roast of beef; herbed rice and roasted potatoes; Sister Mary’s Zesty Carrots and green beans with dill. Dessert features Shaker ginger cake, chocolate pound cake, and apple crisp served with tea and coffee.
Following dessert, guests convene in the Meeting Room, where the Shakers held their weeknight religious services, for a performance of Shaker music. Music played an important part in Shaker life and was seen as a gift to be shared with members of the community. All Shakers sang during worship services, regardless of musical talent, and we encourage guests to lift their voices in song during Simple Gifts.
Reservations for Harvest Dinners are required and can be made by phoning (800)817- 1137, Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., or at the Hancock Shaker Village ticket desk. The cost is $50 per person for dinner only, or $55 for dinner, evening tour, and Village admission. A child (under 18) admission is available for $25. Hancock Shaker Village is open daily 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Village is located on Route 20, five miles west of Pittsfield. Further information on the Village and its programs and special events is available by telephoning (800)817-l137, or at www.hancockshakervillage.org.
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North Adams Double Murder Case Continued to March
By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The case of a city man charged with killing his parents was continued to March on Monday.
Darius Hazard, 44, was scheduled for a detention hearing on Monday in Northern Berkshire District Court.
Prior to the start of the court's business, the clerk announced that Hazard's case was continued to Monday, March 2.
Hazard is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of arson in connection with the Nov. 24 fire that claimed the lives of Donald Hazard, 83, and Venture Hazard, 76.
Police say Hazard confessed to the killings and starting the fire and fled the Francis Street home where he lived with his parents.
Samuel Currence served his country in the Air Force with distinction, professionalism and unparalleled humility from 1962 to 1985, retiring as a technical sergeant. click for more
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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