There are a variety of events this weekend in the Berkshires including festivals, Valentine's Day themed events, and more.
Editor's Pick
10×10 Festival
Pittsfield
Time: various
Berkshire County business and organizations join forces with Pittsfield's Office of Cultural Development for the annual 10x10 Festival, a week of events to celebrate the winter season beginning Thursday.
This weekend's festivities include the inaugural Clapp Park Winter Festival, Hancock Shaker Village's The Big Chill, art exhibits, live music, and more.
Celebrate the winter season with a festival from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Participants have a range of activities to choose from including the Chowder Cook-off, crafters' market, horse-drawn wagon rides, Main Street bonfire, free ice skating, Children's Winter Carnival, and more.
Winter Wildlife Tracking at Mount Greylock State Reservation
Mount Greylock Visitor Center, Lanesborough
Time: 12:30
Explore woodlands and wildlife of Mount Greylock during this three-hour guided hike led by Mass Appalachian Trail Management Committee member Jim Pelletier and Janice Tassinari.
Registration is required by calling 413-499-4262; more information here.
Cardboard Box Race
Otis Ridge Ski Area
Time: 1 p.m.
Grab some duct tape and craft a cardboard sled for a day of cardboard racing. The only rule is sleds must be made of cardboard and duct tape. There will be prizes including the fastest, more creative, and more.
No registration fee but canned or non-perishable donations will be accepted for the Otis Food Pantry.
This free event features outdoor activities including snowshoeing, wildlife tracking, a bonfire, and soups and s'mores by Otto's.
Construct a sled using cardboard, glue, tape, decorations, and possibly wax on the bottom for the city's first Clapp Park Winter Festival Sled Race. Plastic or purchased sleds will not be considered for the competition.
Awards will be given to the fastest and best designed sleds in each race. Helmets must be worn during all the races.
Participants must register at Clapp Park the day of the event between 10 and 10:45 a.m.
Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center, Lanesborough
Time: 1 p.m.
The freshly fallen snow makes this Sunday the perfect opportunity to participate in Mount Greylock Visitors Center's Winter Wonderland Activity Day.
This self-guided free event will be packed with winter activities including winter- themed crafts, scavenger hunts, board games and make-your-own snowman or sledding. Bring your own sled if you have one.
The activity day is free for all ages but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information call the center at 413-499-4262 or contact via Facebook for weather updates.
Multiple Days
The Big Chill
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Dates and Times: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The festival featurs walking tours, ice sculpting, maple tree tapping demonstrations, live music, farm animals, and more.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for members, and children age 14 and under are free.
Library Passes, North American Reciprocal Museum Association, and electronic benefit transfer cardholders receive the member rate and need to purchase their tickets at the admissions desk.
Dates and Times: Friday and Saturday, 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
This semi-formal dance will be held over two nights and is open to all families for $10 per person. Tickets include dancing, refreshments, and a door prize drawing. A separate raffle will be held to benefit future community events.
Inspired by traditional Zimbabwean music as well as contemporary African styles, these dance parties are free and open to the public; get tickets here.
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A local developer and property management company has agreed to pay $40,000 to settle fair housing complaints on its properties.
Moresi Commercial Investments LLC and Moresi & Associates Property Management LLC, owned by David Moresi, were alleged to have discriminated against families with children in renting out apartments at 262-268 Ashland St. and 16 and 20 Blackinton St.
The allegations are that the apartments were being advertised as "student housing" and that inquiries from "testers" stating they had children were referred to other apartment listings. Fair housing laws prohibits discrimination, including refusing to rent to families with children or to students.
Moresi has denied the allegations but agreed, according to the agreement, to "enter in this assurance in order to resolve this matter without further costly and time-consuming litigation." The company also agreed to adopt a non-discrimination policy, have employees attend trainings on fair housing rules and to inspect for and abate any lead hazards.
The Ashland Street property was sold last October and the Blackinton buildings last August.
All of the buildings are located in the neighborhood of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, which has historically catered to students. That's changed somewhat in recent years, particularly with the well-known Boardman building being converted into recovery housing. An editorial in the college's Beacon newspaper last year lamented the lack of affordable off-campus housing for students and noted Moresi's apartments were no longer available.
The investigation in Moresi's rentals dates to 2018, when the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center conducted three tests. The first tester inquired about a three-bedroom apartment for themselves and roommates and the second for a couple with a 3-year-old child. The second was told the apartment would not be suitable because of college students on the property and was directed to units in Adams and Williamstown.
The City Council on Tuesday accepted two sections of state law that will allow the Commission on Disabilities to apply for grants and use handicapped-parking fees. click for more