WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass — On Nov. 9, North Berkshire Community Dance will hold its monthly contra dance with calling by Andy Davis, and live music by Mary Cay Brass and Laurie Indenbaum.
The dance will run from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown. Admission is pay-as-you-can, $12 to $20 suggested, and barter is also welcome.
Contra dancing is the contemporary face of a living tradition. The music is live, the dances are taught, and anyone is welcome, with or without a partner — people change partners fluidly for each dance. The caller teaches dance moves and skills as needed.
The caller, Andy Davis, will teach all the dances in an inclusive and welcoming style, using gender-free phrasing.
Mary Cay Brass has been a performer and teacher in the traditional dance and music community for many years. She has played with the The Greenfield Dance Band with David Kaynor, and Airdance with Rodney Miller.
Laurie Indenbaum has been fiddling for dances in Vermont and surrounding states since 1976, with many callers and bands, including Applejack and The Full Catastrophe.
Andy Davis has been a part of Nowell Sing We Clear, and on staff at Country Dance and Song Society summer camps for many years. He also plays accordion for a Morris dancing team and frequently while calling for contra dances.
Each of these musicians has been playing for contra dances for over forty years, and frequently together.
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Cozy Place to Be
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Are you looking for a move-in ready home close to the downtown area? Then this just might be the house you're looking for.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 193 Cold Spring Road.
This 1950 single-family has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house is 2,184 square feet on a little less than an acre of land. The price is $469,900.
The house not only comes with a 3.5-car basement garage but also a detached two-car garage with additional storage space above. The house includes the kitchen appliances like the dishwasher, range, and refrigerator, and has a fireplace, screened porch, and back deck. The home is also generator-ready.
We spoke to Suzette Lyons with Burnham and Gold Real Estate, which has the listing.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
Lyons: Location, location, location!! This property is a short distance from downtown Spring Street. It's nestled conveniently away from the road and provides substantial privacy. Plus, the home has a well-maintained exterior and interior.
What was your first impression when you walked into the home?
What a gem! The workmanship is lovely and shows the home has been loved. There is an abundance of space with four bedrooms for family or work/home office space.
The opportunities are endless.
Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?
The home was built in the mid-1950s by the owner of Yeadon Farm Dairy on the edge of the farm, now the Thornliebank/Buxton Hill neighborhood, with lumber cut from the property.
Along with thick plaster walls and ceilings on the first floor, quality craftsmanship is abundant throughout.
The house has been owned by the same family who built it and the grandson has made every effort to match the original design and style with all of the renovations, including custom-milled natural woodwork for the private second-floor primary bedroom suite. Family pride in ownership is evident in every space of this well-constructed and maintained house now waiting for a new family to call it "home."
What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?
This home appeals to many buyers. There are four bedrooms sufficient for a full-time family, singles or second homeowners. Opportunity for in-law suite. Also, ample room for a home/office business. Lots of storage space with 3 1/2 garages and additional storage space above the oversized two-car garage.
Are there any standout design features?
Lots of personal touches with natural woodwork throughout, freshly painted light colors to maximize natural light, new flooring in several rooms. Spacious four-season room for relaxing or home/office use. Also, offers a beautiful primary suite on the second floor.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
A peaceful retreat in the woods. Cozy up to the fireplace on winter nights, enjoy the morning coffee on the back porch or the four-season sunroom. Spend the afternoon gardening in your beautiful yard and connecting with nature. A pet-friendly home offering a fenced yard and durable flooring. A family friendly home directly on the school bus routes.
How would you describe the atmosphere or feel of this home?
The home has a welcoming feel with natural elements offering a place of comfort and belonging.
You can find out more about this house on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
From couture to canines and from crochet to carols, Williamstown Holiday Walk has you covered if you want to get into the spirit of the season this weekend. click for more
The Williamstown Chamber of Commerce reflected on this past year's success and the launch of a new coupon sales promotion at its annual meeting last week at Greylock Works.
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