Bidwell House: Dressing the Christmas Tree with Lorraine German

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MONTEREY, Mass. — Presented by antiques expert Lorraine German, Dressing the Christmas Tree is a look at both antique and vintage Christmas decorations. 
 
The event will be held on Nov. 21 from 4 to 5:30 pm. $40 per person for members and $50 per person for non-members. Includes a wine and cheese reception after the program.
 
Lorraine will discuss the history of adorning holiday greens from their pagan beginnings through the mid-20th century and will provide examples of ornaments from her own collection. 
 
An avid collector of Christmas antiques for almost 40 years, Lorraine's interest began with an early 20th century German Santa and sleigh that she inherited from her grandparents. Christmas is Lorraine's favorite season and each year she decorates every room of her home with an assortment of treasured family heirlooms, early decorations and contemporary folk art.
 
Lorraine German and her late husband Steve established Mad River Antiques, LLC in 2001, with a concentration on 18th, 19th, and 20th century Americana and decorative arts. She has been a guest speaker at antiques shows, museums, and antiques organizations, where she has covered a variety of topics, including stoneware, redware, quilts, Christmas ornaments, and Santa Claus. Lorraine is also the author of "Soil and Shul in the Berkshires: The Untold Story of Sandisfield's Jewish Farm Colony," published in 2018.
 
At the conclusion of the program, attendees will be invited to an intimate wine and cheese reception, where you can mix and mingle, and ask questions of Lorraine. The program and reception will last approximately 75-90 minutes.
 
Due to limited seating, pre-registration for this program is required.
 
Guests can register on the Museum website at https://www.bidwellhousemuseum.org/event/dressing-the-christmas-tree/
 
 

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Victim Identified in Fatal Richmond Crash

Staff ReportsiBerkshires

RICHMOND, Mass. — A 25-year-old South County man died Thursday in the fiery crash on Route 41. 

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office on Friday reported that the victim was Christopher Lee Kilmer, 25.

The single-vehicle accident took place on Route 41 in Richmond near 2715 State Road. A Hyundai Sonata driven by Kilmer was travelling northbound when it crossed into the southbound lane and off the road; the car was engulfed in flames when first responders arrived.

According to the DA's Office, West Stockbridge Fire and County Ambulance declared Kilmer dead at 9:53 a.m. when the Fire Department "was able to extinguish the fire." 

"It was at this time (when the fire was extinguished) that first responders observed a single occupant in the vehicle and made the declaration of death," according to the press release.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has taken custody of the body. 

On Friday morning, several South County fire departments posted tributes on Facebook to Kilmer, who they reported was a member of the West Stockbridge and Alford fire departments.

"Every first responder carries a fear that one day the next emergency call will involve someone they know, a friend, a neighbor, or someone they love. But perhaps the greatest fear of all is when that call involves one of our own," the post read. 

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