Gospel Choir Concert at Bennington College

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BENNINGTON, Vt. — The Bennington College Gospel Choir, directed by Dr. Kathy Bullock, will perform a concert on March 31, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in the VAPA Greenwall Auditorium. 
 
The event, titled "Gospel Choir Concert: Share the Joy!," is free and open to the public.
 
The program will feature Spirituals, Gospel, and South African songs, representing African American and African sacred music traditions. The concert aims to present these musical forms and their associated themes of resilience and spirituality. The Bennington Children’s Choir, directed by Kerry Ryer-Parke, will be featured as special guests.
 
Bullock's background includes education, scholarship, vocal performance, musical arrangement, and choral conducting, with a focus on gospel music, spirituals, and classical works by composers of the African diaspora. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Music Theory from Washington University and a B.A. from Brandeis University. Currently, she is a visiting faculty member and artist in residence at Bennington College and other institutions. Her work examines connections between African American music and African, Appalachian, and Civil Rights movements.
 
The concert program will include traditional and contemporary Gospel songs, Spirituals, and South and West African songs. These selections are intended to represent the historical and cultural significance of sacred music across cultures.
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Companion Corner: Odie at Second Chance

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ARLINGTON, VT — There is a sweet Beagle boy waiting for his new family to play with.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. 

Odie is a four year old Beagle who has been at the shelter for about a month.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to him. 

"He came to us with another beagle friend because his previous owner was moving. As you can see he's a very loving, sweet, sweet boy. He loves his toys and he loves to snuggle. He also loves going outside and running and rolling in all the grass, frolicking along the grass." 

Odie loves his stuffies and will even play with other dogs once he isn't shy.

"He does well with other dogs. He can be a little nervous at first meeting other pups, but he does do well with them. We think he'll get along with cats just fine, and kids too, as long as they're respectful."

He would love someone who will cuddle him and give him all of the pets he deserves and throw some stuffed toys around for him.

"The perfect home is honestly just someone who wants to give him snuggles and play with him. He's a pretty easygoing dude. He really just loves affection. Like he'll just come up to you and stand and wait for pets all the time. So, someone who wants a snuggle buddy, who's also you know he's a good age for a snuggle buddy, but also can play with him quite a bit."

He would also love someone who will take him outside to roll around and run as fast as he can or a long walk to enjoy some more sights he has yet to see.

"His favorite things again: toys, snuggles, kisses. Favorite activities are just going outside for walks. He loves to go for long walks with some of our volunteers."

He does not know basic commands like sit but he is very happy to learn.

While he did come to the shelter with some medical needs he is getting them treated and is healthy and ready for his new family.

"He came in and he was positive for Lyme and anaplasmosis, but we are treating him currently for that. Other than that, as far as we're aware, he's a pretty healthy, young boy."

If you need or want a new companion in your home consider meeting Odie.

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