Northern Berkshire Community Contra Dance

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. There will be a community contra dance on Saturday, Aug. 9.
 
North Berkshire Community Dance will hold its monthly contra dance with calling by Andy Davis, and live music provided by local musicians.
 
All are welcome.  Come alone, or with friends - most people change partners for each dance throughout the evening. New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 for instruction in the basics.
 
The dance will run 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the All Saints Episcopal Church, 59 Summer St., North Adams.  Use the door closest to the post office.  Admission is pay-as-you-can:  $5 - $15, or barter equivalent, suggested. For community health, please stay home if you feel unwell or have any cold symptoms.
 
Davis will teach all dances, starting the evening with easy dances friendly to newcomers and families with children. As caller, Davis will teach new moves and skills as needed, so that beginners can dance with everyone right from the start. Music will be live, by local musicians in varied small ensembles, organized by Seamus Connor. 
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Veteran Spotlight: Army Reserve Sgt. Bill 'Spaceman' Lee

By Wayne SoaresSpecial to iBerkshires
FALMOUTH, Mass. — Bill Lee served his country in the Army Reserve from 1970 to 1976 during the Vietnam War. 
 
The "Spaceman" is the last Boston Red Sox player to miss time for active duty. 
 
William Francis Lee III, grew up in Burbank, Calif., and was born into a history of former semipro and professional baseball players. His grandfather William was an infielder in the Pacific Coast League and his aunt Annabelle Lee was an All-American Girls Professional Baseball player. 
 
"She taught me how to pitch," he said.
 
His father, also William, served in the Army as a sergeant during World War II and saw major action at the Battle of Okinawa as a radio communications soldier.
 
"My dad was tough, old school. My first big endorsement when I was playing was with a Honda dealership in Boston," Lee said. "I went to see my dad to get his thoughts and he says, 'If you come back with a rice-burning car, I'll run you through with the bayonet I took off a dead soldier.'"
 
Lee attended the University of Southern California and was part of the 1968 Trojan team that won the College World Series. He was drafted in the 22nd round by the Red Sox in the '68 draft. 
 
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