Community Contra Dance in Williamstown

Print Story | Email Story
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  — The North Berkshire Contra Dance will hold its monthly community contra dance on Saturday, Oct. 11, with live fiddle music, and all dances taught by caller Quena Crain.
 
Quena Crain, who calls all over New England, provides an easy teaching style. Music will be provided by fiddler Rebecca Weiss with Seamus Connor on guitar and mandolin.
 
Atendees can come alone or with a partner; 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 First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown. Admission is pay-as-you-can, $12 - $20 suggested. No one turned away for lack of funds.
 
There will also be a free workshop for musicians interested in learning to play contra dance music led by Eric Buddington, at Goodrich Hall (863 Main St, Williamstown, MA 0126) for 1:30-3:30 on the 11.
 
Visit www.NorthBerkshireDance.org for more information.
 
Respirational Health Policy: Stay home if you feel ill or have cold symptoms. Masks always appreciated but not, currently, required.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School  in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.
 
"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."
 
Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.
 
"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."
 
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
 
"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."
View Full Story

More Williamstown Stories