The OLLI Players to Present Two One-Act Readings

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced a special theatrical event: a staged reading of two one-act plays, Mum Bett's Minute and The Loyalist, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at BCC.
 
The event is free and open to the public.
 
This presentation is part of OLLI's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, exploring stories of identity, freedom, and loyalty during that formative period. Following the performances, a panel of scholars and community voices will engage the audience in a discussion.
About the Performances
  • Mum Bett's Minute centers on Mum Bett (Elizabeth Freeman), who, after winning her 1781 freedom suit, reflects on whether the ideals of the Declaration of Independence apply to someone formerly enslaved.
  • The Loyalist takes place with Flora MacDonald, the Scottish heroine who aided Bonnie Prince Charlie, who has relocated to North Carolina and faces a dilemma: will she side with the Revolution or remain loyal to the Crown?
The cast includes Kim Wafer, Robin Nardi, Mike Pepino, Peter Podol, Alice Roth, Amanda Schenker, Lisken Van Pelt Dus, and Neil Berman. Alice Roth serves as stage manager, with music by Brian Hailes. Panelists for the post-performance discussion include Katherine Kidd, Leyn Burrows, and Michael Forbes Wilcox.
 
This event is supported by the Michael and Nancy Vale Performing Arts Fund, established by a bequest to support theatrical programming at OLLI.
 
For more information, go to: https://berkshireolli.org/event-6367872

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Wahconah High Club, Green Committee Host Earth Week Activities

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

There was information and games last week at the high school and volunteer and other opportunities this week. 
DALTON, Mass. — Wahconah Regional High School students are cultivating an environmentally friendly atmosphere in its school, across the district, and now, thanks to a partnership with the Green Dalton Committee, into their communities.
 
As the grass continues to get greener many communities are preparing for Earth Day, April 22, but the school's Green Umbrella Club and Dalton's Green Committee question why limit it to one day?
 
With spring break just days away, club members organized several events to promote eco-friendly habits and environmental awareness, from a Family Feud competition, bake sale, golden-trash scavenger hunt, and a prize wheel activity at lunch.  
 
"It brings a more positive association with taking care of our environment," said Ella Scalise, senior and Green Umbrella Club secretary. 
 
School is a very structured environment where students are often directed on what to do. Earth Week activities introduce the topic in a fun and engaging way, with the goal of fostering environmentally friendly habits, she said. 
 
Taking care of the environment is something that some people do not consistently think about so incorporating it in fun activities and events makes it memorable, said Ellianna Chaffee, junior and Green Umbrella Club member. 
 
When the last bell rings, the experience doesn't end, as students can also take part in Dalton's townwide activities, including a guided birdwatch, a walk and cleanup at the Pines Trailhead, Family Feud, and a townwide scavenger hunt, all culminating in an Environmental Spectacular Fair at the Senior Center. Line-up at the end of the article
 
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