PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Thursday, March 12, at 10:45 a.m., Jewish Federation of the Berkshires welcomes Ari Ariel, Ph.D., Director of International Studies at the University of Iowa, whose research focuses on Jewish communities in the Arab world and Mizrahi communities in Israel, with a special interest in how migration reshapes foodways and cultural practices.
During the 20th century most of the age-old Yemeni Jewish community immigrated to Palestine/Israel. This talk will use foods to examine how Yemeni Jews struggled to resist assimilation, while also working to integrate into Israeli society.
This Federation program will be presented via Zoom – register at the calendar of events page at jewishberkshires.org.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Lanesborough Seeks State Support for Berkshire Mall Redevelopment
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires.com
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The town plans to petition the state to take ownership of the Route 7/Route 8 Connector Road, which officials believe is a "critical component" of the Berkshire Mall’s redevelopment strategy.
On Tuesday, the Select Board approved a letter to state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. John Barrett III to request their support for the vacant mall's redevelopment by helping advance transfer of the Route 7/Route 8 connector and considering funding for essential infrastructure.
"We have held discussions with the Baker Hill Road District … which will take the necessary steps to formally petition the commonwealth to take over ownership of the Route 7, Route 8 connector…Your continued support in facilitating this transfer is greatly appreciated," the letter says.
Berkshire Mall owner JMJ RE Holdings has said the potential sale and redevelopment of the mall hinges on dissolving the Baker Hill Road District, a condition of the agreement that, if unmet, would render the contract null and void.
As a result, the mall will continue to deteriorate and the litigation will proceed forward, said Tim Grogan, of JMJ.
Vera Farrell, the liaison to the Baker Hill Road District, said the district board had discussed at one of its most recent meetings that the connector road could be transferred directly to the state, rather than returned to the town; Barrett and Mark were also a part of the discussion.
"The representatives recommended that as an option, that it could transfer the connector road directly to the state, as opposed to deeding it back to the town to dispense it. If we get to that point, that would be a better option to do it that way," Farrell said.
Gabe Thomas carded an even par round of 71 at Stockbridge Golf Club Monday to finish two shots clear of the field and claim the first county individual championship for the McCann Tech golf team. click for more
The town plans to petition the state to take ownership of the Route 7/Route 8 Connector Road, which officials believe is a "critical component" of the Berkshire Mall’s redevelopment strategy. click for more
While all three West Side school sites must be considered for the proposed MSBA project, early studies show Crosby Elementary is likely the best fit. click for more
His water clarifier can physically remove captured material rather than letting the nutrient-rich material settle back into the lake, which occurs when herbicides are used.
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NAMI of Berkshire County celebrated community advocates and gave its annual report on how the organization has been navigating troubling times. click for more
