Bits & Bytes: Black is green; ‘Wonderful’ in Sandisfield; New Marlborough, Monterey schools fair

Bring the whole family for a hike along the 7-mile trail network and walk off your Thanksgiving feast at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. The universally accessible All Persons Trail offers a gradual, even walkway down to the boardwalk at Pike’s Pond.

Green is new black at Pleasant Valley

Lenox — If you’re dreading Black Friday’s usual long lines and traffic, consider going “green” this year at Mass Audubon’s Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary on Friday, November 28 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Here’s a chance to purchase gifts and support local conservation efforts at the same time. From birdseed and feeders, to ornaments and finger puppets, there’s something for everyone on your shopping list, at 10 percent off. The gift shop has stocking stuffers or items perfect for an office holiday swap. Not sure what to purchase? A Mass Audubon gift card in any amount can be used toward nature programs, day camp or gift shop purchases at any Mass Audubon sanctuary statewide. Gift baskets in any amount can be made to order and gift memberships are available for $32, a 50 percent discount.

Green Friday is not just about shopping. Bring the whole family for a hike along the 7-mile trail network and walk off your Thanksgiving feast. The universally accessible All Persons Trail offers a gradual, even walkway down to the boardwalk at Pike’s Pond. Or, take the challenging hike to the top of Lenox Mountain for the spectacular view. After your hike, stop by the barn for free hot cocoa and warm up by the fire.

Mass Audubon’s Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 472 West Mountain Rd., in Lenox, Mass. Trails are open every day year round, from dawn until dusk. The gift shop is open for Green Friday on November 28 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sanctuary admission is free for members, $5 adults and $3 children/seniors. For more information about Green Friday at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, please call (413) 637-0320 or visit www.facebook.com/MassAudubonPleasantValley.

— D.S. 

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A rehearsal for 'It's a Wonderful Life' at the Sandisfield Art Center.
A rehearsal for ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at the Sandisfield Art Center.

‘Wonderful Life’ in Sandisfield Nov. 29

Sandisfield – At the Sandisfield Arts Center this Thanksgiving weekend, the Herstory Theater Company presents “It’s a Wonderful Life,” as a classic old-time radio play, written by Joe Landry and directed by Virginia Wolf. Landry wrote breaks into the script with old-fashion commercials and jingles.

Sandisfield Arts Center becomes Bedford Falls as George Bailey, Zuzu, Clarence the Angel, and grumpy old Mr. Potter tell the story of a man who gets to see what life would have been like if he had never been born. Although “It’s A Wonderful Life” was not an immediate popular or financial success when the film was released in 1946, its reputation grew over the years, and a clerical error resulting in the loss of copyright protection resulted in it being shown widely during the holiday season year after year.

The Sandisfield Arts center is at 5 Hammertown Rd. in Sandisfield. The performance is 90 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are $20 adults ($15 under 12yrs.) and available on-line at www.sandisfieldartscenter.org.

— D.S.

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New Marlborough, Monterey schools holiday fair

Mill River — On December 6, 2014 from 10 am to 3:00 pm The New Marlborough Central School (NMC) and Monterey School Parent Teacher Associations will be holding their annual Holiday Fair on December 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the NMC school in Mill River.

This year marks the 82nd year of NMC which is part of the Southern Berkshire Regional School District and has an enrollment of more than 70 children pre-kindergarten to 4th grade. On December 6 the students, teachers and parents will be gathering to raise funds that go directly toward enrichment programs for the children.

There will be live music between 11 and 2 with several local musicians including the Mt. Everett Madrigals, the Berkshire Ukulele Band, Easy Riding Papas and a holiday sing along. Children can try their hands at putting together and painting wooden models in the Make and Take Room. They can also enter the magical world of the “Children Only Room” where little people can purchase gifts for their loved ones.

For adults and children alike Sean Stanton from North Plain Farm will be at the school with his horses to have winter carriage rides. In addition, community members can pick out local Christmas trees and browse the bazaar for handmade crafts, ornaments and useful and edible gifts made by children and adults. These items have been lovingly created over the last months during after school hours by dedicated large and little hands.

New this year will be the first ever Cake Stall. A stall, more commonly used in British vernacular, is a booth where articles are displayed for sale and what a display of cakes there will be! A local lunch will be offered featuring Farm County Soup butternut squash soup, The Marketplace Café chili, Indian Line Farm salad and Berkshire Mountain Bakery bread. Outside hot off the grill you can purchase hot dogs from Fox Hill Farm. There will be an assortment of other lunch items to suit every palette.

And last but certainly not least, the PTA has put together an amazing selection of silent auction items. Come bid on dinners at many local restaurants; services such as yoga classes, oil changes, septic tank pumping, pedicures, fitness classes, spa days; gymnastic classes; and a beautiful selection of pieces from local potters and artists.

All funds raised on this day go the support the children of the school. Last year the PTA was able to fund many after school enrichment programs including ukulele classes, field walks with naturalists, yoga and garden clubs, science and art programs. The funds also made possible multiple field trips to Berkshire Museum, Mahaiwe Theater and Plymouth Plantation.

For more information please call PTA co-president Emma Micklewright 413-433-0152 or email: emmamicklewright@mac.com

— D.S.