The holiday spirit comes alive at Chesterwood
Stockbridge— On Fridays through Sundays from December 8th through the 22nd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the holiday spirit comes alive at Chesterwood.
Hear stories of the French Family’s Christmas traditions while visiting the historic studio and ground floor of the residence, decorated in style for the holidays. There will be complimentary hot cider and donuts.
The family-friendly event is on Fridays through Sundays from December 8th through the 22nd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chesterwood, located at 4 Williamsville Road in Stockbridge. Advanced purchase of timed tickets is required. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire Bach Society announces annual ‘Messiah’ sing-along
Great Barrington— Calling all singers! On Saturday, November 30th at 4 p.m., the Berkshire Bach Society hosts its annual “Messiah” Sing-Along at the First Congregational Church.
Choral conductor James Bagwell returns to lead the audience in favorite choruses from Handel’s beloved oratorio, including “Hallelujah!,” accompanied by the Berkshire Bach Players.
“Berkshire Bach is pleased to host our annual Messiah Sing-Along on the Saturday after Thanksgiving,” said Terrill McDade, Executive Director of the Berkshire Bach Society. “This is a free event, our gift to the community, and a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, raise their voices, and glory in the beauty of Baroque choral music.”
The sing-along is on Saturday, November 30th at 4 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, located at 251 Main Street in Great Barrington. Bring your own score, or buy or borrow one from Berkshire Bach, and start the holiday season with a joyous tradition. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire South Regional Community Center hosts free ‘Community Thanks Supper’
Great Barrington— On Tuesday, November 26th at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Berkshire South Regional Community Center will host its 17th annual Community Thanks Supper.
This cherished annual supper brings together community members for an evening of gratitude and fellowship over a traditional Thanksgiving meal. This year’s feast will be prepared by the Taste of Haiti Chefs, Berkshire South’s in-house culinary team of Haitian refugee women who began preparing the center’s twice-monthly Community Suppers in the summer of 2024.
Additionally, several local restaurants and chefs will create staple dishes for the meal including cookbook author Janet Elsbach and chefs from Barrington Brewery, The Egremont Barn, and The Prairie Whale. Creature Bread is providing a variety of naturally leavened sourdough breads.
The event is on Tuesday, November 26th at Berkshire South Regional Community Center, located at 15 Crissey Road in Great Barrington. Two seatings will be offered at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., each accommodating up to 120 guests. In total, Berkshire South anticipates serving 240 free meals thanks to their generous meal sponsors Price Chopper/Market 32, Guido’s Fresh Marketplace, Berkshire Food Co-op, and Big Y World Class Market. Reserve your seat at the table by registering online or by calling 413-528-2810, extension 37.
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Great Barrington Public Theater presents Berkshire Voices readings of two new plays
Great Barrington— On Tuesdays, December 3rd and 10th at 7 p.m., Great Barrington Public Theater presents Berkshire Voices readings of two brand new plays, “Greater Things” by Andrew Reynolds and “Full Transparency” by Max Rissman.
In “Greater Things” by Andrew Reynolds, being presented on December 3rd, in the midst of a blinding snowstorm, Otto appears unexpectedly on the doorstep of his oldest friend (and former boyfriend) Marsh, who has relocated to northern Vermont with his husband to escape a complicated life in New York City, where Marsh and Otto spent the early nineties on the periphery of the downtown “club kid” scene. Over the course of one night, Otto and Marsh reconnect to examine the past decisions that led them to their present circumstances. Is it too late for them to find greater things for their future? Tickets and more information can be found online.
“Full Transparency” by Max Rissman, being presented on December 10th, explores the consequences of a world where it is both possible and socially normalized for people to have unfiltered access to each other’s inner thoughts. As we follow an interconnected web of characters, we see how this technology profoundly affects various relationships across society. The play grapples with the complex ethical and social implications of such unprecedented transparency, inviting the audience to reflect on the potential upsides and downsides of being able to read one another’s minds. Tickets and more information can be found online.
The performances are on Tuesdays, December 3rd and 10th at 7 p.m. at Saint James Place, located at 352 Main Street in Great Barrington.
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Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. announces ‘Where’s Winston? Scavenger Hunt’
Pittsfield— Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) has announced their “Where’s Winston? Scavenger Hunt” will take place throughout downtown Pittsfield on Saturday, December 7th through Friday, January 3rd.
Starting Saturday, December 7th, go to the Children’s Library at the Berkshire Athenaeum to pick up your game card. Then, visit the locations on the card, find the Winston posters, and write down the words. Bring your card back to the Children’s Library to claim your prizes.
The event takes place from Saturday, December 7th through Friday, January 3rd in downtown Pittsfield. More information, including preview of the locations, can be found online.
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Adams Community Bank announces a college financial aid night
Adams— On Wednesday, December 4th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Adams Community Bank is sponsoring a financial aid information event with a panel of financial aid professionals from three local colleges at the Berkshire Innovation Center, located at 45 Woodlawn Avenue in Pittsfield.
MCLA, BCC, and Williams panelists will provide updated information about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program. The topics will cover the critical components of financial aid packages, the costs associated with college tuition, and information about scholarships.
The event is on Wednesday, December 4th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Berkshire Innovation Center, located at 45 Woodlawn Avenue in Pittsfield. Register by November 29th online or by contacting Kris at 413-749-1165 or kbona@adamscommunity.com.
