Project Native seeking new partners
Housatonic — Project Native’s recent announcement about the breakdown in its proposed merger with Berkshire Botanical Garden and subsequent possible closure has resulted in donations totaling $10,100 but an additional $80,000 is needed to retain staff through the winter and operate at full function. The organization is uncertain as to whether or not it will achieve that goal, and so has embarked on an alternative way to sustain its native-plant nursery and educational programs.
Last week, Project Native issued a Request For Proposals to encourage individuals, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations to submit offers to merge with it, purchase the farm, and/or embrace its educational programs. It will place a priority on proposals that sustain Project Native’s mission. After several discussions and inquiries, Project Native believes one of the following three outcomes will emerge:
- Project Native merges with another non-profit organization that fills a role similar to what it envisioned in its discussions with Berkshire Botanical Garden.
- Another entity or individual buys the Project Native farm and Project Native use the proceeds of the sale to sustain Project its educational mission.
- Enough funds are raised to continue Project Native as a stand-alone organization in 2016 but in a restructured format.
A better understanding of Project Native’s options is hoped to develop in the coming weeks. Donation information and more about Project Native’s predicament is available online.
–E.E.
* * *
Bernadette Mayer poetry reading
Lenox — At 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, the Bookstore will host poet Bernadette Mayer reading from her newest collection “Eating the Colors of a Lineup of Words: The Early Books of Bernadette Mayer.” Combining roughly 20 years of the earliest, out-of-print poems from Mayer, the collection provides a definitive retrospective on her body of writing prior to the publication of her landmark book-length poem, “Midwinter’s Day,” in 1982.
Call the Bookstore for more information at (413) 637-3390.
–E.E.
* * *
Maine-based alt-rock outfit to play at Dream Away Lodge
Becket — On Saturday, November 7, Maine alt-rock band Coke Weed will make its Berkshires debut at the Dream Away Lodge. Formed five years ago in Bar Harbor, Maine, Coke Weed counts among its influences ’70s art rock, Brian Eno’s pop forays, the rhythmic and sonic innovations of David Bowie and Luchino Visconti, and Martin Hannett’s stark studio explorations. The band is currently touring the Northeast in support of its recently released fourth album “Mary Weaver.”
For more information, contact the Dream Away Lodge at (413) 623-8725.
–E.E.
* * *
Annual charity golf tournament helps Berkshire Humane Society
Lenox — Berkshire Humane Society was the benefactor of Cranwell Spa and Golf Resort‘s Open “Fall Classic” Charity Golf Tournament. Held on Sunday, September 27, the second annual event netted $6,500 for the animal shelter. In addition to the tournament proceeds, Cranwell Spa and Golf Resort donated a portion of its room sales from tournament guests who stayed overnight.
All proceeds will be used for the SafePet program which provides foster care for the pets of owners who are in crisis situations.
–E.E.
* * *
‘Empire of Dreams’ screening and lecture at BCC
Pittsfield — On Monday, November 9 at 3 p.m., Berkshire Community College (BCC) will hold a film screening and lecture as part of its “Latino Americans: 500 Years of History” event series. The event will begin with a screening of the “Empire of Dreams” segment from the PBS/NEH documentary “Latino Americans: 500 Years of History.” Dr. Leyla Rouhi of Williams College will then lead a presentation and discussion focusing on themes of memory, heritage, and the intersection and formation of cultural identities. She will examine the lasting impact of American culture and democracy on the idea of national liberation and identity for Latino writers.
A reception will follow the event, which will be held in Room K-111 of BCC’s Koussevitzky Arts Center.
–E.E.
