Jewish Federation of the Berkshires hosts BBC journalist and author Nadia Ragozhina to discuss the remarkable memoir of two brothers separated by fate, history, and the Iron Curtain
Pittsfield— On Thursday, January 25th at 7 p.m., Jewish Federation of the Berkshires hosts BBC journalist and author Nadia Ragozhina, who will discuss the remarkable memoir of two brothers separated by fate, history, and the Iron Curtain, “Worlds Apart: The Journeys Of My Jewish Family in Twentieth-Century Europe.”
“Worlds Apart” tells the story of two brothers, Adolphe and Marcus. Separated at the turn of the twentieth century, Adolphe settles in Switzerland, whereas Marcus ends up in Moscow, inspired by his Communist believes. They would never meet again. In her first book, Nadia Ragozhina rediscovers the missing part of the family and pieces together the stories hidden for generations.
Nadia Ragozhina was born in Moscow and moved to London in 2000. She is a senior journalist at BBC World News and has also worked for BBC World Service Radio and France 24 in Paris. Nadia writes and blogs about sustainability and zero waste living, which, other than books and her family, is her passion in life.
This free program is on Thursday, January 25th at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Bernay Fine Art winter group show
Great Barrington— On Saturday January 27th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Bernay Fine Art celebrates the opening of their winter group show.
The winter group show features work by Diane Ayott, Susan Dory, Harriet Joffe, Erick Johnson, Jenny Kemp, Hideyo Okamura, Dana Piazza, Noah Post, Nancy Simonds, Audrey Stone, and Kit Warren.
The show runs from Saturday January 27th through March 3rd at Bernay Fine Art on Main Street in Great Barrington. There is a reception for the artists on Saturday January 27th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. More information can be found online.
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Hot Plate Brewing Co. and Berkshire Pride to host a remembrance and celebration of the life and legacy of Matthew Shepard
Pittsfield— On Saturday, January 27th at 5 p.m., Hot Plate Brewing Co., in partnership with Berkshire Pride will be hosting a special remembrance and celebration of the life and legacy of Matthew Shepard.
There will be special guest speakers and a screening of “Matthew Shepard is a Friend of Mine,” the critically acclaimed Emmy-award winning documentary in which friends, family members, and loved ones of Matthew Shepard discuss the positive impact of his life, as well as the aftermath of his tragic murder. (2014 | Documentary | LGBT | 1 hr 28 min.)
Sara Clement, Pittsfield-based artist and activist who was a close friend of Matthew Shepard, will speak.
The event is on Saturday, January 27th at 5 p.m. at Hot Plate Brewing Co. on School Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
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Bennington Theater presents Jackie Fabulous
Bennington— On Saturday, January 27th at 7:30 p.m., Bennington Theater presents Jackie Fabulous.
Jackie Fabulous is a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer who’s been featured three times on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” “America’s Got Talent: All Stars,” Showtime’s “Flatbush Misdemeanors,” “The Arsenio Hall Show,” and HBO’s “Pause.” In addition to her television appearances Jackie’s hilarious and affable stand-up can be seen across the country as she tours America’s top comedy clubs. Her hour special “Menoplause” is available now.
The show is on Saturday, January 27th at 7:30 p.m. at Bennington Theater on Main Street in Bennington. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Bidwell House Museum winter hike
Monterey— On Saturday, January 27th from 10 a.m. to noon, take a winter hike at Bidwell House Museum.
Enjoy some time in the winter woods! Join Rob Hoogs for an informative winter hike on the Bidwell House Museum trails where you can see not only evidence of the animals who make the woods their winter home but also of the people who lived on this land long ago.
This hike will be one to two miles and last approximately one to two hours. If there is snow, plan to bring your snowshoes or wear sturdy boots. If there is rain, the hike is cancelled. Be aware that the terrain is uneven, especially in winter; hiking poles are suggested. Dress for the cold and bring water.
The free hike is on Saturday, January 27th from 10 a.m. to noon at the Bidwell House Museum on Art School Road in Monterey. Pre-registration is required. Registration and more information can be found online.
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‘Sensing Nature at The Clark: From The Outside In’
Williamstown— On Sunday, January 28th from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., engage with nature at The Clark.
Clark educators will lead a slow engagement with nature and art, focused on enhancing wellbeing. This new seasonal program encourages visitors to connect deeply with the landscapes on the Clark’s campus and in the galleries. The event begins outdoors with a short, mindful walk in the woods designed to engage your senses with the natural environment. An experience in the galleries using the same contemplative approach to explore one or two works of art follows.
The free event is on Sunday, January 28th from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Clark Art Institute on South Street in Pittsfield, rain or shine. This event is recommend for adults, and advanced registration is required. To register, email education@clarkart.edu.
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Dottie’s Coffee Lounge hosts WordXWord Stories
Pittsfield— On Friday, January 26th from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Dottie’s Coffee Lounge hosts WordXWord Stories.
WordXWord Stories is a spirited sharing of true, first person stories told, not read, circling loosely around a theme. January’s theme is “new beginning.” You’ll have to be there to know where the stories go.
The event is on Friday, January 26th from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge on North Street in Pittsfield. Dottie’s will have food and beverages available for purchase starting at 6 p.m. The stories begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Interested in sharing a story? Registration and more information can be found online.
