Dewey Hall presents summer photography walk with Thad Kubis

SHEFFIELD — Join local professional photographer Thad Kubis at Dewey Memorial Hall (91 Main Street in Sheffield) on Saturday, Aug. 21 from 10 a.m.–Noon (*with optional extension) and walk the town while learning to compose and design images of some of its landmarks. The walk will explore Depot Square, the railroad tracks, Sheffield Green, Bushnell Sage Library, and Center cemetery (off Berkshire School Road).

Bring whichever camera system with which you are most comfortable: smartphone, tablet, DSLR or film-based system.

*Optional expansion: After the walk, drive a mile south and spend time photographing the Sheffield Covered bridge.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. The suggested donation of $25 is payable by PayPal (deweymemorialhall@gmail.com), Venmo (@MagsMcRae), check (Dewey Memorial Hall), or cash. Thad is donating his time so that all proceeds benefit Dewey Hall. Payments can be submitted prior to August 21 or on the day of the event.

For more information about this event, please contact Maggie at deweymemorialhall@gmail.com.

—A.K.

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Snapdragon Chemistry, Flying Cloud Institute’s “Women in Science” program a success

WALTHAM, PITTSFIELD — Snapdragon Chemistry, based in Waltham, Massachusetts, and Berkshire County’s Flying Cloud Institute recently teamed up for Young Women in Science, a program of connection, scientific exploration, and ice cream. Flying Cloud connected dozens of local girls with professional women working in the STEM field, from August 2–6, during its STEM Summer Program at Berkshire Community College. The program focused on chemistry, biology, math, engineering, and physics. On August 2, women engineers and scientists from Snapdragon volunteered their time, meeting with aspiring female scientists to discuss their careers and inspire them to pursue their scientific passions.

The Snapdragon group met with about 20 young women between the ages of 10-15 and gave a short flow chemistry demonstration. They demonstrated chromatography to teach the students about the polarity of different molecules and how that can be used to purify compounds, conducted a slime-making demo, and made dry ice ice cream to explain sublimation versus melting, evaporation, and how scientists can use those physical properties to get a desired outcome.

—A.K.

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Laurel Hill Association presents virtual exhibit by photographer Bruce Panock

STOCKBRIDGE — The Laurel Hill Association (LHA) began in 1853 with a goal of enhancing the natural beauty of Stockbridge. Its mission is to “do such things as shall serve to improve the quality of life and of the environment in the town of Stockbridge.” The arts have been important to LHA’s role from the beginning, so the melding of art and nature is a natural expression of its mission. The group’s first virtual gallery presentation, photographs by Bruce Panock, can be viewed now through September 27. LHA hopes an online forum of artists who are informed by nature will foster greater awareness of the power of nature as a source of inspiration, as well as the importance of protecting our natural resources. The forum is meant to educate and create a greater connection to our community.

Bruce Panock lives in the Berkshires and began his exploration with photography over 20 years ago through various courses and a great deal of self-study. As evidenced by his photographs, he developed a strong connection to the landscape and our relationship to it. Abstract, Surrealist and Abstract Expressionist artists also have an influence on his work. In Bruce’s own words; “The woods are where I go to clear my head, to find peace, to meditate. Nature provides me ways to express what is important to me.”

For more information, contact: Laurel Hill Association, P.O. Box 24, Stockbridge, MA 01262; 413-298-2888; or info@laurelhillassociation.org.

—A.K.

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BCC to host Saturday registration days for fall semester

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Community College (BCC) invites all interested in applying for the fall semester to attend two registration days on Saturday, Aug. 21 and Saturday, Aug. 28 from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. The sessions will be held on campus, where students can walk in without an appointment and be instantly accepted to the College after applying.

Academic advisors and financial aid counselors will be available to help guide students through the process. Participants are also invited to join the One Stop virtual window for questions and answers.

Students should enter through the new Welcome Center in the Susan B. Anthony building. Masks are required for all unvaccinated persons and encouraged for all others. The fall 2021 semester begins Tuesday, Sept. 7.

—A.K.

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New Marlborough cancels Elihu Burritt Day

NEW MARLBOROUGH — For the second year in a row, the Town of New Marlborough will have to wait for the 46th annual Elihu Burritt Day event. The Town’s Cultural Council made the difficult decision to cancel Elihu Burritt Day, scheduled for August 21, 2021 because of concerns about the rise in cases of the Delta variant of COVID–19. Council Chair Nancy Barbe expressed “deep regret and sadness …. as concern for the health and safety of attendees, volunteers, performers, and vendors … prompts this decision.”

Elihu Burritt Day is held in memory of New Marlborough’s most distinguished resident, a founder of the international peace movement, who was known as the community’s learned blacksmith. Each year, State Representative Smitty Pignatelli presents an award to an outstanding volunteer. This year’s honoree is Joe Poindexter, chair of the New Marlborough Historical Society.

—A.K.