Albany Berkshire Ballet to present ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Colonial Theatre
Pittsfield — The Albany Berkshire Ballet will present its 42nd annual performances of “The Nutcracker” at the Colonial Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec.4, at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Under the direction of Madeline Cantarella Culpo, student dancers Petra Orloff, Julia Rhind, Rina Hatakeyama and Mari Cummings will take turns dancing as Clara and performing with 14 professional dancers from the Northeast, Louisiana, Florida, Brazil and Japan. More than 100 young dancers from western Massachusetts and the capital district of New York, ranging in age from 4 to 16, will join them on stage in the roles of reindeer, mini mice, clowns, party children, maids, soldiers and more. The show’s costumes were designed by Rita Watson and Victile Donahue and its sets and scenery were created by theater and movie set designer Carl Sprague.
Tickets are $19.50–$41. For tickets and more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or call the Colonial ticket office at (413) 997-4444.
–E.E.
* * *
Clinton AME Zion Church fundraising update
Great Barrington — The Friends of the Clinton AME Zion Church would like to thank the community for its continued support of an interest in the restoration of the church. The Friends have organized a fundraising campaign that will allow them to buy the church and protect it from winter weather. The goal amount of the campaign is $100,000; more than $30,000 has already been raised. Those who are interested in contributing to the campaign may donate online or write a check payable to Housatonic Heritage, writing “Clinton Church Restoration” in the memo, and mailing it to Housatonic Heritage, P.O. Box 611, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
On Friday, Dec. 2, from noon to 4 p.m., volunteer contractors will patch the roof in advance of winter. The community is invited to stop by the church at 9 Elm Ct. and say hello.
–E.E.
* * *
Stone Walls II release party
Westhampton — Stone Walls II, the literary and art journal of the hilltowns of western Massachusetts, will celebrate the release of its Winter 2017 issue with a party at the Westhampton Public Library on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. The issue features work about the late poet, journalist and feminist Michelle Gillett written by Patty Crane and others, as well as two poems by Gillett. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call the library at (413) 527-5386.
–E.E.
* * *
RSYP to present annual culinary dinner
Great Barrington — Railroad Street Youth Project’s (RSYP) annual culinary arts celebration dinner will take place on Monday, Dec. 5, at 5:30 p.m. at Crissey Farm. The evening will be the culminating event for the RSYP Apprenticeship Program, which offers work-based apprenticeship opportunities to young people in southern Berkshire County.
Participants in the culinary arts program learned food preparation and presentation under five local chefs: Brian Alberg of Main Street Hospitality Group, Dan Smith of John Andrews Farmhouse Restaurant, Daire Rooney of Mezze Catering, Adam Brassard of the Red Lion Inn, and Zee Vassos of Firefly. The chefs mentored RSYP’s aspiring culinary professionals throughout the fall and will guide them in preparing a five-course menu for their families, friends, and the community. The evening will also include a certificate ceremony to honor the young chefs and a live service auction to support RSYP and its mission to empower youth.
Tickets are $125 per person and $1,000 for a table that seats eight. Tickets and more information are available from the Berkshire Edge calendar and by calling RSYP at (413) 528-2475.
–E.E.
* * *
Temple Anshe Amunim to offer Winter Limmud Nosh and Learn dinner
Pittsfield — Temple Anshe Amunim will host a Winter Limmud Nosh and Learn event on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served, followed by a panel discussion led by Rabbi Josh Breindel that will include tips on how to navigate the winter holiday season in an interfaith or traditionally Jewish family. All are encouraged to attend and share their experiences, ideas and strategies. The cost of the event is $5 for Temple members with a family maximum of $20, or $7.50 for nonmembers with a family maximum of $30. The event is open to the public and those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP to the Temple office by Saturday, Dec. 3, at (413) 442 5910 or templeoffice@ansheamunim.org.
–E.E.
