Friday, July 18, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

BITS & BYTES: Carolyn Abrams and Nancy Harrod at District; Dr. K. Renee Horton at MCLA; Eagles Band at The Colonial; Warren Miller at The Colonial Theatre; Mediate at Great Barrington; LGBTQ+ speed dating at Hot Plate Brewing; MassHire job fair for Veterans; Holiday Shindy call for makers

District Kitchen and Bar will exhibit new work in abstract collage and oils and cold wax medium by Carolyn Abrams and Nancy Harrod.

District Kitchen and Bar exhibits of work by Carolyn Abrams and Nancy Harrod

Pittsfield— Now through January 31st, District Kitchen and Bar will exhibit new work in abstract collage and oils and cold wax medium by Carolyn Abrams and Nancy Harrod. 

Carolyn Abrams is a mixed media artist working in oils and cold wax medium to create atmospheric and inspirational works of art inspired by nature in the Berkshires.

Nancy Harrod is a mixed media artist who often begins her work by creating painted papers for collage – many times painting on the New York Times. Her work is abstract and focuses on the fragile balance in nature.

The exhibit runs now through January 31st at District Kitchen and Bar, located at 40 West St, Pittsfield. More information can be found online. 

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Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts presents a lecture by NASA Airworthiness Deputy Dr. K. Renee Horton

North Adams— On Thursday, November 7th at 5 p.m., Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Physics Department presents “Flying on A Rocket: How I Got There,” a guest lecture by NASA Airworthiness Deputy Dr. K. Renee Horton.

Dr. Horton is a trailblazing advocate for diversity in STEM and the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in Material Science with a concentration in Physics from the University of Alabama. Currently serving as a NASA airworthiness deputy, Dr. Horton has received numerous accolades, including the Black Engineer of the Year Trailblazer Award. She founded Unapologetically Being, Inc., a nonprofit for STEM advocacy and mentoring, and speaks worldwide to promote systemic change in STEM fields. She is also the author of the children’s book series “Dr. H Explores the Universe.”

NASA Airworthiness Deputy Dr. K. Renee Horton. Courtesy MCLA.

In 2016, Dr. Horton was elected President of the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) as the second woman to hold the office. She has served the physics community abroad as a member of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics Women in Physics Working Group. She serves on several advisory boards dedicated to a more diverse inclusion in physics. In 2017, she was elevated to a Fellow in the NSBP – the highest honor bestowed upon a member.

Dr. Horton was named a 2019 Louisianian of the Year featured in the Louisiana Life magazine. She was honored in a group of nine individuals who stand out in their professions, give back, and represent what’s best about Louisiana. In 2021 Dr. Horton was named the Gulf Coast Organization Legacy Award honoree and was inducted into the LSU Alumni Hall of Distinction. In 2022 she served as an Astro Access Ambassador on the Zero G flight.

The lecture is on Thursday, November 7th at 5 p.m. at MCLA’s Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation at 375 Church Street in North Adams. It is free and open to the public. There will be a reception in the CSI atrium at 4 p.m. Free parking is available at the corner of Blackinton and Montana Streets. More information can be found online.

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Berkshire Theatre Group presents a free concert by The Eagles Band of Pittsfield at The Colonial Theatre

Pittsfield— On Friday, November 8th at 7 p.m., The Colonial Theatre presents a captivating evening of international band music performed by The Eagles Band of Pittsfield.

This dynamic concert will feature the works of renowned composers such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Philip Sousa, Leonard Bernstein, and John Williams, along with several exciting new pieces premiering in Massachusetts.

Eagles Band. Courtesy Berkshire Theatre Group.

The Eagles Band, made up of 65 talented musicians from Berkshire County and surrounding areas, is known for its popular summer park concerts throughout Pittsfield, Dalton, and Lenox, and their annual performance at The Colonial Theatre.

Leading the band is David Diggs, who brings over two decades of experience as Director of Bands at Lehigh University. Mr. Diggs is internationally recognized for his research on American band music and the Bands of the Household Division at Buckingham Palace. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including Honorary Membership in the Royal Society of Musicians, and was personally presented to H. M. Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle.

The free concert is on Friday, November 8th at 7 p.m. at The Colonial Theatre, located at 111 South Street in Pittsfield. Tickets and more information can be found online. 

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Berkshire Theatre Group presents Warren Miller’s ‘Seventy-Five’ film screening at The Colonial Theatre

Pittsfield— On Thursday, November 7th at 7 p.m., Berkshire Theatre Group presents Warren Miller’s “Seventy-Five” at The Colonial Theatre

Get ready for an unforgettable night at Warren Miller’s “Seventy-Five” film screening hosted by Andres Schmid, returning as emcee.

Warren Miller’s ‘Seventy-Five.’ Courtesy Berkshire Theatre Group.

This event will be buzzing with local outdoor adventure and winter sports vendors, including Berkshire Bike & Board, Berkshire Outfitters, Bousquet Ski Patrol, Bousquet Mountain Ski Area, Jiminy Peak, Pinnacle Trail Design, Ski Butternut, Ski Fanatics, Taconic Trekkers Mountain, Western Mass. Backcountry Alliance, Western Mass. Ski Patrol, and more. There will be fantastic prize giveaways including lift tickets, accessories, equipment, and much more. Don’t miss this epic kickoff to the ski season.

The event is on Thursday, November 7th at 7 p.m. at The Colonial Theatre, located at 111 South Street in Pittsfield. Tickets and more information can be found online.

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Great Barrington libraries present heart-based meditation with Zach Rissman

Great Barrington— On November 7th, 14th, and 21st at 4 p.m. at the Mason Library, Great Barrington libraries present heart-based meditation with Zach Rissman.

Zach Rissman. Courtesy Great Barrington libraries.

Are you seeking a way to release the stress and anxiety of everyday life and find a greater sense of peace, joy, and ease? Learn the life-enhancing practice of Heart-Based Meditation with Zach Rissman, a local heart-based meditation teacher certified by the New World Ayurveda School, for a free three-week course.

The free course meets on November 7th, 14th, and 21st at 4 p.m. at the Mason Library, located at 231 Main Street in Great Barrington. All are welcome. More information can be found online. 

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Wingman of the Year presents LGBTQ+ speed dating at Hot Plate Brewing

Pittsfield— On Thursday, November 7th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wingman of the Year presents LGBTQ+ speed dating at Hot Plate Brewing.

Ready to mingle? Hot Plate Brewing hosts a night of fun, laughter, and making connections at Wingman of the Year’s first ever LGBTQ+ Speed Dating meet-up. Their team has created this event specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, with a focus on creating an inclusive environment for all identities and relationship types. Whether you’re single and ready to mingle, polyamorous and looking to expand your connections, or just want to make friends, this event is for you.

Courtesy Hot Plate Brewing.

What to Expect: A fun and inclusive atmosphere where you will meet other LGBTQ+ individuals in a streamlined and organized system. Enjoy a structured format that allows you to meet multiple individuals in a short amount of time. This is designed to be low-pressure and to take the stress out of meeting new individuals.

The 21+ event is on Thursday, November 7th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hot Plate Brewing Co., located at 1 School Street in Pittsfield. Registration and more information can be found online. 

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MassHire presents a multi-Industry ‘Hire a Veteran’ job fair

Pittsfield— On Friday, November 15th from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., MassHire presents a multi-Industry “Hire a Veteran” job fair at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Pittsfield. 

Courtesy MassHire.

Meet face to face with companies from various industries and find the opportunity you’ve been searching for. This is the chance to network, interview, and potentially land your dream job all in one day.

Employers and resources at the fair include:

  • Arbor Associates
  • Berkshire County Arc
  • Berkshire Family & Individual Resources
  • Berkshire Heart and Mind Therapy
  • Berkshire Transit Management
  • Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center
  • BerkshireJobs.com
  • Canyon Ranch
  • Casella Waste Systems
  • Catamount Ski Area
  • Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast
  • Community Justice Support Center / Old Colony YMCA
  • Elder Services of Berkshire County
  • General Dynamics Mission Systems
  • Guidewire, Inc
  • Hillcrest Educational Centers
  • Home Instead
  • Integritus Healthcare
  • MassAbility
  • Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
  • Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services
  • MOLARI Employment & HeatlhCare Services
  • Pathlight Group
  • Pittsfield Plastics Engineering, LLC
  • Positive Behavior Supports Corp
  • ServiceNet
  • Springside Rehab & Nursing Center
  • Stockbridge Housing Authority
  • Timberlyn Heights
  • United States Navy
  • US Army
  • Veterans Health Administration
  • Viability
  • Whole Heart Homecare
  • William Stickney Pittsfield Adult Learning Center
  • Pittsfield Public Schools

The fair is on Friday, November 15th from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Holiday Inn & Suites located at 1 West Street in Pittsfield. Register online or just walk in.

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Holiday Shindy 2024 call for makers

Pittsfield— Calling all makers, crafters, artists and the like. Vendor applications for the 2024 Holiday Shindy are being accepted through November 9th. 

Courtesy Holiday Shindy.

The 2024 Holiday Shindy will be held on December 14th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, located at 116 South Street in Pittsfield. All makers, including woodworkers, toymakers, printers, jewelers, ceramicists, apothecaries, clothing designers, upcyclers, farmers, bakers, butchers, and candlestick makers are encouraged to apply online.

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The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.