Josh Billings Runaground calls for volunteers
Pittsfield — The 39th annual Josh Billings RunAground Triathlon is calling for volunteers to help support its historic race that will take place on September 20. The Josh Billings Runaground began in Berkshire County in 1977 and has been a fixture in the community ever since. Since 2002 the triathlon’s proceeds have benefited Berkshire United Way and raised the organization upwards of $60,000.
The 2015 Josh Billings RunAground is scheduled for Sunday, September 20 and crosses five Berkshire County towns with a 27-mile bike ride; a 5-mile canoe, kayak, or paddleboard sprint; and a 6.2-mile run. Teams and singles of all capabilities are encouraged to participate or volunteer.
–E.E.
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New classes, ensembles at Berkshire Music School
Pittsfield — New ensembles, classes, workshops, and private lessons start at Berkshire Music School (BMS) in September for students of all ages. There is a $30 registration fee for the first student, $20 for a second student with a maximum of $50 per family, in addition to the tuition fee. All lessons, classes and workshops are taught by BMS faculty, all of whom are professional musicians and educators.
Introduction to Suzuki, for ages 4 – 7, is designed for those considering a Suzuki instrumental program and begins Saturday, September 19. Music for Youngsters, for ages 1.5 to 3.5 years, starts Saturday, September 19. The BMS Suzuki String program begins with Magic Violin for children ages 2.5 to 4 years and starts Saturday, October 3. Pizzicato-Advanced Magic Violin is for graduates of the Magic Violin program and starts on Saturday, October 3. Violins are available to rent through the School.
The 10-week Cabaret Workshop for Adults begins Monday, September 28, and will be followed by a public performance. Teen’s Singing Workshop starts Monday, September 28 and will also be followed by a public performance.
Jazz Ensemble includes theory, ear training, solo improvisation, and ensemble playing. The 15-week session starts Thursday, October 15. Chamber Orchestra for amateur musicians ages 16 to adult starts Friday, September 25. Community musicians are invited to join BMS students to perform expanded chamber repertoire. Members of the Stockbridge Sinfonia who participate as mentors are $100, $150 for BMS students and non-BMS students. A Chamber Ensemble for Young People starts Tuesday, October 6.
Guitar and ukulele clubs will group students on level of ability, age, and availability. Guitars and ukuleles are available to rent.
Contact the school at (413) 442-1411 for tuition information and specific class times and dates.
–E.E.
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“Swimming in Air”: Qigong class with Jeffrey Gordon
Pittsfield — On Thursday, September 17 at 10:45 a.m., Jeffrey Gordon will teach a qigong class suitable for beginners and seniors, as well as others interested in the practice. Qigong, similar to tai chi, is a simple form of exercise to strengthen physical health and calm and focus the mind. It is an ideal form of exercise for older adults and seniors, helping to enhance joint mobility, bone strength, circulation, and balance. The program at Congregation Knesset Israel is part of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Connecting With Community series.
Jeffrey Gordon is a native of Pittsfield and serves the community as an acupuncturist and qigong instructor.
For more information, please call the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires at (413) 442-4360, ext. 10.
–E.E.
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Williams College awards Bicentennial Medals
Williamstown — Williams College Bicentennial Medals will be presented at fall convocation on Saturday, September 19 to convocation speaker Michael F. Curtin, Jr. ’86 and four other accomplished alumni.
President Adam Falk and College Council co-presidents Jesús Espinoza ’16 and Marcus Christian ’16 will welcome the Class of 2016 at convocation, which formally launches the academic year. The event is free and open to the public and will begin at 11 a.m. in Thompson Memorial Chapel after a formal procession.
Curtin, the ceremony’s principal speaker, is the CEO of D.C. Central Kitchen, whose programs train formerly homeless and incarcerated adults for culinary careers and provide millions of healthy meals to at-risk populations.
In addition to Curtin, those receiving medals will be Jonathan E. Fielding ’64, professor and founding co-director of the Center for Health Enhancement, Education, and Research at UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health, and was director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for more than 16 years; Kristin J. Forbes ’92, MIT Sloan School of Management professor and external member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, whose research and insights inform economic policy; Hernando Garzon ’84, director of emergency management and global health programs for Kaiser Permanente and leader of an Ebola response team in West Africa — his 20th humanitarian and crisis relief mission; and Claudia B. Rankine ’86, acclaimed poet and professor, whose book-length poem, Citizen: An American Lyric, explores the insidiousness of racism in America and won the 2014 National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry.
The convocation ceremony will also include the introduction of the newest members of Phi Beta Kappa and the announcement of the winner of the Grosvenor Cup Award, given to the senior who has best demonstrated concern for the college community.
For building locations on the Williams campus, consult the online map.
–E.E.
