‘Fur. Fin. Feathers.’ art exhibition at Spencertown Academy
Spencertown, N.Y. — Spencertown Academy Arts Center presents its second annual juried regional art exhibition, entitled “Fur. Fin. Feathers.” Carrie Haddad of Carrie Haddad Gallery served as judge, selecting 56 oil paintings, watercolors, engravings, monoprints, mixed media assemblages, and photographs created by 27 local artists. On Saturday, October 31 there will be an opening reception from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with the artists.
The artists to be featured in “Fur. Fin. Feathers.” are Scott Balfe, Marty Bannan, Stephanie Blumenthal, Jim Brearton, Jennifer Clark, Phyllis Considine, Margot Curran, Thomas Curran, Page Curry Ginns, B. Docktor, Jerry Freedner, Michelle Gillett, Denise Hackert-Stoner, Tina Johnston, Cat Jones, Ellen Lynch, Claudia McNulty, Jane McWhorter, Dez Ryan Odegaard, Rick Patterson, Elaine Radiss, Valerie Richmond, Susan Sabino, Sarah Sterling, Scott Stoner, Rose Tannenbaum, and Steve Wildermuth.
In keeping with the exhibition’s animal theme, the Academy will donate 10 percent of its 35 percent commission received from any art sales to Out of the Pits, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that focuses on the plight of the American pit bull terrier. Raffle tickets will also be for sale for a chance to win an original photograph by legendary rock and roller Lou Reed of his beloved dog, Lolabelle.
The show will remain on display through Sunday, November 22. Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and the artworks are for sale.
–E.E.
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Holiday decorations to return to downtown Great Barrington
Great Barrington — On Sunday, November 22, the Great Barrington Rotary Club and other volunteers will hang holiday garlands and wreaths on the newly installed vintage-style street lamps lining Main Street from Cottage Street to Castle Street.
The decorations were purchased with funds raised by the Great Barrington 250th Anniversary Committee. The holiday decoration committee is composed of members of the Great Barrington Rotary Club, the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, and other members of the community.
In addition to the street light decorations, the Committee is also responsible for lighting the two trees that were planted at Town Hall at 334 Main St. in honor of the 250th anniversary, as well as the tree displayed over the entrance to Town Hall. Wreaths and garlands will also be installed at the Ramsdell Public Library at 1087 Main St. in Housatonic. It is hoped the local merchant community will continue to spread the cheer with the installation of their own decorations to help unify and enhance the downtown corridor.
–E.E.
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MASSPIRG holds ‘thank you’ event in front of Subway
North Adams — On October 20, Subway announced that it is making the shift to serving meat raised without antibiotics. The sandwich giant will serve only antibiotic-free chicken by the end of 2016, with a shift on turkey by 2019, and pork and beef completed by 2025. The decision came in anticipation of a petition delivery to headquarters of more than 270,000 petition signatures by MASSPIRG student volunteers and staff as well as other advocacy groups.
Instead of delivering a petition calling for action, MASSPIRG staff and local activists organized events across the country to thank Subway for taking a major step toward protecting our life-saving antibiotics.
Mitchell Chapman and a team of volunteers from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) chapter of MASSPIRG have been educating the campus community about this issue in classrooms and at campaign tables on campus for the past few months. Across the state, more than 6,500 students have signed giant subs and more than 700 have taken photo-petitions to Subway urging chain to make this commitment.
“It’s clear that students care about public health and the future of our medicine. And we’re pumped that Subway took action!” said John Kelly, a student at MCLA and the grassroots coordinator for the campaign. “We’re hopeful that Subway’s decision will force an industry-wide shift away from abusing antibiotics in factory farms.”
–E.E.
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Cash for Candy: Dentist takes stand against excessive sweets
Pittsfield –An area dentist is redefining the phrase “put your money where your mouth is.” Trick-or treaters can bring their excessive candy to Dr. Jon Gotterer. Each child is eligible to receive $1 per pound, up to a five-pound maximum, for all unopened, uneaten candy.
“Donate the candy and give our men and women in uniform overseas a taste of home,” Gotterer explained. ”Kids can have all the fun trick-or-treating and have their piggy banks benefit, as well. The candy buy-back program will help parents who want to limit the amount of damage that is done to their children’s teeth.”
Anyone who wishes to receive cash for their candy should visit Dr. Gotterer’s office at 523 South St. on Monday, November 2 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The office will have goodies for children and, of course, toothbrushes. A dropbox will be available through Thursday, November 5 at the Greylock Federal Credit Union main office at 150 West St. The candy will then be shipped to U.S. troops overseas via Operation Gratitude.
For more information call (413) 447-7923 or email care@berkshiredentist.com
–E.E.
