Bidwell House Museum presents ‘Tea with Tammy: A Conversation About Enslaved Women and Their Stories’
Monterey— On Wednesday, January 10th at 7 p.m., Bidwell House Museum presents “Tea with Tammy: A Conversation About Enslaved Women and Their Stories.”
Learn about the hidden histories of several enslaved women in New England. An accomplished performing artist, storyteller, actor, and playwright, Tammy Denease specializes in bringing to life the lives of very important, yet “hidden” women in history.
Enjoy a warm cup of tea or a glass of wine while listening to a discussion between storyteller and performer Tammy Denease and Bidwell House Director Heather Kowalski, that explores the work Denease has done to showcase the lives of enslaved women in New England and share their often hidden stories with the wider public.
The virtual conversation is on Wednesday, January 10th at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Admission is $15 and free for members. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents ‘Behind Ghetto Gates: The Jews of Rome’, a virtual talk
Pittsfield— On Thursday, January 4th from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents “Behind Ghetto Gates: The Jews of Rome.”
This virtual illustrated talk about the lives of Jews in the Roman ghetto and the Church’s relentless effort to convert them to Catholicism is presented by Joie Davidow, author of “Anything But Yes.” In the course of her research, she learned a great deal about the life of Jews under papal rule, their food, customs, music, daily life, and dialect.
The book is based on the diary of an 18-year-old girl who was taken from her home at gunpoint and locked in a convent cell while the Church used every means to convert her. Anna del Monte kept a diary, which was found by a Jewish scholar in a library in Israel in 1985, more than two centuries after she was abducted. The book is her story.
The talk is on Thursday, January 4th from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Zoom. Registration and more information can be found online. The book can be purchased online and a portion of the proceeds will be donated back to The Bookstore in Lenox.
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Zion Lutheran Church presents ‘Wintering at The Common Room,’ an open time of silence, stillness, and rest
Pittsfield— On Wednesdays from January 10th through February 7th from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church presents ‘Wintering at The Common Room,’ an open time of silence, stillness, and rest.
“Wintering,” as defined by author Katherine May in her 2020 book of that title, is taking the “time for reflection and recuperation, for slow replenishment, for putting your house in order. Doing these deeply unfashionable things — slowing down, letting your spare time expand, getting enough sleep, resting — is a radical act now, but it’s essential.”
“Wintering at the Common Room” is a time and space to do these radical, essential, deeply unfashionable things. As the day closes and the evening sets in, take some time to rest in the peacefulness of a darkened room, light a candle, and simply be.
Stop by to release the day, welcome the evening, sit in stillness, rest in darkness, light a candle, offer your prayer, come and go as you please, or for those wanting a bit more community, a guided silence and prayer will be offered from 4:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The series runs on Wednesdays from January 10th through February 7th from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in The Common Room at Zion Lutheran Church on First Street in Pittsfield. All are welcome. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire Art Center presents an exploration of watercolor painting
Pittsfield— On Saturday, January 6th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Berkshire Art Center presents “Explore Watercolor: Freeform Play ,” an exploration of watercolor painting.
This is a perfect opportunity to explore watercolor for fun or to see if it’s something you’d like to take further. Instructor Jill Gustavis will cover the basics of how to use watercolor. She will be on hand to answer questions as you spend a few hours playing with the provided watercolor materials. You can work on a suggested project or choose to paint something freeform.
The class is on Saturday, January 6th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Berkshire Art Center in the Brothership Building on North Street in Pittsfield. The cost is $55 which includes the materials, which will be provided. More information can be found online.
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January Berkshire Green Drinks will feature John Pitroff, owner of Second Chance Composting
Pittsfield— On Wednesday, January 10th at 6 p.m., Berkshire Green Drinks presents “Second Chance Composting in The Berkshires” with John Pitroff, the owner of Second Chance Composting.
Delve into the comprehensive world of composting as Pitroff illuminates both residential and commercial aspects, addressing what materials can or cannot be composted and the underlying reasons. Engage in a thoughtful exploration of common concerns surrounding composting to gain insights into the intricacies of the composting process and the importance of composting on a localized and broader scale. He will also share how Second Chance Composting contributes to community building and endeavors to make composting accessible to all. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion at the intersection of environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Pitroff started Second Chance Composting in June 2022 and has worked tirelessly to make composting available and a top priority in the Berkshires. In 16 months, his company has diverted 377,329 pounds of material from the landfill, including 124,686 pounds of food scraps. He is also the alternative commissioner for the Town of Adams Northern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District, a 2022 Graduate of the Vermont Compost Operator Certification Program, and the 2023 Massachusetts MassRecycle Individual Award winner.
The hybrid event is on Wednesday, January 10th at 6 p.m. at The Barn Kitchen & Bar at The Williams Inn on Spring Street in Williamstown and on Zoom. The 30 minute talk is followed by a Q&A. The drinks aren’t free but the conversation is. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to bring questions. More information can be found online.
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Stockbridge Grange community dinner
Stockbridge— On Sunday, January 14th, the Stockbridge Grange is having a community dinner featuring baked beans and ham with dessert choices of chocolate cream or lemon meringue pie.
Dinner is $15.00 per person, take out only, with a noon to 1:30 p.m. pick-up window at the Stockbridge Grange Hall at 51 Church Street in Stockbridge. Orders may be made by calling 413-243-1298 or 413-443-4352. The reservation deadline is Thursday, January 11th.
