Clay Light Tea exhibition
Monterey — Knox Gallery at the Monterey Library hosts the exhibition Clay Light Tea through August 8 in which photographer Tasja Keetman and potter Michael Marcus show photographic, ceramic, and poetic examples of Zen influences in creative expression.
Munich, Germany native artist and photographer Tasja Keetman’s projects have been widely published and exhibited in Europe and the U. S., and her work has been awarded several prestigious prizes, including the Kodak Award. Michael Marcus has been a potter for more than 45 years. His passion is harmonizing handmade tableware with food presentation. The proprietor and head sushi chef of Bizen Gourmet Japanese Restaurant and Bizen Kaiseki in Great Barrington, Michael shares his understanding of Japanese culture.
The artists will talk more extensively about their work and create a tea ceremony demonstration on July 23 at 6 p.m. The exhibit can be viewed during library hours. Contact the library for more information at (413) 528-3795.
–E.E.
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Letty Cottin Pogrebin speaks about her latest novel
Lenox – Activist and author Letty Cottin Pogrebin will return to the Lenox Library on July 25 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss her latest novel “Single Jewish Male Seeking Soul Mate.” Books will be available for purchase and signing; the talk itself is free and open to the public. For a review of her book, click here.
“Single Jewish Male Seeking Soul Mate” is a mostly light-hearted romp through New York Jewish social norms, but the story begins with a disturbing chapter about the Holocaust, underscoring why the leftist son of two survivors is so committed to his mother’s deathbed request that he marry a Jewish woman. The rest of the book follows his dilemmas and disasters as he searches for the right woman for his family and himself.
Letty Cottin Pogrebin is best known as a founding editor of Ms. magazine. She is a writer, lecturer, social justice activist, and the author of eleven books. For further information contact the library at (413) 637-2630.
–E.E.
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Mycology presentation at Olana State Historic Site
Hudson, NY – The Olana State Historic Site will offer the program ‘Mycology Walk: Identifying Local Edibles’ in two sessions on July 26, from 2-3 p.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m., an explorative hike through Olana’s landscape. Participants will meet representatives from the Mid-Hudson Mycological Association who will introduce them to foraging and the ecology of forest mushrooms. Long pants and sturdy walking shoes are required and harvesting is prohibited.
The program is perfect for adults who want to learn about their local environment and those who are enthusiastic about being outdoors. Tickets are $10 per person and $5 for members. Pre-registration is required by July 23 and tickets are available online. For more information contact Olana State Historic Site Director of Education Amy Hufnagel at (518) 828-1872 x105.
–E.E.
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‘Neil Simon: From Brighton Beach to Broadway’ on July 23
Pittsfield — On Thursday, July 23 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will present Diane G. Steinbrink for a talk/performance entitled “Neil Simon: From Brighton Beach to Broadway.” The program will feature monologues from some of Simon’s funniest and most beloved characters from the plays ‘Broadway Bound,’ ‘Lost in Yonkers,’ ‘Forty-five Seconds from Broadway’ and ‘The Dinner Party.’ The program at Congregation Knesset Israel is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series.
Diane G. Steinbrink is a graduate of Adelphi University with a B.A. in Speech and Drama. She served as the Coordinator of Philadelphia Plays for Living for 17 years and was the producer/facilitator of the Anne Frank Theater Project for Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Philadelphia.
For more information contact the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires at (413) 442-4360 x10.
–E.E.
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Lee Bank announces new president and CEO
Lee – Lee Bank is proud to announce that the bank’s board of directors approved a management transition plan whereby Chuck Leach will succeed David Bruce as the next president and CEO of the bank. Leach, a Lee resident, has most recently served as senior vice president in charge of wealth management at Berkshire Bank. Prior to that, he served in senior management roles at TD Bank Wealth Management Group in Pittsfield and the Gilder Technology Group in Housatonic.
Before joining Lee Bank, Leach served as senior vice president/managing director of wealth management and chief investment officer at Berkshire Bank Wealth Management, where he was employed from 2007 to 2015. Prior to that, he served as vice president/senior portfolio manager at TD Bank Wealth Management Group from 2002 to 2007, and as vice president of the Gilder Technology Group and the Telecosm Fund from 1999 to 2002. Leach received his M.B.A. from the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, Calif. (1999), and his B.A. from Colby College, Waterville, Maine (1991). He and his wife, Leigh, have two children and reside in Lee.
Though Bruce is stepping down from the day-to-day operations, he will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors of Lee Bank and its mutual holding company, Berkshire Financial Services.
“It has been my great honor to have served as the president and CEO of Lee Bank since 1989, and to have worked with an exceptional team for the entire time. Chuck is an outstanding leader and I am both pleased and confident to transition the reins to him. Please join me in welcoming and supporting Chuck as he leads the bank forward,” said Bruce.
–E.E.
