In Memory of Chinua Achebe, Bard College to host celebration of contemporary African writing
Annandale-On-Hudson— On Friday, September 22nd at 2 p.m., Bard College is hosting “After Chinua Achebe: African Writing and the Future”, an event honoring the memory of the late Chinua Achebe (1930-2013), former Charles P. Stevenson Jr. Professor of Languages and Literature.
Chinua Achebe was a groundbreaking Nigerian writer best known for his first and most influential novel, “Things Fall Apart”. He wrote numerous other books, including works of fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and children’s books. Professor Achebe received more than 30 honorary degrees, as well as many awards for his work. From 1990 to 2009 he was the Charles P. Stevenson Jr. Professor of Languages and Literature at Bard College.
The event will begin with a dance performance by Souleymane Badolo celebrating the life of Achebe, followed by an opening address by President Leon Botstein. There will be two panel discussions, “Writing Beyond Africa: The African imagination in the diaspora” and “Activism and the Word: Writing, speech and song in African political culture.” Panelists include novelists Nuruddin Farah, Teju Cole, Dinaw Mengestu and Fatin Abbas, and musician/activist DJ Switch. A symposium in the afternoon in the Weis Cinema at the Bertelsmann Campus Center will examine the current flowering of writing by African authors, in Africa, and in the diaspora. The symposium will be followed by the dedication of a room in the Stevenson Library at Bard in memory of Achebe.
The celebration is on Friday, September 22nd at 2 p.m. at the Weis Cinema at the Campus Center at Bard College on Campus Road in Annandale-On-Hudson. The event is free and open to the public. More information can be found online.
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Local ‘March To End Fossil Fuels’
Williamstown— On Wednesday, September 20th at 5 p.m., a coalition of local faith, environmental, and community groups will host a “March To End Fossil Fuels” in Williamstown.
Participants will gather in front of First Congregational Church at 906 Main Street to rally and hear brief remarks before marching to Field Park for a standout. Everyone who is concerned about the accelerating climate crisis and continued burning and expansion of fossil fuels is encouraged to attend. Signs are welcome.
The event is being held in solidarity with the “National March To End Fossil Fuels”, taking place in New York City on September 17th in advance of the September 20th United Nations Climate Ambition Summit. Thousands are expected to take to the street at that time to demand President Biden take bold action to stop climate change.
The marchers demands include:
STOP FEDERAL APPROVALS for new fossil fuel projects and REPEAL permits for climate bombs like the willow project and the mountain valley pipeline.
PHASE OUT FOSSIL FUEL DRILLING on our public lands and waters.
DECLARE A CLIMATE EMERGENCY to halt fossil fuel exports and investments abroad, and turbo-charge the build-out of more just, resilient distributed energy (like rooftop and community solar).
PROVIDE A JUST TRANSITION to a renewable energy future that generates millions of jobs while supporting workers’ and community rights, job security, and employment equity.
The march is on Wednesday, September 20th at 5 p.m. from First Congregational Church at 906 Main Street to Field Park on Main Street in Williamstown.
Following the march on Thursday, September 21st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., First Congregational Church Williamstown is hosting the livestream of “Climate Forward” in their community hall. All are welcome.
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‘The Inner Harvest: A Meditation Gathering for the Autumnal Equinox’ with mindfulness-in-nature facilitator Sandrine Harris
Stockbridge— On Saturday, September 23rd from 5 p.m to 6 p.m., Berkshire Botanical Garden (BBG) presents “The Inner Harvest: A Meditation Gathering for the Autumnal Equinox” with mindfulness-in-nature facilitator Sandrine Harris”.
Experience the turn of the season at the autumnal equinox. Learn to reflect upon your “inner harvest” time, in the early moment of fall, with mindfulness facilitator Sandrine Harris. Through a fluid mix of outdoor walking, quiet sitting, and guided moments for reflection, you are offered an opportunity to be with the seasonality and energy of this time of year and of this time in your life.
Sandrine Harris is a trauma-sensitive mindfulness meditation facilitator with a deep interest in sensing our connection within the natural world. She offers a connective and unfolding process within the Berkshires through regular community programs at The Trustees’ properties, Berkshire Natural Resources Council properties, and the Berkshire Botanical Garden. Sandrine is also a somatic (body-centered) practitioner offering private sessions to process trauma and chronic pain, and workshops, and trainings internationally. She is nourished by meditative experiences outdoors and her process is collectively known as Emergent Nature.
The mediation is on Saturday, September 23rd from 5 p.m to 6 p.m. at Berkshire Botanical Garden on West Stockbridge Road in Stockbridge. Tickets are $25 and $20 for members. All adults are welcome and no experience with mindfulness or meditation is needed. Please bring a yoga mat or blanket for outdoor sitting in the grass, and wear clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor walking. In the event of rain, this event will take place inside the main building at BBG. More information can be found online.
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Turn Park Art Space hosts a duo of artist receptions in celebration of the autumnal equinox
West Stockbridge— On Saturday, September 23rd at noon and 2 p.m., Turn Park Art Space hosts a duo of artist receptions in celebration of the autumnal equinox.
From noon to 2 p.m., there will be a reception with Erika Zekos, the artist of “It’s Time”, a permanent outdoor sculpture of steel wood and paint designed to interact with sunlight. The collaboration between the sun and sculpture is fully embodied at noon during the equinox. Light refreshments and drinks will be served
‘It’s Time’ is a site-specific outdoor artwork by Erika Zekos installed at TurnPark. It is a solar clock – a flat, vertical surface with a series of horizontal projections that act as gnomons. Text becomes legible as the sun moves throughout the day and seasons and the cast shadows move over the face of the work. The orientation of the piece and length of the gnomons are calculated based on the geographic location so that the shadows align vertically with marks painted on the surface to spell “IF NOT NOW WHEN” at solar apex each day, with the shadow lengths aligning on the autumnal equinox (September 23rd).
From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Garage Gallery at Turn Park Art Space celebrates the opening on “Still-full-ness”, Gerald Wolfe’s mixed media exhibit curated by Grigori Fateyev and Jared Gelomino, which will be on display through October. Light refreshments and drinks will be served
Still-full-ness is a selection of recent works by the artist Gerald Wolfe, which brings together wood/concrete free standing sculptures, plaster wall sculptures, and mixed media paintings. The key to Wolfe’s work is an idea of a “still-life,” not as a genre of painting but as subject matter, specifically the investigation of stillness itself.
“In my work, I create simply shaped objects that might vaguely represent a particular thing or be considered purely abstract. I feel that my objects have a certain energy and strength, seemingly possessing a somewhat unknown history. I want all my works to have a mystery and presence about them, that they are more than what you see. I feel that the object is complete when there is a simplicity and balance realized through shadows, lines, and space it establishes.”
Gerald Wolfe
The receptions are on Saturday, September 23rd at noon and 2 p.m., at Turn Park Art Space on Moscow Road in West Stockbridge. More information can be found online.
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The Guild of Berkshire Artists Gallery presents ‘Two Artists/Two Visions: Petaled Vessels and Painted Papers’ by Ingrid Raab and Nancy Harrod
West Stockbridge— From September 21st through October 1st, the Guild of Berkshire Artists Gallery presents “Two Artists/Two Visions: Petaled Vessels and Painted Papers” by Ingrid Raab and Nancy Harrod.
In the spirit of promoting the work of Berkshire artists, the Guild is presenting the contemporary work of ceramicist, Ingrid Raab and collage artist, Nancy Harrod. Their work complements each other in fluid shapes and imaginative palettes. Both seek to explore contemporary themes yet also to simply be a balm to both the artists and the viewers.
Raab’s ceramic vessels evolved from working with historical classic forms to incorporate petals, which are essential to the botany of flowers and have fascinated artists throughout the ages, in creative ways. In this series she interchanges contemporary textures, shapes, and materials with traditional elements in order to connect feelings and thoughts in new ways.
Harrod’s collage work starts with making papers on new and found surfaces through painting, drawing and printmaking. The work is tactile and expressive, and she finds herself focusing on the mood of the days as well as the state of the world. Lately, it has been about order versus disorder; alignment vs. misalignment; and when to respect the boundaries and when to break them.
The exhibit runs from September 21st through October 1st at Art on Main on Main Street in West Stockbridge. It is on view Thursdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is an opening reception on September 23rd from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and an artist talk with Nancy Harrod on September 30th at 2 p.m. More information can be found online.
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Tap Root Sessions presents a TapRoot Square Dance with Moonshine Holler and caller Sargent SeeDoo
Sheffield— On Thursday, September 21st at 6:30 p.m., Tap Root Sessions presents a TapRoot Square Dance with Moonshine Holler and caller Sargent SeeDoo.
Moonshine Holler is the old-time duet of Paula Bradley and Pete Killeen. With Pete on fiddle, mandolin, banjo, or guitar and Paula on banjo, guitar, vocals, kazoo, or feet, Moonshine Holler can only be described as “a two person music festival that captures the essence of American southern roots music.” Featuring ballads, blues and breakdowns on more musical instruments than they can juggle, and with some clogging to boot, Moonshine Holler is sometimes rowdy, sometimes reverent, and always a ruckus!
Sargent SeeDoo is a square dance caller and dance instructor from Kentucky. He came into this work honestly and learned the craft from old-timers in Kentucky, West Virginia, North Carolina, and young revivalists from all over the country. He may be naive, but he thinks social dancing will save the world. He calls dances from the south and the Appalachians. That is to say he calls southern sets, four couple squares, two couple scatter squares, country partner line dances, running sets, and big circle sets. As much as possible, the calls will be gender neutral.
The dance is on Thursday, September 21st at Dewy Hall on Main Street in Sheffield. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., there is a lesson at 7 p.m, and the band starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. Bring tips for the band, caller, and organizers. Refreshments, including pizza by the slice, will be available, and the event is wheelchair accessible. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire Botanical Garden hosts “Introduction to Smartphone Photography” with Thaddeus B. Kubis
Stockbridge— On Wednesday, September 20th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Berkshire Botanical Garden hosts “Introduction to Smartphone Photography” with Thaddeus B. Kubis.
Need to understand the true photographic capabilities of your smartphone or tablet? In this session, you will review the basic camera operations of your smartphone/tablet, including exposure, filters, zooming, and specific options like LIVE, Portrait, Video, Slow-Mo, Time-Lapse/Hyper speed, Pano and more. This session will include editing, sharing, and other related camera-based operations. If time allows and weather is supportive, you will walk the garden to apply what was presented.
Apple-certified teacher, Thaddeus B. Kubis has a broad base of photographic related experience, and has worked within various verticals such as, travel and leisure, manufacturing, banking, financial services, marine, fine art, stock, sailing, editorial and a myriad of others.
The session is on Wednesday, September 20th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Berkshire Botanical Garden on West Stockbridge Road in Stockbridge. The cost is $40 and $25 for members. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Bard Conservatory Orchestra will perform live symphony of the music of The Wizard of Oz
Annandale-On-Hudson— On Saturday, September 23rd at 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 24th at 2 p.m., the Bard Conservatory Orchestra presents a live symphony performance of the music from one of the most enduring films in cinema history with “A Symphonic Night at The Movies: The Wizard of Oz”.
Conducted by James Bagwell, the orchestra’s rendition will accompany a recently remastered screening of the film, performing the film’s original songs by composer Harold Arlen and Academy Award-winning score by Herbert Stothart, accompanied by Judy Garland’s original 1939 studio recordings.
The event will take place in two viewings on Saturday, September 23rd at 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 24th at 2 p.m. in the Fisher Center’s Sosnoff Theater at Bard College on Manor Avenue in Annandale-On-Hudson. Tickets start at $25 and sales benefit the Bard Conservatory Scholarship Fund. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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West Stockbridge Historical Society hosts their annual ‘Housatonic Heritage Walk’
West Stockbridge— On Saturday, September 23rd at 10 a.m., West Stockbridge Historical Society hosts their annual “Housatonic Heritage Walk”.
Explore the back streets of West Stockbridge’s Village Center with Bob Salerno from the West Stockbridge Historical Society. The walk will view the lesser traveled areas, an eye to the mid-1800s when the village center was being developed and home to many of the prominent movers and shakers who created the town we see today.
The walk is on Saturday, September 23rd at 10 a.m. at the Old Town Hall on Main Street in West Stockbridge. It will be approximately one hour and will cover about a half mile. A reception will follow. To register, email info@weststockbridgehistory.org.
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Zion Lutheran Church hosting German Dinner
Pittsfield— On Friday, September 22nd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church will host a German community dinner.
The menu features beef rouladen with egg noodles and red cabbage with chocolate cherry cake for dessert. Take out is available. Beer and wine available for dine-in patrons
The dinner is on Friday, September 22nd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Zion Lutheran Church on First Street in Pittsfield. Tickets are $20 per person and $10 for kids 12 and under. Buy tickets online or at the door. Reservations are encouraged. For more information, call 413-442-3525.
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Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative announces Fall Flu Clinics
Great Barrington— Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative will be holding Flu Clinics for anyone six months or older in Great Barrington.
The regular and senior dose (65+) along with a limited supply of egg-free flu vaccine will be offered. The Flu vaccines are being offered at no out-of-pocket cost, insurance information will be collected, if applicable. Please bring your insurance card to the clinic so a verification of your information can be completed.You do not need to be a resident to attend. Pre-registration is required.
The clinics are scheduled as follows:
September 29th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Great Barrington Town Hall on Main Street
October 5th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Claire Teague Senior Center on Main Street
October 11th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at W.E.B. DuBois Middle School on Monument Valley Road
Pre-register online. If you have questions or need help to register, contact Jill Sweet at 413-717-7209.
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Great Barrington to host ‘Pesticides and Children’s Health’ webinar
Great Barrington— On Thursday, September 21st from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Great Barrington Agricultural Commission and Great Barrington Board of Health are co-hosting the virtual webinar “Pesticides and Children’s Health: How Can We Protect Our Community?” on Zoom.
Dr. Sarah Evans, PhD, MPH Assistant Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, will present the latest science on how pesticides impact health, children’s unique vulnerability, and steps we can take to reduce our pesticide exposures.
The webinar is on Thursday, September 21st from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A.The public is invited and the Zoom link can be found online.
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GB Senior Center closure for paving work
Great Barrington— From Monday, September 18th through Friday, September 22nd, the Claire Teague Senior Center will be closed to the public while the entire parking lot gets excavated, milled, and repaved. This schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
There will be no access to the building during this time for programs or for congregate meals during the day, including for after-hours groups.
Anyone with questions or concerns may contact Joan Peters, 413-528-1881 ext. 7002.
