Green Drinks meeting to discuss invasive vines
Pittsfield — The Berkshire Environmental Action Team will present Jess Toro of Native Habitat Restorations at the Pittsfield Green Drinks meeting Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m. at J. Allen’s Clubhouse Grille. Toro will present on and lead a discussion about common invasive vines in the Berkshires, vine identification and invasive plants in general.
Toro works with her company to identify and remove invasive species from wetlands, woodlands, meadows, river areas and rare habitats in order to return the settings to a more balanced ecological state. She has spoken around the country about restoring land through native plantings and responsible ways to remediate invasive species.
The meeting will begin at 5:15 p.m. For more information, contact Elizabeth Orenstein at (413) 717-1255 or elizabeth@thebeatnews.org.
–E.E
Berkshire Bach Society to offer ‘Messiah’ sing-in
Great Barrington — The Berkshire Bach Society will present its annual sing-in of Handel’s “Messiah” Saturday, Nov. 24, at 4 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 251 Main St., with Frank Nemhauser conducting the Berkshire Bach Players.
The Berkshire Bach Players are a seasoned instrumental ensemble of professional musicians that includes Lucy Bardo on cello and Allan Dean on trumpet along with Miriam Shapiro and Cindy Olgunick on violin, Eric Martin on viola, and Anne Voglewede Green on piano.
The event is free but donations are appreciated. Participants may bring their own scores, or borrow or buy one (G. Schirmer version) from the Berkshire Bach Society for $15. For those who wish to practice in advance, online videos of the parts are available. For more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or contact the Berkshire Bach Society at (413) 528-9555 or info@berkshirebach.org.
–E.E.
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Simon Winchester to discuss new book ‘The Perfectionists’
Sandisfield — The Sandisfield Arts Center will host a book talk by New York Times bestselling author Simon Winchester on his latest book “The Perfectionists: The Story of Precision” Saturday, Nov. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. Books will be available for purchase after the talk and Winchester will be available to autograph copies.
“The Perfectionists” traces the development of technology from the Industrial Age to the Digital Age to explore the single component crucial to advancement—precision—in a history that is both an homage and a warning for our future.
Winchester is the author of many books, including “The Professor and the Madman,” “The Men Who United the States,” “The Map That Changed the World,” “The Man Who Loved China,” “A Crack in the Edge of the World” and “Krakatoa,” all of which were New York Times bestsellers and appeared on numerous best and notable lists. In 2006, Winchester was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. He resides in western Massachusetts.
Tickets are $25. For tickets and more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or contact the Sandisfield Arts Center at (413) 258-4100 or info@sandisfieldartscenter.org.
–E.E.
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Red Cross announces blood donation opportunities
Dedham — The American Red Cross urges people to share their good health this holiday season by donating blood or platelets for patients in need. A decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. The Red Cross is thanking those who carve out time to give Wednesday, Nov. 21, through Saturday, Nov. 24, with long-sleeved T-shirts while supplies last. Prospective donors may make appointments to give blood or platelets by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1 (800) RED CROSS.
Upcoming blood drive locations include the First Congregational Church of Lee Wednesday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; St. Joseph’s Church in Pittsfield Friday, Nov. 23, from 1 to 6 p.m.; First Congregational Church of Williamstown Monday, Nov. 26, from 1 to 6 p.m.; Dalton American Legion Thursday, Nov. 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton Friday, Nov. 30, from 2 to 7 p.m.
–E.E.
