Little Apple Cidery presents a traditional evening of ancient Anglo-Saxon wassailing
Hillsdale, N.Y.— On Saturday, January 17th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Little Apple Cidery presents a traditional evening of ancient Anglo-Saxon wassailing.
Wassailing involves waking the tree spirits, blessing the orchard, and shoo-ing off pesky evil demons to ensure a bountiful crop in the year to come. The evening will be complete with a special wassail Punch, traditional singing with Shinbone Alley, a roaring bonfire, and a procession through the orchard. Dress warmly, bring a flashlight or headlamp, and your noisemakers: bells, clackers, kazoos, pots and spoons, and drums for shoo-ing.
The event is on Saturday, January 17th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Little Apple Cidery, located at 178 Orchard Lane in Hillsdale. More information can be found online.
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Crandell Theatre presents a pajama night with Stephen Lang to celebrate the opening of ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’
Chatham, N.Y.— On Friday, January 16th at 6:30 p.m., Crandell Theatre presents a pajama night with Stephen Lang to celebrate the opening of “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
James Cameron’s third chapter in the “Avatar” saga pushes the boundaries of cinematic and technical spectacle in unimaginable ways. The return to Pandora comes after the tragic loss of Jake and Neytiri’s son Neteyam. As the Sully family grieves one of their own, a new threat emerges in the form of the Fire tribe, an antagonistic group of Na’vi volcano-dwellers led by the revengeful Varang (Oona Chaplin in her franchise debut.)
Following the opening night screening, there will be a live Q&A with Stephen Lang, who plays Colonel Miles Quaritch, now Recombinant Miles Quaritch, in the films. The last time Lang attended an Avatar screening at The Crandell, he wore his pajamas, and he encourages all attendees to join him in doing so again.
The event is on Friday, January 16th at 6:30 p.m. at the Crandell Theatre, located at 48 Main Street in Chatham, N.Y. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” runs from January 16th through the 22nd. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Clark Art Institute’s ‘In Focus’ series of free thematic tours continues with Mythology and Nudity in European Art
Williamstown— On Sunday, January 25th at 2 p.m., the Clark Art Institute’s “In Focus” series of free thematic tours continues with Mythology and Nudity in European Art.
The vibrant stories of ancient Greek and Roman mythology have inspired artists for centuries. In this session, examine mythological scenes in painting and sculptures from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. Learn how mythology became one of the four approved subjects for artists studying at the French Academy of Fine Arts in Paris, and how mythological scenes provided artists with an opportunity to show off their skills at portraying human bodies in the nude.
The event is on Sunday, January 25th at 2 p.m. at the Clark Art Institute, located at 225 South Street in Williamstown. On February 22nd, the series continues with the theme of “Stormy Weather.” More information can be found online.
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Bennington Theater presents a vintage Hollywood movie series, a cozy winter tradition
Bennington, Vt.— On Fridays at 6 p.m. from January 9th through the 30th, Bennington Theater presents a vintage Hollywood movie series, a cozy winter tradition.
Each week, Bennington Theater will transform into a warm, nostalgic escape, complete with big-screen magic, a new Broadway-quality sound system, and a full bar and concessions to keep the January chill away. It’s perfect for film lovers, nostalgia seekers, and anyone ready to come out of winter hibernation for a feel-good night at the movies.
The schedule is as follows:
- January 9th — “His Girl Friday”
- January 16th — “Charade”
- January 23rd — “Meet John Doe”
- January 30th — “The Little Shop of Horrors”
The series runs on Fridays at 6 p.m. from January 9th through the 30th at Bennington Theater, located at 331 Main Street in Bennington, Vt. Tickets, as well as a series-pass, can be found online.
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Otis Historical Commission and Otis Preservation Trust present ‘Reflections on Goose Pond: Stories of a Berkshires Mountain Lake,’ a virtual book talk with local author David Cohen
Otis— On Thursday, January 22nd at 7 p.m., Otis Historical Commission and Otis Preservation Trust present “Reflections on Goose Pond: Stories of a Berkshires Mountain Lake,” a virtual book talk with local author David E. Cohen.
Cohen describes geography and topography, area industry and cultural life, and wildlife as he takes the reader on a journey through Goose Pond’s history. He shares the remote geological forces that produced Goose Pond, the Lee paper-making industry, Goose Pond’s contribution to hydroelectric power, the building of the pond’s dam, and the stories behind the founding families of the pond’s original cabins. Through his colorful writing, Cohen reveals stories that will likely surprise even longtime Goose Pond residents, like that of an abandoned ski slope, a mysterious U.S. Navy operation, a sunken car, a legend of an Indian grave, the origins of an island pedestal, and a stone throne.
The free virtual talk is on Thursday, January 22nd at 7 p.m. on Zoom. A Q&A will follow. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Berkshire Community College presents ‘AI: Benefits, Challenges, and Possibilities, Navigating the AI Frontier,’ a community conversation with local experts on the future of artificial intelligence
Pittsfield— On Wednesday, January 21st from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Berkshire Community College (BCC) presents ‘AI: Benefits, Challenges, and Possibilities, Navigating the AI Frontier,’ a community conversation with local experts on the future of artificial intelligence.
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape how we live, work, and learn, many are left wondering what these changes actually mean for their daily lives. To address these questions, Berkshire Community College will host two distinct voices in the field of AI: Adam Graney, Founder of Gold Flamingo AI Solutions; and Hari Kumar, Founder of Convivo, for an open, informative discussion designed for the “curious and the cautious” alike.
Moderated by Linda Clairmont, BCC’s Executive Director of Workforce and Community Education, the evening will feature a thoughtful exchange of perspectives aimed at demystifying AI technology. Attendees will explore practical examples of AI in action, debunk common misconceptions, and discuss the ethical considerations of a world where AI is increasingly present. “Whether you’re looking to save time in your professional workflow or you’re simply trying to understand the headlines, this event offers a chance to learn and connect with others navigating these same uncertainties,” says Clairmont.
The event is on Wednesday, January 21st from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Room K111 at Berkshire Community College. It is free and open to the public. More information can be found online.
