Q-MoB launches LGBTQ+ outdoor recreation series to connect queer community with the fun, beauty, and history of Berkshire outdoor recreation sites
Pittsfield— On Saturday, February 14th from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Q-MoB launches an LGBTQ+ outdoor recreation series to connect the queer community with the fun, beauty, and history of Berkshire outdoor recreation sites, with a guided winter hike.
The new 12-part series, funded by grants from the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, will include easy outdoor adventures funded by grants from the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, and led by local naturalists and historians from local environmental organizations like Mass Audubon, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Housatonic Valley Association, and more.
The first two events in the series are a guided winter hike on the Historic Mary Flynn Trail along the Housatonic River in Stockbridge led by Local Historian/Naturalist Patrick White on February 14th, and a snowshoeing eco-adventure at Greylock Glen Outdoor Center led by Naturalist Heather Linscott and Adams Town Historian Eugene Michalenko on February 21st. Both events are followed by an optional community supper gathering.
Rural LGBTQ people in the Berkshires are much more likely to live alone, not have children, and be isolated from family, churches, and senior centers, and are at higher risk of isolation. Q-MoB created this series to help LGBTQ people have fun connecting with one another regularly through easy outdoor recreation activities.
“Walking through the snowy forest is one of the most iconic and inspiring ways to enjoy winter in the Berkshires,” says Bart Church, Q-MoB Executive Director and Certified Wilderness First Responder. “But this LGBTQ Recreation Series is about more than beautiful scenery. It is about connecting our LGBTQ+ neighbors with one another while simultaneously connecting them to the deep and living history of the land we live on.”
The series opens on Saturday, February 14th from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration and more information, including a full line-up of events, can be found online.
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Hancock Shaker Village presents ‘The Big Chill’
Pittsfield— On February 14th and 15th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hancock Shaker Village presents “The Big Chill.”
This weekend of winter fun has something for everyone including walking tours, maple tree tapping demonstrations, blacksmithing and woodworking demonstrations, wood carving, ice house talks, farm animals, snowshoeing, hiking, family crafts, activities with the Berkshire Museum, a pancake breakfast with Great Cape Baking Company, and fireside snacks and drinks. In addition, the Village will be recognizing Shaker founder Ann Lee’s birthday with baking demonstrations.
The events are on February 14th and 15th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hancock Shaker Village, located at 1843 West Housatonic Street in Pittsfield. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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City of Pittsfield’s Parks and Recreation Department presents their 3rd Annual Winter Festival at Clapp Park
Pittsfield— On Monday, February 16th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., City of Pittsfield’s Parks and Recreation Department presents the 3rd Annual Winter Festival at Clapp Park.
This year’s festival will include a variety of outdoor activities for children and their families, including a cardboard sled design contest and race, snowshoeing with Mass Audubon, winter basketball foul shooting contest with 18 Degrees’ Youth Development Team, winter-themed carnival games with 18 Degrees’ Family Resource Center, a snow building sculpture contest, Touch-A-Truck, and face painting by RSI Signs.
The festival is on Monday, February 16th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Clapp Park, located at 233 W Housatonic Street in Pittsfield. Admission and all activities are free. A small campfire will be available to stay warm. Gateway Fiber will be giving away free winter gloves to the first 150 attendees, and Berkshire Kettle Creations & Lemonade will be providing free samples of kettle corn for children. More information can be found online.
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Ninth annual Winter Weekend in Norfolk
Norfolk, Conn.— On February 21st and 22nd, experience winter at its finest during the ninth annual Winter Weekend in Norfolk.
Every winter, Norfolk transforms into a lively hub of creativity, community, and cold-weather charm. Enjoy everything from concerts to hands-on workshops and family-friendly events—all wrapped in the winter beauty of New England.
Highlights include a winter photography workshop with photographer Doug McDevitt, the Norfolk Conservation Committee’s native wildflower seed giveaway, a live demonstration of the ancient art of chair rushing—a practice dating back to the 4th century BCE, live curling matches at the Norfolk Curling Club, and a mushroom workshop, among many other offerings.
On Sunday, the Hub transforms into a downtown haven for kids, offering children’s films, hot chocolate, and popcorn—all the ingredients for a perfect family outing on a chilly day. There’s a blizzard of fun things for kids and their parents to do. Live music will be provided. The Icebox Café and Berkshire Country Store will offer specials, and two pop-up bakeries are joining the fun with irresistible treats.
The festivities are on February 21st and 22nd in downtown Norwalk, Conn. Most events are free. More information, including a full line-up of events, can be found online.
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Becket Arts Center to host Flannel Fundraiser to support year-round programming
Becket— On Friday, February 20th at 7 p.m., the Becket Arts Center will host a Flannel Fundraiser to support year-round programming.
There will be food, fun, and lots of flannel-wearing. There will be live music by Rounders Revival, Grahm Sturz, Dave Brown, Matt Shomphe, and more, contributing to the evening’s community vibe.
The fundraiser is on Friday, February 20th at 7 p.m. at the Becket Arts Center, located at 7 Brooker Hill Road in Becket. Flannel is required. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Becket Food Pantry. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire Environmental Action Team presents a Winter Tree Identification Walk as part of the City of Pittsfield’s 10×10 Festival
Pittsfield— On Saturday, February 14th at 10 a.m., the Berkshire Environmental Action Team presents a Winter Tree Identification Walk as part of the City of Pittsfield’s 10×10 Festival.
Do you know how to tell trees apart during winter? While identifying trees without leaves may seem daunting, winter is actually an excellent time to learn. Without foliage, flowers, or fruit, participants will discover how to recognize trees and shrubs year-round by closely examining often-overlooked features such as buds, twigs, bark, and overall tree structure. Guided by BEAT naturalist and tree enthusiast, Chelsey Simmons, this walk will focus on common trees found in the New England landscape.
The free walk is on Saturday, February 14th at 10 a.m. at Springside Park and Hebert Arboretum, located at 874 North Street in Pittsfield. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers. No prior experience or knowledge is required. All are welcome. To register, email chelsey@thebeatnews.org.
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City of Pittsfield announces the opening of the ice rink at Wahconah Park
Pittsfield— The ice rink at Wahconah Park, located at 105 Wahconah Street in Pittsfield, is now open to the public. The new outdoor, lighted ice rink offers a fun and welcoming space for skating, recreation, and community gatherings.
Skaters of all ages can bring their own skates and skate from dawn to dusk each day. The rink may be closed from time to times for maintenance of the ice. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, the city has established rules when using the ice rink, which can be viewed online.
