Race Brook Lodge presents the award-winning solo play ‘If It Bleeds It Leads’ written and performed by Sean Allison
Sheffield— On Saturday, March 22nd from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Race Brook Lodge presents a one-night-only performance of the award-winning solo play “If It Bleeds It Leads,” written and performed by Sean Allison.
With nothing but his presence, a microphone, and a story that needs to be told, Allison takes us deep into his time as a young crime videographer in 1990s New York, chasing police calls, racing to crime scenes, and capturing violence for the morning news. What he saw, and what he learned, stayed with him for decades. Now, for the first time, told with unflinching honesty and surprising humor, he’s telling the full story.
Winner of “Best Storyteller” at the United Solo Festival, this gripping, darkly humorous, and deeply affecting piece brings the art of live storytelling to its most electrifying edge. If you love those rare moments when a single voice holds a room captive, you won’t want to miss this.
The performance is on Saturday, March 22nd from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Down County Social Club at Race Brook Lodge, located at 864 South Undermountain Road in Sheffield. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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David M. Hunt Library presents ‘Playing for Freedom: The Journey of Afghan’ with musician Zarifa Adiba
Falls Village, Conn.— On Saturday, March 22nd at 1 p.m., the David M. Hunt Library, in partnership with Music Mountain, will host Zarifa Adiba, a violist from Kabul, Afghanistan and author of the memoir “Playing for Freedom.”
Adiba is one of the first two female conductors in Afghanistan and has conducted the Zohra Orchestra, Afghanistan’s first and only all female orchestra. She will speak about her experience of growing up in Afghanistan, finding opportunities to nurture her love of music in a culture that sees it as “sinful,” and her work as an activist for girls and education. She will also share a recording of new music with the audience.
The presentation is on Saturday, March 22nd at 1 p.m. at David M. Hunt Library, located at 63 Main Street in Falls Village, Conn. It is free and open to the public. More information can be found online.
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Wander presents ‘Drag Story Extravaganza,’ a Drag Story Hour Berkshires fundraiser
Pittsfield— On Saturday, March 22nd from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wander presents “Drag Story Extravaganza,” a Drag Story Hour Berkshires fundraiser, celebrating inclusivity, literacy, and the one-year anniversary of Drag Story Hour Berkshires.
The dazzling one-night-only event is sure to be a glamorous and unforgettable evening for supporters of all things inclusive, fabulous, and literary. The event will feature cheeky storytelling, adult crafts, prizes, raffles, and stunning performances by your favorite drag storytellers.
The 18+ event is on Saturday, March 22nd from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Wander, located at 34 Depot Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
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Queer Men of the Berkshires presents a series of family-friendly Pride recreation events
Pittsfield— Beginning Saturday, March 22nd through June, Queer Men of the Berkshires (Q-Mob), in partnership with Mass Audubon and Berkshire Natural Resources Council, presents an expanded series of eight family-friendly Pride recreation events designed to bring the Berkshire LGBTQ+ community together to enjoy outdoor recreation while also introducing them to ongoing conservation and climate resiliency efforts.
“In addition to joining together to enjoy outdoor recreation, overcome bigotry by building community, and provide opportunities for conversations about climate change and their impacts on the built and natural environment. These events are also an opportunity to take advantage of nature’s built-in health benefits, said Bart Church, Q-MoB Executive Director. “Spending time outdoors has been proven to lower stress levels and improve physical health and emotional well-being, which can be especially useful during times of stress and uncertainty.” He continued, “It’s a great reminder for all of us to stand up for justice, equality, and our precious ecosystems, regardless of the chaos going on in the world.”
The first event of the series on Saturday March 22nd from 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. is an eco-hike at Bartholomew’s Cobble Preserve, located at 105 Weatogue Road in Sheffield. Registration and more information can be found online. More information, including a full schedule of events, can be found online.
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Mill Town Foundation and Pittsfield Public Schools launch Inaugural Core Impact Awards to honor Pittsfield Teachers
Pittsfield— Mill Town Foundation, in partnership with Pittsfield Public Schools, announces the inaugural Core Impact Awards, a new initiative recognizing outstanding educators and school staff members who have made a significant impact on student learning, innovation in education, and community engagement.
The Core Impact Awards will honor one exceptional full-time teacher or staff member from each of the 14 schools in the Pittsfield Public School District. These awards celebrate the dedication and excellence of educators who go above and beyond to inspire their students and contribute meaningfully to their school communities. “Our educators are at the heart of Pittsfield’s future,” said Andy Wrba, Program Director at Mill Town Foundation. “Through the Core Impact Awards, we want to shine a light on the remarkable individuals who are shaping the next generation and strengthening our community.”
The nomination period is open now through March 21st. Community members, students, parents, and colleagues are invited to nominate a deserving educator by submitting a nomination form that highlights their impact on student learning, innovative teaching methods, and contributions to the school and community. The Core Impact Award recipients will be announced in April and honored at a special award ceremony in late May. More information on the Core Impact Awards, including how to submit a nomination, can be found online.
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Nominate a Massachusetts Woman Veteran for the 2025 Deborah Sampson Award
Massachusetts— The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services’ Women Veterans Network is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Deborah Sampson Award, which recognizes a Massachusetts woman veteran who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and advocacy for fellow women veterans.
The Deborah Sampson Award is named after the Revolutionary War hero Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to serve in the Continental Army. Her legacy lives on through the countless women veterans who continue to lead and serve their communities today.
“Women veterans bring unmatched resilience and dedication to everything they do, both in and out of uniform,” said Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett. “This award ensures that we uplift and celebrate those who are making a lasting impact on the veteran community.”
The Women Veterans Network is Massachusetts’ only state-run program dedicated to serving women veterans by connecting them to resources, fostering peer support, and raising awareness of their unique experiences and contributions. Through this award, WVN continues its mission to elevate the voices of women veterans and recognize their impact statewide.
The deadline to submit nominations is April 25th. The award will be presented at the annual Women Veterans Appreciation Day Ceremony in June. More information, including how to submit a nomination, can be found online.
