Cannabis by Canna Provisions wins prestigious ‘Leafly Budtenders’ Choice’ ‘Strain of the Year’ and ‘Flower Brand of the Year’ awards
Lee— Canna Provisions is proud to announce that its exclusive cannabis line, Smash Hits Cannabis, has achieved dual honors in the recently announced 2024 Leafly Budtenders’ Choice Awards for Massachusetts.
Chem D, an iconic strain cultivated by Smash Hits, was named by Massachusetts budtenders to be Strain of the Year, while Smash Hits itself was crowned Cannabis Flower Brand of the Year. These prestigious awards, determined by the votes of Massachusetts’ budtenders, reflect the exceptional quality of Smash Hits Cannabis and the cultivation team’s unparalleled expertise, led by the legendary Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski.
Chem D has long been celebrated as a cornerstone of cannabis genetics, influencing the industry profoundly since its creation. Under Krzanowski’s guidance, the strain continues to set the gold standard for excellence. “Being recognized for both Strain of the Year and Cannabis Flower Brand of the Year is a remarkable achievement,” said Krzanowski, Director of Cultivation at Canna Provisions. “It’s a testament to the passion and expertise of our entire team, and I’m honored that Chem D has earned the trust and appreciation of the budtender community.”
Krzanowski famously developed the Chemdog line of cannabis genetics and strains from seeds acquired from new friends met on the 1991 Grateful Dead tour (they acquired the origin flower from a mysterious source in the Colorado Mountains, who no one has ever heard from again.) Thanks to a slew of successful crosses, Chemdog the strain (and the man) secured a permanent place in the Leafly 100 Best Strains of All Time list, and is a favorite of consumers and breeders alike. As Director of Cultivation for Canna Provisions, Chemdog has overseen the entire Smash Hits cannabis line from seeds to harvest and quality control of the final product headed for consumers hands.
Canna Provisions, home to Smash Hits cannabis, is an award-winning employee-owned, woman-led, next generation cannabis dispensary and cultivator focusing on a unique and thoughtful customer experience.To learn more, visit Canna Provisions stores in Western Massachusetts in Lee and Holyoke, or visit CannaProvisions.com
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MountainOne participates in Williamstown Elementary’s ‘Words Are Wonderful’
Berkshire— Volunteers from MountainOne attended Williamstown Elementary School’s “Words Are Wonderful” celebration, a week-long effort dedicated to fostering a love for reading, writing, and creative expression.
MountainOne’s team presented their storybook “How to Climb a Mountain” with a special guest appearance from Mo the MountainOne Spokesgoat. Utilizing the school’s “buddy reading” format, 65 sixth grade students read the storybook to a Pre-K, Kindergarten or 1st grade student. As the reading session concluded, MountainOne volunteer Ethan Coe tied the story’s themes into real-world lessons on financial literacy.
After the reading and discussion, students were invited to meet Mo up close, where they shared high hooves, hugs, and even got their books signed by Mo. Each student also received an activity packet that included fun financial literacy exercises and tips on how, with their parents’ or guardians’ help, they can start saving too!
MountainOne’s storybook “How to Climb a Mountain” is the first in a series of books featuring Mo the Spokesgoat that promote positive life lessons, literacy, and financial education for MountainOne’s youngest customers and community members. A second book is in production and scheduled to be published in spring 2025. To learn more about MountainOne’s storybook series, visit mountainone.com/mo-storybook.
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Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum awarded three Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation grants
Adams— The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum has received three grants from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for a total of $3,589.28, through its Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence, Lee Educational Enrichment Fund, and Williamstown Elementary School Endowment Fund programs.
“This is a great opportunity to make 5th and 6th graders aware that they share the same roots as one of our nation’s finest advocates for women’s rights, Susan B. Anthony. We are grateful to the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for the opportunity to bring our museum directly to students in their classrooms,” museum director James Capuzzi stated.
The program brings the inspiring story of Berkshire County’s own Susan B. Anthony to students of W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School, Berkshire Hills Regional School District, Lee Middle and High School, and Williamstown Elementary School. Muriel Dyas of Herstorically Speaking reenacts Susan B. Anthony while students complete a timeline of her life, learn about pay inequity, and make a special ballot vote. The event concludes with a Votes for Women march around school grounds complete with suffrage sashes, buttons, and student-made protest signs.
“I believe Susan B. Anthony’s story is perfect for this age group because she teaches young people that you can come from a small Berkshire hamlet and make a difference in the world. Perseverance, determination, and intelligence are qualities all children should learn, and Susan is a role model of these qualities,” said Dyas. For more information, call 413-743-7121 or visit http://www.susanbanthonybirthplace.com.
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Springfield Museums President & CEO Kay Simpson honored with prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award
Springfield— The Springfield Museums are thrilled to announce that President & CEO Kay Simpson was selected as the recipient of the New England Museum Association’s (NEMA) 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Each year, NEMA honors an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the museum field over the course of a distinguished career. This Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a professional’s commitment to excellence, leadership in the field, service to others, and support of NEMA. Simpson received the award during the Annual Meeting at the 2024 Annual NEMA Conference on November 8th.
Kay Simpson is an experienced and entrepreneurial President & CEO with a demonstrated history of working in museums and a background in leading high profile curatorial and education projects that garner national attention. Kay provides strategic direction for one of New England’s premier cultural institutions comprised of five historic museum buildings, the outdoor Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden and the childhood home of Theodor Seuss Geisel, (AKA Dr. Seuss). Under her leadership, the Museums opened the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in 2017 which resulted in a dramatic increase in attendance and coverage from regional, national, and international media outlets.
A strong proponent of museums as engines of economic development and urban revitalization, Kay helped establish a cultural district in downtown Springfield and was instrumental in an inclusive public arts initiative that activated a public park that had been closed for decades. She passionately believes that museums are not only vibrant community centers for all, but also attract tourists and entrepreneurs, which in turn help communities foster new business growth for everyone’s benefit.
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Community Access to the Arts announces new staff, faculty artists, and board members
Great Barrington— Community Access to the Arts (CATA) announces the hiring of Chaya Schneider as its new Development Coordinator as well as new full time Resident Faculty Artists Adam Gudeon (Visual Arts), Caroline Calkins (Theater), and Katie Herbst (Music). CATA also announces the promotion of Courtney Maxwell to Program Coordinator and welcomes Gary Schiff as a new board member.
Chaya Schneider joins CATA with a diverse background in corporate IT, along with extensive volunteer experience with several non-profit organizations. She is excited to officially transition her career to the nonprofit sector and is passionate about CATA’s mission to promote accessibility to the arts. Chaya holds a master’s degree in music from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree in music from Barnard College.
Courtney Maxwell has been promoted to Program Coordinator. She joined CATA in 2022 as Program Associate. Previously, Courtney worked at MASS MoCA as a gallery art teacher and at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital as an occupational therapist. She has a graduate degree in art education from Lesley University and a graduate degree in occupational therapy from Kean University. In her role at CATA, Courtney supports CATA’s Program Director team, with a focus on programs taking place in CATA’s studios in Great Barrington and helps coordinate CATA’s adaptive tools, resources, and art-making approaches.
Adam Gudeon is a children’s book writer and illustrator, and arts educator, joining CATA in a new, full-time role as Resident Faculty Artist teaching comics, illustration, graphic art, painting, and more. His picture books and early readers have been published by HarperCollins, Holiday House Books for Young Readers, and Boys Mills Kane. Adam also creates limited edition and one of a kind books and zines. Previously, Adam served as Special Education Teacher at Berkshire Meadows School (Justice Resource Institute.) He has a fine art degree from Pratt School of Art and Design.
Caroline Calkins is an actor, theater-maker, and teaching artist, joining CATA in a new, full-time role as Resident Faculty Artist in Theater, teaching improv, acting, Shakespeare, and more. She has worked with hundreds of students in theater workshops and residencies across Berkshire and Columbia Counties, mainly through her work with the Education Program at Shakespeare & Company. She has performed on local stages for many years. Caroline has a BA from Brown University and an MA in Theater Education from Emerson College, and trained at the National Theater Institute.
Katie Herbst is a Berkshire-based performing artist with deep connections to our local community through her work as a farmer and musician, now joining CATA in a new, full-time role as Resident Faculty Artist in Music, teaching singing, songwriting, and more. Katie comes to CATA from Stanton Home, a residential and day program for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, where she worked as the Farm & Garden Program Coordinator. Katie also performs with the local folk/Americana band Rounders Revival. Katie received a degree in social work from the University of Vermont.
Gary Schiff is a native of Adams with a family history in the Berkshires dating back to 1896. A past member of the CATA Finance Committee, Gary now joins the CATA Board of Directors. From 2015-2024 Gary served as the managing director of October Mountain Financial Advisors, a newly formed division of Springfield-based St. Germain Investment Management and joint venture with Lee Bank. Previously, he had a 21-year career with TD Private Client Wealth LLC and TD Bank USA’s predecessor banks in New England, beginning in 1995 with Bank of Boston. Prior to TD he held various management positions with MASS MoCA, Heritage Development Group, and the SWA Group in Boston. An active member of the community since the 1980s, Gary is a member of the Berkshire Funders’ Roundtable, a corporator of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Foundation, a member of the Berkshire County Estate Planning Council, a member of the Harvard University alumni interviewing committee, a director and chair of the Congregation Knesset Israel Investment Committee, and chair of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Investment Committee. He is a past director and president of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, past director of the Berkshire Economic Development Corporation and the Colonial Theatre, and a former member of the Town of Lenox Planning Board, Berkshire County Regional Employment Board, Berkshire Land Use Commission, and Berkshire Community College Business Advisory Committee. Gary is a graduate of Middlebury College and holds a Masters degree from Harvard University.
CATA currently provides more than 2,500 arts workshops annually for 1,250 children, teens, and adults with disabilities in painting, dance, acting, songwriting, drumming, creative writing, juggling, yoga, and more. Learn more at CATAarts.org.
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Bishop West Real Estate, Inc. announces acquisition of All Seasons Realty Group
Berkshire— Bishop West Real Estate, Inc., a trusted name in Berkshire County real estate since 2001, is proud to announce the acquisition of All Seasons Realty Group. This merger brings together two highly respected firms, further solidifying their commitment to exceptional client service and community engagement throughout the region. Current and future clients can expect the same high level of service and dedication that both firms have been known for over the years.
Founded by broker-owners Peter West and Corey Bishop, Bishop West Real Estate has been a cornerstone of the local real estate market for over two decades. With more than 70 years of combined experience in real estate brokerage, West and Bishop have built a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and a personalized approach to real estate.
All Seasons Realty Group, led by broker-owner Craig Kahn, shares a similar philosophy of client-first service and strong community involvement. This alignment in values makes the merger a natural fit, promising a seamless transition for clients and associates alike.
“We are thrilled to welcome Craig Kahn and the talented associates of All Seasons Realty Group to the Bishop West family,” said Peter West. “Both of our companies have deep roots in Berkshire County and a shared vision of providing unparalleled real estate services while giving back to the community we love.” Corey Bishop added, “The synergy between our teams is undeniable. By combining our expertise, resources, and dedication to excellence, we are poised to offer even greater value to our clients.”
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Voting has opened for Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.’s ‘Winter Window-land Decorating Contest’
Pittsfield— Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) has announced that voting for their Winter Window-land Decorating Contest will be open December 16 through December 27th.
First floor level locations in downtown Pittsfield were invited to compete for the title of “Best Decorated Windows for the Holidays” in this free contest sponsored by RSI Signs and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. Those who signed up as participating locations below will be eligible to be voted upon. The prize is a valuable package from RSI Signs.
Online voting will be conducted from December 16 through December 27 via a Google Form at bit.ly/VOTEWinterWindowland. You will be able to vote for your top three favorites to win the title of “Best Decorated Windows for the Holidays.” No write-ins are allowed.
Participating locations include:
- Berkshire Graphics Inc., 239 Wahconah Street
- Berkshire Regional Transit Authority, 1 Columbus Avenue
- Berkshire Theatre Group, 111 South Street
- Deidre’s Special Day, 2 South Street, #100
- Dolc’e Rose Beauty Supply, 305 North Street
- Dory & Ginger, 299 North Street
- FaceFrame Collective, 437 North Street
- Local Appliance, 419 North Street
- Methuselah Bar and Lounge, 391 North Street
- Nene’s Deco LLC, 144 South Street
- Peace Train Tees, 2 South Street, #150
- Pittsfield Health Food Centre, 407 North Street
- Steven Valenti’s Clothing, 157 North Street
- This & That Sports, 128 Fenn Street
- Thistle ‘n Thorn Floral, 393 North Street
- Truffles by Tarah/ Pop Up; North, 48 North Street
- West Side Clock Shop, 449 North Street
- Witch Slapped, LLC, 78 North Street
For those who cannot vote online, there will be a few handwritten ballots at participating locations that must be turned in to the Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. mailbox at 431 North Street by December 27th. You may mail your ballot or drop it in the mailbox. If mailing, please have it postmarked by Friday, December 27th. Only one ballot will be counted per person. For more information, contact Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. at 413-443-6501.
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Bartlett Tree Experts acquires Sheffield’s Race Mountain Tree Services
On December 13, Ron and Victoria Yaple announced the sale of their Sheffield-based family-owned Race Mountain Tree Services to Bartlett Tree Experts, a world leader in tree care services with an office in Egremont. The Race Mountain team will move to Bartlett. Kieran Yaple will move into an Arborist Representative role. Gavin Yaple, along with Cole and Seamus will continue to provide the quality services that characterized the work of Race Mountain. Larissa Yaple and Ron Yaple will be available to the Bartlett team as needed and will be busy developing two businesses, one for arbor consulting and one for shop bay rentals.
“All this comes with a bittersweet taste,” Veronica and Ron wrote to their customers. “[We] have been steeped in the world of tree care for more than 45 years. We’ve raised and weaved a family in, through, and around the world of trees, top to bottom, each now with a dose of sap in their veins (Larissa, Kieran, Audrey, Siobhan, and Gavin). We’re blessed in ways beyond words. Ours is a truly original American story.”
“Here at Bartlett Tree Experts,” says Robert A. Bertlett, Jr., Chairman, “we are excited about this acquisition as it allows us to bring a full range of scientific tree and shrub care services to Race Mountain Tree Services, Inc., customers while continuing to honor our commitment to exceptional customer service, quality, and safety.”
