Weekend Outlook: Will You Be My Neighbor?
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North County residents can get to know their neighbors at the annual Neighborhood Expo on Saturday at St. Anthony's Parish Center from 9:30 to 2:30. The event is organized by Northern Berkshire Community Coalition.
This is the 11th year the expo will bring together a wide swath of the community to discuss aspects of the region, enjoy a lunch and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the area.
With the theme "Keeping the Berkshires Beautiful," the workshop sessions will focus on the county's environment — from enjoying it to protecting it. The discussions are open to all and will be held beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Lunch will feature fare from local restaurants, along with a slideshow by local photographers Ian Grey and Kelly Lee.
City Councilor and local businesswoman Gailanne Cariddi will be honored for her volunteer work with and advocacy of local environmental efforts, such as the proposed bike path, the Take Charge campaign, recycling and the environmentally conscious North Adams Public Library expansion.
Mayor John Barrett III will also present a SAY It Proud Award to James Rancourt.
Rounding off the afternoon will be dancing by the Northern Berkshire Neighbors Dance Program and music by Eric Buddington with Tony Pisano; Jamie Choquette with Nick Raby; and Berkshire Idol adult winner Kristina Clark.
There will also be art displays and activities. So stop by the parish center and set awhile with your neighbors. And help them out with a can or cash donation for the Berkshire Food Porject and Berkshire Community Action North.
Friday Night Lights
Pittsfield's lights its Christmas tree tonight at 6 at Park Square. There will be
performances by the Taconic High School chorus, a visit from Santa Claus and free hot chocolate for all. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to local pantries. Across the street, the Berkshire Museum Shop will be open until 7 and serving free hot cider and doughnuts. Afterward, nationally recognized drummer Greg Caputo and his swinging band return to the Colonial to ring in the holiday season with a world-class big band performance ($30/$20) of classic Christmas swing music. And down the street, don't miss Barrington Stage's wonderful new holiday production ($25/$30) of "This Wonderful Life." The holiday spirit abounds in downtown Pittsfield!
Music for All Seasons
Here's a few of the free musical performances happening this weekend; for more listings and priced concerts, click here.
Choirs from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will present a Choral Christmas Concert on Saturday at 3 at First Congregational Church, 134 Main St.
Violinist Joanna Kurkowicz and pianist Doris Stevenson will perform all three of Brahms' violin sonatas on Friday at 8 in Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall on the Williams College campus.
The annual Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols at Williams College will be held at 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday in Thompson Memorial Chapel. As always, the identical services will feature choral music by the college's concert and chamber choirs, congregational singing of familiar carols, and the traditional reading of the biblical Christmas story.
There is no admission charge for either service, but all are encouraged to bring an item of non-perishable canned or packaged food for local emergency food pantries.
Leader on LeadersPittsfield's police chief, Michael Wynn, talks about his book "Rising Through Ranks" at Chapters Bookstore on North Street in Pittsfield on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Wynn also will sign copies of the book that explores leadership and courage through the stories of real officers and agencies.
Fire Away
The newest exhibition at MCLA's Gallery 51 opened Thursday night. If you were too busy that night at North Adams tree lighting, stop in this weekend to see "Fired Up."
The display of contemporary ceramics is curated by Diane Sullivan and is free and open to the public.
Purr-fect Holiday Treat
It's Holiday Open House time at the Berkshire Humane Society.
The animal shelter on Barker Road in Pittsfield welcomes the community on Sunday from 1 to 3 for free refreshments, baked goods, door prizes and raffles. The open house is an opportunity for the staff to thank those who have supported the shelter and given forever homes to its inhabitants.
Need a new best friend? He or she may be waiting at the Humane Society.
