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Author Edith Wharton would have been 150 years old this year.

The Mount Celebrating Wharton's Sesquicentennial

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LENOX, Mass. — The Mount will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Edith Wharton, the Pulitzer Prize winning author who designed the gracious estate, on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 3:30 to 7.

Throughout 2012, The Mount and other cultural institutions will be celebrating Wharton's birthday by hosting events highlighting her significant influence on contemporary culture, literature, entertainment, and design.

Birthday Celebration, Jan 28
4:00    Birthday toast
4:15   Screening of Wharton's 'The Old Maid' (95 mins)
6:00   Cake and refreshments
6:15   Reading from Wharton's memoir, 'A Backward Glance'
Events are free and open to the public but seating is limited. RSVP at 413-551-5100 or rsvp@edithwharton.org
Both a historic site and a cultural destination inspired by the passions and achievements of Wharton, she designed and built it in 1902. The house embodies the principles outlined in her influential book "The Decoration of Houses," published in 1897. The property includes three acres of formal gardens designed by Wharton, who was also an authority on European landscape design, surrounded by extensive woodlands. 

During the 10 years Wharton called The Mount her home, she went from being a sickly, depressed, unpublished young woman to being one of the most read and highest paid authors of her time. While at The Mount, Wharton wrote both "Ethan Frome" (set in fictitious Starkfield, Mass.) and "The House of Mirth." Most of her novels chronicled old New York society, including "The Age of Innocence," for which she became the first woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize.

Programming at The Mount reflects Wharton's core interests in the literary arts, interior design and decoration, garden and landscape design, and the art of living. Annual exhibits explore themes from Wharton's life and work.

For additional information about both Edith Wharton and the Mount, including a calendar of events, visit EdithWharton.org.


Tags: sesquicentennial,   The Mount,   Wharton,   

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Pittsfield Council to See 10-Year Charter Review Report

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Following almost two years of work, the Charter Review Committee has made its recommendations to the City Council.

Tuesday's council agenda includes the committee's report dealing with governance items such as the charter objection, term limits, and financial procedures. Every 10 years, a panel reviews the City Charter, which defines the city's structure of government.

"The Charter Review Committee was established by city ordinance in May 2023. Its first meeting took place on August 7, 2023, under the direction of City Solicitor Stephen Pagnotta," Chair Michael McCarthy's executive summary reads.

"Solicitor Pagnotta informed the committee that its mission is to offer recommendations to city government concerning the Charter."

The charter objection was the most discussed issue throughout the preview process.  Members determined "the City's interest in a functioning government is not served well by a Charter' Objection being made by a sole Councilor."

The nearly 50-page report proposes amendments to Article 2 Section 9C, Charter Objection, to allow for discussion, require three supporters, and be prohibited when it pertains to the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

"The Committee felt strongly that the budgetary process should not be held hostage to a Charter Objection. The process of approving a budget under the Charter involves months of hearings with firm calendar restrictions, leading to a budget that must be in place before each fiscal year begins," McCarthy wrote.

"A Charter Objection during this process would have the potential to disrupt and delay the budget being in place on July 1 of each fiscal year."

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