With the area warming up, events are blooming in the Berkshires this weekend, including an egg hunt, live music, fitness events, and more.
Editor's Picks
Teen Invitational Reception
Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art
Time: 6 to 8 p.m., Friday
The North Adams museum hosts its 12th annual reception for some of the amazingly talented teens in the region. The collaboration with the high school art teachers exhibits student work in a wide range of media through Sunday. The opening night reception concludes with awards and a music in the Hunter Center.
Free and open to the public.
Easter Egg Hunt
Whitney's Farm Market & Garden Center, Cheshire
Time: 11 a.m., Saturday
Although Easter has come and gone, you can still bring your kiddos to an Easter egg hunt. There will be first, second, third, and a grand prize for both age groups.
Schedule:
11 a.m.: Ages 2 through 5. There will be two sections set up according to age.
Celebrate Sicily: Wine, Tuna, Song at Mezze Bistro and Bar
Mezze Bistro & Bar, Williamstown
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Mezze and Provisions Williamstown will celebrate Sicily with a free wine tasting from 5 to 7 and a Sicilian folklore performance at 8 p.m. Dinner available.
In conjunction with the museum's "Emancipation" exhibition, Tufts University Director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy Kendra Field will give a public lecture that explores the long history of African American genealogy. A genealogy workshop for Williams students will precede the lecture beginning at 4.
The Railway Concert series features singer-songwriter and social activist Greg Greenway. The folk singer has played Carnegie Hall and been featured on several NPR programs. His latest album, "Between Hello and Goodbye," topped the Folk DJ charts this time last year.
The Doors tribute band Crystal Ship, will be performing some of the rock band's hits. Tickets are $25. Information here.
Zumba
On Pointe Barre & Fitness Studio, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 a.m.
A pop-up Zumba class will be led by guest instructor Angel Davila. All levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary! Preregistration is required. Tickets cost $25.
Historical Women: Eleanor Roosevelt
All Saints Episcopal Church, North Adams
Time: 6 p.m.
Sheryl Faye will bring to life first lady and U.N. delegate Eleanor Roosevelt as part of her one-woman show "Historical Women: Making the Past Present."
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are available at the door and at the church office. Call 413-664-9656 or email the church.
The museum will celebrate International Slow Art Day by encouraging visitors to connect more deeply with its art. The day will feature guided slow tours and audio tours. More information here.
New to Yoga Open House
Radiance Yoga, Pittsfield
Time: 12:30 p.m.
There will be a free yoga workshop at Radiance. During the open house, participants will learn the basics of yoga, tour the studio, and meet some of its teachers. More information here.
Movin' On Band Performance
Dalton American Legion
Time: 7 p.m.
The classic rock cover band Movin' On will perform. There is a $5 cover charge. Information is here.
Moonfruits at the Tea Room
Heart's Pace, 15 Eagle St., North Adams
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The Ottawa-based musical duo of Alex Millaire and Kaitlin Milroy are makers of art-folk cand play banjo, guitar, kalimba and glockenspiel.
Free and open to the public. More information and RSVP here.
Royal Tea Party
Taconic High School, Pittsfield
Time: Noon
Join the Taconic Theatre Department for a tea party that will feature crafts, games, prizes, and refreshments. Royal attire is encouraged but not required.
A $25 ticket includes the activities, food, and photos with the princesses. A $5 ticket includes food and photos with the princesses
Participants can purchase deserts, soup, and bread from local restaurants and handmade ceramic bowls crafted by local artists, valued between $25 and $100.
The event will also feature live music by Code Blue Duo, raffles, auctions, activities by Berkshire Art Center, and more.
North Adams Public School elementary pupils will have their art displayed throughout April vacation in the Youth Services Department on the second floor at the Public Library. More information here.
Pittsfield Farmers Market
Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield
Time: 9 to 1 p.m.
Powered by Roots Rising, the market will be having its last indoor winter farmers market.
It features locally grown fruits and vegetables, along with meat, eggs, cheese, and baked goods by local vendors. Participants can shop for flowers and artisan goods while listening to music and participating in family activities. For more information, visit the website.
Container Gardening
Wild Oats Market, Williamstown
Time: 10 a.m.
Jennifer Munoz leads this free workshop on container gardening. She will offer tips on how to get started, seed recommendations, growing resources and common pitfalls to avoid.
Animal Support Projects: Spring and April Holidays
Benson's Pet Center, Pittsfield
Time: noon to 3 p.m.
Benson's Pet Center will be providing people with a photo op with their furry babies this Sunday from noon until 3 p.m.
For a $10 donation, pet parents can bring home a 4-by-6-inch framed keepsake. This month's participants can choose between a spring and April holidays theme. More information is here.
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North Adams School Panel Recommends $20M Budget That Cuts 26 Jobs
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The School Committee will be presented next week with a $20 million spending plan for fiscal 2025 that includes closing Greylock School and a reduction of 26 full-time positions.
The Finance and Facilities committee is recommending the budget of $20,357,096, up $302,744 or 1.51 percent over this year. This is funded by $16,418,826 in state Chapter 70 education funds, local funding of $3,938,270 (up $100,000 over this year) and a drawdown of school funds of $575,237.
The budget is up overall because of rising contractural costs, inflation and a hike in the cost of out-of-district tuition.
Superintendent Barbara Malkas told the committee on Monday that assignment letters were being sent out the next day to personnel per agreement with the union of a May 1 deadline.
Twenty of the reductions represent members teacher's bargaining unit including a dean of students, an art teacher, music teacher, physical education teacher, school adjustment counselor and a librarian at Drury High School (who will move to teaching and be replaced by a library paraprofessional); also affected are two clerical paraprofessionals, two custodians, one maintenance, and a school nurse. The principal is being shifted to Drury's Grades 7 and 8 "on assignment" to complete her contract.
"Losing 26 positions from the budget, we still have to have some funds from our school choice revolving account in order to close the budget for FY 25," said Malkas.
A couple of these positions are already vacant and it is not clear how many, if any, retirements would affect the number of job losses. Malkas said there have been "rumors" of retirements but staff have been reluctant to discuss firm plans with administration.
The School Committee will be presented next week with a $20 million spending plan for fiscal 2025 that includes closing Greylock School and a reduction of 26 full-time positions.
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