GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Jodphurs are in this season. So are tribal prints, recycled bamboo and medallion sandals.

All of this and much more was on display at Great Barrington Rotary Club's 2nd annual spring fashion show and auction held at Crissey Farm on Friday night. More than 80 people, among them the who's who of Great Barrington retailers, enjoyed an evening of Mediterranean munchies, mineral make-up and, of course, haute couture by Wearhouse, Mainstreet, T.P. Saddleblanket and Great Barrington Bra and Girl.

"It's a win-win situation," said Doone Marshall, owner of Body and Soul. "We want to be a presence here. These people do wonderful things for the community. It's really the best form of advertising."

There was no shortage of wares (or wears) at the show. Tables representing local businesses were laden with goods. Glass jewelry by Saskia Larraz glinted alongside pink lip stain offered by Facehaven. In addition to items for sale, the silent auction offered a plethora of local highlights including tickets, handbags, spa treatments and several nights out on the town, all in the spirit of giving.

"The Rotary really doesn't talk about what we're doing in the community," said President Elizabeth Hamilton. "We just do it."

Lingerie helped the Great Barrington Rotary raise funds.

Indeed the club has many irons in the charitable fire. The fashion show joins other annual Rotary Club fundraisers (Tri-State Bowling Tournament, pancake breakfasts and the Drive for Scholarship Golf Tournament) to benefit local organizations such as Fairview Commons, Construct Inc. and the Railroad Street Youth Project to name a few. Additionally the club gives away more than $40,000 a year in scholarships for area high school students.

Jane Iredale, founder and owner of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics Inc. that sponsored both this and last year's show, made a humble nod toward generosity before announcing the looks of the evening.

"I feel very honored to be asked to do this," she said.

Amid camera flashes and delicious desserts, models wended their way through a mesmerized crowd, flaunting bright colors and the latest in Berkshire fashion. Setting the tone (literally) for the evening was the Great Barrington Bra and Girl collection, which emphasized soft, draping loungewear in coral hues.

"It's very Cape Cod, very beachy," said GBBG co-owner April Burch. "The color is a rich coral; the first bud of summer."

The T.P. Saddleblanket collection intermixed with the coral with splashes of deep turquoise set against flowing faux suede. The effect was a look rooted in American Indian culture and design. In fact, many looks at the show paid tribute to tribal designs. Models from Wearhouse strutted dramatic black and white printed Ikat tank tops as well as flowing silk halter dresses in fuchsia and coral. Shoe styles ranged from shiny patent-leather equestrian boots to medallion encrusted, high-heeled sandals, providing a little something for every fashion taste in the room.

"There are definitely more men here this year," Burch said. "I wonder if it has anything to do with the lingerie."

We got this through the Berkshire Chamber's e-blast. Nice to know that SABIC is following the long tradition of GE employees helping in the community:

SABIC Innovative Plastics is seeking proposals from Berkshire County not-for-profit organizations for collaborative projects that have community involvement and impact. 

We are looking for indoor or outdoor projects that focus on environmental stewardship and/or enhance educational experiences in the areas of science, technology, or innovation.

Projects must be completed in one day with a collaborative volunteer force of ideally 25 to 60 – mostly unskilled but hardworking – SABIC Innovative Plastics volunteers. Funding assistance is also available.

Organizations interested in applying for a community project can review the guidelines and proposal submission process online, or can pick up a printed copy at the 1 Plastics Ave. gate entrance.

E-mail questions to global.communications@sabic-ip.com. No phone calls please.

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The redesign of the American Institute for Economic Research's "Research Reports" has scored an EXCEL Award for production designer Jonathan Sylbert.

He was one of 175 winners representing 91 associatons recently selected by Association Media & Publishing from 1,000 entrants. Winners were chosen for taking bold chances in a variety of categories. Other winners included AARP, National Education Association, The Conference Board and the American Cancer Society.

Sylbert worked at Rudolph de Harak & Associates, a graphic and industrial design firm in New York City, prior to moving to the Berkshires. He has worked at AIER since 1996. He is also chairman of the Monterey Select Board and president of the Monterey Preservation Land Trust.

AIER won the bronze award for the Most Improved Newsletter to Newsletter. Sylbert was the project leader for AIER's comprehensive redesign that was six months in the making and included input from many AIER staff members and selected outside experts. The redesign, which was for both Research Reports and Economic Bulletins, was introduced to readers in January 2009.

AIER is one of the oldest economic research organizations in the United States. Founded in 1933, it is an independent, non-profit organization; AIER's unbiased research and publications address a wide variety of economic issues including personal finance, monetary policy, business cycles and property rights.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Morningside Initiative is hosting a meeting of the Tyler Street Business Group on Tuesday, May 11, at 7:30 a.m. at the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority office, 81 Kellogg St. 

The purpose of the meeting is to give support to the business community on Tyler Street and Dalton Avenue, and to give them a voice in shaping the future of their community by helping promote its positive attributes, while increasing quality of life.

The Pittsfield Police Department and city councilors will be in attendance to answer questions. This meeting is open to anyone who runs a business on Tyler Street and Dalton Avenue. The Morningside Initiative's mission is to preserve and restore the integrity of the neighborhood and empower residents. 

Gasoline prices in Massachusetts have risen 6 cents over the last week, leaving prices 24 cents higher than at the start of the year, according to AAA Southern New England. Prices in Berkshire County are at or near the $2.90 mark.

AAA's May 3 survey of prices in Massachusetts found self-serve, regular unleaded averaging $2.869 per gallon, six cents more than last week. The current price is three cents below the national average for self serve unleaded of $2.89. A year ago at this time, the Massachusetts average price was $2.03, 83 cents lower than today's average.

The range in prices in the latest AAA survey for unleaded regular is 29 cents, from a low of $2.719 to a high of $3.009. AAA advises motorists to shop around for the best prices in their area, and to make sure they and their passengers buckle up — every time.

Find the most up-to-date local gas prices with the AAA Fuel Finder by logging onto AAA.com and clicking on Gas Saving Tips & Tools.
 
AAA Fuel-Saving Tip of the Week

Minimize the need to brake by anticipating traffic conditions. Be alert for slowdowns and red lights ahead of you, and decelerate by coasting whenever possible.