Brought to you by: MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the North Adams Office of Tourism & Community Events
Save the Date
December 13
UnSilent Night - Blackinton Village/North Adams
Free for more information
Join us for a FREE seasonal worldwide music event designed for all ages. Think holiday caroling, but with boom boxes and a magical soundtrack.
This year UNSILENT NIGHT will be exploring the historic village of Blackinton on the west end of North Adams. Our walk will include a suspension bridge over the Hoosac River, winding easy trails through sheltering forest, a stroll through the Blackinton Historic District, and some special surprises. The approximately 50 minute performance will return to TOURISTS where we will gather for a warm and cozy celebration of the season.
Gathering at Trail House - 5:30pm (Park at Stop & Shop)
UNSILENT NIGHT Walk Begins from TOURISTS - 6pm
After Party at TOURISTS - 7pm
DRESS WARMLY!
DIG OUT THAT BOOMBOX IN THE BACK OF YOUR CLOSET THAT PLAYS CDS OR CASSETTE TAPES (boomboxes will also be provided)
DID YOU SELL YOUR BOOMBOX AT YOUR YARD SALE THIS SUMMER? YOUR SMART PHONE WITH OR WITHOUT A BLUETOOTH SPEAKER WILL WORK JUST FINE! (We'll send you the tracks to download).
BRING SOMETHING THAT LIGHTS UP! (no fire though)
Brought to you by Todd Reynolds, Isabelle Holmes, MASS MoCA, Williams College, MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center, TOURISTS, Trail House Kitchen & Bar, and the City of North Adams.
Submissions
Deadline January 5
O+ Festival Submissions
Art and music submissions are now open for the first O+ North Adams, which takes place May 10-11, 2019. The festival theme is “Home.”
Artists and musicians/bands, we can’t wait to review your submissions for the O+ Festival in North Adams Mass, which takes place May 10th – 11th, 2019. The theme of this year’s festival is: Home.
If you are chosen to install artwork or play a concert during the festival, you will have access to our complimentary health and wellness clinic, staffed by art-loving volunteer providers.
The North Adams O+ Festival curatorial teams will accept submissions until January 5th.
Preschool Storytime
North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St
(413) 662-3133
10:30 am
Free! for more information
Preschool storytime and craft at the North Adams Public Library in the Youth Services Department is held for ages 3 to 6 years old, siblings welcome. Several stories will be read and there is time to share ideas and thoughts as well as complete a craft.
Introduction to Tai Chi
UNO Community Center, 157 River Street
413-663-7588
5-6 PM
Free
call for more information
Introduction to Tai Chi lead by Youlin Shi on December 5th 5:00-6:00 pm at UNO Community Center 157 River st North Adams Ma. Come learn the basic breathing, movement and awareness of Tai Chi, a great way to stay active in the winter months. Please RSVP space is limited to Bret Beattie 663-7588 ext 28 or bbeattie@nbccoalition.org.
Annual Angel of Hope Christmas Memorial
Southview Cemetery
7 PM
Free
Held at the children's memorial park in Southview Cemetery at the Angel of Hope. The Rev. Dariusz Wudarski of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church will give the prayers and Donna Morgan will read the names memorialized at the park. There will also be singing and candles available for vigil. All are welcome.
Thursday December 6th
The Berkshire Eagle's Conversation Series: A conversation with the Berkshire mayors: Hopes and challenges for the county
MCLA Church Street Center Auditorium, 375 Church St.
413-496-6355 or email circstaff@berkshireeagle.com.
Doors open at 6:30 PM; program begins at 7 PM
Tickets: $12, $10 for subscribers, $5 with valid student ID
call to reserve serving
A conversation with the Berkshire mayors: Hopes and challenges for the county
Moderated by Kevin Moran, executive editor of The Berkshire Eagle
Linda M. Tyer, mayor of Pittsfield - Linda M. Tyer took office in January 2016 as the first mayor elected to a four-year term in Pittsfield’s history. A former Pittsfield city clerk and Ward 3 city councilor, Mayor Tyer’s family roots in the city date back to her great-grandparents, one of whom was a Pittsfield police officer. Mayor Tyer cites their strong work ethic and community pride as influencing her deep commitment to the city of Pittsfield. As a city councilor, she served on the Ordinances & Rules, Finance, and Public Health and Safety committees, and she was the City Council’s representative to the Community Development Board. She is a founding member and past president of the Samuel Harrison Society in Pittsfield. She is an alumna of the Leadership Institute for Public Policy and Impact and a graduate of Bay Path College.
Thomas W. Bernard, mayor of North Adams - Thomas W. Bernard began his term of office in January. As mayor, he also chairs North Adams’ school committee. Mayor Bernard previously served as director of special projects at Smith College, in various administrative roles at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and as a development officer at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. He serves on the Berkshire Compact for Education, the Berkshire County Education Task Force’s governance subcommittee, the Berkshire Blueprint steering committee and the Impact Council of Berkshire County Leaders. He is a founding board member of Develop North Adams and the North Adams Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Bernard is a graduate of Drury High School, Williams College and Westfield State University.
Subscriber discount only available by phone or in-person. Student discount available in-person only. Call to reserve your advanced seating, 413-496-6355
1Berkshire Annual Meeting 2018
Greylock WORKS, 508 State Rd.
413-499-1600
5:30 - 7:30 PM
$50/members, $70/ non-members for more information
You are invited to the Annual Meeting of 1Berkshire. Make connections and find new ways to collaborate during our exhibitor marketplace, then learn about what has happened in Fiscal Year 2018 and what is in store for 2019.
Cura te Ipsum: Opening Reception
Window Exhibition at 49 Main St.
413-662-5253
4:30 - 6:00p
Free for more information
An exhibition by Kaliegh Hayes. This semester, Hayes explored the concept of self-care and basic practices for all types of people to use. “The intention of my artwork,” Hayes said, “is to start a conversation about self care.” By using paint on canvas, the body of work discusses mental and physical self-care in primary practices.
The exhibition is part of MCLA’s Senior Art Project, the capstone course for art majors. The Senior Art Project is a three-credit course offered to senior art majors, which allows them develop a body of work and to build an artist portfolio.
"Cura te Ipsum" remains on view through January 21.
Tinseliner Christmas Train with Santa Claus
Adams Train Depot, 3 Hoosac St., ADAMS MA
12PM/2PM/4PM
$20/13 & Up, $16/2 - 12, Free for children under 2 sitting in laps for more information
Make us your favorite holiday tradition! 🎄🚂Starting Black Friday passengers can step back in time to experience a 1950's Christmas aboard our Tinseliner Christmas Trains. Enjoy a one hour round trip train ride full of cheer, caroling, and a visit from the man the in red with a gift for every child on board. Trip includes a layover at the PopCares Tree Lot to pick a tree for pick up later. Also, enjoy hot cocoa and roasted marshmallows. Proceeds benefit PopCares organization.Reserve your tickets online ahead of time as capacity is limited!
Shabbat Chanukah Celebration & Potluck
Congregation Beth Israel, 53 Lois St.
5:30 - 8:30 PM
Free. Please RSVP for more information
Bring your chanukiyah and candles! We'll sing some Chanukah songs, light all of our chanukiyot and bask in their light, welcome Shabbat with candles and song, and enjoy a vegetarian / dairy potluck (bring a dish to share) with latkes and fixings, as well as a Chanukah-themed craft project with Rabbi Jarah. Please RSVP so we know how many tables to set up.
Fiction Reading by
Andrea Lawlor and Jordy Rosenberg
MCLA, Atrium of the Feignebaum Center for Science and Innovation
375 Church Street
7 PM
Free for more information
MCLA presents a joint reading by the fiction writers Andrea Lawlor and Jordy Rosenberg, both featured in the recent New York Times article entitled "The Coming of Age of Transgender Literature." The reading (free and open to the public) will take place on the MCLA campus in the atrium of the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation at 7 pm. It is coordinated by the English/Communications Department at MCLA. Andrea Lawlor teaches writing at Mount Holyoke College and edits fiction for Fence. Their publications include the chapbook Position Papers (Factory Hollow Press, 2016) and the novel Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl (Rescue Press, 2017). Jordy Rosenberg is the author of Confessions of the Fox, a New York Times Editor's Choice selection and long listed for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize. He is a professor of 18th Century Literature, Gender and Sexuality Studies + Critical Theory at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Macbeth
MCLA Venable Theatre, 375 Church Street
8pm
GA $15, Alumni $12, Faculty/Staff/HS and non-MCLA College Students $10, MCLA students free for more information
Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece explores the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition, especially on those who seek power for its own sake. When three witches tell Macbeth some surprising prophecies, Macbeth hatches a plan to murder the king and claim the throne for himself. Provoked by his wife and preoccupied with his greed, Macbeth begins the tragic descent into madness.
The show will be co-directed by MCLA’s own associate professor of theatre, Laura Standley and guest theatre artist, David Lane. Buy your tickets at https://mcla.ticketleap.com/macbeth/
Saturday December 8th
Winter Craft Making
North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St
(413) 662-3133
10:30 AM - Noon
Free for more information
The North Adams Public Library is hosting an all ages Winter Craft Making morning on Saturday, December 8th from 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Multiple craft stations will be set up with all the supplies and instructions provided. All ages are welcome!! Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Call 413-662-3133, ext. 14 for more information.
FBCNA Parents’ Night Out
First Baptist Church, 131 Main St.
413-663-3780 | office@firstbaptistnorthadams.org
5- 8:30 PM
$20/family
call for more information
Do you have some Christmas shopping to get done? Maybe you want to see a movie with your spouse or some friends! Or just take a nap? For just $20 per family, your kids get a time of fun, while you get time for whatever you need! Children are welcome to come in their PJs for a Christmas party, movies and pizza. This is a fundraiser for the Children's Ministry.
Macbeth
MCLA Venable Theatre, 375 Church Street
8pm
GA $15, Alumni $12, Faculty/Staff/HS and non-MCLA College Students $10, MCLA students free for more information
Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece explores the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition, especially on those who seek power for its own sake. When three witches tell Macbeth some surprising prophecies, Macbeth hatches a plan to murder the king and claim the throne for himself. Provoked by his wife and preoccupied with his greed, Macbeth begins the tragic descent into madness.
The show will be co-directed by MCLA’s own associate professor of theatre, Laura Standley and guest theatre artist, David Lane. Buy your tickets at https://mcla.ticketleap.com/macbeth/
Sundance Institute Theatre Lab: James and Jerome
MASS MoCA, 1040 MASS MoCA Way
413-662-2111
8 PM
$8 Students, $8 Advanced, $18 Day of, $28 Preferred for more information
James Harrison Monaco and Jerome Ellis make hyper-literary, live-music story performances using lush, powerful combinations of acoustic and electronic music with live narration. Piano Tales No. 17 is the latest in James and Jerome’s ongoing celebration of the art of the musical tale. At the start of the night, the audience chooses which three tales will be told this performance (out of a possible ten). James and Jerome then tell those tales in a different way than they ever have before, discovering a totally new show right along with the audience. Come drink and watch the evening unfold.
Sunday December 9th
Holiday Family Painting Party
Common Folk, 73 Main Street
jessica.progressivepalette@gmail.com
1-2:30 PM
$25/person
email for more information
Join us for our Holiday Family Painting Event!
Sunday, December 9th - 1pm-2:30pm with our friends, Common Folk, at their new studio on Main Street! Featuring instruction for The Winter Tree. We are happy to give instruction for other holiday symbols, please send requests to jessica.progressivepalette@gmail.com within 24 hours of the event.
$25 includes your 1.5 hour paint party/lesson and all supplies needed to create your acrylic painting on stretched canvas. Please note, adults and children must purchase tickets to this event. Ages 5+. Anyone under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Ticket sales are non-refundable and may not be transferred to another event.
Macbeth
MCLA Venable Theatre, 375 Church Street
2pm
GA $15, Alumni $12, Faculty/Staff/HS and non-MCLA College Students $10, MCLA students free for more information
Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece explores the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition, especially on those who seek power for its own sake. When three witches tell Macbeth some surprising prophecies, Macbeth hatches a plan to murder the king and claim the throne for himself. Provoked by his wife and preoccupied with his greed, Macbeth begins the tragic descent into madness.
The show will be co-directed by MCLA’s own associate professor of theatre, Laura Standley and guest theatre artist, David Lane. Buy your tickets at https://mcla.ticketleap.com/macbeth/
An Afternoon with Sally and James Taylor
MASS MoCA, 1040 MASS MoCA Way
413-662-2111
3 - 5 PM
$100-$350 for more information
To Benefit Arts Education at MASS MoCA. LIMITED AVAILABILITY TICKETS ON SALE NOW
MASS MoCA Members get first dibs on limited availability tickets for this intimate performance. Become a member at massmoca.org/membership.
James Taylor joins his daughter, Sally Taylor, whose exhibition "Come to Your Senses" is now on view in Kidspace, for a one-afternoon-only performance for 900 guests, to benefit arts education at MASS MoCA. Sally invites her dad to the stage for this intimate performance to play some of his music and to join her for a few songs to close the show. Sally and her Colorado-based collaborators, The Larson Brothers, kick off the event.
Annual North County Christmas Concert
First Congregational Church, 134 Main St.
3 PM
Goodwill offerings to benefit the Berkshire Food Project. Featuring the North County Chorale and the All Saints Bell Choir
Allysen Callery-solo & J Burkett-solo live at Belltower Records
Norad Mill 60 Roberts Rd., Suite 301
7 - 10 PM
Free for more information
Come stop by the cool new Belltower store for rare solo sets by Allysen Callery-- & J Burkett-- at Belltower Records. Free - but bring funds to buy records from the artists...and from the store!
Monday December 10th
PreSchool Story Time
Clarksburg Town Library, 711 W Cross Rd
(413) 664-6050
10 - 11am
Free! for more information
Stories and Rhymes; Crafts and Free Play, Ages 3-5, Adult Must Accompany Child
Every Child Ready to Read
North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St
413-664-4821
4 - 5pm
Free! for more information
Join The Family Center and North Adams Public Library for an hour of learning fun. Each week we will explore a different book, engage in activities that build pre-reading skills and make new friends. At the end of the 4 weeks each family will take home a tote bag filled with books, magnets, playdough, and more!
Every Child Ready to Read is for parents/grandparents and their children ages 2-5. Call The Family Center at 413-664-4821 to register.
Tuesday December 11th
Toddler Storytime
North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St
(413) 662-3133
10:30 am
Free! for more information
Toddler storytime and songs at the North Adams Public Library in Youth Services Department is held for ages birth to 3 years old, siblings welcome. One to two stories are read with lots of songs and gross motor skill activities as well.
Entrepreneurial Meetup at TOURISTS
TOURISTS, 915 State Rd.
3 - 5 PM
Free (cash bar) for more information
Join us for our monthly 1Berkshire Entrepreneurial Meetup at TOURISTS Welcome, the new hotel and resort in North Adams. Come and check out this incredible new development as we network and connect.
Housed in the only remaining building from the original motor inn that resided on the property for over 70 years, the new hospitality and common area of TOURISTS Welcome offers high levels of experience in a quirky and captivating space.
Enjoy a free cup of coffee provided by TOURISTS Welcome, or grab a drink at the cash bar, and network end engage with fellow entrepreneurs and innovators here #InTheBerkshires
After-School Program
UNO Community Center, 157 River Street
(413) 663-7588
6:30-7:30pm
Free
call for more information
Serving students in 4th Grade - 8th Grade. Healthy snack, homework assistance, tutoring, computer access and creative activities. Call or email Glenda at (413) 663-7588 ext. 20 or gmcarter@nbccoalition.org for more information.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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North Adams Council Reappoints City Clerk
By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council on Tuesday unanimously reappointed City Clerk Tina Leonesio for a three-year term to end in January 2028.
Council President Bryan Sapienza recommended her reappointment.
"I would not make this recommendation if I had not had full confidence in Clerk Leonesio," he said. "It's been a pleasure working with you over the past year as president of the council."
She was immediately sworn in by Assistant Clerk Melissa Kilbride.
Leonesio brought calm to an office that had had a rotating roster of clerks since 2019. Promoted from assistant to city clerk in May 2023, she was the fourth clerk in less than 18 months and the fifth since the retirement of Marilyn Gomeau, who was clerk for more than15 years.
"I just want to thank Clerk Leonesio for the work that she's done," said Councilor Lisa Blackmer, who motioned to reappoint her. "She stepped in, stepped up. ... I appreciate the work that she's done."
She noted that Leonesio has successfully navigated some contentious elections, worked with the mayor's office to develop a budget and hired staff, and kept the council on track with minutes and agendas.
Dunkin' Donuts celebrated its reopening after undergoing a recent remodel by presenting the Friendship Center Food Pantry with a $3,000 donation. click for more
American Legion Post 125 held a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony to mark the events of Dec. 7, 1941, and honor veterans and Legionnaires who have made a difference in the community. click for more
Calvi received the Rite of Christian Burial 82 years after he was buried in a mass grave in the Philippines' Cabanatuan Prison Camp after the forces of Imperial Japan overran the island nation in 1942. click for more
Connolly would enlist after his high school graduation at the tender age of 17 and do his basic training at the Squantum Naval Air Station. click for more
First Friday celebrates the third annual LUMINAMA. Dress in your most illuminated outfits and visit businesses and galleries, and look at the decorated storefronts (including iBerkshires!)
click for more
