What to Do and Where to Shop in Downtown Pittsfield on New Years and Beyond

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Unsure of what to do for New Years?  We consulted Downtown Pittsfield Inc. to get the insider info on sales and events that will end 2021 in the right way.

"Come on out and enjoy New Years in Downtown Pittsfield," Downtown Pittsfield Executive Director Cheryl Mirer said.

She added that there is a good range happening from music to yoga and brunch.  DPI's newsletter "News From The Heart of the Berkshires" outlines all of the things that Downtown Pittsfield has to offer on the holiday.

On Friday, Dec. 31, Mr. Doubtfire will play an acoustic set from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a full band from 9 p.m to midnight.

The Berkshires-based band has been together for six years and plays a variety of music from the 80s to today with a focus on keeping it "dancy, tightly arranged and dynamic - all the while welding heavy rock guitars."

The 5-piece band consists of Alden and Brandon Grover on guitars and vocals, Justin Rivelli on drums, Cassandra Redd on lead vocals, and Ethan Tattoo on bass, keys, and lead vocals.

Mission is taking reservations for the event.  They can be called at (413) 499-1736 or messaged on social media.

At the Berkshire Museum, there will be Magic George.  George Saterial is an award-winning Boston Based musician and will perform family-friendly magic and illusions.  Ticketed performances are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.. Berkshire Museum will close at 2:30 pm in celebration of New Year's Eve.

On Sunday, Jan. 2, the First Congregational Church of Lee Handbell Choir will perform by the light of the magnificent Museum of the Moon exhibition at 3 p.m.

Tickets and more information can be found at berkshiremuseum.org.

Dottie's is also hosting music this new year.

On Sunday, Jan. 2, there will be a Domingo Brunch with Dave Bartley and Pete Toigo.  The duo will be playing soulful jazz and blues with Toigo on bass and Bartley on piano and vocals.

Live music will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and breakfast and lunch will be served all day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  There is Indoor and outdoor seating/takeout available.


Visit www.dottiescoffeelounge.com for more information and to see the menu.

On Jan. 1 Radiance Yoga is hosting a New Years Day Yoga Celebration from 10:30 a.m. to noon.  The class is 90 minutes long and includes creative Vinyasa flow and standing poses balanced with calming breathwork and restorative yoga to an eclectic soundtrack.

It is an upbeat yoga for all levels of experience that is inspired by new beginnings and bright intentions for 2022.

Spaces are limited so pre-registration is required.  It is free to Radiance Yoga members and $20 for drop-in guests.

Registration can be found here.

There is also a live Zoom option so that people can participate from home.

There are also shopping specials for the holiday.

Dory & Ginger, located at 299 North Street, is offering holiday items at 50 percent off.

Down the street at Township Four there is a storewide sale of 65 percent off Christmas/Seasonal items such as ornaments, wrapping paper, cards, amaryllis, Christmas Cactus, paperwhite; 75 percent off dried florals; and 35 percent off almost everything else in stock including plants, terrariums, chocolates, glassware, copperware, linens, candles, and more.

Township Four, located at 419 North Street, is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed on Jan. 1.

For your theatre needs, Barrington Stage is offering a 32 percent discount for the 2022 season is passes are purchased before January 7.  There are 7, 6, 5, 4, and 3 show passes available.

Season passes can be booked here.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

200 Pittsfield Students Walk for Men's Mental Health

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Reader's note: This article discusses suicide and mental illness.
 


Judy and Paul Coty, left, their daughter Veronica, Matt Capeless and PHS Principal Maggie Esko at the Movember gathering.

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Around 200 Taconic and Pittsfield high school students marched downtown to support men's health on Friday.

The third annual "Move for Movember" walk-a-thon raised money for mental health, as more than three of four suicides that occur in the United States are by men and boys. It also supported the Aaron T. Coty Memorial Scholarship, which honors a beloved student who died in 2015 after silently struggling with mental illness.

Each walker paid a $5 registration fee and was asked to raise an additional $20.

"I can still remember exactly where I was when I heard the news that Aaron died by suicide on Sept. 17, 2015. I could not believe it. It did not make sense. I didn't want to believe it but it was real, and it was something that we had to get through together," said Matt Capeless, Movember community ambassador and physical education and wellness teacher at Taconic High School.

"My friends and I struggled thinking about what we missed or what we could have done differently. We cried together and shared memories of the good times we had together. One thing was certain, we cannot go back in time."

Coty's family has attended suicide prevention walks for nine years and walked for Movember for the last three years.

"I wish Aaron had gotten help because we had no idea that he was struggling," his mother, Judy Coty, said.

"He was always smiling and happy and had tons of friends and was very outgoing and personable."

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