North Berkshire Contra Dance to Hold Monthly Event in Williamstown

Print Story | Email Story
Provided photo

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The North Berkshire Contra Dance will host its monthly community dance on Saturday, January 11, at the First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown.

The event will feature live fiddle music and dances led by caller Julian Blechner.

The dance will take place from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the church's Community Hall. Admission is pay-as-you-can, with a suggested contribution of $12 to $20. Barter, including assistance with cleanup, is also accepted.

New dancers and families are encouraged to arrive at 7:30 p.m. for an introductory lesson. Participants can attend with or without a partner, as dancers typically rotate partners throughout the evening.

Music will be provided by fiddler George Wilson and pianist Selma Kaplan. Wilson, known for his Cape Breton and French Canadian-influenced style, has been performing since the late 1970s. Kaplan is a pianist, composer, and arranger frequently sought after by dance events along the East Coast.

A pre-dance calling workshop will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Williamstown Public Library. Participants can bring a dance to practice or attend as dancers to assist others in the session.

The event’s respiratory illness policy advises attendees to stay home if they feel unwell or display cold symptoms. Masks are appreciated but not required.

For more information, visit www.NorthBerkshireDance.org.

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

Williams Student Dies in Skiing Accident

 WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — A Williams College student died Tuesday following a skiing accident at Jiminy Peak Ski Resort. 
 
 Alex Kemp, 19, of Lincroft, N.J., was pronounced dead at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, where he was taken after suffering head trauma at the Hancock ski resort on Monday, according to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. 
 
Kemp had apparently gone over an embankment on the left side of the Cutter Trail when descending the mountain. The call was made to 911 dispatch at about 2:39 p.m. reporting a skier had sustained injuries on the slope. 
 
Jiminy Peak Ski Patrol was immediately dispatched to the scene. Northern Berkshire EMS arrived shortly thereafter to administer life-saving measures. The victim was transported to Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield before being transferred to Baystate for further care.
 
There is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved in the incident. The victim was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
 
The State Police Detective Unit assigned to the DA's Office is overseeing the investigation. Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort has cooperated throughout the investigation, according to authorities.
 
Kemp was a member of the college's cross country team and had graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in New Jersey last spring.
View Full Story

More Williamstown Stories