Yankee Shopper by Hersam Acorn

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December 1, 2008

Vol. 31 No. 66

Inside this week’s Issue Dining / Entertainment .. Page 16 Dining Giveaway ............. Page 18 Sudoku .............................. Page 22 Crossword......................... Page 21 Home Improvement .......... Page 9 Horoscope ........................ Page 20 Business & Services ......... Page 20 Classiﬁeds ........................... Page 2 Real Estate ........................ Page 21 Auto ................................... Page 25

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20 Cleveland Road Dalton, Massachusetts 01226 413.684.1373 Classiﬁed 888.307.0839 Fax 413.684.0607 editorial email yankee@hersamacornma.com advertising email art@hersamacornma.com Editorial Deadline: Wednesday at noon the week before publication. Classiﬁed Deadline: Thursday at 10 a.m.

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20 Cleveland Road Dalton, Massachusetts 01226 413.684.1373 Fax 413.684.0607 Classiﬁed 888.307.0839 editorial email yankee@hersamacornma.com advertising email art@hersamacornma.com ■

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Notice: The Yankee Shopper will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The publisher reserves the sole right to edit, revise, or reject any and all advertising, with or without cause being assigned, which in the publisher’s judgement is contrary to the interests of this publication. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. ©2008, Hersam Acorn Newspapers. All contents of the Yankee Shopper are copyrighted, and any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Nia Workshop

Chapters Bookstore will host a Nia workshop and demonstration in the event space on Wednesday December 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with Peg Noonan. Increase energy, enhance balance, flexibility, and strength while enjoying the fun of a community of people moving at all levels of fitness. Nia is a transformational movement practice that teaches you to be more joyful, expressive and alive in your body. Nia draws from dance arts, martial arts and yoga to create purposeful movement. People of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from Nia. Peg Noonan has been teaching Nia technique classes throughout the Berkshires for many years and has an extensive background in dance and fitness classes. This event is free and open to the public. Chapters Bookstore is located at 78 North Street in North Adams.

Holiday Harmony

The Berkshire Hills Chorus will present their annual show "Holiday Harmony", on Saturday, December 6 at 2 p.m. at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 27 East Street, Pittsfield. Featured guests include The Bennington Trio, classical instrumental music in the baroque and renaissance style; The Grace Notes from Miss Hall's school; students from the Berkshire Music School ; St. Joseph High School Chorus; "Who Knew?", a barbershop quartet; and "Double Treble", a barbershop octet. The sponsors of Holiday Harmony are: Greylock Federal Credit Union, Pittsfield Co-operative Bank, Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital and Phoebe and Robert Reynolds. For information and tickets call Gerry, 413-443-0624. Berkshire Hills Chorus is a member of Sweet Adelines International.

Support Group for Teen Mothers

Parents as Teachers (PAT) for Young Moms support group will begin its second phase of groups the week of December 1, 2008. The support groups are for young moms who are age 20 and under and who are either pregnant with their first child or have a child ages birth to 3. The groups are free and open to any young mom who would like to attend. The group meets weekly during the school year in 10 week phases. The PAT group provides a place for young moms to come together to share information and help provide support for the challenges they may face as a young parent. The group is facilitated by facilitators who are former young parents themselves. The PAT group is designed to meet the needs of the young moms who participate and they help decide what topics they would like to discuss. Dinner and child care are provided, as well as transportation for free to those participants who need it. Two groups are held each week, one in Pittsfield and one in North Adams. The Pittsfield group meets on Tuesday nights at the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church from 5 - 8 p.m. The North Adams group meets on Wednesday nights at the St. John's Episcopal Church from 5 - 8 p.m. The PAT group is a program of Child Care of the Berkshires and is funded by the Children's Trust fund. For more information: call Pittsfield 413-445-4324; North Adams 413-664-6104.

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Family BILLIARDS ��

Martin Hersam, Chief Operating Ofﬁcer Thomas B. Nash, Publisher

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December 1, 2008

Greylock Federal Credit Union Top SBA Lender The Small Business Administration (SBA) has recognized Greylock Federal Credit Union’s achievement as the top SBA credit union lender in Berkshire County for the fourth consecutive year. Greylock is also the tenth largest SBA financial lender in the Commonwealth out of 120 financial institutions and the 15th most active SBA lending credit union in the entire country for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008. According to the SBA, during the fiscal year, Greylock approved 28 SBA-supported loans, totaling $5,121,500 which ranks the credit union as among the most active lenders both locally and throughout the state. Greylock Senior Vice President of Business Lending, Don Kuczarski attributes this success to Greylock’s partnership with the SBA and the concentration of small business owners within the credit union’s field of membership. Kuczarski said, “Having been granted “Preferred Lender” designation, Greylock can approve qualifying SBA loans without additional government approval. It allows us greater flexibility and quicker turnaround in closing these deals, helping more businesses grow here in the Berkshires.” Based on Greylock Federal’s track record with the SBA, Greylock has consistently been cited as a top business lender in Western Massachusetts. Greylock President Angelo C. Stracuzzi said, “Small business is the backbone of Berkshire County’s economy. The SBA works hand-in-hand with our lending team at Greylock to support loans that may not otherwise be financed.” Greylock offers a full array of business products including: business checking and savings accounts, business credit cards, online banking, commercial and health insurance, 401(k) services, payroll services and a full range of commercial loan products to meet any business need. Greylock Federal Credit Union was recently rated the top credit union in the United States for total value returned to Members/Owners according to Callahan & Associates, a national credit union research and consulting firm. Greylock Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school, worships or regularly conducts business in Berkshire County. Greylock Federal is wholly owned by its more than 65,000 members and Greylock offers full-service branches in Pittsfield, Great Barrington, Lee, Adams, North Adams, and Williamstown. More information is available at www.greylock.org.

Hillcrest Commons Holiday Open House

Hillcrest Commons Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is hosting its annual Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 4, from 5-7 p.m. at Hillcrest Commons, 169 Valentine Road, Pittsfield. The event is free and open to the public, and will include an array of hot Hors d'Oeuvres and a hot roast beef and turkey carving station and a wine bar. “We hope people come out to celebrate the holiday season with us, and also take the opportunity to see the great things we're doing at Hillcrest Commons,” said administrator Bill Kittler. Please RSVP by calling 413-445-2300.

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'Songs Of The Spirit'

In celebration of the holiday season, “Songs of the Spirit,” a multicultural, interfaith concert will performed on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the Church Street Center as the next MCLA Presents! event at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. An annual event at MCLA since 2005, this year's program will reunite four artists from the 2007 New York tour: Tracy Grammer, Halle, Frank London and Lorin Sklamberg of The Klezmatics. An eclectic fusion of genres, styles and traditions, “Songs of the Spirit” celebrates the common spiritual ideals of diverse faiths and cultures through music and spoken word. The Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin asked, “... Has there ever been a more diverse - and talented - bunch of musicians under the roof of Binghamton's Forum Theatre at the same time?” In Troy, the Times Union wrote, “It certainly worked at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on Saturday night.” Joining this reunion of artists will be MCLA's own Marie McMarrow '09.“The evening promises to deliver yet another inspiring, uplifting evening of musical virtuosity and multicultural spirituality to the MCLA campus,” said Jonathan Secor, MCLA director of special programs. Joan Baez has described Grammer as a “brilliant artist” with a “mastery over the instruments she plays, and as “one of the finest pure musicians anywhere in folkdom.” Grammer's much anticipated solo debut, “Flower

of Avalon,” was the most played album on folk radio across the United States the year of its release. Haale is a Bronx-born woman of Iranian descent whose name means “the halo around the moon.” Her songs draw on both Persian mystical and American psychedelic musical traditions. On her 2008 album, “No Ceiling,” Haale explores themes of transformation and evolution, singing in English and Persian through a soundscape of percussion, psychedelic guitars and strings. Time Out New York described London and Sklamberg's music as “deeply compassionate” and “as invigorating and accessible as it is virtuosic.” “The Klezmatics take a tradition steeped in Jewish spiritualism and Eastern European tradition and incorporated provocative themes such as social rights and anti-fundamentalism with eclectic musical influences such as gospel, punk, and Arab, African, and Balkan rhythms,” Secor explained. In-between musical sets, there will be readings by local clerics and spiritual leaders from the many different faith-based texts. To reserve tickets, call (413) 662-5204 for more information, go to www.mcla. edu/presents.

Community Access To The Arts Announces Holiday Sale

Community Access to the Arts (CATA) has announced plans for a holiday sale on Sunday, December 7th in their gallery at 70 Railroad Street in Great Barrington. CATA produces handcrafted jewelry, accessories and note cards in its creative employment program called CATAdirect. Employees with disabilities collaborate with community volunteers to create unique gift items out of mostly recycled materials. Products for this holiday season include necklaces and bracelets crafted of donated buttons, scarves woven from recycled cashmere sweaters, and a variety of holiday cards. Proceeds from the sale of CATA products fund the organization's employment program. Additionally, each artist with a disability receives a design fee if his or her artwork is used to produce a printed card. For more information, visit www. �� communityaccesstothearts.org, call 413- 528-5485, or stop by �� the CATA boutique on the second floor of 40 Railroad Street in � �� Great Barrington.

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December 1, 2008

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MCLA Gallery 51 Gets 'All Fired Up' Beginning on Thursday, Dec. 4, the MCLA Gallery 51 will present “All Fired Up,” an exhibition of contemporary ceramics. Curated by local ceramic artist Diane Sullivan, “All Fired Up” will feature a range of both functional and sculptural work from nine regional and national ceramicists. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Four potters in the show - Ellen Grenadier, Tiffany Hilton, Aysha Peltz and Todd Wahlstrom - are inspired by the natural world, which is reflected in both bold and subtle surfaces of their work. Their displayed work includes a variety of handmade vases, cups, bowls and platters, which perfectly balance perfect function and the intuitive choice of the right glaze, according to Ven Voisey, MCLA Gallery 51 manager. “What I like most is making artful pottery that will be used everyday objects that bring the intimacy of the handmade into people's homes and that encourage us to stop and enjoy the experience of dining,” Grenadier said. Sculptural work in the exhibition will be represented both on the wall and on pedestals as each of artists has a distinct way of forming and finishing their pieces. Heather Allen-Swarttouw's boat pod pieces appear to have an ancient surface, whereas Shannon Donovan creates vibrantly colored wallflowers from hubcaps and dollies cast in porcelain. Katherine Casey's porcelain tiles have the imprint of nature and residual images which the viewer can project his or her own story into, and Sullivan's small figural earthenware sculptures tell a story of their own. Finally, Colleen Williams' stunningly patterned figural vases are alive with rhythm and attitude, Voisey said. “This exhibition is not only a great opportunity to view a range of beautiful works by nine very talented ceramicists, but also a chance to pick up some unique holiday gifts which will not only give delight to the recipient, but help support these artists and the MCLA gallery,” Sullivan said. “All Fired Up” runs through Jan. 4, 2009. MCLA Gallery 51 is at 51 Main St. in North Adams and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 413-664-8718, or go to www.mcla.edu/Gallery51.

Christmas Gift Bazaar

Sacred Heart Parish is having a Christmas Gift Bazaar on Saturday, December 6 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Sacred Heart School on 1 Meadow Lane in Pittsfield. This craft show is the major fundraiser for Sacred Heart School. Twenty-one area crafters will make their goods available, the Parish Craft Group wiill also have items for sale. There will also be homemade baked goods, chinese auction, a $1,000 raffle, food, a visit from Santa, children’s craft table, gently used items and more!

Free Tuesdays!

Could you use help caring for your feet?

This winter, the Norman Rockwell Museum offers free admission each Tuesday. Free Tuesdays complement our year-round Kids Free Every Day program, a gift to families from Country Curtains, Blantyre, and The Red Lion Inn. We look forward to seeing you! Visit www.nrm. org for details.

-HOME VISITS -FOOT EXAMINATION & HYGIENE -NAIL CARE & NAIL TRIMMING -SKIN, CORN, & CALLOUS CARE -FOOT MASSAGE -FOOT & TOE EXERCISES -PATIENT EDUCATION -PHYSICAL, GAIT, & BALANCE ASSESSMENT gift certificates available for the holidays

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December 1, 2008

5th Annual Alternative Gift Fair

On Saturday, December 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Williams College Students for Social Justice group will be holding their 5th Annual Alternative Gift Fair in the Sanctuary of the First Congregational Church of Williamstown. The Alternative Gift Fair is an opportunity to shop for socially responsible holiday gifts from local, regional, and national fair trade and non-profit organizations. Products will include handcrafts from around the world, local food products, and charitable and environmental gifts. Most proceeds support various non-profits, and the remainder go to environmentally and socially responsible businesses. Some of the many vendors this year will include: the Greylock Chapter of ABC, who will be selling note cards featuring color floral photography by Phil Smith; the Sudan Relief Task Force, selling bags of their popular Sudanese Lentil soup mix; Heifer Project International, selling donations of animals to families in developing countries; the Thursday Night Group; Wild Oats Co-op, selling local, fair trade, and organic products; maple syrup made from trees in the College's Hopkins Forest, crafts from Nicaragua; beautiful pots and woven baskets from Malawi; crafts from an orphanage in Kenya; and pottery made by the Oak Bluffs Cottage Pottery Ceramic Artists. In addition the Students for Social Justice will be selling student-made crafts. The First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, is located at 906 Main Street (Rt. 2) in Williamstown, MA. The church is fully handicap accessible. Parking is available immediately behind the church off of Chapin Hall Drive. For more information contact the Church Office at 413-4584273 or Office@firstchurchwilliamstown.org. Students for Social Justice is a student activist group at Williams College whose main goal is to raise awareness on campus and in the community about different forms of social injustice in the United States and around the world while providing people with ideas of how they can work for peace, equality and understanding in their own lives. As activists, they conduct demonstrations on campus and organize dinner discussions where professors have a chance to speak with students outside of class about social justice in their fields of expertise. They also hold annual events such as the Hunger Banquet and the Alternative Gift Fair, urging members of the community to appreciate their privilege and consider the responsibility they have to the rest of humanity. They are always eager to work on new projects whether they concern human rights, health, education, poverty, the environment, foreign policy or any other area where people struggle for social justice. For more information, please email 10lck@williams.edu.

2008 Special Olympics Massachusetts Jolly Jaunt

On Saturday, December 6 the 2008 Special Olympics Massachusetts Jolly Jaunt will take place in Pittsfield. Registration begins at 8 am, at Crowne Plaza Pittsfield, $35 to enter the race and holiday party, $50 for an official race t-shirt, 413-747-8946. Join us this holiday season for the annual Jolly Jaunt - a 5K & 10K run and 1 mile walk to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts! Bring your friends and family and wear your best holiday attire. Don't forget the post-run holiday party where you can win fun prizes and enjoy free food!

Shaker Workshops Trunk Sale

Great deals on Shaker reproduction furniture and household items. Discounts up to 50% off of tables, chairs, lamps and more! A truck load of assembled and finished furniture as well as other goodies from the Shaker Workshops catalogue. Visit the Shaker Workshops website to sneak a peek at all the great Shaker-style items they create. Sale begins 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 6 in the Visitors Center. Hancock Shaker Village, 1843 W. Housatonic St. Pittsfield. More information at: 413-443-0188

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Journalist Bob Woodward To Speak

In celebration of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' new Political Science and Public Policy major, the college has announced that awardwinning journalist and author Bob Woodward will deliver its first Public Policy Lecture on Tuesday, December 9, at 7 p.m. in the Church Street Center. The event is free and open to the public, and is made possible through a grant from the Ruth Proud Charitable Trust. Woodward has worked for The Washington Post since 1971 and is the recipient of nearly every major American journalism award. The Pulitzer Prize was given to the Post in 1973 for the reporting of Woodward and Carl Bernstein on the Watergate scandal. In addition, Woodward was the main reporter for the Post's articles that won the National Affairs Pulitzer Prize in 2002. The Weekly Standard called Woodward “the best pure reporter of his generation, perhaps ever.” In 2003, Albert Hunt of The Wall Street Journal called Woodward “the most celebrated journalist of our age.” In 2004, Bob Schieffer of CBS News said, “Woodward has established himself as the best reporter of our time. He may be the best reporter of all time.” Woodward has coauthored or authored 11 number-one national best-selling non-fiction books - more than any contemporary American writer. They are: “All the President's Men” (1974) and “The Final Days” (1976), both Watergate books, co-authored with Bernstein “The Brethren: Inside the Supreme Court” (1979), coauthored with Scott Armstrong “Wired: The Short Life and Fast Times of John Belushi” (1984) “Veil: The Secret Wars of the CIA 1981-1987” (1987) “The Commanders” (1991) on the first Bush administration and the

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Gulf War “The Agenda: Inside the Clinton White House” (1994) “Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate” (1999) “Bush at War” (2002) “Plan of Attack” (2004) “State of Denial” (2006) Woodward's other three books, “The Choice” (1996) on the presidential election, “Maestro: Greenspan's Fed and the American Boom” (2000), and “The Secret Man” (2005) on Watergate's Deep Throat were national bestsellers for months. His most recent book, “The War Within: A Secret White House History 2006-2008,” was released on Sept. 8. Newsweek Magazine has excerpted six of Woodward's books in headline-making cover stories; 60 Minutes has done pieces on six of his books; three of his books have been made into movies.Woodward was born March 26, 1943 in Illinois. He graduated from Yale University in 1965 and served five years as a communications officer in the U.S. Navy before beginning his journalism career at the Montgomery County (Maryland) Sentinel, where he was a reporter for one year before joining the Post.According to Robert Bence, MCLA political science professor, the region offers many advantages for students interested in public policy, including the revitalization of North Adams and similar public/private collaborations in other parts of Berkshire County. “In this program, students will have a chance to apply their classroom knowledge and skills through internships and real-life applications,” Bence said. “We've been looking at a political science major for a long time, but we decided we wanted to provide a unique offering and one that provides a vocational focus. We also believe that adding public policy to political science gives it a unique academic focus.” Bence expects students in this new Bachelor of Arts degree program will network with officials in government agencies, those in the private sector who create and implement policy, as well as with court officials and elected leaders involved in policy creation and evaluation. Although the Public Policy Lecture with Bob Woodward is free, tickets will be required for this event, and will be available online. For more information, go to www.mcla.edu/upcoming.

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December 1, 2008

First Time Home Buyer Training for Artists Assets for Artists - a project of Berkshire Creative, MASS MoCA, MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the City of Pittsfield's Office of Cultural Development, with funding from Berkshire Bank Foundation - is partnering with the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center to offer a two-part training seminar for artists interested in learning more about the home buying process. This training will be held on Saturday, December 6 and Saturday, December 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Berkshire Bank, 66 West Street, in downtown Pittsfield. Participants will learn how to determine what they can afford and what will meet their artistic needs (live-work space, 2-4 unit properties with rental income, etc.). They will also hear from expert speakers on such topics as choosing and working with a real estate broker, making an offer on a house, comparing mortgage offers, applying for a mortgage, securing down payment assistance, obtaining legal representation for preparing and reviewing documents, selecting appropriate home

insurance, utilizing a home inspector, preparing for life after the home purchase, and more. The training will be tailored to the needs and challenges of artists in the Berkshires. Attendance at both sessions is required in order for the participant to receive “certification” from the state and become eligible for certain first-time home buyer mortgage and down payment assistance programs. Artists who would like to participate in this two-part certified home buyer training should contact Blair Benjamin at MASS MoCA (413664-4481 x8104 or blair@massmoca.org) to express interest or request more information. A limited number of slots will be available, offered first-come, first-serve. Pre-registration is required.

Make-It-Take-It Craft Fair

Youth Center Inc. will host their Make-It-Take-It Craft Fair on Saturday, December 6. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Center on East Street in Adams. Featuring at least 15 crafts of varying degrees of difficulty, there is something for everyone. “People think it's just a kids craft fair, but the adults can enjoy making things too, or work on a project as a family,” said Director Liz Baker. Prices range from free to $5. For information about the event call 413-743-3550 or email lbaker@ youthcenterinc.org. Volunteers are also being sought.

2009 Bay State Alpine Skiing

Registration is now open for the 2009 Bay State Games Alpine Skiing Competition. The two run giant slalom race will take place at the Bousquet Ski area on Saturday, February 7. The entry fee will include a lift ticket, competitor t-shirty, as well as jackets and award medals to the top three athletes in each division. Separate races will be held for men and women in all groups. For additional information, or to register online visit: www. baystategames.org/html/bsgwww/Winter/skiing.asp.

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Ventfort Hall Kicks Off ‘A Home for the Holidays’ on December 7

Sunday, December 7, from 2 pm to 5 pm, marks the opening of Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum's “A Home for the Holidays” festivities that evoke a Victorian holiday celebration. The manor house will be beautifully decorated and will host a number of special events to enliven the season. A “mini” adaptation of the Nutcracker Ballet will be performed by the American Dance Institute of Pittsfield. Now that more rooms of the mansion are restored, more will be elaborately decorated. The library, for example, will become the scene of a special Christmas tree decorated with charming Gilded Style ornaments handmade by Ventfort Hall's American Girl participants. Fabulous railroad trains from the collection of Roger Rochelo, including a gleaming 10-foot Polar Express engine, will be on display. The dining room will be the setting of a Christmas dinner party circa 1893, as if the owners, George and Sarah Morgan with family members, will enter at any minute. Country Dining Room Antiques of Great Barrington will provide the Victorian table settings. The decorating team of the Ventfort Hall Flower Ladies will provide glorious holiday decorations throughout the mansion. Visitors are also encouraged to view Les Petites Dames de Mode (The Little Ladies of Fashion), 60 exquisite, 29-inch tall mannequins dressed in the fashions of the Victorian and Edwardian era, each a work of art created by John Burbidge, retired senior designer of Priscilla of Boston. And there will be more: A Victorian Tea, cocoa, hot mulled cider and lots of other goodies. Holiday shoppers will have the opportunity to take advantage of a 10% discount in the Museum Shop. “A Home for the Holidays” at the mansion will continue through mid-January of 200, with all the exhibits and decorations open for viewing throughout the period. Admission is $15 for members, $18 for non-members and $7 for children under 12. For reservations call Ventfort Hall at 413-637-3206. The mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox. Ventfort Hall will continue its winter tour hours, weekdays 10 am to 5 pm for self-guided tours and weekends for guided tours from 10 am to 3 pm. For weekends and weekdays during Christmas week from December 26 to December 31, there will be fully guided tours also from 10 am to 3 pm. The last tour begins at 2 pm. An Official Project of Save America's Treasures, Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum offers tours of the historic mansion, as well as lectures, concerts, teas, theater and other programs. This elegant Elizabethan-Revival Berkshire “cottage,” listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is open to the public year-around and is available for private rental. Built in 1893 for George and Sarah Morgan (sister of the financier, J. P. Morgan), Ventfort Hall has undergone substantial restoration, which continues.

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Neighborhood EXPO Will Highlight An Environmental "Story Session" With Joe Manning The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition is preparing for the 11th Annual Neighborhood EXPO! On Saturday, December 6, St. Anthony's Parish Center will fill to capacity for much of the day as community residents come together to celebrate "keeping the Berkshires beautiful." Among these community members, one of the key participants to the EXPO will be Joe Manning, a local writer and historian. Joe plans to facilitate a workshop session entitled, "The Physical Effect of Our Environment," and will discuss how our physical environment really helps to shape our culture and economy. In difficult economic times, both locally and nationally, this workshop topic is sure to be especially popular among EXPO attendees. Joe says his workshop will be conducted in a "story session" style, as he will offer many accounts of how we affect our environment, and conversely how our environment affects us. An enlightening example of this relationship may often go unspoken, but Joe notices "writers, musicians and artists are inspired by their physical environment, with their books, songs, paintings and sculptures reflecting and redefining what they see." This concept, and many other examples will be presented during Joe's workshop. As a ten year participant in the EXPO, Joe has certainly helped above and beyond what one would expect of a volunteer. He is creative and knowledgeable, and speaks with eloquence about the influence we have on our local environment. His workshop will clearly offer thought-provoking discussion on how we can "keep the Berkshires beautiful." We thank Joe for all that he has dedicated to the EXPO over the past ten years, and we hope he will continue to share his expertise with community members for many EXPO's to come. Please join Joe Manning and our other facilitators on Saturday, December 6 for a day of education, special projects, activities for children and families, and fun for all! The EXPO will begin with an opening session at 9:30 a.m., followed by workshops 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., then lunch, dance and music continuing until 2:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Lee Holiday Season Kickoff

One of Lee’s most eagerly awaited annual events will take place on Sunday, December 7 at 4:30 p.m. when the tree in The Park is lit for the first time in the season. Everyone is asked to bring toys, which will be donated this year to the Laliberte Fund. There will coffee for the adults, hot chocolate for the kids and cookies and donuts for all. Word has also been received from the North Pole that Santa Claus will be joining in the celebration, riding aboard the Lee Fire Department Engine #5. Santa has promised to pose for complementary photos with children as a gift from Lee Emergency Services. The tree lighting is jointly sponsored by the Lee Chamber of Commerce and Lee Emergency Services for the enjoyment of all. Come and enjoy as the town kicks off the holiday season! For more information phone 413-243-0852.

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Berkshire Humane Society Coordinating County Efforts for a Pet Food Drive

The Berkshire Humane Society is leading an effort to coordinate Pet-Food supplies for needy families this winter season. BHS is working with Animal Friends of Northern Berkshire to build up a supply of dry and canned, cat and dog food at designated drop off and pickup sites in Adams, N. Adams and Dalton. The Berkshire Visitors Bureau, at Hoosick St. in Adams will take donations of new bags and cans of pet-food. Roy Thompson, of Adams, has arranged for Dog Days Café to be both a drop-off and pickup site for those in need of food for their cats and dogs. In North Adams, The Silvio O. Conte Middle School Youth Council conducted a food drive for pets and humans, with the North Berkshire Community Action Council distributing that food to both pets and people. In Dalton, The Dalton United Methodist Church on Main Street is the site for both drop off and pick up of pet food. John Perreault, Executive Director of The Berkshire Humane Society, heralds the effort by these groups of concerned Animal Friends of North Berkshire to help their neighbors during these very difficult economic times. “If we can prevent a family from having to surrender a pet, who is a member of their family, because they can’t afford to feed them, then we will give them that food to keep our kennel open for anther animal that has to be surrendered,” he said. “We’ve noticed an increase in the number of people coming to the shelter on Barker Road for pet-food for the past year, and in anticipation of even more difficult times to come this winter, we decided to expand the drop-off & pickup sites to areas that are more easily accessible to county residents,” added Perreault. By arranging for more locations throughout Berkshire County, BHS will be able to help those who truly need the food to receive it even faster. “The important thing now is to get the message out the public that our pet food pantries are bare and we need help to stock them”, reported Karen Karlberg, Community Outreach Coordinator at BHS. “I have been getting calls from local school groups and youth organizations to see what they can do to help the animals at BHS”, she added. I tell them to have a pet food drive, and I help them kick-off the drive with a presentation at school or anything else they need for support from the staff at BHS. For example, the Conte Youth Group in N. Adams organized a pet food drive and I was on hand to help them make posters and support their efforts. The Adams Cheshire Savoy Youth Coalition is planning a fund raiser for the shelter in the future and also many Girl Scout troops are arranging pet-food drives and donations of items from the shelter wish list. Our mission is to provide free Humane Education programs to area schools which include encouraging children to help their neighbor’s pets as part of being a responsible pet owner. Kids love animals and want to help them anyway they can so they are always willing to organize food drives and collections for the Berkshire Humane Society. “The pet food drive is an amazing way of showing how much you care about animals and their owners in Berkshire County”. She added. South County has also been coordinating a pet food drive with Irie’s Pet Pantry and has added to the list of drop off sites: The Berkshire CoOp, Berkshire South Regional Community Center, Chez Pet Wild Birds Country Store, VCA All Caring Animal Hospital, Legacy Bank in the Big Y Plaza, in Gt. Barrington, The First Congregational Church in Lee, Terranova’s Market in Otis, BenDotter’s Pets in Sheffield, St. Joseph Church in Stockbridge, Lenox Town Hall, and the West Stockbridge Post Office. The pickup of pet food in South County is arranged through social agencies including: Sheffield Food Pantry, Community Heath Programs, Gt Barrington, BCAC Gt. Barrington, and Elder Services. The Berkshire Humane Society Staff asks that you bring new bags of dry food only or canned to the shelter on Barker Road or to any of the noted drop off locations. They are not able to handle re-sealed open �� bags of food. A 30 day supply of pet food is given to anyone who asks �� for it, proving we have the food on hand. They are only asked to sign a �� log to keep track of how much food is dispensed per month. Nothing �� else is required to obtain the food free of charge. The designated pick�� up sites may have similar requirements. For more information about �� donating pet food or the other drop off and pick-up locations in the � � � �� county please call 413-447-7878. ��

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2009 Bay State Alpine Skiing

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December 1, 2008

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December 1, 2008

Yankee Shopper

Green Gift Idea for the Holidays

With the holidays fast approaching and many of us feeling uncertain about the state of the economy, holiday shopping might seem more daunting this year than last. For those who are feeling thrifty but still want to find something lasting and creative for a special someone, why not consider giving a green gift that supports a worthy organization while bringing joy to a loved one at the same time? Trends show that more and more people are giving gifts that support meaningful causes, programs, or campaigns as alternatives to traditional gifts. Whether you are giving a gift made from natural materials, an animal to help feed or employ a family in a developing country, or a gift membership to a conservation organization, the opportunities are endless when you give the “gift of green.” According to a recent study conducted for World Vision by the polling company Harris Interactive in late October, an estimated 71% of Americans are trimming back on their holiday spending this year, however, amid widespread concerns about the economy, Americans are not planning to cut their charitable giving. In fact, some are considering increasing their year-end giving, as they make donations on behalf of friends and family members in lieu of purchasing presents. A gift membership to an organization such as The Trustees of Reservations, the nation’s oldest statewide land conservation organization, makes the perfect gift for that special someone who loves the outdoors and cares about protecting the places that define the character of our communities. With individual gift memberships starting at $45 ($35 for students and seniors), your gift not only provides free access to 100 stunning reservations spanning 25,000 acres in 71 communities across Massachusetts, but it also assists The Trustees in protecting more special places for the public to enjoy around our beautiful state. Trustees’ Gift memberships* include: Free/reduced admission to 100 Trustees properties (including significantly discounted parking rates at popular destinations like Crane Beach in Ipswich and World’s End in Hingham); Discounts on stays at Trustees bed & breakfasts (The Inn at Castle Hill

in Ipswich and the Guest House at Field Farm in Williamstown) Discounted fees for the hundreds of events, programs, lectures and workshop the Trustees offer year-round, for all ages The Trustees Property Guide, a 200-page guidebook to the organization’s 100 special places—available exclusively to members; A year’s subscription to our quarterly member magazine, Special Places, which will keep you up-to-date on important conservation, nature, history, cultural, and environmentally-important topics and events; A Trustees window sticker showing your support for the nation’s oldest statewide land trust and non-profit conservation organization; and With any gift membership order placed before January 15, 2009, receive a free Trustees of Reservations 16-oz. stainless steel travel mug. Founded in 1891 by open space visionary Charles Eliot, The Trustees of Reservations own and manage 100 reservations, all open for the public to enjoy. From mountains and hilltops, to working farms, stately homes and gardens, 70 miles of stunning coastline, and five National Historic Landmarks, Trustees’ properties are tremendously diverse and offer something for everyone. The Trustees also hold perpetual conservation restrictions on more than 16,000 additional acres, permanently protecting scenic and natural areas from development, and have assisted in the protection of more than 16,000 additional acres. As land is being developed at the startling rate of 40 acres a day and open space is being fragmented at a rapid pace around the state, The Trustees have embarked on a new 10-year strategic plan to mobilize and inspire a critical mass of people and partners who care about their communities and will work to protect their quality of life. Trustees’ members are 100,000 people like you, from every corner of Massachusetts, who share a deep set of similar values: a love of the land, the outdoors, and the distinctive charms of New England, as well as a shared vision: to protect special places for everyone, forever. *gift memberships can be ordered online at www.thetrustees.org or by calling 978.921.1944 (M – F, 9AM – 5PM).

Jennifer Trainer Thompson to read at Wordplay

On Saturday, December 13 at 7 p.m. author Jennifer Trainer Thompson will read at Wordplay, participating in a monthly reading series co-sponsored by Inkberry and Papyri Books. The event will be held at Papyri Books, 45 Eagle Street. Jennifer Trainer Thompson will read selections from her book “The Joy of Family Traditions: A Season-by-Season Companion to 400 Celebrations and Activities”. With almost 500,000 books and posters in print, Jennifer Trainer Thompson has written more than fifteen books, including

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“Beyond Einstein: The Cosmic Quest For The Theory Of The Universe”, which has been published in ten languages, “Jump Up And Kiss Me: Spicy Vegetarian Cooking, Feasts Afloat”, as well as a trilogy of books on ingredients native to her New England home: cranberries, blueberries, and maple syrup. Nominated for three James Beard awards and dubbed the "Queen of Hot" by Associated Press, she's recognized as a leader in the spicy foods movement for her cookbooks and the hot sauce posters that she has created for Celestial Arts. Jennifer’s book “The Joy of Family Traditions” is a season-by-season journey through the year that presents family-oriented holidays, holy days, milestone events, curious customs, and once in a lifetime occasions. The book offers inspiration to parents, grandparents, and parents-to-be for creating, adapting, and preserving holidays and other occasions. Gail Burns of Williamstown will host the event for Inkberry. After the Jennifer Trainer Thompson reading, there will be a brief intermission, followed by the popular WordPlay open mic. Refreshments will be available, and admission is free and open to the public. For additional information regarding Inkberry or these readings, contact Inkberry by phone at (413) 664-0775 or visit www.inkberry.org . About Inkberry- Inkberry promotes the literary arts in the Berkshires with events and community partnerships that celebrate and support writing and reading. Inkberry is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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December 1, 2008

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The 19th Annual Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas

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December 6 and 7, 2008 The town of Stockbridge, made famous by Norman Rockwell's painting of the village during the holidays, becomes a magical New England setting decorated with holiday wreaths and festive lights, as the town celebrates the 19th annual Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, December 6 and 7. Sponsored by the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce, the holiday celebration offers a full range of activities, with highlights including a holiday readingsl, house tours, caroling, and a holiday concert. Capping off the weekend is a recreation on Sunday of the scene depicted in Main Street at Christmas, complete with vintage automobiles parked in the spots occupied in the painting. The day's activities include horse drawn rides, a visit from Santa, Roger the Jester, lunch at the Christmas Food Booth and much more. The festivities celebrate Rockwell's popular depiction of what for many is the quintessential small New England Town, with all the longing for a simpler time that it represents. Rockwell began painting the popular image in 1956, but did not complete it until December 1967. The image and character of Stockbridge has changed little over the years, thanks to the great care and affection of its residents, and it is that special ambience which draws so many.

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2008 Event Listing

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Saturday, December 6 • Holiday House Tour - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit some of the area's Historic Homes, B&B's, and Inns. This self-guided tour is one of our most popular events. This year’s tour features properties within walking distance to down town Stockbridge. They include the private home of Dan Symecko, Laurel Hill Place, Former Rockwell Residence complete with former Rockwell models, Taggart House B&B, The Campbell House and the historic Mission House & Merwin House. • Children's Holiday Card Making - 11 to 11:30 a.m. Come enjoy holdiay card making with illustrator Anna Myers using Jan Brett's "The Mitten". Free Admission. • Caroling Luminaria Walk - 6-7 p.m. Meet in front of The Red Lion Inn, Main Street with your candle or flashlight and join the festive caroling followed by a Luminaria walk to the First Congregational Church. • Holiday Concert - 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the magic of the season with a joyful holiday musical program held at the First Congregational Church. Featuring the Berkshire Lyric Theatre Chorus, the Blafield Children's Chorus and Gisella Montanez. Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door. Sunday, December 7, • Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas Recreation - 12-2 p.m. See Main Street as Norman Rockwell did when he painted the famous Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. Main Street becomes a magical New England village with over 50 antique cars parked along the street (weather permitting) and a full range of festive activities to delight the child in everyone. Enjoy Holiday Music, Roger the Jester and lunch at the Christmas Food Booth. Children may create ornaments at Santa's workshop. Complete the day with a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus. Commemorative Buttons offering admittance to Sunday's Main St. activities are available. Children under 12 free.

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December 1, 2008

• BERKSHIRE COUNTY CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS •

Thursday, December 4 • 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Blood Pressure Screenings by the Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association 413-447-2862 Berkshire Mall, Old State Rd., Lanesborough. No registration is required for this event. • 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Blood Pressure Screenings by the Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association 413-447-2862 - Claire Teague Senior Center, 334 Main St., Great Barrington. No registration is required. • 10 a.m - Library Time for Ages Three to Five - Features Stories, short videos and craft activities, and a snack. - Dalton Free Library, 462 Main St., Dalton. For information call 413684-6112. • 10 a.m. - ALANON meeting. 24-hour Information Line 413445-5852. Web site www.al-anonberkshire.org. Newcomers are welcome at all meetings. - Hevreh of South Berkshire, 270 State Rd. (Route 23), Great Barrington • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - 23rd annual International Crafts Bazaar, featuring Christmas cards and ornaments, knick-knacks, baskets, carvings, jewelry, musical instruments, and toys made of wood, onyx, jute, paper, metal, cloth and other natural products, all made by needy artisans in more than 25 developing countries. Info: 413-236-2113. - Berkshire Community College, Susan B. Anthony Center, West Street, Pittsfield. • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Community Outreach Van - Free Health Insurance Enrollment & Health Screenings. Phone 413-4459215 - Harry’s Supermarket, 290 Wahconah Street, Pittsfield • 10:30 a.m. - Storytime - Preschool - Bushnell Sage Library, 48 Main St., Sheffield • 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. - Preschool Story Craft - Preschool Story Craft is for children 3 to 5 years of age. The program features stories, songs & follow-along activities followed by a craft related to stories. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197 ext. 105 - Lenox Library Association, 18 Main St., Lenox • 12:15 p.m. - Forum on “Alzheimer’s: The Intersection of Culture and Disease”. Info: 413-499-4660 or berkshirecc. edu. - Berkshire Community College, K-111, West Street, Pittsfield. • 1 p.m. - HIV/Sexually Transmitted Disease �� Screening and Hepatitis �� C testing. Confidential �� and be anonymous, �� no charge although �� donations are accepted. �� Those wishing to be �� tested should call 413-447-2653 for an �� appointment. - Suite �� 210 of the Ambulatory �� Care Center on the �� North Adams Regional �� Hospital, 71 North Ave., �� North Adams �� • 1-4 p.m. - Berkshire �� VNA Flu Clinics - Public �� flu vaccine clinic, open �� to all adults ages 18 and older. Pneumococcal �� (Pneumonia) vaccine �� also available. Bring �� Medicare card or $35 fee. December 1, 2008

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Info: 413-447-2862 - Hillcrest Campus of Berkshire Medical Center, 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield 2-4 p.m. - Blood Pressure Screenings by the Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association 413-447-2862 - Hillcrest Campus, 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield. No registration required. 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. - Book Club for Ten to 12 Year-Olds Stockbridge Library, Main St., Stockbridge. For information phone 413-298-5501. 4 p.m. - Reception for Thaute photography exhibit. The public is welcome for the reception, which is free, but a reservation is requested. Phone: 413-499-1992 - EPOCH at Melbourne is located at 140 Melbourne Road, in Pittsfield. 4-5 p.m. - Hope Support Group - A support group for men and women living with advanced or recurrant cancer, group meets at the Health Information Center, Main Lobby, Berkshire Medical Center, North St., Pittsfield. To register, or for more information phone Kathy Hart at 413-395-7965 or Karen McNultyat 413- 447-2655. 5 p.m. - Local business owners and representatives are invited to the Berkshire Business Sustainability Association’s Holiday Party, featuring wine and hors d’oeuvres, networking and talk by Susan Witt, founder of Berkshares, and Sharon Palma, Berkshares’ new executive director, speaking about “The Benefits to Local Business Using Local Currency”. Free; reservation requested at 413-717-0773 or 413-528-0011. - Holiday Inn Express, Route 7, Great Barrington. 5-7 p.m. - Opening reception for Small Works Group Show, featuring small works in many mediums by a host of artists with connections to the Berkshires. Info: 413-637-3390. - The Shade Gallery, The Bookstore, 11 Housatonic St., Lenox.

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5:30 p.m. - The Annual City of North Adams Christmas Tree Lighting! There will be music from the Drury Band, Christmas Carols, and visit from Santa Claus. Phone: 413664-6180 - Main Street, Monument Square, North Adams 6 p.m. - Thursday Night Country Line Dancing - instructor is Cheryl Wendling - 413-443-6263 for information. - Itam Lodge #564, 93 Waubeek Rd., Pittsfield 6 to 7:30 p.m. - Gingerbread house-making workshop for children 4 and up. Registration required at 413-528-2403. - Mason Library, Main Street, Great Barrington. 6:30 p.m. - “Fundamentalism and Modern Science”, local author R.E. Markham will offer his thoughts on some of the issues and then open the floor for questions and discussion. The book will be available for purchase and a book signing will immediately follow. Phone: 413-662-3133- North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St., North Adams 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. - Voices of the Mountains Toastmasters - Free, 413-241-7314, Voices of the Mountains, the Toastmasters chapter in Williamstown, covers all of the Northern Berkshires, meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. - Sweetwood on route 7 (about 3.2 miles south of Main Street) in Williamstown 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Berkshire Creative - Holiday SPARK Event for Berkshire creative types to mix, mingle and celebrate the season. Reservation required at 413-822-8324. - Seven Hills Inn, 40 Plunkett St., Lenox. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Soul & Spirit Book Club - Metaphysical book club, moderated by Bettina Zumdick. Free. Phone: 413243-2834 - Berkshire Soul and Spirit Center, 69 Main St., Lee 6:35 p.m. - Bingo. Doors open at 3 p.m. Phone 413-447-9243 for details. - Elks Lodge, 27 Union Street, Pittsfield 7 p.m. - “It’s A Wonderful Life,” starring Tom Beckett. Info: 413-236-8888 or barringtonstageco.org. - Barrington Stage Company, Stage 2, 36 Linden St., Pittsfield 7 p.m. - Pittsfield High School String Orchestra, directed by Alla Zernitskaya, will perform. Free. Open: 413-442-0775. - Berkshire Athenaeum, Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield. 7 p.m. - Williams College Department of Music End of Semester Student Piano Jazz Recital. Students playing are under the tutelage of Freddie Bryant, Visiting Lecturer in Africana Studies and Music and Studio Instructor of Intermediate and Advanced Jazz Guitar. Free and open to the public. Phone: 413-597-3146 - Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall is located at 54 Chapin Hall Drive in Bernhard Music Center on the Williams College campus 7-9 p.m. - The Magic of Maple Syrup: Introduction to Sugaring - Get closer to your trees and to a longstanding Highlands tradition. Find out if maple sugaring could be part of your “mud season” and your way of life. Free. Information at the Highland Communities Initiative, 413-268-8219 or www.highlandcommunities.org. - Chesterfield Senior Center, Chesterfield 7:30 p.m. - ALANON meeting. 24-hour Information Line 413-445-5852. Web site www.al-anonberkshire.org. Special “Newcomers” meeting on the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.) - United Methodist Church, Water and Main Streets, Williamstown. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Debtor’s Anonymous - A program for compulsive debtors and underearners, meets at Unitarian Universalist Church, corner of Wendell Avenue and Broad streets, Pittsfield, second floor.

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8 p.m. - ALANON meeting. 24-hour Information Line 413445-5852. Web site www.al-anonberkshire.org. Newcomers are welcome at all meetings. - Christ Church, Route 7 and Maple Ave., Sheﬃeld 8 p.m. - On-Going Weekly Hootenanny. Admission applies. Call 413-528-1955 for information. - Guthrie Center, 4 Van Deusenville Rd., Great Barrington 8:30 p.m. - Rev Tor...Solo Act - Every Thursday Night at Flavours, meet one of the most talented guitarist and song writers, up close and personal in an intimate performance setting...Must Be 2 ...No Cover Charge - Flavours at the Econo Lodge, Rt. 7, Lenox 9 p.m. - D.J. B.F.G. performs. Phone 413-528-5959. - Bogies Steak & Ale 935 South Main St., Great Barrington 9 p.m. - Quarter Life Crisis performs. No cover charge applies. Phone 413-684-0900 for details. - Mill Town Tavern, 16 Depot St., Dalton

Friday, December 5 • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - 23rd annual International Crafts Bazaar, featuring Christmas cards and ornaments, knick-knacks, baskets, carvings, jewelry, musical instruments, and toys made of wood, onyx, jute, paper, metal, cloth and other natural products, all made by needy artisans in more than 25 developing countries. Info: 413-236-2113. - Berkshire Community College, Susan B. Anthony Center, West Street, Pittsfield. • 10 and 11 a.m. - Aquarium Adventures - Toddlers enjoy playtime and a story, then meet a different animal each week. Sponsered by Target. Free with Museum admission. - Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield • 10:15 a.m. - New Parents Invited To Gallery Talk, most appropriate for parents with pre-toddlers, take place on the first Friday of the month. Phone: 413-458-2303 - The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown • 10:30 a.m. - Storytime in the Galleries - Williams College Museum of Art, storytime in the galleries, with reading of contemporary and classic children’s books selected especially to connect to artwork on view, for preschoolers with guardians. Main Street, Williamstown. Info: wcma.org. • 2:30 p.m. - “Community Connections: Model Citizens” - Find out what it was like to pose for America’s favorite illustrator from one of Norman Rockwell’s own models. This popular monthly program offers a unique way to learn more about Rockwell’s process. Free with Museum admission. www.nrm.org - Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Glendale Rd.,

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Stockbridge 3 p.m. - Armenian piano virtuoso Karen Tchougourian will perform. As part of EPOCH Assisted Living’s programs for residents and guests, this performance is open to visitors at no charge but a reservation is requested at 413-499-1992. - EPOCH at Melbourne is located at 140 Melbourne Road, in Pittsfield. 3-7 p.m. - Picture your pet with Santa; have your pet’s photo taken with Santa at Roxwell Pets. Donation goes to benefit the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter. Info: 413-448-9800. - Roxwell Pets store, Allendale Shopping Center, Cheshire Road (Route 8), Pittsfield 4:30 p.m. - BINGO - with food, Speedball, Horserace and Bingo Nut 2 Tickets. Weekly progressive game prize of $1,199, plus weekly door prize. - St. Mary’s School, 115 Orchard St., Lee 5 p.m. - Berkshire Botanical Garden Cocktail Party and Early Buying Party to Celebrate their Annual Holiday Marketplace - Cocktail Party with early buying, followed by a special themed dinner - call 413-298-3926 for details and reservations. - Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 and 183, Stockbridge. 5 p.m. - Piano Virtuoso Karen Tchougourian will perform. This event is free and open to the public. To request a reservation or for more information, please call 413-4991992. - EPOCH at Melbourne is located at 140 Melbourne Road, in Pittsfield. 5-7 p.m. - Museum Shop-Holiday Open House - Join us in the Berkshire Museum Shop before the 7 p.m. tree lighting in Pittsfield’s Park Square. Stop by for some hot apple cider and donuts. Receive a coupon for $2 off Festival of Trees admission. Refreshments donated by Bartlett’s Orchard. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield 6:30 to 8 p.m. - Reincarnation And More, Free Intro with Rob Daugherty. Drawing on over 15 years of past life regression research and actual session experience, this lecture jumps right into the many, many fascinating examples of past life cases of karma and reincarnation. Free. Phone: 413-2432834. - Berkshire Soul and Spirit Center, 69 Main St., Lee

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• BERKSHIRE COUNTY CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS •

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6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - A free community singing event, with a potluck dinner beginning at 5:30. Tim Eriksen will the singing master for the evening. Eriksen will lead a singing school that focuses on Shape-Note music and the Sacred Harp singing tradition. He will trace the oldest living American singing tradition back to its roots in Colonial New England, and at the same time teach participants to sing in the four-part harmonies of the Sacred Harp. Singers and non-singers are welcome, and potluck dishes would be appreciated. Contact: Alice Maggio 347 404 4491 amaggio@wesleyan.edu - Dewey Memorial Hall on the green in Sheffield 7 p.m. - Downtown Pittsfield, annual lighting of the Christmas tree - Park Square, Pittsfield 7-8 p.m. - LifeRing - Network of people who support one another in living free of alcohol and other non-medically indicated addictive drugs. There is no religious or antireligious content in the meeting process, and LifeRing does not require participants to follow any particular steps or guidelines, other than staying clean and sober. Participation is free. All are welcome. Meets at First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown.

7-9 p.m. - “Words Out Loud” for poets, storytellers, musicians, comics, improv and performance artists. Visual artists are also encouraged to come and show off their artistic works! Refreshments will be served! - Ramsdell Library, Housatonic (performance hall) 7 to 9 p.m. - The Kathryn Anderson Trio. Jazz vocalist Kathryn Anderson and her trio present classic song standards with sparkling retro syle. Info: 413-637-2700 Firefly Restaurant and Bar, 71 Church St., Lenox 7:30 p.m. - A Renaissance Christmas - The Simon’s Rock Madrigal Singers, Jack Brown, Director The Simon’s Rock Collegium, Lucy Bardo, Director. Free Admission. Sponsored by the Music Department of Bard College at Simon’s Rock - St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Stockbridge 7:30 p.m. - ALANON meeting. 24-hour Information Line 413-445-5852. Web site www.al-anonberkshire.org. Newcomers are welcome at all meetings. - Zion Lutheran Church, 74 First St., Pittsfield 7:30 p.m. - Explore the Skies at the Williams College Observatory. Astronomy students at the college will host free shows for the public. Shows will last approximately 50 minutes. Phone: 413-597-2188 - Williams College, Old Hopkins Observatory, Williamstown 8 p.m. - “It’s A Wonderful Life,” starring Tom Beckett. Info: 413-236-8888 or barringtonstageco.org. - Barrington Stage Company, Stage 2, 36 Linden St., Pittsfield 8 p.m. - ALANON meeting. 24-hour Information Line 413445-5852. Web site www.al-anonberkshire.org. Newcomers are welcome at all meetings. - Clair Teague Senior Center, Route 7 South, Great Barrington

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• BERKSHIRE COUNTY CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS •

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8 p.m. - Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade perform. Mission Bar & Tapas, 438 North Street, Pittsfileld 8 p.m. - Recovery International - A self-help, after-care method for persons suffering from nervous problems and fears, non-sectarian, meets in the Autumn Room at St. Mark’s Church, West Street, Pittsfield; use the Albro Street entrance. 8 p.m. - The Greg Caputo Big Band Presents: Classic Christmas. Phone: 413-997-4444 - The Colonial, 111 South St., Pittsfield 8 p.m. - Williams College Department of Music Presents Brahms’s Violin Sonatas - Joanna Kurkowicz, violin and Doris Stevenson, piano will give a concert of all three of Brahms’s violin sonatas. Phone: 413-597-3146 - BrooksRogers Recital Hall is located at 54 Chapin Hall Drive in Bernhard Music Center on the Williams College campus 9 p.m. - Karaoke night. Call 413-298-3530 for details. Michael’s of Stockbridge, 5 Elm Street - Stockbridge 9 p.m. - Karaoke night. Call 413-623-8711 for details. - Uncle Larry’s Tavern, Rt. 20, Becket 9 p.m. - Mike Doughty: The Question Jar Show. Phone 413528-3394 - Club Helsinki, 284 Main St., Great Barrington 9 p.m. - Rasmoon & Monsoon perform. Phone: 413-6373188 - Flavours at the Econo Lodge, Rt. 7, Lenox 9 p.m. - The Reformers perform. No cover charge applies. Call 413-298-5545 for information. - The Lion’s Den, Red Lion Inn, 30 Main St., Stockbridge 10 p.m. - Phil n the Blanks performs. Cover charge applies. Phone 413-443-0670 for details. - Hami’s Family Restaurant and Pub, 162 South Main St., Lanesboro

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Sherman

New Fairfield

Bridgewater

Naugatuck

Newtown

Seymour

Bethel

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Monroe Ridgefield

Redding

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Easton Weston Wilton

Stamford

Greenwich

New Canaan Norwalk

Darien

Prospect

Fairfield Westport

Woodbridge Ansonia

Derby Shelton ��

Trumbull Stratford Bridgeport

Cheshire

Beacon Falls Bethany Hamden

Oxford

Danbury

Saturday, December 6 • All day! - Hot Chocolate Saturdays - Chill out, then warm up. Climb Hurlburt’s Hill, then slide, sled, ski, or trek back to the warmth of our Visitor Center and enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Telephone: 413-229-8600 Bartholomew’s Cobble, Weatogue Road, Sheffield. • 8 a.m. - Special Olympics, Jolly Jaunt fundraiser, featuring holiday-themed, competitive 5k and 1-mile fun walk, followed by a holiday party with food, music, and a costume contest, 8 a.m. registration, 9:30 a.m. race. Info: jollyjaunt.org or 413-747-8946. - Crowne Plaza, West Street, Pittsfield. • 8:15 a.m. - Overeaters Anonymous - Berkshire Mall Community Room, Route 8, Lanesborough, handicapped accessible • 9 a.m. - Berkshire Knapsackers - Bellows Pipe Trail - Hike the Bellows Pipe Trail to the Appalachian Trail and return on the Bernard Farm Trail - about seven miles. Leader: Judy Kozak, 413-684-3346. - Bellows Pipe Trail, North Adams • 9:30 to 11 a.m. - Holiday Fine Art and Craft Sale Champagne Preview Party, featuring champagne breakfast and light fare provided while previewing gifts for purchase. Info: 413-298-5252 or is183.org. - IS183 Art School of the Berkshires, 13 Willard Hill Road, Stockbridge. • 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Saturday Indoor Market - Dewey Memorial Hall on the green in Sheffield • 10 a.m. - Berkshire Idol, auditions for singers 10 and up to present a 30-second a cappella piece for chance to complete in March 14 event . More information at iberkshires.com/ berkshireidol. - Crowne Plaza, Pittsfield • 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Reincarnation/Past Life Workshop with Rob Daugherty. After an in-depth discussion about karma and reincarnation, attendees will be guided to recall an actual past life. Phone: 413-243-2834. - Berkshire Soul and Spirit Center, 69 Main St., Lee • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Making Art Together with IS183 - Drop-in Art Making for Families - IS183 Art School and Norman Rockwell Museum are joining forces to offer a special series of weekend fun for families. On the first

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Saturday of each month, drop-in art classes are being offered at IS183 for children and their adult friends. On the first Sunday of the month families are invited to continue their creative adventures at the Museum with our Art in Action workshop series. Choose one or enjoy both! Both programs are free for children. For more information, please call IS183 at 413-298-5252, or Norman Rockwell Museum at 413-298-4100, ext. 221. - IS183 Art School, Willard Hill Rd., Stockbridge 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Annual Holly Fair - featuring gifts, crafts, trimmings, toys, baked goods, a visit from Santa Claus, snack bar, Grandma’s Attic and even more! - First Congregational Church, Main Street, Stockbridge. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Holiday Fair, featuring handmade crafts for gift giving, pet toys and treats, decorated table trees, raffle items, handmade wreaths and a new feature, meals-to-go for two. Info: 413-243-1033 or ucclee@verizon.net. - First Congregational Church of Lee, Park Place, Lee. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Kiwanis Club of Otis - First Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair to benefit Toys for Tots, featuring vendors, food, music, face-painting and more. Free; bring unwrapped new toy. - Farmington River Regional School, Route 8, Otis. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Shaker Workshops furniture trunk sale A truckload of finished and assembled Shaker style furniture with discounts up to 50%. Info: www.hancockshakervillage. org - Community Hall in the Visitors Center - Hancock Shaker Village, Routes 20 & 41, Pittsfield 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - 18th annual Holiday Marketplace and Gallery of Wreaths, featuring selection of Berkshire made holiday decorations, colorful collection of plants and traditional holiday greens, and more. Free. Info: 413298-3926 or berkshirebotanical.org. - Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 and 183, Stockbridge. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. - Psychic/Trinity Readings with Shanon Phone 413-243-2834 for details. - Berkshire Soul and Spirit Center, 69 Main St., Lee

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11 a.m. - Story Hour - West Stockbridge Public Library, 21 State Line Rd., West Stockbridge. For more information phone 413-232-0308. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Stockbridge Holiday House Tour, self-guided tour of the area’s historic homes, featuring the private home of Dan Symecko, Laurel Hill Place, the former Rockwell Residence, Taggart House, The Campbell House and the historic Mission House & Merwin House. Info: 413-298-5200 or stockbridgechamber.org. - Downtown Stockbridge 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Holiday Fine Art and Craft Sale, featuring the Berkshires’ best artists and artisans, art-making for children while parents shop for beautiful, handcrafted, oneof-a-kind gifts from more from more than 30 leading artists from throughout the region. Free. Info: 413-298-5252 or is183.org. - IS183 Art School of the Berkshires, 13 Willard Hill Road, Stockbridge. 11 a.m., 12, 1 and 2 p.m. - Santa Train, featuring 40minute round trip with Santa. Info: 413-637-2210 or berkshirescenicrailway.org. - Berkshire Scenic Railway, 10 Willow Creek Road, Lenox. 12-6 p.m. - Cat Adoptions. Stop in and say hello, check out the cats and meet some of the shelter staff. For more information: 413-448-9800 - Berkshire Mall, Old Gap store location, Lanesborough 12:30 p.m. - Chow Time in the Aquarium - Watch aquarium staff feed fish, reptiles and amphibians! - Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield

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1-3 p.m. - Blue Jean Ornament, where children 5-10 can bring an old pair of blue jeans and turn it into a Wally. Details at 413-443-7171 or berkshiremuseum.org. - Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 1-3 p.m. - Pruning Workshop with Tom Ingersoll. For more information please email tom@websteringersoll.com. Berkshire South Regional Community Centery, 15 Crissey Rd.. Great Barrington 2 p.m. - The Berkshire Hills Chorus will present their annual show “Holiday Harmony”. Featured guests include The Bennington Trio, classical instrumental music in the baroque and renaissance style; The Grace Notes from Miss Hall’s school; students from the Berkshire Music School ; St. Joseph High School Chorus; “Who Knew?”, a barbershop quartet; and “Double Treble”, a barbershop octet. The sponsors of Holiday Harmony are: Greylock Federal Credit Union, Pittsfield Co-operative Bank, Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital and Phoebe and Robert Reynolds. For information and tickets call Gerry, 413-443-0624. - First Church of Christ, Congregational, 27 East Street, Pittsfield, 2 p.m. - Williams Piano Recital - Students playing are under the tutelage of Doris Stevenson, Artist in Residence.This free event is open to the public. Phone: 413-597-3146 - BrooksRogers Recital Hall is located at 54 Chapin Hall Drive in Bernhard Music Center on the Williams College campus

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3 p.m. - Choirs from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will present a Choral Christmas Concert. The event, sponsored by the MCLA Fine and Performing Arts Department, is free and open to the public. This concert features the MCLA Concert Choir and the MCLA Women’s Chorus, both under the direction of Jack Brown and accompanied by David Denhard. The choirs will perform a variety of sacred and secular music of the season from several centuries. - The First Congregational Church is located at the corner of Church and Main streets in North Adams. 3 p.m. - Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous - Meetings for women only. A conﬁdential recovery program for those suﬀering from a compulsive need for sex, extreme dependency on one person (or many), and/or a chronic preoccupation with romance, intrigue or fantasy. Meeting at St. George Episcopal Church, Franklin St., Lee. For other meetings in Berkshire and Franklin counties, call 1-800-7496879 or visit www.webspawner.com/

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users/slaane. 4 and 8 p.m. - “It’s A Wonderful Life,” starring Tom Beckett. Info: 413-236-8888 or barringtonstageco.org. - Barrington Stage Company, Stage 2, 36 Linden St., Pittsﬁeld 4-7 p.m. - A Seasonal Sing-along for Families - Join the Norman Rockwell Museum for an evening of uplifting music and entertainment, as they ushers in the holiday season. Enjoy art-making, heartwarming treats, songs of celebration, and the wonder of Norman Rockwell’s art. At 5 p.m., performance artist David Polansky will get the crowd singing as he plays favorite songs from Chanukah and Christmas, and original music inspired by the season. Info: www.nrm.org - Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Glendale Rd., Stockbridge 6 p.m. - Chapters Bookstore welcomes Pittsﬁeld’s own Captain-in-Charge Michael Wynn to discuss and sign his book “Rising Through the Ranks”, featuring real stories of leadership and courage from police departments and

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other investigative agencies, the book prepares effective leaders from the ranks of local cops to federal agents. The author is a police chief in Pittsfield and was a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Leadership Fellow. In “Rising Through the Ranks”, he shares a lifetime of learning as a leader in the line of fire. With examples from his career and other real-life case studies, Wynn demonstrates leadership in action. Wynn also teaches leadership at Roger Williams University and Babson College. He hosts seminars on law enforcement at agencies, colleges, and universities throughout North America. This event is free and open to the public. Phone: 413-443-2665 - Chapters Bookstore, 78 North Street, Pittsfield 6 p.m. - Close Encounters With Music - Rose Ensemble returns for its annual holiday concert, “An American Holiday Tapestry,” a performance in which the group reincarnates itself in the 17th and 18th centuries on American shores, featuring traditional Acadian and Scottish dance music, Shaker melodies, spirituals, wassail songs and colonial Jewish synagogue hymns. More information at 800-843-0778 or cewm.org. - Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Castle Street, Great Barrington. 6-7 p.m. - Join the Luminaria Walk with candle or flashlight and the festive caroling followed by a luminaria walk to the First Congregational Church. Info: 413-298-5200 or

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stockbridgechamber.org. - Red Lion Inn, Main Street, Stockbridge. 7 p.m. - Berkshire Carousel holiday concert with David Grover and Friends. Phone 413-997-4444. Sponsored by Kindred Corporation - The Colonial, 111 South St., Pittsfield 7:30 p.m. - Holiday concert, celebrate the magic of the season with a joyful holiday musical program featuring the Berkshire Lyric Theatre Chorus, the Blafield Children’s Chorus and Gisella Montanez. Information: 413-298-5200 or stockbridgechamber.org. - First Congregational Church, Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. - Antje Duvekot will perform. - Mission Bar & Tapas, 438 North Street, Pittsfileld 8 p.m. - One-Man show titled “Steve Cuiffo is Lenny Bruce”. Bruce fans can come early to tour the galleries which will be open until 7 p.m. before the performance. Tickets can be charged by phone by calling 413-662-2111 during Box Office hours or purchased on line at www.massmoca.org. - MASS MoCA, Club B-10, North Adams 8 p.m. - Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe (RBIT) will be performing. Through audience participation, RBIT’s mission is to create entertaining scenes which explore the boundaries of theater improvisation. For more information visit the website at: http://royalberkshireimprovtroupe.blogspot.com/ - Main Street Stage, North Adams

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8 p.m. - Williams Student Symphony to Perform “France through the Ages” on the program is more French music ranging from the pre-Baroque period to the twentieth century, including Faure’s Masques et Bergamasques, and Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante défunte. The orchestra will also present arrangements of early French dance pieces This free event is open to the public. Phone: 413-5973146 - William College, Thompson Memorial Chapel, Williamstown 9 p.m. - Acclaimed String Band Crooked Still To Perform. Information phone: 413-528-3394 - Club Helsinki, 284 Main St., Great Barrington 9 p.m. - Jeﬀ Gonzales performs. No cover charge applies. Call 413-298-5545 for information. - The Lion’s Den, Red Lion Inn, 30 Main St., Stockbridge 9 p.m. - Karaoke night. Call 413-298-3530 for details. Michael’s of Stockbridge, 5 Elm Street - Stockbridge 9 p.m. - Lick Morgan performs. Phone: 413-743-9753 P.N.A. 13 Victory Street, Adams 10 p.m. - Pariah performs. Cover charge applies. Phone 413443-0670 for details. - Hami’s Family Restaurant and Pub, 162 South Main St., Lanesboro

Sunday, December 7 • 9 a.m. - ALANON meeting. 24-hour Information Line 413445-5852. Web site www.al-anonberkshire.org. Newcomers are welcome at all meetings. - Fire House, Route 23, Monterey • 9 a.m. - Berkshire Knapsackers - Dorothy Rice Sanctuary - Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the sanctuary. Four miles or less, one signiﬁcant hill with a lovely view at the top). If there is a lot of snow it will be a snowshoe hike. Leader Carl Filios, 413-442-8984. - Dorothy Rice Sanctuary, Peru • 9 a.m. - Christian Education for all ages - 9 a.m. Service of Worship - 10:15 a.m. Children’s Church (nursery - age 9). Call 413-464-1287 for information. Rev. Roberta Heath, Pastor. - Berkshire Community Church, Congregational, 45 Cemetery Rd., Richmond • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Making Art Together with IS183 - Drop-in Art Making for Families - IS183 Art School and Norman Rockwell Museum are joining forces to oﬀer

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a special series of weekend fun for families. On the first Saturday of each month, drop-in art classes are being offered at IS183 for children and their adult friends. On the first Sunday of the month families are invited to continue their creative adventures at the Museum with our Art in Action workshop series. Choose one or enjoy both! Both programs are free for children. For more information, please call IS183 at 413-298-5252, or Norman Rockwell Museum at 413-2984100, ext. 221. - Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Glendale Rd., Stockbridge 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Annual holiday sale, featuring unique selection of green gifts for the holidays, including recycled button jewelry, cashmere scarves and handmade cards. Info: 413-528-5485 or communityaccesstothearts.org. - Community Access to the Arts, 70 Railroad St., Great Barrington. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Shaker Workshops furniture trunk sale A truckload of finished and assembled Shaker style furniture with discounts up to 50%. Info: www.hancockshakervillage. org - Community Hall in the Visitors Center - Hancock Shaker Village, Routes 20 & 41, Pittsfield

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10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - 18th annual Holiday Marketplace and Gallery of Wreaths, featuring selection of Berkshire made holiday decorations, colorful collection of plants and traditional holiday greens, and more. Free. Info: 413298-3926 or berkshirebotanical.org. - Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 and 183, Stockbridge. 11 a.m. - Linda Olszewski guides the creation of a longlasting and fragrant evergreen tabletop decoration for the holidays. Registration required at wardsnursery.com or 413528-0166. - Ward’s Nursery & Garden Center, Route 7, Great Barrington. 11 a.m., 12, 1 and 2 p.m. - Santa Train, featuring 40minute round trip with Santa. Info: 413-637-2210 or berkshirescenicrailway.org. - Berkshire Scenic Railway, 10 Willow Creek Road, Lenox. 12-2 p.m. - Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, featuring a full range of festive activities, including, holiday music, Roger the Jester, lunch at the Christmas food booth, ornaments making at Santa’s workshop and a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus. Info: 413-298-5200 or stockbridgechamber.org. Downtown Stockbridge 12-5 p.m. - Psychic/Trinity Readings with Shanon - Phone 413-243-2834 for details. - Berkshire Soul and Spirit Center, 69 Main St., Lee 12-6 p.m. - Cat Adoptions. Stop in and say hello, check out the cats and meet some of the shelter staff. For more information: 413-448-9800 - Berkshire Mall, Old Gap store location, Lanesborough 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Star Sitters - Get your hands wet in the touch tank! A Berkshire Museum educator will answer questions about New England tidal pool animals such as sea urchins, sea stars, and horseshoe crabs. - Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield 12:30 p.m. - Cello Recital at Williams College - Students playing are under the tutelage of Nathaniel Parke, Artist Associate in Cello. This free event is open to the public. Phone: 413-597-3146 - Williams College, Chapin Hall, Williamstown 1-4 p.m. - Art in Action - Sunday afternoon drop-in art workshops focus on family fun and hands-on adventure! Each month will feature new projects, inspired by the art of Norman Rockwell and other changing exhibitions. All ages welcome. Free for children. Adults free with Museum admission. www.nrm.org - Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Glendale Rd., Stockbridge 2 p.m. - “It’s A Wonderful Life,” starring Tom Beckett. Info: 413-236-8888 or barringtonstageco.org. - Barrington Stage Company, Stage 2, 36 Linden St., Pittsfield 2 p.m. - Multimedia event titled “Flying Free: Music and Words Without Limits,” created and directed by pianist Jessica Roemischer, featuring Riverbrook residents performing on the piano and sharing their experiences in making music. Info: 413-298-4926. - Riverbrook Residence, Taft Recital Hall, 30 Wendell Ave., Pittsfield. 2-5 p.m. - Mini Nutcracker Ballet performance. performed by the American Dance Institute. This event includes a Victorian Tea with Cocoa, Mulled Cider and plenty of goodies. Phone: 413-637-3206. - Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, 104 Walker St., Lenox 3 p.m. - Vikki True, “America Sings Her Story”, topical songs from the American Experience. Songs of war, hard times and good times. - Church on the Hill, 189 Main St., Lenox December 1, 2008

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4 to 5:30 p.m. - A Service of Advent Lessons and Hymns. Everyone welcome! Refreshments provided. Rev. J. Bruce Duncan, Officiant and Barbara Ross, Organist. - St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 133 Dalton Ave., Pittsfield 5 and 7:30 p.m. - Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams LIVE on WBCR. A FUNdraiser celebrating the new home and performance space of WBCR. Tune in to the station’s first-ever live broadcast event, from upstairs neighbor, Mixed Company Theatre. The 7:15 p.m. Show will be a concert party. Listen at 97.7 FM or stream at http://www.berkshireradio.org. Limited seating!!! For tickets to either show- Email: playyes@PlayReflections.com Call: 413-528-5732 5 p.m. - Overeaters Anonymous - Trinity Church Annex, Walker Street, Lenox 5 p.m. - Pianist John Bedard will perform. This events is free and open to the public. To request a reservation or for more information, please call 413-499-1992. - EPOCH at Melbourne is located at 140 Melbourne Road, in Pittsfield. 7 p.m. - Sunday Night Dance - Champagne Jam performs - cover charge applies. Call 413-443-7135 for info - ITAM Lodge #564 on Pontoosuc Lake, 22 Waubeek Road, Pittsfield 7:30 p.m. - A Renaissance Christmas - The Simon’s Rock Madrigal Singers, Jack Brown, Director The Simon’s Rock Collegium, Lucy Bardo, Director. Free Admission. Sponsored by the Music Department of Bard College at Simon’s Rock - Kellogg Music Center, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, 84 Alford Rd., Great Barrington

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7:30 p.m. - ALANON meeting. 24-hour Information Line 413-445-5852. Web site www.al-anonberkshire.org. Newcomers are welcome at all meetings. - Congregational Church, Route 41, Richmond 7:30 p.m. - The Klezmatics perform. Enjoy Woody Guthrie’s Happy Joyous Hanukkah Tour with special guest, Celtic singer Susan McKeown & Multi-instrumentalist Boo Reiners - The Colonial, 111 South St., Pittsﬁeld

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December 1, 2008