The Berkshire Art Center will host its annual fundraiser at Ventfort Hall featuring a wine tasting in handmade ceramic vessels, a live collaborative art project led by artist John Clarke, and a keynote by "HeartSpace" Artist-in-Residence Wes Bruce. Proceeds from the evening, which includes a paddle raising and raffle, will support year-round arts programming, youth camps, and the expansion of the organization's ceramics studio. For more information on programs and scholarships, visit the Berkshire Art Center website.

|

Tweet

Immerse yourself in local natural history this spring. Spend time with a naturalist one Saturday each month exploring spectacular seasonal phenomena including fireflies, vernal pools, and the migration of salamanders and songbirds.  For Adults. Cost: $54 Members, $60 Non-members Link to register.

|

Tweet

Downtown Pittsfield. Bootlegging, jewel heists, serial murder, and the rise of the KKK in this walk through the Pittsfield of one century ago. Journey into the darker areas of Pittsfield's past with journalist Joe Durwin on three distinct walking tours offered in May. Pre-registration is required, by email to info@berkshirehomehistory.com or by calling 413-347-9877. 

|

Tweet

Come join us contra dancing to live music. We have a different band and caller each month. Dances are held on Third Saturday nights in Lenox, Massachusetts in the Lenox Community Center, at 65 Walker Street. 

Admission is $12-15 for adults and $8-10 for students. New Dancers - 2nd dance free!

Dances begin with a 15 minute beginner introduction at 7:15 followed by dancing from 7:30 to 10:30. Refreshments are offered during the social break from dancing.

All the dances are taught. No partner necessary. Come alone or bring friends.

|

Tweet

|

Tweet

Boaters are invited to bring their recreational and fishing watercraft, large and small, to Burbank Park's parking lot for a blessing by the Rev. Justin Griffing of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. He will bless each and every vessel.

The Blessing of the Fleet is a Christian tradition that is practiced to ensure a safe and bountiful season and also protection of the ship and its crew. The ceremony also will offer the opportunity to remember those men and women who have died on water and pray for them.

|

Tweet

The event is open to residents of the following 17 towns: Alford, Becket, Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mt. Washington, New Marlborough, Otis, Richmond, Sandisfield, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, Washington, and West Stockbridge.

Collections will be at the Great Barrington Transfer Station located at 601 Stockbridge Road. 

|

Tweet

Purchase home-grown annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, vegetables, tropicals, and container arrangements created and cared for by this community group. There will also be a raffle and a second-hand garden supply & book sale available both days.

Springside Greenhouse is in the Herbert Arboretum and next to Springside House, 874 North St. 

|

Tweet

The Cantilena Chamber Choir will present its season-ending performance at Trinity Church, 88 Walker St. in Lenox. General Admission is $35, $25 for Seniors, and free for children under 18 with ID at Cantilenachoir.org

|

Tweet

Look for migrating birds at Canoe Meadows during this beginner-friendly walk. The mix of habitats make it ideal for spotting species that are arriving, passing through, or are year-round residents. ADULTS   Where: Mass Audubon's Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, 309 Holmes Rd. Pittsfield, MA 01201 Cost: Members $10, Non-members $15 For more info: berkshires@massaudubon.org /413-637-0320 Link to register: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/pleasant-valley/101680-wetland-and-meadow-birding  

|

Tweet

|

Tweet

|

Tweet

Look for birds that are arriving or passing through during this casual, beginner-friendly bird walk. This program is completely outdoors. ADULTS   Where: Mass Audubon's Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd. Lenox, MA 01240 Cost: Members $10, Non-members $15 For more info: berkshires@massaudubon.org /413-637-0320   Link to register: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/pleasant-valley/101688-birding-at-pike-s-pond

|

Tweet

|

Tweet

Join UCS and NAMI VT for Family Voices, an event featuring stories about supporting family members living with mental health conditions.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, you are invited to join UCS on May 19 from 1:30-3pm (Spring Center, 655 Gage Street, Bennington, VT) for an event featuring stories told in-person by Chip and Judy Siler (President and Vice President of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) VT) about supporting family members living with mental health conditions.

Family Voices is an interactive presentation that challenges stereotypes and builds empathy by considering the impact mental health conditions have not just on the individual living with the illness, but also on their loved ones. Trained presenters with lived experience as family members of individuals living with a mental health condition talk openly about their experiences. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions to learn more about how the presenters and their loved ones have coped with the conditions affecting their families and how to live well in spite of them. Please RSVP at ucsvt.org/events.

|

Tweet

On the third Tuesday of the month from April through October, naturalist and wild edibles enthusiast Arianna Alexsandra Collins of the Hoosic River Watershed Association and Offerings for Community Building guides visitors across the Clark’s 140-acre campus in a one-hour talk. Each spring walkabout begins on the Fernández Terrace, by the Clark’s Reflecting Pool,

|

Tweet

Meditation has multiple purposes and effects. By quieting the mind and relaxing through breath awareness, the heart rate slows, allowing you to let go of thoughts that arise. With practice, you can experience lessened anxiety and emotional reactivity.  

This eight-session course at Becket Arts Center is led by Rosie Bleyer is designed to help you shift into "being" mode. Suggested donation is $15, member $10. More information here. 

|

Tweet

For Ages 13+

Tuesdays, May 19 – June 30 (no class June 16)

Join Luana Dias David at BERKSHIRE SOUTH for a 6 week Salsa workshop. Dancers will focus on basic footwork, body lagging, spinning techniques, and partner work. The class also explores salsa choreography, timing and musicality, and performance skills. Be ready to learn fun routines that you can take on the dance floor!

Register at berkshiresouth.org/community-adult

|

Tweet

|

Tweet

|

Tweet

Luke Delorme, CFP, is providing free, one-on-one 30-minute appointments to discuss a range of topics such as debt management, budgeting, retirement and estate planning, Social Security, investing, and taxes. Appointments are available on Wednesday, May 20th starting at 10:30am at the Lee Library, 100 Main St., Lee. Registration is required. Please contact the Lee Library at (413) 243-0385 or sign up at the Circulation Desk. leelibraryma.org

|

Tweet

A free technology class from Senior Planet, taught by an Americorps Trained Professional, will be offered at the Lee Library, 100 Main Street, Lee on Wednesday, May 20th at 1pm. Basic tech Q&A will be available at the end of the class. To register, please contact the Lee Library at (413) 243-0385 or sign up at the Circulation Desk. leelibraryma.org

|

Tweet

Certified Reiki Master Shelly Harris will lead a class on breathing techniques to help improve focus and promote relaxation, and then will guide the group through Reiki positions. This free class takes place on Wednesday, May 20th at 4pm at the Lee Library, 100 Main St., Lee. Registration is required. Please contact the Lee Library at (413) 243-0385 or sign up at the Circulation Desk.  leelibraryma.org

|

Tweet

Join us at Mason Library for an informative lecture on staying safe online. This session will cover common online scams, how to protect your personal information, safe social media practices, and tips for recognizing phishing and fraud. The lecture is designed for all experience levels and is especially useful for adults, seniors, parents, and anyone who wants to feel more confident navigating the internet.

|

Tweet

Explore Edith Wharton's original estate, including its woods, wetlands, and meadows, in search of resident and migratory birds. ADULTS   Where: The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home, 3 Plunkett St. Lenox, MA 01240 Cost: FREE For more info: berkshires@massaudubon.org /413-637-0320 Link to register: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/pleasant-valley/101683-birding-at-the-mount-spring-migration  

|

Tweet

The library hosts an arts and crafts activity for children each Thursday with a different theme each week. For questions, contact the library at 413-243-0385 or sign up at the Circulation Desk. 

|

Tweet

Join friends and neighbors for a fun evening of board and card games! If you have a favorite, please bring it along to share/teach to fellow gamers! Games the Athenaeum owns include Monopoly, Code Names, The All American History Trivia Game, Sorry, Chess, Quiddler (word game), SET, and many more! Refreshments will be served! You're welcome to bring your beverage of choice (including alcohol). Ages 13+ are welcome. RSVP appreciated.

|

Tweet

Berkshire Athenaeum hosts an artist talk with photographer David Ricci about his latest photobook, "Hunter Gatherer: Salvaged Stories of American Culture." This free event sponsored by the Pittsfield Cultural Council which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

|

Tweet

Join us for a Lego Challenge at the Lee Library, 100 Main St., Lee on Friday, May 22nd at 3:30pm. This free children’s program is best for ages five and older. All materials are provided. To register, please contact the Lee Library at (413) 243-0385 or sign up at the Circulation Desk. leelibraryma.org

|

Tweet

Raise a glass with Mass Audubon and Dare Bottleshop and celebrate the height of spring migration in the Berkshires with a short bird walk. Your ticket includes a glass of wine (or a non-alcoholic beverage) and light bites. ADULTS   Where: Mass Audubon's Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd. Lenox, MA 01240 Cost: Members $35, Non-members $42 For more info: berkshires@massaudubon.org /413-637-0320 Link to register: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/pleasant-valley/102439-wine-warblers  

|

Tweet