TBV March 2015 for w..

Transcription

march • vOL. 3 nO. 3
day+night Plan Your Month Pages 17-19
The berkshires’ alternative newspaper
JTF: Drug Busts highlight local problem Page 6 • METRO: Road conditions backlash page 8 • music: SimplySkilled Productions Page 21
BERKSHIRE
THEBERKSHIREView.COM
Western Mass. Pipe Dreams?
The fight between big business and local environmental groups
over the natural gas pipeline is dividing local communities and
costing millions. But is there an end in sight?
by Shea Garner
4/25 • 8PM
at The Colonial Theatre
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They
Monday:(While
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w/Last)
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Tuesday: Roast Pork Dinner
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Wednesday:
Pierogies
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Thursday:
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Friday: Meatloaf
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Mon-Sat 10 am to 9 pm and Sun 11-6
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Serving Breakfast
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Featuring legendary drummer
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Conveniently Located
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“Last Comic Standing”
Comedian
4/16 • 7:30PM
at The Colonial Theatre
2
The Berkshire View | March 2015
RALPHIE
MAY
www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org
(413) 997-4444
The Colonial Theatre
111 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
New Location,
Same Great Barber Shop!
Steam towel straight razor shaves: $14 every day
Kids and adult cuts: $14
Hours M-F 8-6, Sat 6-3
5 Linden St., Pittsfield (Formerly 442 North St.)
3
When it comes to finding the right property
one real estate agency always comes through.
`contents
`
BERKSHIRE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Donna Prisendorf
PUBLISHER
Anthony Prisendorf
ASSISTANT PUBLISHER
Alexis Prisendorf
EDITORIAL
Tom Casey, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Kameron Spaulding, METRO EDITOR
Shea Garner, FILM EDITOR
Alexis Prisendorf, WEBSITE EDITOR
Terry Cowgill, Julie Ruth, Mike Walsh,
Joseph Rea, Sandy Johnston
Barnbrook
Right agency. Right time. Right now.
COPY EDITORS:
Alexis Prisendorf, Anthony Prisendorf
271 Main St., Great Barrington (413) 528-4423
PRODUCTION
James Grady, PRODUCTION MANAGER
Jessica Jones
Victoria
Ross
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Broker Associate
Successfully
Selling
The Berkshires
(413) 822-5363
PAGE 11
ADVERTISING
Alexis Prisendorf, SALES DIRECTOR
Nancy Frisbie, SENIOR SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Nick Ricciarini, Account Representative
The fight between big business and local environmental groups
over the natural gas pipeline is dividing local communities.
By shea garner
Just The Facts
PAGE 6 Metro
Drug busts highlight
major local problem
38 Main St., West Stockbridge, MA 01266
www.StoneHouseProperties.com
(413) 232-4253
The “heroin highway” seems to be seeing
more traffic than ever right through the heart
of Berkshire County.
By Julie Ruth
Letters
Day + Night
Music
5
17
21
Theater
24
Film
25
PAGE 9
Train service to the
Berks hit with major
blow from Conn.
First Taste
Weekend Warrior
Eat
Enjoy the View
Help Wanted
Real Estate
26
27
28
30
31
31
With funding in doubt beter bus service
may be the only answer in the short term for
NYC-Berkshire travelers.
By Terry Cowgill
Taking a look at award season
21
23
I commend Kate McNulty Vaughn for
showering such golden words of wisdom
down upon the heads of those yammering
masses so eager to benefit from an expansion of Elm Court estate.
Why, indeed, has no other voice been
raised to defend the intrinsic value of this
magnificent acreage? This land encompasses a history without rival: The 1930s
story of High Lawn Farm and its wealthy
Manhattan forebears, the saga of inventor
George Westinghouse, a self-made man
whose inventions at Laurel Lake changed
the course of economic history and whose
holdings extended east to Lenox Dale, including the Pinnacle town forest at Golden
Hill which his son deeded to the inhabitants
of the town of Lee.
Imagine what the Bald Eagle sees from
a maple skeleton (his lookout) on the curving Housatonic River on Bradley Street. He
takes off and swoops up and over verdant
Golden Hill. Then lifting, lifting, he rises
high above the wind and waters of Laurel
Lake. He turns his sharp eyes leftward to
take in the green crops and jersey herds of
High Lawn Farm then drops low to zigzag
though the desolate swamps that back
Edith Wharton’s Mount, and ends his flight
By declaring money spent to influence elections to be
free speech, protected by the First Amendment, the
Court has allowed special interest money to flood in
LynnE Posner
at Plunkett Street in Lenox.
As McNulty Vaughn says, this is what
makes Lenox, Lenox. I go one step further.
This is what makes all of us uplifted when
we travel this unspoiled land.
Deidre Consolati
Lee
Protect our voice
Here’s the problem: We, the actual
people, no longer govern ourselves, no
longer have a voice in what our government does. With rulings made by the
Supreme Court, such as Citizens United
v FEC, artificial corporate entities have
been given constitutional rights that our
Founders intended only for human beings.
Using the Bill of Rights, wealthy individuals and corporations have persuaded the
courts to overturn state, federal and even
local, democratically enacted laws protecting our health, safety, environment and
democracy.
By declaring money spent to influence
elections to be free speech, protected by
the First Amendment, the Court has allowed special interest money to flood into
elections and overwhelm the voice of the
average voter. The system of “one person,
one vote” has become “one dollar, one
vote”.
I would argue that due to the flood of
special interest money into our elections,
our democracy has been taken from us
and to a great extent given over to multinational entities with enormous wealth,
that have no ties to America and no vested
interest in her people.
Here’s the solution: Across the country a movement is growing in reaction
to the billions of dollars being spent to
influence our elections and in turn, have
undo influence over the members of our
government who receive these enormous
amounts cash, often in untraceable superpacs.
In Massachusetts The We The
People Act has been introduced in
the State House and Senate. The We
the People Act calls on Congress to
propose a constitutional amendment to
affirm (1) that rights protected by the
U.S. Constitution are the rights of human beings only, not corporations, and
(2) that Congress and the states may
place limits on political contributions
and spending.If Congress fails to act,
once 2/3 of the states have passed this
legislation - the States will call for an
Article 5 convention.
So far, this legislation has passed in
Vermont, California and Illinois and near
passing in New Jersey and Maryland. In
Massachusetts, wethepeoplemass.org is
represented by a coalition that includes;
Move to Amend, WolfPac, MassVote and
MASSPIRG among others.
Here in the Berkshires, we would
like to sincerely thank Senator Downing,
Representatives Pignatelli, Farley-Bouvier
and Cariddi for co-sponsoring this very
important legislation. We look forward
to their continued support as the bill
advances this session. And we ask citizens
of the Berkshires who share our concerns
about the direction of our democracy to
contact us at [email protected]
Lynne Posner
Sheffield
Toy fund is back
Congratulations to the three Christmas angels that had the willingness to
step forward and revive the Laliberte Toy
Fund in the town of Lee.
A lot of time and effort was used to
make sure that not only the children of our
area came first and foremost but also to
reinstate the knowledge that the fund is in
great hands. These three women, during
this holiday season, presented gifts to
more children than ever before.
Heather Wells
Lee
BUSINESS
Jeanette Graham, BUSINESS DIRECTOR
CIRCULATION
Ken Guartha, Ward Schoonmaker
backlash over poor road conditions during
the tough winter
By Kameron Spaulding
The summer is already full of shows
Turbulence
PAGE 8
Winter has taken
a toll on Pittsfield
roads
The City of Pittsfield has faced major
SimplySkilled Productions
Mass MoCa ready for spring
DESIGN
Alexis Prisendorf, COVER CONCEPT
Alexis Prisendorf, James Grady, FEATURE DESIGNS
James Grady, ART PRODUCTION / LAYOUT
`Letters
`
We must keep the
Berkshire way
DISTRIBUTION
The Berkshire View is published monthly and is
available throughout Berkshire County at select
retail and other business locations at no charge and
is limited to one (1) copy of The Berkshire View per
person per issue unless special permission is granted
by the publisher. Additional copies of The Berkshire
View may be purchased for $1 per issue.
CONTACT
MAIN PHONE: 413-528-5380 | FAX: 413-528-9449
NEWS: 413-528-5380 EXT. 21
ADVERTISING: 413-528-5380 EXT. 38
WEBSITE: www.TheBerkshireView.com
MAILING ADDRESS
PO Box 868, Gt. Barrington, MA 01230
COPYRIGHT
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copyrighted and may not be reproduced or transmitted
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permission of the publisher.
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Keyboards
& Pianos
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Layaway now!
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4
5
`Just
`
The Facts
Series of busts
highlight local
drug problem
By Julie Ruth
The “heroin highway” seems to be seeing more traffic than ever right through
the heart of Berkshire County.
First, a Holyoke man was arrested
Feb. 19 for possession of 2,000 bags of
heroin in his car with intent to distribute, after a state trooper tracked him
from the Mass. Pike heading north on
Route 7. Then, on the 26th, Terance
Harris, 34, and Terrence Gibbons,
27, were arrested by members of the
Berkshire Country Drug Task Force
after crashing their
►► Two
vehicle in Lenox
heroin busts and they had 335
in Lenox in
bags of heroin with
one week
a street value between $2,000 and
$3,300 and 44 grams of cocaine worth
$4,200.
In the first case, Gabriel Cordero,
34, of Beech Street, Holyoke, was
pulled over at a rest area on Rte. 7
just past Housatonic Street, where
police found 50 bundles of heroin,
with a street value of $20,000, along
with $1,838 in cash in his car trunk. A
computer check showed that Cordero is
a career criminal with numerous convictions for drugs and violent crimes,
unlawful possession of a firearm and
battery of a police officer, according to
the police report.
Holyoke is a known source city for
drugs in Berkshire County.
During his transport to the police
station, a furious Cordero ranted to
the arresting officer, “I’ma come after
you… remember my name: Gabriel
Cordero. The last case I beat up a m***
cop… every time I see you in court
I’ma disrespect you ‘cause you can’t
touch me in court… Those (heroin
bags) ain’t gonna stick for nothing.
And if they do stick, look at my record;
I’ma take a plea.”
On Feb. 20 Cordero pleaded not
guilty to possession of a Class A drug
with intent to distribute and heroin trafficking in Central Berkshire Court.
He continues to be held on $30,000
bail in the Berkshire House of Correction.
Cordero’s car drew the attention of
Trooper Noah Pack on the Mass Pike as
he was leaving at Exit 2, because it had
tinted windows so dark that nothing
could be seen inside, appearing to be
well below the legal limit of 35 percent
light transmittance for car windows.
6
The car also had a defective tail light.
Trooper Pack followed Cordero as he
traveled through Lee and up to Lenox,
and identified his criminal record and
home address in Holyoke, a source
city for drug distribution in Berkshire
County. Drug dealers frequently travel
to Berkshire County towns to distribute
drugs using Rte. 90 and Rte. 7.
Pack then pulled Cordero over on
Rte. 7 in Lenox regarding the dark
tinted windows and defective tail pipe.
Cordero said the tail light was out
because he was recently in a crash, and
he was coming from a cousin’s house
“just down the street” and was heading
to the Subway restaurant up the road.
Pack, who had just tracked him from
I-90, knew these answers were lies,
he wrote in his report. A passenger in
the car, who was very nervous, gave
a different account of their previous
whereabouts.
Given the differing accounts of
Cordero and his passenger, the excessive nervousness and Cordero’s extensive criminal history, Pack suspected
criminal activity was afoot.
A K-9 dog was brought to the
scene, and Cordero consented to a
search of the car and a pat frisk. Police
found nearly $2,000 in a wad of cash
on his person and a little marijuana
be coming from Springfield to sell
in the glove compartment, according
cocaine and heroin to their customers
to the police report. A large shoe box
in Pittsfield.
was located in the trunk wrapped in a
Investigators pulled over Gibbons’
plastic bag from a C-Town in Holyoke.
Toyota Camry on Route 20 in Lee
Inside were 40 large bundles of white
about 9 p.m. on the 26th but Gibbons
wax paper bags, each containing .03
sped off as a trooper walked toward
grams of white powder and stamped
the vehicle.
KISS ME in red
Police further
ink, packaging
““I’ma come after you…
up the road
consistent with
remember my name: Gabriel set up “stop
heroin distriCordero. The last case I beat sticks” to
bution in the
Holyoke area,
up a m*** cop… every time I puncture the
tires,
police said. No
see you in court I’ma disrespect vehicle’s
but the Camry
personal drug
you ‘cause you can’t touch me continued
paraphernalia
north, driving
such as needles, in court… Those (heroin bags)
tourniquets or
ain’t gonna stick for nothing. on its rims becrashing
mixing devices
And if they do stick, look at my fore
in Lenox.
were found.
record; I’ma take a plea.”
At their first
At the
police barracks — Gabriel Cordero to police during court appearance Judge
Cordero told the his recent arrest on drug charges
William A.
booking officers
Rota set bail
several times
for Harris at $7,500 and $25,000 for
that he did not care about the arrest.
Gibbons.
“Keep my car,” he told them. “I’m get
This rash of major drug bust totaloutta here tomorrow and hop in my
ing more than 2,300 bags of heroin, in
new M5.”
a seven-day timeframe, has served as a
In the second case the local drug
stark reminder that the heroin problem
task force learned through a police informant that Gibbons and Harris would in the Berkshires is not going away.
VOTE NOW!
(Early voting has now started for The Best 2015)
We want to know what you think is the best business or service in Berkshire County.
Send your votes today to [email protected]
berkshirerecord.net
theberkshireview.com
berkshirecourier.net
7
`Turbulence
`
`Metro
`
City of Pittsfield
facing backlash
over winter road
conditions
With Connecticut
out, NYC train service is off the rails
for forseeble future
By Terry Cowgill
By kameron Spaulding
A
T
he long and bitterly cold winter
has left many city residents hot
under the collar over unsatisfactory snow removal that left
many streets clogged or impassable.
Now city councilors are asking
for answers as Mayor Daniel Bianchi
defends his departments and tries to
explain the ways he
is addressing city
►► There
roads that several
are no easy
residents described
answers for
as the worst they
the rough
have ever seen.
roads
“We appreciate drivers
reducing their speed to meet the winter
driving conditions,” Bianchi said. “We
are continuing to examine our procedures and are open to making adjustments where needed.”
Those answers are not good enough
for Councilors Kathleen Amuso, Barry
Clairmont and John Krol who filed petitions calling on city officials to explain
what has went wrong and to have those
officials come before the board and
explain what has gone wrong.
Bianchi has called those councilors “a small group of city councilors
who are going to criticize me no matter
what.”
Krol quickly fired back that he sees
this as anything but a political issue.
“No, Mayor Dan Bianchi, it’s not all
about you. It’s not about politics,” Krol
said. “This is about finding out what
went wrong with snow removal, or lack
thereof, that left our roads in treacherous shape 24-48 hours after the snow
storm ended on Sunday.”
Krol then addressed the mayor’s
comments directly.
“The idea that somehow this is
simply a matter of ‘a small group of city
councilors who are going to criticize me
no matter what’ is a slap in the face to
those who are trying to make sure this
doesn’t happen again,” Krol said.
Councilors and the mayor’s office
have been inundated with phone calls
regarding snow removal for the past few
weeks.
Bianchi also responded that the city
has faced some tough situations and that
the road crews have been doing everything they can.
“The city crews, of approximately
18 individuals, have been working continuous 12-hour shifts,” Bianchi said.
8
Kameron Spaulding
Residents and city councilors in Pittsfield are looking for answers over the conditions of roadways following a number of snowstorms
this winter that some have called the worst they have ever seen.
parking spots and on sidewalks. The is“Thirty-one independent plow contracsue is one the mayor said he is trying to
tors have also been dispatched to the
address by now being allowed to move
neighborhoods.”
the snow to some parks.
The mayor also pointed to the salt
shortage that has hit the entire county as “The City is removing and hauling
snow to both Waanother reason bechonah and Clapp
hind the rougher
“This is about finding out Parks,” Bianchi
than normal road
said. “If people
conditions.
what went wrong with
have particular
“An additional
snow removal, or lack
problems, we ask
six loads of salt,
thereof, that left our roads that they call our
150,000 tons,
in treacherous shape 24-48 Highway Departarrived from the
Port of Albany
hours after the snow storm ment.”
Highway
yesterday,” Bianended on Sunday.”
Superintendent
chi said. “Addi—John Krol
Kevin Swail,
tional applications
Commissioner
of salt will be
of Public Works
applied to streets
Bruce Collingwood, and Bianchi face
as the temperatures moderate over the
two hours of questions from the City
next 24–48 hours. The increasing temCouncil.
peratures will allow the salt to achieve
“Clearly a big part of where we
maximum melting capacity.”
went wrong is trying to ration this
Residents have also complained
stuff,” said Ward 6 Councilor John Krol,
that piles of snow have been found in
who was one of three to petition for answers. “I would be in favor of increasing the amount of storage we have.”
Councillor Christopher Connell said
the one problem is the fact that the city
currently hires 30 contractors to plow
the roads at about $70 an hour and he
said that for about $30 more an hour,
those contractors could sand as well,
saving time and resources.
“We cannot be taking private
contractors that don’t have sanding
capabilities,” Connell said. “If we are
hiring people, they have to have sanding
capabilities so we aren’t doing it twice.”
Bianchi responded that finding local
plowers with the equipment to plow
may be to hard and then the city would
not have enough cleanup crews at all.
“There isn’t a large pool of contractors to do the plowing. If you make it a
requirement that they have to invest in
a sand system, you are going to reduce
the pool even further,” Bianchi said.
dvocates for passenger rail
to the Berkshires from New
York City were no doubt
disappointed to learn that a
long-term transportation plan unveiled
this month by Connecticut Gov. Dannel
Malloy contained no money to upgrade
the bulk of that state’s portion of the
tracks to the Massachusetts line.
Malloy’s
ambitious
►► Better
30-year $100
bus service
billion plan
maybe the
only option
included money
for roads,
bridges, airports, freight rail, mass
transit, bike paths and hiking trails. But
almost nothing for passenger rail to the
Massachusetts line at Sheffield.
“Gov. Malloy’s plan focuses on improving the rail infrastructure between
Danbury and the Massachusett line for
freight rail service,” Connecticut Department of Transportation spokesman
Judd Everhart told The Record. “Improving the freight rail infrastructure
and service will preserve the option for
commuter rail expansion in the future.
But there has been no decision on
providing passenger service and there is
currently no funding in place for that.”
Malloy’s plan did include funds to upgrade a short portion of the tracks from
Danbury to New Milford for passenger
service, a distance of some 15 miles.
Karen Christensen, who heads the Train
Campaign in Great Barrington, declined
to comment this week until she had
gathered more information about this
development.
Mass.State Rep. William “Smitty”
Pignatelli, who has been a skeptic of
the plan for the past year, said he was
not surprised by the news. He said
Connecticut has committed hundreds
of millions of dollars to a New Haven–
Hartford–Springfield high-speed commuter rail line, which is currently under
construction, as well as a rapid-transit
bus line connecting New Britain and
Hartford.
“We’ve always needed to keep it in
perspective,” Pignatelli said in an interview. “We were dependent on another
state.”
The Massachusetts Department
of Transportation announced over the
summer it had reached an agreement to
buy the railroad tracks currently used
for freight traffic from Housatonic
Railroad for a little more than $12.1
million.The money for the purchase
comes from $113 million set aside by
the state to rebuild track infrastructure
in anticipation of the revival of passenger rail service between New York City,
Danbury, Conn., and Pittsfield. But the
project cannot come to fruition unless the state of Connecticut decides to
move forward with significant improvements to its own tracks.
The span of tracks runs 37 miles
north from the state line at North Canaan, Conn., to Pittsfield. Housatonic
Railroad will retain a perpetual easement allowing the company to continue
to operate its existing freight service.
Officials have estimated the cost of the
entire project from Pittsfield to Danbury would cost $200 million.
Pignatelli said Monday he sees no
indication that new Gov. Charlie Baker
will honor then-Gov. Deval Patrick’s
pledge to move forward with the Berkshires passenger line, especially with
the well publicized problems that the
MBTA is having this winter.
“I don’t see this governor having
any discussions up to this point whatsoever,” Pignatelli continued. “[House]
Speaker [Robert DeLeo] said today
before we expand, we should fix what
we have.”
One option that’s been floated is
luxury bus service connecting the Berkshires with New York City. An interesting exchange took place recently on the
Train Campaign’s website between pas-
senger rail advocate and Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Chairman
Nat Karns and Donald “Chip” Elitzer,
an investment banker and managing
director at Sagebrook Partners in Great
Barrington.
Elitzer said he agreed with Christensen’s economic development objectives associated with passenger rail, but
the Berkshires proposal, if it came fruition, “would be a huge waste of public
resources.”
Instead, Elitzer suggested a bus-rail
link between the Berkshires and the
existing terminus of Metro North’s
Harlem Line at Wassaic, N.Y. That link,
Elitzer said, would achieve many of the
goals of passenger rail with added flexibility and far lower cost.
Karns countered that studies have
shown “that riders of any sort of mass
transit resist having to use multiple
modes to get back and forth” and that
traffic problems can plague buses. He
also noted a “marketing and comfort
problem with buses” — and what he
called the “snob factor.”
Peter Pan Bus Lines operates bus
services from Pittsfield to New York
City twice a day. In an email interview,
Peter Pan Director of Planning Mike
Sharff said his company would consider
operating bus service between Wassaic
and the Berkshires, though as far as he
knows, no one has approached Peter
Pan about providing such a service.
But he quickly added that, “This is
not something we would likely do as a
private sector venture on our own, but
rather, we would entertain offering a
proposal for this if the route were to
be supported financially by others —
multi-state governments, or others.”
Sharff also attempted to dispel any notion that bus travel is low class or that
it lacks amenities:
“100 percent of our buses are
equipped with complimentary wifi,
and electrical plug-ins at every seat for
charging computers, phones, and other
devices. Our buses are equipped with
comfortable reclining seats, restrooms,
and in many cases, three-point seatbelts.”
Sharff said Peter Pan has always
questioned the costs and benefits of
rail service from the Berkshires to New
York City. He cited studies suggesting
that “travel by bus is the greenest form
of mass transportation, offering higher
passenger-miles per gallon of fuel
used, and the lowest emissions [among]
trains, planes, and automobiles.” And
it’s far easier to add buses than train
cars when demand surges during weekend and holiday periods, he said.
Pignatelli said he, too, was open
to the establishment of bus service to
Wassaic but he also suggested passenger rail enthusiasts look to the east to
achieve some of their goals.
“Let’s look at the economic impact
of east-west,” Pignatelli said. “With the
2020 Olympics maybe coming to Boston, let’s throw everything on the table.
And it’s all within one state so we’ll
have greater control.”
Peter Pan has said they would be open to discussing more Berkshire County bus service from NYC.
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The Best 2015’s tour guide, Gigi, is keeping us posted on her cross-country tour of the best in towns
with very familar names. Check out The Best 2015 coming in March.
Recently, it had the best civil fight
going on. The town wanted to take
over some land to build a new City
Hall and every landowner rolled over
except a florist. A brick fence is now
surrounding the shop separating it
from city hall. Awkward! Speaking of
the best, thank you for selecting moi
as your tourguide for this year’s Best
2015. See you in March.
Best, Gigi
BRIDGE,
CK
MAR 6
GA
Stockbridge, georgia
STO
Greetings from
2015
by Shea Garner
The Berkshire Record
Attn: Readers
P.O. Box 868
Great Barrington, MA
01201
To reserve your space in The Best, call 413-528-5380 ext. 31
10
The fight between big business and
local environmental groups over the
natural gas pipeline is dividing local
communities and costing millions.
But is there an end in sight?
I
n late February, President Barack Obama vetoed a Republican bill calling for an
extension of the Keystone Pipeline — a three-phase oil pipeline system transporting the fossil fuel from Alberta, Canada to refineries and distribution points
in Illinois, Texas, and Oklahoma here in the United States. The blocked “Keystone XL” proposal would essentially add another 1,179 miles to a structure that
already has the capacity to deliver up to 700,000 barrels of oil per day, according to
published energy reports.
“The Presidential power to veto legislation is one I take seriously. But I also take
seriously my responsibility to the American people,” said Obama in a veto message
issued to the Senate. “And because this act of Congress conflicts with established executive branch procedures and cuts short thorough consideration of issues that could
bear on our national interest — including our security, safety, and environment — it
has earned my veto.”
Activists have long voiced concern over the negative economic and environmental impact of such a massive project on the country’s sensitive Midwestern region.
Following initial protests, Obama rejected the original Keystone XL application in
January 2012, forcing the TransCanada Corporation to consider an alternative route.
A second route — one that, according to the company, minimized the “disturbance of
land, water resources, and special areas” — was approved in January 2013.
While the focus remains on Keystone XL — and oil in general — at a national
level, an eerily similar situation is brewing here in the Northeast over natural gas.
The Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, a subsidiary of the energy giant Kinder
Morgan, has proposed an extension of their 13,900-mile Tennessee Gas Pipeline
currently stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to New England. “Northeast Energy
Direct” is a proposed 30-36” high-capacity, high-pressure transmission line extending from a gas hub in Wright, NY to Dracut, MA, making its way through a chunk of
Rensselaer County, the Berkshires, and Franklin County in the process.
According to Kinder Morgan, the pipeline will supply the Northeast U.S. and
Eastern Canada with incremental and direct access to prolific and abundant natural
gas, therefore lowering the cost of gas and electricity for consumers in the area.
Now that all sounds well and good, but Northeast Energy Direct is facing many of
the same issues as Keystone XL, and the detractors are out in force, having already
influenced TGP to reconsider their original proposal and bring a second alternative
route before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in December 2014.
So what brought us to this point? The Tennessee Gas Transmission Company,
then owned by the American Fortune 500 Company Tenneco, began construction of
the first legs of the Tennessee Gas Pipeline in 1943. It was later sold to the El Paso
Corporation, a Texas-based natural gas provider, before Kinder Morgan acquired
the company in 2012. Kinder Morgan first announced plans to build 246 miles of
new pipeline from Pennsylvania to Dracut, MA in early 2014. The original proposed
route entered the Berkshires through Richmond and passed through eight local communities as it made its way east.
Critics quickly emerged across the Commonwealth and tri-state region, citing 92
“significant incidents” resulting in a fatality, injury, explosion, volatile liquid release,
or $50,000 or more in unforeseen expenses that occurred on the pipeline from 2006
to 2012, according to the Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Detractors also questioned the true domestic benefits of the project, pointing out that
TGP applied for a permit to reverse gas flow to the Canadian Maritimes for easier
access to the European and Asian markets around the time of the proposal.
The biggest case against the need for the pipeline in the area is the long-gestating
movement to shift away from our reliance on fossil fuels. Despite being touted as a
“clean energy” source (due to it emitting 50-percent less carbon dioxide than coal
when burned), natural gas still produces significant amounts of nitrogen oxides, carContinued on page 12
11
bon dioxide, and methane when burned
in large quantities. Advocates of green
energy tend to view natural gas as more
of a sidestep from coal than the step
forward that wind and solar power could
provide.
Upon announcement of their original
preferred route, Kinder Morgan notified
the affected municipalities of their intention to survey local land in preparation
for the project. Many town officials, seeing a potential future economic opportunity in the proposal, initially granted
the survey permission without batting
an eye, until the anti-fracking message
began to spread across the region with
force.
Soon, citizen groups demanded that
officials rescind the survey permission
and, with the help of volunteer organizations like No Fracked Gas in Mass,
pass grassroots resolutions to ban new
high-capacity, high-pressure pipelines
and champion sustainable energy in their
towns.
Richmond, Lenox, Windsor, and
Dalton were among the first Berkshire
municipalities to take action and pass
similar resolutions at special town meetings over the summer — the result of a
long process that included public meetings, information sessions, educational
forums, and even canvassing.
Arnold Piacentini, a vocal pipeline
opponent and leader of the Richmond
Core Committee, a committee formed to
work with the Select Board and implement decisions in town, spoke to The
View’s sister publication, The Berkshire
Courier, in July.
“I think what we all went through,
with the educational process combined
with the clear opinion of the public
citizenry, led to the decision,” Piacentini
said at the time. “We want 100-percent
solidarity of town and citizens across
the length of the pipeline to give a clear
message to all public officials that this is
not in the interest of the public. Governor Patrick has done a great job in
reducing our dependence on fossil fuels
and we need to continue to implement
efficiency projects and invent in renewable energy sources. We don’t need
this.”
Environmentalists were also concerned with the proposed pipeline’s potential to deforest as much as 1,800 acres
of land throughout the state. Both Dalton
and Lenox cited watershed infringement,
the taking of land by eminent domain,
and the use and disturbance of protected
state lands as their primary issues with
the project.
Dalton officials issued a letter to
FERC denouncing Kinder Morgan’s
proposed plans just days before the company announced their second alternative
route.
“This proposed pipeline will cut a
large swath of land through this small
New England community thereby
scarring the esthetics of land now used
12
The proposed path of the Kinder Morgan pipeline has been moved north into Lanesborough and Cheshire.
recreationally by residents and visitors
alike,” read the letter. “The pipeline will
therefore diminish the attractiveness and
cause a potential financial strain due
to less recreational traffic through the
town.”
On December 5, 2014, Kinder
Morgan publicly announced their plans
to adopt two alternative routes for the
proposed Northeast Energy Direct project. The new path, submitted to FERC
just three days later, avoids the openly
anti-pipeline towns like Richmond and
Lenox by instead entering the Commonwealth through Hancock and continuing through parts of Lanesborough,
Cheshire, Hinsdale, Windsor, Peru and,
curiously still, Dalton.
“While evaluating the feasibility of
possible routes, which is a critical part
of the regulatory review prior to building
a pipeline, as we committed to do when
we started this process, we have listened
to stakeholders and taken their comments and concerns seriously,” said East
Region Pipelines President Kimberly
Watson in a statement to the press.
“By adopting the New York Powerline Alternative and New Hampshire
Powerline Alternative, TGP will be able
to construct significantly more of the
pipeline adjacent to and parallel with
existing utility corridors in portions of
New York, Massachusetts, and New
Hampshire, reduce the need for construction in undeveloped portions of the
market path region and lessen environ-
mental impacts.”
As representatives of the company
announced plans to conduct preliminary
work in “determining the constructability of the proposed route,” community
organizers retaliated quickly, organizing educational meetings in the newly
affected municipalities. In late January,
Jane Winn, of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team and No Fracked
Gas in Mass, held a forum in Lanesborough attended by an estimated 150 local
residents to detail the logistics of the
36-inch diameter pipeline.
Cheshire Selectman Robert Ciskowski, who attended the meeting to
learn more about the effect the project
would have on 1.9 miles of town land,
including proposed plans for the pipeline
to run underneath the middle basin of
the Cheshire Reservoir, reported that he
found the presentation “refreshingly balanced.” At a subsequent
regular meeting of the Select Board, he
detailed the dangers of a planned 800 to
1,000-foot turn deemed the “incineration
zone” and questioned the safety of the
proposed 80,000 horsepower compression station set to be built in Windsor.
With reports claiming the pipeline will
come as close as 50-feet from residential
properties, Ciskowski was wary of the
impact on insurance coverage for affected homeowners.
“With that kind of pressure and that
kind of volume they’re saying you might
not be safe if it ruptured and ignited,”
approval in July.
“I’ve been talking to a lot of residents in town and they were intimidated
at the special town meeting,” Sargent
told The Courier at the time. “They
thought it was nonbinding so it wasn’t
worth getting up and fighting. They were
pushed and bullied. There are residents
out there for the pipeline and for the
little guy businessman. We should let the
pipeline go through so somebody else
has gas. The eastern part of the state is
booming, businesswise. Out here? We’re
surviving.”
As the divisive alternative route
moves forward, the Berkshire Regional
Planning Commission has invited the
affected municipal entities to join an ad
hoc working group that will provide participants with shared legal and technical
assistance during the process.
The general consensus amongst officials
involved is that, in one form or another,
the pipeline will happen.
BRPC Executive Director Nathaniel
Karns explained that the total cost of the
services provided is about $75,000, with
the cost per participant averaging about
$6,200 per fiscal year at the moment.
“The cost per municipal entity varies
depending on how many participate,”
said Karns. “It’s really a fixed cost
through the pre-filing process.”
As of late February, as many as 10
communities have agreed to take part in
the intermunicipal agreement, including
IMAGE CONTRIBUTED
Ciskowski said, referencing the 1,000foot blast radius, before clarifying that
he was not implying that pipelines were
“unsafe.”
In fact, Ciskowski recounted
information from Holyoke’s ISO New
England, a non-profit Regional Transmission Organization that regulates traffic control for electricity for six states in
the area. He revealed that the amount of
natural gas used for electrical generation
in our region has increased from 15-percent to 46-percent from 2000 to 2013,
while coal has dropped from 18-percent
to 6-percent and oil has gone down from
22-percent to 1-percent.
In a recent presentation to the Dalton
Select Board, representatives from both
the Western Massachusetts Electric
Company and Northeast Utilities even
reported that constraints on natural gas
flow in New England have caused a
spike in electrical generation costs this
winter season.
Despite the controversy, supporters
of the pipeline proposal have been present throughout the process. Pittsfield’s
Mayor Daniel Bianchi has proved a
staunch supporter of the project, going
as far as causing environmental activJoe Renzi
ists to file conflict of interest complaints
413-446-0955
against him
last November.
Former Dalton Selectman Stewart
Sargent, Jr., who sat on the board last
February when the Selectmen voted in
favor of initial survey permission, spoke
out against their decision to rescind their
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Individual communities have been
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host community agreement should the
pipeline be constructed. The agreement
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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • (413) 445-5300
Located in The Berkshire Mall, Lanesborough
16
Friday March 6
Tom Corrigan, live musical performance in
the Lions Den at The Red Lion Inn. 30 Main
Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545.
Open Mic Night, at Bogies Steak & Ale, 935
South Main Street. Great Barrington. 9 p.m.
(413) 528-5959.
Trivia, at Mazcots Sports Bar & Grill. 490
Pittsfield Road, Rte. 7 Lenox. 8 p.m. (413)
499-1101.
Open Mic, at The Purple Pub. 65 Spring
Street, Williamstown. 8 p.m. (413) 458-0095.
Dance
Music
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Balloons
The Best Glass pieces
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Available Light, an intimate work-in-progress presentation of Lucinda Childs revival of
her 1983 collaboration with composer John
Adams and architect Frank Gehry. At the
Hunter Center at MASS MoCA, 87 Marshall
Street, North Adams. 8 p.m. (413) 662-2111.
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1478 East Street,
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413-464-7506
Serving all your auto electronic needS.
Memory Lane Variety Show, Memory Lane
presents “Musical Memories with a DooWop Beat” a variety show to aid Multiple
Sclerosis at Berkshire Community College,
1350 West Street, Pittsfield. 7:30 pm. (413)
442-3850.
Matt Cahill, performing live at Rainbow
Restaurant. 109 First Street, Pittsfield. 7:30
p.m. (413) 443-0002.
Patrick Gray, performing live at PortSmitt’s
Lakeway Restaurant, 370, Pecks Road. 8
p.m. (413) 236-5727.
The Reformers, live musical performance in
Karaoke, at Uncle Larry’s Tavern. 71 Chester
Road, Becket. 9 p.m. (413) 623-8711.
Open mic, at Bounti-Fare Restaurant. 200
Howland Avenue, Adams. 7 p.m. (413)
743-0193.
The Marty Q Band, with special guest
Someone You Can Xray at Infinity Music
Hall, 20 Greenwoods Road, Norfolk Conn.
8 p.m. (866) 666-6306.
Saturday March 7
Dance
Music
The Brazilian Girls, performing at Club Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia Street, Hudson,
N.Y. 9 p.m. (518) 828-4800.
Dry Town Drifters, live musical performance
in the Lions Den at The Red Lion Inn. 30 Main
Code Blue Duo, performing live at
PortSmitt’s Lakeway Restaurant. 370 Pecks
Road, Pittsfield. 7:30 p.m. (413) 236-5727.
Wendy Walz and Jim Dignum, performing
live at Rainbow Restaurant. 109 First Street,
Pittsfield. (413) 443-0002.
Roomful of Blues, performing live at Infinity
Music Hall, 20 Greenwoods Road, Norfolk
Conn. 8 p.m. (866) 666-6306.
Other
‘Viva Las Vegas’, a screening of the classic
.
Rev Tor Band, The local
favorite will perform
new songs and old hits
at the Unicorn Theater
in Stockbridge for a live
CD and DVD recording
on March 20.
Other
Texas Hold ‘Em Night, free poker night at
The Route 63 Roadhouse, 32 Federal Street,
Miller Falls. (413) 659-3384.
Texas Hold ‘Em, at the Brick House Pub,
425 Park Street, Housatonic. 7:30 p.m. (413)
274-0020.
Wednesday March 11
Music
Facebook
The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center will present Cirque Ziva, featuring the high
flying acrobatics of the Golden Dragon Acrobats on March 15.
1964 film starring Elvis Presly and AnnMargret. At the Mahaiwe Performing Arts
Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington.
7 p.m. (413) 528-0100.
Sunday March 8
Theater
Romeo and Juliet, a presentation of the
Bolshoi Ballet in HD at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, 14 Castle Street, Great
Barrington. 1 p.m. (413) 528-0100.
Dance
Music
Jesse Cook, performing live at Infinity Music
Hall, 20 Greenwoods Road, Norfolk Conn.
7:30 p.m. (866) 666-6306.
Sunday Musical Brunch, at the Starving
Artist Creperie & Café. 40 Main Street, Suite
2, Lee. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (413) 394-5046.
Other
Other
Trivia, at the Brick House Pub, 425 Park Street,
Housatonic. (413) 274-0020.
Brew Tasting, at Cranwell Resort, Spa and
Golf Club, 55 Lee Road, Lenox. 3 to 5 p.m.
(413) 637-1364.
Thursday March 12
Monday March 9
Eric Erickson, live musical performance in the
Lions Den at The Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street,
Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545.
DJ I.T.S., performing at Bogies Steak & Ale.
935 South Main Street, Great Barrington.
(413) 528-5959.
Quarter Life Crisis, acoustic duo Brian Benlien
and Jim Witherell perform at the Mill Town
Tavern, 16 Depot Street, Dalton. 9 p.m. (413)
684-0900.
Live Music at the Heritage, musical performances at the Olde Heritage Tavern. 12 Housatonic Street, Lenox. 8 p.m. (413) 637-0884.
Open Mic Night, at the Route 63 Roadhouse.
32 Federal Street, Miller Falls. 9 p.m. (413)
659-3384.
Country Night, hosted by Randy Cormier at
the Underground Pub at Crowne Plaza. 1 West
Street, Pittsfield. 9 p.m. (413) 553-2214.
Karaoke, at Rascals Grill. 32 North Summer
Street, Adams. 9 p.m. (413) 743-5870.
Music
Rob Sanzone, live musical performance in
Other
Spoken Word and Poetry, at the Good Purpose Gallery, 40 Main Street, Lee. 6:30 p.m.
(413) 394-5045.
Tuesday March 10
Music
The Big Broadcast! 10th anniversary, The
Jazz Ensembles’ of Mount Holyoke College
10th annual presentation of a live 1940’s radio
broadcast with Mark Gionfriddo, Brian Lapis,
and the Chamber Jazz Emsemble. At the
Colonial Theatre, 111 South Street, Pittsfield.
7 p.m. (413) 997-4444.
Four Events That You Shouldn’t Miss Out On This Month
Richard Dreyfuss, the
acting legend willsit
down from a Q&A at
Helsinki Hudson on
March 15 to benefit
Columbia Memorial
Health
Lisa Matin, live musical performance in the
Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545.
Peter Primadore Duo, at the Rainbow Restaurant. 109 First Street, Pittsfield. 7:30 p.m.
413) 443-0002.
Karaoke, at Mazcots Sports Bar & Grill. 490
499-1101.
Zammuto, guitarist
and former The Books
member Nick Zammuto and his band
come to MASS MoCA
for a performance on
March 21.
Music
Workshop, Lecture
Learners Lab: Red Apply Butchers, the butchers from Red Apple Butchers will hold a work
Gutsy Gal awards,
Karen Allen and
Deborah Hutchinson
host an awards ceremony and screening
of the film Muffin Top
March 21.
17
shop on knives. At the Berkshire Museum, 39
South Street, Pittsfield. 10 a.m. (413)443-7171.
Comedy
Kathy Giffin, performing as part of the
Calvin Comedy series. At the Calvin Theater
and Performing Arts Center, 19 King Street,
Northampton. (413) 584-1444.
Other
The Notorious Mr. Bout, a screening of the
film part of MASS MoCA’s Deception documentary film series. At Club B-10 at MASS
MoCA, 87 Marshall Street, North Adams.
7:30 p.m. (413) 662-2111.
Friday March 13
Theater
When the Sky Falls, a reading of Yvette “Jamuna” Sirker’s play based on her experience
surviving Hurricane Katrina. At the Unicorn
Theatre, 83 East Main Street, Stockbridge.
7:30 p.m. (413) 997-4444.
Music
Bev & John, live musical performance in the
Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545.
Wendy Walz and Jim Dignum, live musical
performance at the Rainbow Restaurant,
109 First Street, Pittsfield. 7:30 p.m. (413)
443-0002.
Laura Tupper, performing live with Bobby
Sweet. At the Castle Street Cafe, 10 Castle
Street, Great Barrington. 8 p.m. (413) 5285244.
The Voodoo Orchestra North, performing at
Club Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia Street,
Hudson, N.Y. 9 p.m. (518) 828-4800.
Road, Becket. 9 p.m. (413) 623-8711.
Howland Avenue, Adams. 7 p.m. (413) 7430193.
Richie Furay, performing live at Infinity Music
Hall, 20 Greenwoods Road, Norfolk Conn. 8
p.m. (866) 666-6306.
Saturday March 14
Theater
Rossini’s “La Donna del Lago”, a Met
Opera Live in HD presentation featuring a
pre-broadcast lecture with Scott Eyerky at 11
a.m. At the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center,
14 Castle Street, Great Barrington. 1 p.m.
(413) 528-0100.
Music
Kat Edmonson, live performance at Club B-10
at MASS MoCA, 87 Marshall Street, North
Adams. 8 p.m. (413) 662-2111.
CA Jones, live musical performance in the
Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413)298-5545.
Sean Callaghan, John Culpo and JT McKenna, at the Rainbow Restaurant 109 First
Street, Pittsfield. 7:30 p.m. (413) 443-0002.
The Pine Hill Project Richard, Lucy, Larry,
performing at Club Helsinki Hudson, 405
Columbia Street, Hudson, N.Y. 9 p.m. (518)
828-4800.
Soul Sound Revue, 30th anniversary dance
party at Infinity Music Hall, 20 Greenwoods
Road, Norfolk Conn. 8 p.m. (866) 666-6306.
Other
The Cowgirls Call: Writing and Riding, a
benefit event hosted by the Berkshires Festival
of Women Writers and Barbara Newman and
sponsored by the film in development Cowgirls Art Forever. At the Unicorn Theatre, 83
East Main Street, Stockbridge. 7 p.m. (413)
997-4444.
18
Sunday March 15
Creperie & Café. 40 Main Street, Suite 2, Lee.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (413) 394-5046.
Just Jim Dale, performing as part of the
Helsinki on Broadway series with Mark York
and directed by Richard Maltby, Jr. live at
Club Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia Street,
Hudson, N.Y. 7 p.m. (518) 828-4800.
Theater
Cirque Ziva, a new cirque extravaganza
from the touring troupe the Golden Dragon
Acrobats. At the Mahaiwe Performing Arts
Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington. 7
p.m. (413) 528-0100.
Other
Music
Through the Looking Glass, musings from
the pens of Berkshire women writers, honoring
the diversity of women’s writing in the 19th
and 20th centuries. At the Unicorn Theatre,
83 East Main Street, Stockbridge. 3 p.m.
(413) 997-4444.
Jeffrey Folmer, live musical performance in
Sunday Musical Brunch, at the Starving Artist
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (413) 394-5046.
Monday March 23
Other
Music
An Evening with Richard Dreyfuss, a Q&A
with one of the best-known actors of the last
40 years to benefit Columbia Memorial Health.
At Club Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia Street,
Hudson, N.Y. 8 p.m. (518) 828-4800.
Christopher John, live musical performance
Tuesday March 17
Music
Photo contributed
Sinbad will come to the Calvin Theater in Northampton on March 28 as part of a month
of comedic event at the theater. Kathy Griffin will perform March 12.
684-0900.
Live Music at the Heritage, musical performances at the Olde Heritage Tavern.
12 Housatonic Street, Lenox. 8 p.m. (413)
637-0884.
659-3384.
Country Night, hosted by Randy Cormier
at the Underground Pub at Crowne Plaza. 1
West Street, Pittsfield. 9 p.m. (413) 553-2214.
Wednesday March 18 Friday March 20
Music
Joe Gorman, live musical performance in the
Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545.
Peter Primamore Duo, live musical performance
at the Rainbow Restaurant 109 First Street,
Pittsfield. 7:30 p.m. (413) 443-0002.
Karaoke, at Mazcots Sports Bar & Grill. 490 Pittsfield Road, Rte. 7 Lenox. 9 p.m. (413) 499-1101.
Other
Housatonic. (413) 274-0020.
Thursday March 19
Music
Jeff Gonzales, live musical performance in the
Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545.
935 South Main Street, Great Barrington. (413)
528-5959.
Music
Lady Di and the Dukes, live musical performance in the Lions Den at The Red Lion Inn.
30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413)
298-5545.
Road, Becket. 9 p.m. (413) 623-8711.
Music
Rev Tor Band, a live CD and DD recording
of an all acoustic set with brand new, never
before heard songs along with old favorites.
At the Unicorn Theatre, 83 East Main Street,
Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 997-4444.
Wendy Walz and Jim Dignum, live musical
performance at the Rainbow Restaurant,
109 First Street, Pittsfield. 7:30 p.m. (413)
443-0002.
Eight to the Bar, the 40th anniversary show
at Infinity Music Hall, 20 Greenwoods Road,
Norfolk Conn. 8 p.m. (866) 666-6306.
Road, Becket. 9 p.m. (413) 623-8711.
The Sadies, performing live at Club Helsinki
Hudson, 405 Columbia Street, Hudson, N.Y.
9 p.m. (518) 828-4800.
Saturday March 21
Music
Serge Rachmaninoff and Russian Orientalia,
Close Encounters With Music present pianist
Vassily Primakov and cellist Yehuda Hanani.
At the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, 14
Castle Street, Great Barrington. 6 p.m. (413)
528-0100.
Zammuto. live musical performance at the
Diva and the Dirty Boys, live musical performance in the Lions Den at The Red Lion
Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413)
298-5545.
Blue Light Trio, performing live at the Rainbow Restaurant. 109 First Street, Pittsfield.
7:30 p.m. (413) 443-0002.
Other
Muffin Top, an evening celebration with
Karen Allen and Gutsy Gal grand-prize winner Cathryn Michon along with the writers
and directors
Sunday March 22
Theater
Behind the Beautiful Forevers, a London’s
National Theater in HD screening. At the
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, 14 Castle
Street, Great Barrington. 3 p.m. (413) 5280100.
Music
Oakes and Smith, live musical performance
Comedy
Sinbad, performing as part of the Calvin
Comedy series. At the Calvin Theater and
Performing Arts Center, 19 King Street,
Northampton. 8 p.m. (413) 584-1444.
Other
Cabin Fever Cabaret, with the Bindlestiff Family
Cirkus at Club Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia
Street, Hudson, N.Y. 9 p.m. (518) 828-4800.
Running from Crazy, BIFF and Austen Riggs
present the award-winning documentary about
the Hemingway family with special guest Mariel
Hemingway. At the Mahaiwe Performing Arts
Why choose Brockman?
We listen to you and will provide you with personalized service
based on knowledge and experience.
We simply give our very best to every client, every time.
Your goals are our only priority and your satisfaction is our
only measure of success.
Other
Miller Falls. (413) 659-3384.
274-0020.
Theatre, 111 South Street, Pittsfield. 3 p.m.
(413) 997-4444.
Bigger Boat, live musical performance in the
Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545.
Brockman has been a leader in Berkshire real estate as well
as luxury home sales for nearly 40 years. We work diligently
to achieve a perfect balance between ethical, honest
representation and creative, dynamic marketing.
Mary Ann Palermo, live musical performance
(413) 528-5959.
499-1101.
Phil DaRosa, live musical performance in the
Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545.
TEDxHudson, a live stream of the TED2015
Conference in Vancouver. At Club Helsinki
Hudson, 405 Columbia Street, Hudson, N.Y.
11:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. (518) 828-4800.
Miller Falls. (413) 659-3384.
274-0020.
Friday March 27
Music
Music
Other
Mysteries and Characters, reading with
Frances Roth and Joyce O’Brian hosted by
Jessica Treat. At the Good Purpose Gallery,
40 Main Street, Lee. 5:30 p.m. (413) 394-5045.
Tuesday March 24
Monday March 16
Liam O Maonlai, live performance at Club
B-10 at MASS MoCA, 87 Marshall Street,
North Adams. 8 p.m. (413) 662-2111.
(413) 528-5959.
499-1101.
Other
Defining Real Estate in the Berkshires
Chapin Fish, Broker-Partner
The Berkshires Top-Selling Broker of 2013 with Highest Total Sales†
Kirsten Fredsall, Broker-Associate • Michael Mielke, Realtor® Associate • Thom Garvey, Realtor® Associate
Kevin Fish, Business Operations Manager - Realtor® Associate • Bill Brockman, Founding Partner
† according to data provided by the Berkshire County Multiple Listing Service
Wednesday March 25
Members of:
Music
Rev Tor Solo, live musical performance in
Karaoke, at Mazcots Sports Bar & Grill. 490
499-1101.
duPont REGISTRY
berkshiresforsale.com
413-528-4859
[email protected]
Other
Housatonic. (413) 274-0020.
at 276 main street, great barrington with
farm & home
Thursday March 26
quality American-made goods & gifts
Music
Robin O’Herin, live musical performance in
(413) 528-5959.
684-0900.
637-0884.
659-3384.
Other
Can You Hear Me, Baby? Stories of Sex,
Love and OMG Birth, Lisa Rafel and Gary
Malkin bring together birth stories and original
music. At the Unicorn Theatre, 83 East Main
The Breakfast Club, a screening of the John
Hughes classic in celebration of its 30th anniversary. At the Mahaiwe Performing Arts
Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington.
7 p.m. (413) 528-0100.
Saturday March 28
Music
Boston Symphony Orchestra, performing a
community chamber event. At the Colonial
Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington. 2
p.m. (413) 528-0100.
Sunday March 29
Theater
“A View from the Bridge”, a London’s National
Theater in HD screening. At the Mahaiwe Preforming Arts Center. 14 Castle Street, Great
Barrington. 3 p.m. (413) 528-0100.
Music
James Mee, live musical performance in the
Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (413) 394-5046.
Other
Bindlestiff Family Matinee, with the Bindlestiff
Family Cirkus at Club Helsinki Hudson, 405
Columbia Street, Hudson, N.Y. 3 p.m. (518)
828-4800.
Monday March 30
Music
Sandy and Sandy, live musical performance in the
Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545.
Tuesday March 31
Music
Grahm Sturz, live musical performance in the
Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545.
(413) 528-5959.
Trivia, at Mazcots Sports Bar & Grill. 490 Pittsfield Road, Rte. 7 Lenox. 8 p.m. (413) 499-1101.
Open Mic, at The Purple Pub. 65 Spring Street,
Williamstown. 8 p.m. (413) 458-0095.
Other
Texas Hold ‘Em Night, free poker night at The
Route 63 Roadhouse, 32 Federal Street, Miller
Falls. (413) 659-3384.
Texas Hold ‘Em, at the Brick House Pub, 425 Park
Street, Housatonic. 7:30 p.m. (413) 274-0020.
Wednesday April 1
Music
Karaoke, at Mazcots Sports Bar & Grill. 490 Pittsfield Road, Rte. 7 Lenox. 9 p.m. (413) 499-1101.
Other
Housatonic. (413) 274-0020.
Thursday April 2
(413) 528-5959.
684-0900.
637-0884.
659-3384.
Friday April 3
Music
Shel, performing with Otan Vargas at Club
Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia Street, Hudson, N.Y. 9 p.m. (518) 828-4800.
The Yardbirds, performing live at Infinity Music
Hall, 20 Greenwoods Road, Norfolk Conn. 8
p.m. (866) 666-6306.
Saturday April 4
Music
Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukres,
performing live at Infinity Music Hall, 20
Greenwoods Road, Norfolk Conn. 8 p.m.
(866) 666-6306.
19
`Music
`
The Family
Business
Pittsfield-based Simply
Skilled Productions is a
tight-knit group ready for
their shot at success
By Tom Casey
I
f SimplySkilled Productions is built
on anything, it’s family. Motivations, character, goals; all of these are
driven by the deep bonds forged by its
members and their desire to be the go-to
independently owned music label in the
region.
“I wanted us to be family first,” said
Joshua Johns, the CEO and founder of
SimplySkilled. “It’s not just work and
music. We do cook outs, we take our
kids fishing together ... for me this isn’t
just my employees, that’s far from what
I consider it to be, I really have taken to
growing this into
►► Independent a big family.”
This idea is
record
label boasts
no more appartalented
ent than at Johns
lineup of
apartment in
local rappers Pittsfield, where
it seems more
like a holiday gathering than a recording
studio. The musicians’ children run about
playing together; Johns’ wife, Tina, takes
photographs and the members of the label
members sit in a circle trading jokes and
barbs like brothers.
The tight-knit bond has pushed its
members to reach for success as the
independent artists in the Berkshires.
SimplySkilled Productions is made up
of five musicians: Johns, who goes by
“GenAral”; “DR” Daron Reyonlds, the
labels Vice President and earliest member;
“Tha Scientist,” Justin Furlon; and “Info”
Robert Shove and “Dirty J” Joe Robinson, who perform as Tribal Infantry. Tina
serves as president of the label as well as
providing graphic design to for the label’s
logo, album covers and more. Their
connected links is a huge benefit as each
of the label’s members work together to
further each other.
“Working with the label has been
great and a true blessing,” said Furlon.
“Having the opportunity to do what I
love to do and doing so with some of the
greatest people I’ve met through this great
journey of music. What we’ve done is
just touching the surface of the visions,
ideas, and talent that drives SimplySkilled
Productions.”
SimplySkilled began in 2005, the
brainchild of Johns who had grown up
listening to the music of his father and
uncle’s alternative rock band The Johns
20
Tom Casey
SimplySkilled Production at their studio in Pittsifield. (Clockwise from left) Label founder
and CEO Joshua “GenAral” Johns, V.P. Daron “DR” Reynolds, Joe “Dirty J” Robinson and
Robert “Info” Shove.
“For me, this isn’t just my employees ... I really
have taken to growing this into a big family”
Joshua “Genaral” Johns
Project and decided to follow in their
footsteps.
“I had grown up listening to them
playing and going to see them play shows;
it was a huge influence on me,” he said.
“One of the things I liked most about
them was that they did all their own tunes.
I’ve tried to live by everything from
scratch; that’s what we go by here and
watching my father do it, I made sure I
tried to instill that in my label as well.”
With the help of a few friends,
Johns began SimplySkilled writing and
recording tracks that would become the
mix tapes “The Laughter Out Loud” and
“General’s Thoughts” which he released
to positive reviews and feedback. By
2009, however, Johns had reached a
make-or-break point with creating music.
“At first, it was ‘hey let’s see what I
can do’ so I started doing music and let it
grow from there and put out mix tapes but
then I stopped doing music for a couple
years,” he said. “It wasn’t until around
early 2011 when I decided I wasn’t going to look back and wonder ‘what if?’
I wanted to give this music thing all I
have.”
It was that same year that Johns met
Reyonlds, the future VP of the label,
which would set off a partnership that has
proven to be part of the strong foundation
of the group.
“I worked right next door to where he
lived and we had a mutual friend,” said
Reynolds. “I got a copy of his stuff and
I listened to it and went ‘oh wow this is
crazy’ and got in contact him.”
Within their first meeting together
Reynolds and Johns had recorded their
first track “Burn it Down,” and began a
friendship that would anchor the SimplySkilled lineup.
“Ever since then we’ve been working
real close and making this music together,” he said.
Since 2011 the label has released
three albums “The:Mixtape,” “GenAral
Features,” and “E.F.S. : Everything
from Scratch”) and performed across the
county and into the surrounding region.
The rappers under SimplySkilled were on
the ground floor establishing the Hip- Hop
scene in the Berkshires and have done
their best to bring on the best talent the
area has to offer. On “SimplySkilled Productions Presents : GenAral Features” the
group featured 15 artists from around the
region and in 2014, they expanded their
roster bringing on Tribal Infantry.
“I picked them up last year. We were
going to go to a rap battle and we were
looking for some new strong additions,”
said Johns. “We came across these guys,
talked it over with them and they were
happy to do it.”
Their roster now boasts a unique mix
of artists that come from different walks
of life with different styles that the members say makes them mesh well in the
studio and out. One thing they all agree
on is the honesty in their music. Each of
the members pointed to the importance of
bringing personal experience and expression toward their tracks and to make their
music connectable to their audience.
“We all have our own stories of being
on the wrong side of our tracks seeing
some of the things and going places you
have a new appreciation and I get passionate about it,” said Shove. “We try and talk
about topics that people don’t think about
and if you add it into hip hop or music in
general its my little portion of positivity
that I can push.”
Shove is a war veteran who served in
Afghanistan, and on one track from Tribal
Infantry’s new album Unfinished Business, he talks about his personal struggles
as a returning veteran.
“Rob has a track called ‘Pray for me’
that talks about it,” said Johns. “It was a
tough song to produce ... it brought me to
tears a few times just trying to produce
it.”
“It helps as a type of therapy,” said
Shove. “Being able to come here with
these guys and do things together as
well.”
The artists are also passionate about
staying involved in their community.
Johns said he is proud to maintain an
independent label in the community and
that the group’s members perform at a
number of local benefit concerts as well as
hosting events like coat drives and other
charitable events to be a positive force in
Pittsfield. Reyonlds also host the weekly
radio show Ride Ya Groove, which highlights rappers from the region along with
mainstream hip-hop to give local musicians equal attention. He said it was those
around him that were his main influences.
“It’s not even famous artists, it’s the
people around me,” he said. “The people
around me are the ones that motivate me,
Continued on Page 22
21
Continued From Page 21
not the people out there making money.”
The label took a year to collect itself
in 2014, working on new recordings and
spending time with their families, but
with the new year, the label is aiming for
big things with a number of new releases
including Tribal Infantry’s debut album
this March and performances throughout
the year.
“For 2015, we’re planning on dropping four albums, we have a lot of material
for these people to hear,” said Johns.
“We’re really excited about what we’re
about to drop this year ... we’re spent a lot
of time in the studio and getting ready.”
In 2015, the label has also launched
a newly designed website, simplyskilledproductions.com and has expanded their
music catalogue onto iTunes, Spotify and
other online outlets to reach a wider audience.
“Our biggest thing is to stay positive
and to connect people where and when
we can,” said Johns. “We want to be more
visual, not just on social media but to be
out there ... after a while people are going
to scroll past the stuff you are just posting.
We want to do more shows and things for
the community and benefits and help show
that we are part of the community.”
Johns has four children: Dominic,
Ariana, Lilly Rose and Julian; and Shove
two: Madison and Aidan.
The two said being fathers has given
them the perspective of the importance of
having a positive impact on the community and motivates them to be more
involved.
While the group continues to reach for
new heights, their connections and support
for each other is where the artists looks to
help the label to continue progressing.
“None of this would be possible without the support and exponential energy and
possibilities that [Josh] has brought to the
table by creating SSP,” said Furlon. “And
along his side with his wife, Tina, as president, his sidekick and trusty VP Daron
Reynolds ... I believe nothing stands in our
way of success except ourselves.”
`local
`
bands
Website: whiskeycityband.com
Email: [email protected]
Patrick Gray Jr.
Acoustic Rock
Gray comes from a musical family; he grew up
listening to his father play folk music whether
around a camp fire or performing on stage to
large crowds. “By 16, I was playing in local
rock bands,” Gray said. “Shortly thereafter I
was bitten by the recording bug, after doing
a few backing tracks in a local studio.” He
owns Shire Sound, a cozy project/recording
studio nestled in the Berkshire Hills. His
performances, which have been likened to
everyone from John Mayer to Edwin McCain,
can be seen throughout northern Berkshire
County.
Website: reverbnation.com/patrickgray
SimplySkilled Productions
SimplySkilled Productions plans to release four albums and tour extensively this year.
`Live
`
Music
Tony Lee Thomas
Indie Rock
Imagine the energetic strumming of Richie
Havens and the intricate finger work of Bert
Jansch. Add a vocal style that summons
Stevie Wonder and Martin Sexton. Then
take a songwriting vocabulary as poignant as
Ani DiFranco, playful as John Prine, and add
commanding stage presence, then you have
Tony Lee Thomas. In central Berkshire County
Thomas has become a must-see performer,
who is now catching on throughout New
England performing both intimate and
poignant solo performances and full-blown
commanding vamps with his rock band, the
Tony Lee Thomas Band.
Website: tonyleethomas.com
Phone: (413) 218-8307
Booking information: shannon@
wickedcoolproductions.com
Whiskey City
Gypsy Joynt
The Joynt offers some of the best local
musicians the Berkshires have to offer, as well
as acts from across the country, and with the
stage at the center of the restaurant, seating
will put you right up in front of the acts for
an intimate fun showcase. If performing
is for you, try out your own talents with a
weekly open mic.
293 Main Street,
Great Barrington
413.644.8811
gypsy joyntcafe.net
Milltown Tavern
Newly renovated from what was once
“Benny’s Restaurant” the Milltown Tavern
offers the same spirit of the local spot to
be for food, drinks and music. The tavern is
transformed into a music venue for weekly
offerings of open mics and house bands
as well as performances from local artists.
Come and enjoy a wide selection of craft
and domestic beers, and a full bar. Awardwinning wings and burgers are just some
of the tantalizing offerings you can find on
their menu.
16 depot Street,
Dalton
413.684.0900
Milltowntavern.com
Upstate Concert Hall
Originally called Northern Lights, this venue
is a beloved spot to New York’s capital
region concert go-ers. Catch some of the
top alternative acts and old favorites as well
as local showcases and more. The general
admission format allows anyone to get close,
and the venue offers a well stocked bar and
concessions.
1208 Route 146.
Clifton Park, N.Y.
518.371. 0012
upstateconcerthall.com
PortSmitt’s Restaurant
PortSmitt’s Restaurant, has quickly become
a “Berkshire dining favorite” under the
guidance and expertise, of local Chef Mike
Lewis. For years, Chef Lewis has served
Berkshire County residents and visitors
alike. In addition to being an outstanding
restaurant, PortSmitt’s Restaurant has also
begun hosting great local music from bands
in the Berkshires.
320 Peck Road
Pittsfield
413.236. 5727
portssmittsrestaurant.com
438 North Street
Pittsfield
missionbarandtapas.com
22
Fairways at the A
Helsinki Hudson
Get a taste of the Berkshires outside of
Massachusettes. Originally a mainstay in
Great Barrington, Helsinki crossed over
to New York and has thrived in the city of
Hudson. The venue offers both up-andcoming and established bands as well as
great dining and drinks.
Hudson, N.Y.
518.828.4800
helsinkihudson.com
Thaw out with
MASS MoCA
spring lineup
Live events include performance from Neutral Milk
Hotel
Mission Bar + Tapas
For a relaxing intimate atmosphere to take in a
drink and hear some great music Mission Bar
and Tapas is at the top of the list. The venue
located in Pittsfield’s down town, the bar and
music hall offers food throughout the day and
a full bar as well as a special brunch menu. The
site is host to several house bands performing
weekly as well as special performances and a
host of the areas top musicians. An open mic
is also offered every Tuesday to showcase
local undiscovered musicians.
Americana
This band has become a local favorite that can
fill any bar or concert with a packed crowd.
Led by front man Randy Cormier, joined by
band mates Frank Algerio, Beth Maturevich,
Dale Zavatter, Jason Webster and Tim Sears,
Whiskey City is a must see act in the county.
Cormier’s star quality, unique, tireless voice
and infamous audience rapport have made
him a crowd favorite.
With one of the largest dance floors in the
area, this location is a popular venue. They
cater showers, weddings, seasonal parties,
fundraisers, community events and private
parties. Many nights they feature live
entertainment - regional bands and DJs. They
also host seasonal popular sports tailgating
events with their large HD Screen Television.
303 Crane Ave
Pittsfield
413.442. 3585
fairwaysatthea.com
The Brick House Pub
Located in the heart of Housatonic, this bar
has an impressive mixture of great beer, great
food, and great music to make it a can’t-miss
destination. The space is also home to a series
of local artists and performances from bands
from across the country.
425 Park Street,
Housatonic
413. 274. 0020
brickhousema.com
W
ith winter slowly beginning
to thaw, spring events will
be popping up like crocuses
of live music entertain-
ment. MASS MoCA promises to once again
be the beacon of alternative music and
entertainment with a bevy of live music
events scheduled through March and
April. The biggest name on the list for
many is the elusive indie-rocker Neutral
Milk Hotel who will come to North Adams on April 17. Frontman Jeff Mangum
performed at MASS MoCA in 2013 to a
Katherine Winston
Americana
Katherine Winston is an Americana singersongwriter from Lenox who grew up listening
sold-out Hunter Center, and the with no
word on the groups future touring efforts
it may be one of the last times in the forseeable future to catch them.
Local hero Nick Zammuto will return
with his eponymous band for a night of
“mad science-music-and-video” on March
21.
At MoCAs cabaret-style Club B-10
theater, retro-soul chanteuse Kat Edmonson is will perform on March 14 and
Irish singer-songwriter-raconteur Liam
Ó Maonlaí performs a St. Patrick’s Day
show on March 17, accompanied by some
of his Hothouse Flowers bandmates. Carl
Hancock Rux will also perform at the
club on March 28 for an intimate night of
songs and poetry set to live piano music.
The jazz quartet Sex Mob returns to
the museum to perform its original live
score to “Maciste in Hell,” a pivotal work
of the Italian silent film era, on April 4
led by Steve Bernstein. Mass MoCA will
also present comedian Cameron Esposito
on May 9. The comic writes a biweekly
AV Club column about life as a stand-
to all kinds of music, but with a love of
Shania Twain. As she has grown, her musical
influences have changed many times, from
country to folk, from blues to pop. Now
Wilson will tell you she is very into artists such
asJohnny Cash, John Paul White, The Civil
Wars, Matt Corby, and The Lone Bellow. She
has covered almost every genre at one point
or another. However, once she started writing
in the Americana genre, she felt as though
she had found her fit.
Website: reverbnation.com/
katherinewinston
Greylock
Rock & Roll Cover Band
Made up of local musicians Kevin Doolan,
Dave Flynn, Bob Jones and Matt McKeever,
this band is known for great classic rock like
the Doobies, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs, Chicago
and more. There classic rock vibe and smooth
sound has filled the Live on the Lake series and
built a large following at venues throughout
Berkshire County. You can find them playing
at Spice Dragon, the ITAM Lodge and may
other venues around Pittsfield all year long.
Phone: (413) 446-5125
Website: facebook.com/ Greylock-the-band
Jordan Weller & The
Feathers
Funk/Reggae
This high-energy band meshes the laid-back
grooves and rhythm of Bob Marley with the
fun and flare of James Brown. Front man Jordan
Weller on guitar and vocals leads the group also
comprised of guitarist Rob Sanzone, Miles Lally
on bass, drummer Jason Schulteis and organist
Joe Rose. Their original as well their own spin
on covers that dip across the musical spectrum
have vaulted the band into regional favorites.
You’re sure to catch them at Weller’s home base,
the Gypsy Joynt, throughout the fall as well as
shows springing up across the county and over
the border in New York.
Website: jordanwellermusic.com
Phone: (413) 644-8811
TBone Daddy Trio
Rock & Blues
Guitarist Tyler Fairbank, bassist Jeff Link
and drummer Lou Parreault form the high
energy blues, funk, reggae and rock trio that
draws from both old and new influences.
Mixing both original material and their own
unique spin on covers they have fast become
a fan favorite in the region. The group has
produced three albums and plays throughout
the northeast at clubs, festivals and theaters
Website: tbonedaddytrio.com
Photo contributed
Elusive Indie-rockers Neutral Milk Hotel will perform at MASS MoCA on April 17.
up comedian and hosts her own weekly
stand-up show at the Upright Citizens
Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles, Calif.
Also at MASS MoCA, Jacob’s
Pillow will co-present Keigwin and
Company on April 11 and 12. Cho-
reographed by Larry Keigwin, the
performances mixes dances and music
ranging from Eartha Kitt to Leonard
Bernstein. For more information or to
purchase tickets, visit their website at
massmoca.org.
23
`Theater
`
Shakespeare &
Company offer
premieres and
classics for 2015
S
hakespeare & Company
will present its 2015 summer season, including three
Shakespeare plays, Henry V,
The Comedy of Errors and Hamlet,
plus the regional premiere of Red Velvet
by Lolita Chakrabarti, and the World
Premiere of Jane Anderson’s Mother of
the Maid, starring Tina Packer. In addition, the summer season includes The
Unexpected Man by Yasmina Reza, and
opens with the provocative new play by
Sarah Treem, The How and the Why.
“I’m very excited about the season
ahead, the talent we have assembled,
and the titles we are presenting,” said
Dildine. “From
the most intimate
►► Company
and unexpected enreleases
counters, to timeschedule
less themes of parfor 2015
enthood and leaderseason
ship, our season will
take audiences to many different places,
historical and emotional; always with a
focus on language.”
Shakespeare & Company’s summer
season runs Memorial Day weekend
through mid-September. In addition
to the six mainstage productions this
summer, the festival will present a run
of Shakespeare and the “Language that
Shaped a World”, written and directed
by Kevin G. Coleman, under the tent
at the Rose Footprint Theatre, and a
production of “Hamlet” in the Dell at
The Mount, Edith Wharton’s home,
directed by Jonathan Croy. The free and
popular Fourth of July community event
featuring the reading of the Declaration
of Independence will also return to the
schedule. The theater company will
also host a number of special events. In
April book signing event celebrating the
release of Founder Tina Packer’s book,
“Women of Will”.
Broadway in the Berkshires will
return, featuring Broadway’s brightest stars in a special, one-night-only
performance to benefit Shakespeare
and Company’s Education and Training programs. Producer and company
member Deborah Grausman teams up
with director Sam Scalamoni for this
dazzling, much-anticipated summer
event, set for August 3 at The Mahaiwe
Performing Arts Center. Also taking
place, a special limited engagement of
24
“CryHavoc”, written and performed
by Stephan Wolfert, with two performances only on Aug. 28 and 29.
For the company’s Mainstage Productions, The season opens with with
“The How and the Why,” by Sarah
Treem from May 22 through July 26,
Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre.
From the writer/producer of “House
of Cards” and “In Treatment” comes this
smart-witted, sharp new play about men
and women, love and conflict, genes and
destiny. Directed by Nicole Ricciardi.
Then from June 18 through August
23, Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre the
company will present “Henry V,” by
William Shakespeare starring Ryan
Winkles.
The epic tale chronicles the infamous
journey of a disaffected prince to legendary king. Ryan Winkles stars in the title
role, as a man who sets out to repair his
broken nation, prove his worth and win
the affections of the French princess.
Directed by Jenna Ware.
From July 2 through Aug. 23, the
company will present Shakespeare’s
“The Comedy of Errors.” at the Tina
Packer Playhouse.
Shakespeare’s classic farce delivers
a theatrical whirlwind of magic, music
and mayhem involving mistaken identities, accidental seductions and daring
heists. Directed by Taibi Magar.
Also this summer, from July 18
through Sept. 6, the company will
present “The Unexpected Man,” by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher
Hampton at the Tina Packer Playhouse.
A middle-aged man and woman sit
opposite each other in a train compartment on a journey from Paris to
Frankfurt. He is a world famous author;
she, one of his biggest fans, carries his
latest novel in her handbag and ponders
the dilemma of reading it in front of
him. From the creator of “Art and God
of Carnage”, this illuminating drama
explores themes of intimacy, celebrity
and second chances. Directed by Seth
Gordon.
Makings its world premiere, Shakespeare and Company will present
“Mother of the Maid,” by Jane Anderson
and starring Tina Packer from July 30
through Sept. 6, at the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre.
Penned by Emmy Award-winning
writer Jane Anderson (HBO’s Olive Kitteridge), this powerful and wry drama
follows the tale of Joan of Arc, as seen
through the eyes of her mum who is doing her very best to accept the fact that
her daughter is different. Parenthood,
religion, sexuality and politics all play a
role; Tina Packer stars as the Mother of
the Maid. Directed by Matthew Penn.
Jane Anderson’s Mother of the Maid
was originally presented as a staged
`Film
`
`Must
`
See
‘Birdman’
soars, ‘Boyhood’ snubbed
at 2015 Oscars
Chappie (March 6)
Director Neill Blomkamp (“District 9”,
“Elysium”) returns for
another original, South
African sci-fi romp.
By Shea Garner
R
Photo contributed
John Douglas Thompson, seen here playing Othello, will be performing the first
American production of Red Velvet at Shakespeare and Company this Summer.
reading at the Berkshire Playwrights
Lab during their 2014 summer season.
Making its regional premiere is “Red
Velvet”, by Lolita Chakrabarti from
Aug. 6 through Sept. 13 at the Tina
Packer Playhouse.
An imagined version of true events,
“Red Velvet” is the story of Ira Aldridge,
the first African-American actor to
play Othello on the English stage in
1833. Fresh from his critically acclaimed performances in Tamburlaine
(TFANA) and The Iceman Cometh
(BAM), OBIE Award-winning actor
John Douglas Thompson stars as Ira
Aldridge. Directed by Daniela Varon.
For the special engagement performance of Cry Havoc, the performance
uses Shakespeare’s timeless words, and
a few of his own, with Shakespeare &
Company Training alumni and US
military veteran Stephan Wolfert. The
performance is an interactive play that
weaves his own experience with some
of Shakespeare’s most iconic military
figures. A testament to the healing power
of art and human resilience, this piece
reveals how Shakespeare’s audiences
wrestled with the same hopes and fears
that occupy our modern lives.
Shakespeare and the “Language that
Shaped a World” (SLaW), by Kevin G.
Coleman will be presented from July
10 through Aug. 15. This fast-paced
mashup of scenes, facts, sword-play
and quotes from many of Shakespeare’s
greatest plays is an accessible introduction to Bard and fun for the entire family.
Each performance is followed by a
short, interactive workshop with the
audience. Directed by Kevin G. Coleman.
Subscription packages for the 2015
performance season are on sale now;
single tickets go on sale March 2.
Shakespeare & Company will once
again offer a 40 percent discount to
Berkshire County residents.
The company has also encouraged
the public to engage with Shakespeare
& Company’s social media platforms.
Tweet or Instagram comments to @
shakeandco and include the hashtag
#SCO15, or add comments on their
Facebook page.
For more information, call the Box
Office at (413) 637-3353 during regular
hours or visit www.shakespeare.org.
egardless of what you think of
Neil Patrick Harris’ performance
as host of the 2015 Oscar ceremony, the night was certainly full
of surprises. In terms of sheer predictability,
the event was a crapshoot, with small films
like Wes Ander►► An evening son’s “The Grand
Budapest Hotel”
of upsets
and uproar
dominating the
technical categories
early in the evening and then later forgotten as the night moved on. It was a year
of big, genre-defying films that were hard
to categorize — and it showed, with the
major awards ending up going to Alejandro
González Iñárritu’s “Birdman” and Richard
Linklater’s critical darling “Boyhood” getting the proverbial shaft.
The show started fine enough. Harris’ opening musical number, “Moving
Pictures,” was one of the catchier, classier
songs of recent years, with the addition
of Anna Kendrick and Jack Black further
broadening its appeal. But a lot of the
former Doogie Howser, M.D. star’s jokes
just fell flat. In fact, some were downright
Photo contributed
Birdman star Michael Keaton didn’t take home the best actor Oscar, but the film grab
the evenings biggest honors winning best picture and best director.
offensive. Did those swipes at suicide and
feminism fly in the writer’s room? I find it
hard to believe. The jokes stemmed from
Graham Moore and Patricia Arquette’s eloquent acceptance speeches, respectively.
“When I was 16 years old, I tried to kill
myself because I felt weird and I felt different and I felt like I did not belong,” Moore
said after winning Best Adapted Screenplay
for “The Imitation Game.” “I would like
this moment to be for that kid out there who
feels like she’s weird or she’s different or
she doesn’t fit in anywhere. Yes, you do. I
Photo contributed
Boyhood was a heavy favorite for many of the Academy Awards top honors, but only
took home one award with Patricia Arquette winning the actress in a supporting
role Oscar.
promise you do. You do. Stay weird. Stay
different. And then when it’s your turn and
you are standing on this stage, please pass
the same message to the next person who
comes along.”
“The Imitation Game” tells the story
of Alan Turing, a renowned mathematician and closeted gay man who helped
the Allies crack an uncrackable Nazi code
during WWII and, in turn, invented one of
the world’s first computers. It was the film’s
first and only win of the night and, in a way,
prompted the Academy’s deflection of important social issues like homophobia and,
in “Boyhood’s” case, single motherhood to
focus on their favorite thing: themselves.
“Birdman,” while undoubtedly one
of my favorite films of the year, is an
exercise in tolerating the two polar opposite sides of Hollywood. In one hand,
you have the money-hungry, blockbustercrazed side of the industry that the film is
criticizing, and, in the other, you have the
self-indulgent, borderline-pretentious art
side that the film tries — and succeeds —
to be. It was apparent from the start of the
Oscar ceremony that the Academy was
more than willing to embrace this criticism, and, with that, a “Birdman” win was
none other than imminent.
So what was it that got “Boyhood”
ignored? It definitely had nothing to do
with the scope of the project. With filming
spanning a total of 12 years, it’s one of the
longest and most innovative productions
in movie history. But Hollywood loves
self-referential material and, more importantly, continues to celebrate history-inthe-making, which could explain Eddie
Redmayne besting Michael Keaton for
Best Actor — an upset I’m still trying to
wrap my head around.
The Gunman
(March 20)
Sean Penn, taking a
page from Liam Neeson’s playbook, goes
head-to-head with
Javier Bardem in this
globetrotting actioner.
While We’re Young
(March 27)
Noah Baumbach (“The
Squid and the Whale”,
“Frances Ha”) directs
Ben Stiller and Naomi
Watts in this marriage
dramedy.
25
`Weekend
`
Warrior
`First
`
draft
True nirvana over state lines
By Kameron Spaulding
While it’s not coming over the border
into western Mass, Tri-State hop-heads
are about to discover an entirely new
state of being. This April, Brewery Ommegang will launch Nirvana IPA, its
first-ever American-style India Pale Ale,
across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Long-known for its highly imaginative Belgian-style beers, Ommegang
continues its recent endeavors into hoppy
beers with Nirvana IPA, laddering up for
the first time to the most beloved style
of beer in the craft beer universe today.
Doubling-down on the excitement, the
beer will depart from Ommegang tradition and be available as a six-pack, rather
than four-pack.
Recommended shelf price will be a
very accessible $9.99 and may be worth
a trip south or west to grab a six pack.
Nirvana IPA is hopped with Bravo,
Simcoe, Centennial, Topaz, and Mosaic,
dry-hopped with Centennial, Citra, Sim-
coe and Amarillo and clocks in at 6.5%
ABV and 60 IBUs. The flavor is hoppy,
juicy and citrusy goodness – without
harsh bitterness.
Nirvana IPA is also the first Ommegang beer that will be produced at
sister-brewery Boulevard in Kansas City,
MO. McManus developed the beer in
Cooperstown before collaborating on its
production with the Boulevard brewing
team. Boulevard’s dry-hopping capabilities and rich, hop-forward beer experience together with its automated ability
to produce six-packs (which Ommegang
currently cannot) made it a good fit for
this particular new beer venture.
For 2015 and the foreseeable future,
Nirvana IPA will be confined to the TriState area, where Ommegang enjoys a
higher level of consumer awareness and
recognition, as well as a higher degree
of retail availability. The official launch
window is mid-April, with half-barrels,
sixtels and six-packs being the exclusive
SKUs.
Affordable Family Fun
Close To Home!
It may be cold outside, but
these bars are always warm
W
ith several major snowstorms
rolling through western Mass,
sometimes you really need a
drink to get away from it all.
Don’t worry, there are plenty of places that
stay open all winter for just that point.
South County
1. Gypsy Jive
38 Bridge Street, Great Barrington
413.644.8928
If you are
yearning for
glory days
of arcade
gaming, or
just looking
for some fun while out on the town, check
out the Gypsy Jive in Great Barrington.
The latest effort from the folks at the Gypsy
Joynt, the Jive is part bar, part arcade, and
all fun. It sports two pool tables, an air
hockey table, Skeeball, a ping pong table
and about a dozen arcade machines with everything from Marvel v. Capcom to Crusin
World. They boast a healthy beer selection
with across-the-beer spectrum with local
favorites Big Elm available as well as a full
menu for both restaurant quality meals, to
tapas for the late evening munchies.
2. Michaels
4 Great Ways To Save
$25
Lift tickets
$75
1st tiMers
Monday- friday
Learn to ski or ride
Excludes all our holiday periods.
Available Every Day. All Season Long.
coLLege
other
savings
DeaLs
www.SkiButternut.com/College
www.SkiButternut.com/Deals
save with online coupons at:
3. Moe’s
save online at:
Ski Butternut | 380 State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230
26
Show off
your pipes
with a night
of karaoke at
Michals in
Stockbridge.
With hundreds of songs and artists to choose
from you’ll be sure to belt out hits from your
favorite artists at this incredibly entertaining
spot in the Berkshires. If singing isn’t your
thing, not to worry, Michaels has a fully
stocked bar with domestic and imported
selections including Berkshire Brewery
on tap. When it’s game time, watch your
team on one of their 4 HD TVs including a
new 65” to see every bone-crushing hit and
mammoth home run. Michaels also has a
full lunch and dinner menu for great dining
and a late night dining options.
25 Frank P Consolati Way, Lee
destination in the Berkshires.
Moe’s Tavern receives in many seasonal
brews, making Moe’s one of the most
unique bars in Berkshire County.
Known for beer, Moe’s promises to keep
the tap list updated and encourages you
to follow Moe’s on your favorite social
media outlet for specials, events and tap list
updates.
central county
1. Thistle & Mirth
44 West St, Pittsfield
413.344.4335
If you have
around $5 in
your pocket,
then head
over to Thistle
and Mirth.
They always have a wide selection of great
draft beers on tap for only five bucks. The
whole place just has the feel of the kind of
place you can do some real drinking, (think
Moe’s in Lee but with a full bar and that
Pittsfield charm). In the first year the place
has been open it has quickly caught on as a
local beer drinkers’ haven and can draw a
pretty good crowd on a Friday or Saturday
night. The fact that it is a beer joint that has
a full bar means that you can even bring
along those non-brew drinkers in yourk
crowd, a nice touch.
2. Sideline Saloon
5 Elm St, Stockbridge
413.298.3530
Moe’s Tavern
has been
recognized by
The New York
Times as being
an essential,
down-to-earth
T HE B ERKSHIRES O WN
434 Fenn St, Pittsfield
413.499.7337
It’s not
every day in
America that
a bar boasts so
much about
winning a bar
soccer league. The fact that Sideline does
makes me think these guys are like those
crazy English drunk fans you read about,
and I love it. I mean, they still proudly say
that the undefeated 2009 Sideline Saloonatics Men’s Soccer team is in the Summer
Soccer League’s regular season.
north county
1. PUBLIC
34 Holden St, North Adams
413.664.4444
You look like
a man who
parties with a
touch of class.
Late night,
PUBLIC hosts
occasional performances by local and traveling musicians of varying styles, showcasing
everything from contemporary acoustic covers to high energy jazz and classic blues.
Latest CD
Departure
Listen at tbonedaddytrio.com
Available on itunes
and at Wood Bros. Music
5 Cheshire Rd., Pittsfield, MA
27
Èat
`
FLO’S DIner
Chic new places
fill Pittsfield
Breakfast
served All dAy
New wine bar and Hotel
on North on the way
Wings • Pasta • Soups • Sandwiches • Salads
Steak • Chicken • Veal • Pasta • Seafood
By Rick Forbes
Full Bar & Several Beers On Tap
[email protected]
Daily Specials
‘Methuselah’ brings Manhattan chic to Pittsfield
Y
uki Cohen’s latest venture
certainly feels like a culmination of her life’s journey thus
far.
Methuselah, a new bar and lounge
located on North Street in downtown
Pittsfield, opened quietly last Saturday to an impressive crowd of curious
patrons.
“It was so packed,” said Cohen on
Tuesday of the soft opening. “We just
got slammed with people and support
and love, which was so overwhelming
and great.”
Cohen was born in South Korea
and immigrated to Brazil with her
family to look for a better life. She
remained in the South American country for nine years before moving to
Brooklyn, NY when she was 12. There,
she earned her bachelor’s degree from
Brooklyn College before pursuing her
MBA at New York University.
While working on Wall Street in
commercial lending, Cohen began frequenting the Berkshires in 1998, until
an opportunity to start a family and
open a small business drove her to the
area full-time in 2007.
“I just totally loved the vibe and
the beauty and the charm [of the Berkshires],” she said. “I was tired of the
rat race in NYC and I thought ‘why not
give it a shot’.”
Cohen stepped back into the financial world in 2011 but found herself
yearning to reopen another small
business shortly thereafter. She set her
sights on Pittsfield, exploring locations
like the former Brix Wine Bar before
settling on the vacant Y Bar space on
North Street.
“I find people very interesting —
we’re the perfect work of art,” Cohen
said. “Interacting at the bar is a chance
to walk in their shoes for a little bit. I
fell in love with the people [of Pittsfield] — all of the artists and hardworking, super talented people. I felt
like I wanted to add to the nightlife.”
And so Methuselah was born. In
June 2014, Cohen signed the lease to
the building and began preparing and
designing her unique vision for the
space.
“The concept was to create a business that was based on what I read
28
75 North Street
Central Block
Pittsfield, MA 01201
ph: 413-236-5671
fax: 413-236-5933
www.onarollcafeandcatering.com
Gift Certificates Available
LUNCH
stop In & Checkout
DaILY sPeCIaLs
our extensive
413-528-9720
HoMeMaDe Desserts
Breakfast
Full&
DeliLunch
Board Menu
VeGetarIaN MeNU
Fresh Soups & Salads
Menus
Monday thru Saturday 9:30 am – 7:30 pm • Closed Sunday
Former Owners
of Jill’s Restaurant
~
10%~ Seniors
Citizen’s
Discount
370 Pecks Rd., Pittsfield
(413) 236-5727
Open Daily 11 am - Midnight
Call
Ahead for
Convenience
Store Roasted Deli Meats
Fresh Prepared Deli Salads
Party Platters, Sandwich Trays & Catering
Chef Prepared “Grab & Go” Entrees & Soups
1245 West Housatonic St.
1245 West Housatonic St. (Rt. 20) • Pittsfield
Route 20, Pittsfield
413.442.3567
• Tanglewood Baskets •
413.442.3567
Taking orders for Pies, Cheesecakes, Happy Cakes & More!
Mon-Fri 6:30am - 2:30pm • Sat 7am - 2:30pm • Sun 7am - 1:30pm
Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm
Sat 7am-2:30pm • Sun 7am-1:30pm
Visit us online at www.MartyAndJims.com
“Where We Build Berkshires’ Best Sandwiches”
RESTAURANT
Yuki Cohen (left) at the opening night for her new bar Methuselah in Pittsfield on Feb. 14.
in the Happy Start Up School,” said
Cohen of the popular entrepreneurial
resource. “The sole purpose of the
business isn’t profit but the happiness
of my staff and the people. The way
you get to be successful in life is by
treating everybody with respect and
leaving them better off than when they
came.”
Striving to emulate the feel of some
of Manhattan’s finest establishments,
Cohen sought a way to fuse modern
aesthetics with the signature rustic nature of the Berkshires to create a warm,
communal environment.
“The inspiration comes from my
friend who took me to my first fancy
restaurant,” she said. “The food was
good, the service was great, and the
experience was inspiring. You just feel
really special going into a place like
that. The service makes you feel like
the center of the universe.”
Methuselah sports a basic kitchen
and offers a variety of well-curated,
light food fare, as well as craft beer,
biodynamic wine, and specialty cocktails.
Cohen plans to eventually hold a
grand opening in the near future, but,
having served more than 130 people at
her soft opening last weekend, Methuselah already seems to be in a great
place.
“I really love the bar aspect
because you really get to know your
customers really well,” said Cohen.
“Everything looks beautiful and peaceful and you really feel transported
when you come here.”
Methuselah is open daily from 5
p.m. to 1 a.m. For more information,
call (413) 344-4991 or visit www.
methuselahbarandlounge.com.
Hotel on North opens bar
and restaurant in May
Executive Chef Brian Alberg has
tapped Sean Corcoran as chef de cuisine of Eat and Drink Kitchen and Bar
at the Hotel on North to open in May.
Corcoran brings more than 16 years of
experience in restaurants that include
April Bloomfield’s Breslin at the Ace
Hotel in New York City and, most recently, as chef at the Peekskill Brewery
in Hudson Valley. An ideal match for
the restaurant, he brings an expertise in
sourcing from local farms and markets.
The menu at Eat will be sourced
from local and regional farmers
and purveyors, with featured dishes
intended for sharing. Guests can also
pre-order whole roasted duck, lamb or
pork to share for four or more people.
Eat will be open for breakfast, lunch
and dinner, seven nights a week.
Shea Garner
The Drink Bar will be a lively
scene mixing locals and visitors in a
“watering hole meets sophisticated
lounge” environment. Creative cocktails, artisanal beers from around the
world, as well as Nitro Cold Brew coffee from Six Depot will be highlighted.
A small-plates bar menu will be offered
until 11pm.
Hotel on North provides ample and
versatile event spaces for meetings,
banquets, parties and special events.
Each of the three meeting rooms are
outfitted with fiber-optically sourced
Wi-Fi, HD video and audio, Bluetooth
and legacy connectivity for multiple
formatted presentations. The spaces
accommodate meetings of up to 40 in a
variety of settings.
Above the restaurant on the second
floor is the 1,600-square-foot event
space with 12-foot ceilings, exposed
brick and vintage crystal chandeliers
framing a panoramic view of upper
North Street. The space can accommodate up to 130 guests for seated events
and receptions for 250 people.
For more information and reservations, visit www.hotelonnorth.com or
call 413-358-4741. Follow Hotel on
North at www.facebook.com/hotelonnorth or www.instagram.com/hotelonnorth.
The Best
Breakfast In
The Berkshires!
•
Breakfast Served All Day
Lunch Served From 11:30
•
Open 6 am – 3 pm
49 Railroad Street,
Great Barrington, MA
413-528-5455
10% OFF YOUR MEAL WITH THIS AD
Serving Burgers, Hotdogs,
Chicken Sandwiches, Salads
Shakes, Floats, Dinner Specials,
Beer & Wine
49 Railroad St., Great Barrington
www.StaaxBurgers.com
Open 5-9 PM Thu-Sun • 413-528-5455
LOCATED INSIDE
RESTAURANT
A elada
locally crafted frozen yogurt
Our frozen yogurt is made daily, on-site,
with local dairy and fresh ingredients.
ENTERTAINMENT
ON WEDNESDAYS
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS
Wednesday March 4, 11, 18, 25
Peter Primamore Duo | 7:30 pm
Friday March 6
Matt Cahill | 7:30 pm
Saturday March 7 • Friday March 13, 20
Wendy Walz & Jim Dignum | 7:30 pm
Saturday March 14
Sean Callaghan, John Culpo & JT McKenna | 7:30 pm
Saturday March 21 • Friday March 27
Blue Light Trio | 7:30 pm
Saturday March 28
Bluesberry Jam | 7:30 pm
NEVER A COVER CHARGE!
OPEN 7 DAYS • EAT IN OR TAKE OUT • ONLINE ORDERING • SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET 11-3
www.dinerainbow.com • (413) 443-0002 or (413) 443-0004
109 First Street, Pittsfield, MA
BERK SHIRE
505 East Street, Pittsfield, MA
413.344.4126 • ayelada.com
29
Drivers Wanted
ènjoy
`
the view
Full Time & Part Time wheelchair van and sedan drivers. Must be able to
work varied shifts, early mornings, weekends, etc. 6 positions part time
morning & afternoon runs. Drivers must be• 21
years of age with more than
Deadlines
3 years of driving experience. CORI check and
for all
applicants.
15thdrug
of thetesting
month before
that
month’s issue
New starting rates and benefits. Retirees
welcome to apply!
• Submitting your ad
Classifieds413-528-5380 Ext. 38
Have a view worth sharing? Send your
view(s) to [email protected]
To place your classified ad(s), please call
YOUR CONNECTION TO BERKSHIRE County buyers & sellers
Fax: 413-528-9449 • Email: [email protected]
`help
`
wanted
Are you looking for a rewarding,
fulfilling career?
Do you want to make a
difference in the lives of others?
Berkshire Meadows
Career Opportunity
for families throughout the world.
Top pay for the right experience!
INCREDIBLE CAREER OPPORTUNITY!
resume
to:
Job Title:Send
Sales
Representative
BRING US Berkshire
YOUR TALENTS
AND
WEMechanics
WILL OFFER YOU:
Works, Front
Desk,
Position:
Full Time$50-$100k
Paid Training
• Earnings
160 North St.,
Pittsfield, of
MA 01201
Vision, Medical and Dental • 401k Benefits
or online at [email protected]
Oak
Spruce
Resorts
iseach
currently
seeking
positive
money
WeN’
see
300-500
clients
and
growing!
No cold
calling…
Subject
line:week
Mechanics
Requirements: The ideal Sales
Representative
is an excellent communicator with a
SALES REPS
No phone
calls…and
the best
part is people
our clients
come to us!
Sales
reps
with
excellent
skills.
hospitality motivated
and customer
service
mindset.
You must be
self-motivated,
confident,
Experience
preferred
not required.
offer
tried and proven
and results-oriented
to
boost thebut
performance
of ourWe
sales
team.
INCREDIBLE
CAREER
OPPORTUNITY!
methods that can CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
Part time nurse 24 hrs with benefits
**Sign on now and
have near perfect
attendance for 6
months and receive
a 32 inch TV.
Photo contributed
Guests at the BIFF Academy Awards party dressed as their favorite movie characters
prior to a screening of the Oscars at the Beacon Cinema on Feb. 22.
Send resume to:
Berkshire Works, Front Desk, Mechanics
160 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201
or online at [email protected]
Subject line: Mechanics
Experienced with their own tools. Must be experienced in multiple makes
and models of vehicles. Full time. Work schedule is Monday–Friday day shift,
Oak
N’ Spruce
is currently
seeking
positive
money
Oak N’
Spruce
Resortmorning
is aResorts
Vacation
Company
providing
quality
vacation
experiences
and
Saturday
for 3Ownership
to 4 hours.
Must pass
CORI
and drug
tests.
motivated Sales reps with excellent people skills.
Berkshire Meadows is a
residential facility for children
and adults with sever
intellectual disabilities and
complex medical problems.
We are currently seeking RNs
to join our team of caring
professionals on the weekend
and overnight shifts and on a
Per Diem basis for all shifts.
Acceptable CORI (Criminal
Offender Record Information)
background check required.
Top pay for the right experience!
SALES REPS
Housatonic, MA
Requirements: Mass RN license
and valid driver’s license
Mechanics Wanted
Experienced with their own tools. Must be experienced in multiple makes
and models of vehicles. Full time. Work schedule is Monday–Friday day shift,
and Saturday morning for 3 to 4 hours. Must pass CORI and drug tests.
Mechanics
Wanted
SALES REPRESENTATIVES
Registered Nurses
Per Diem - all shifts - $33/hr
Drivers Wanted
Full Time & Part Time wheelchair van and sedan drivers. Must be able to
work varied shifts, early mornings, weekends, etc. 6 positions part time
morning & afternoon runs. Drivers must be 21 years of age with more than
3 years of driving experience. CORI check and drug testing for all applicants.
New starting rates and benefits. Retirees welcome to apply!
Apply Within:
18 Oaks Street, Pittsfield, MA
Monday–Friday 8–4
Justice Resource Institute
has the career for you.
Part time overnight nurse every other weekend
10 PM to 6 AM
EMAIL: [email protected]
Apply Within:
FAX: Fax copy to 413-528-9449
18 Oaks Street, Pittsfield,
MA
MAIL: P.O. Box 868, Great Barrington, MA 01230
Monday–Friday 8–4
Enjoy a positive workplace with opportunities for advancement.
Eligible employees can take advantage of an excellent benefits package
including
x
x
x
x
x
Health
Dental
401k
Company sponsored pension plan
Tuition Reimbursement, etc…
Apply:
9 Fax your resume to Keelin at 413.528.0293,
9 Apply in person at 249 North Plain Road (Rt. 41), Housatonic
9 Email: [email protected]
Learn more about our dynamic programs at www.jri.org
The ideal
Sales
Representative
will also
have:
BRING
US
YOUR TALENTS
AND
WE WILL OFFER YOU:
Located in South Lee, Massachusetts the Oak N’ Spruce Resort
Paid Training • Earnings of $50-$100k
• Previous experience in sales, marketing,boasts basketball, mini golf, indoor and
•
Professional
demeanor
imagemovie
Vision,
Medical
and
Dental
• 401k
Benefits
outdoor
pools,
fitness and
center,
customer service or communications
• Possession of a four door vehicle and
(preferred)
tanning
beds,
video
arcade
room,
We see 300-500 clients theater,
each week
and
growing!
No cold
valid
state
driver’s
license
withcalling…
proof
of
• Previous experience in hospitality or similar
shuffleboard
so much
insurance
(required)
No phone calls…and the best
part is
our and
clients
come more!
to us!
industry (preferred)
• Ability to work Wednesday through
• Confidence
in
giving
presentations
The
only
thing
missing
is…YOU!
Experience preferred but not required.
Sunday We offer tried and proven
• Outgoing and approachable personality
methods
can CHANGE
YOUR LIFE!
Please
call that
Kenneth
Utz at: 413-464-2533
to schedule
an on
site interview.
Located in South Lee,
Massachusetts
the receive:
Oak
N’ Spruce
Resort
Sales
Representatives
boasts basketball,
mini
golf,
and
We
are indoor
located
at:
• Competitive
commissioned-based
pay structure
fitnessLee,
center,
190outdoor
Meadow
St. | South
MA movie
01260
• Monthly
bonus pools,
potential
theater,
tanning
beds, video arcade
room,
Fax
resume
to:
413-243-2356
or
email
to:
• Energetic, fun work environment
shuffleboard and
so much
more!
[email protected]
| Drug
Screening
• Training and growth opportunities
The only
thing
is…YOU!
• Medical, Dental,
Vision,
andmissing
Life Insurance
NOW HIRING
76 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 1201
Apply directly online at
www.unitedpersonnel.com
or call 413-449-5050 for more information.
BERKSHIRE
Please call Kenneth Utz at: 413-464-2533
To apply please
go to an on site interview.
to schedule
www.silverleafresorts.com
We are located at:
and190
click
on
careers.
Meadow St. | South Lee, MA 01260
Or
call
Kelly to:
Kuhn
at
Fax
resume
413-243-2356
or email to:
413-717-8277 to arrange
an interview.
[email protected]
| Drug
Screening
Tom Casey
Downtown Adams transformed into a party on Feb. 28 following the Thunderbolt
Race at Mount Greylock with live music from Blackwater and food and drink vendors.
`real
`
estate
wheeler & taylor realty company
Commercial #00024
Wheeler & Taylor
413-528-1006
413-298-3786
mill river
great barrington
$385,000
Commercial #00853
Wheeler & Taylor
413-528-1006
413-298-3786
great barrington
$495,000
Commmercial #00575
Wheeler & Taylor
413-528-1006
413-298-3786
sheffield
$109,000
Commercial #00324
Wheeler & Taylor
413-528-1006
413-298-3786
new marlborough
$550,000
#00852
Wheeler & Taylor
413-528-1006
413-298-3786
stockbridge
$295,000
#00021
Wheeler & Taylor
413-528-1006
413-298-3786
middlefield
$325,000
#00077
Wheeler & Taylor
413-528-1006
413-298-3786
becket
$82,000
#00183
Wheeler & Taylor
413-528-1006
413-298-3786
barnbrook realty
alford
$1,490,000
MLS #206252
Barnbrook Realty
413-528-4423
barnbrookrealty.com
new marlborough
$599,000
MLS #208734
Barnbrook Realty
413-528-4423
barnbrookrealty.com
new marlborough
$950,000
MLS #205404
Barnbrook Realty
413-528-4423
barnbrookrealty.com
stockbridge
$950,000
MLS #207267
Barnbrook Realty
413-528-4423
barnbrookrealty.com
wm. brockman real estate
Tyringham
$1,500,000
Colonial-era farm
Wm. Brockman Real Estate
413-528-4859
30
monterey
$310,000
2008 private home
413-528-4859
great barrington
$729,000
Beautiful contemporary
413-528-4859
monterey
$275,000
Antique colonial
413-528-4859
31
2 Recliners
BEDDING & FURNITURE OUTLET
for 1 low price
2 Recliners
foR
2
2
Recliners
Recliners
2 Recliners forfor1 low
$499
1 low
price
price
2
for 1 low price
2 Recliners
2 Recliners
for
1 low price 2 Recliners
2 Recliners
2 Recliners
R R
“Darcy’’ Sage, Mocha or Cafe
2 Recliners
2
2
2
2
foR
$499
for 1 low price
2
2
2
o
fo f
foR
2 Recliners
$499
$499
$599
R
fo2 Recliners
2
2 Recliners
Recliners
“Darcy’’
Sage, Mocha
or Cafeor Cafe
“Darcy’’
Sage, Mocha
“Benjamin’’ Sage, Mocha or Cafe
2 Recliners
2 Recliners
$499
$599
$599
$699
2
R
o
f
foR
2
2
$499
$599
R
o
foRf
foR
“Benjamin’’
“Benjamin’’
Sage, Mocha
Sage, Mocha
or Cafeor Cafe
“Dylan” Onyx or Espresso
2
2
2
2 Recliners
Recliners
R
o
f
foR
2
2 Recliners
Recliners
2
2
2
$599
$699
2 Recliners
2
2 Recliners
Recliners
2 Recliners
R
oR
foRfo
2
f
R
$699
$699
o
f $799
$599
“Dylan”
Onyx or
Espresso
“Dylan”
Onyx
or Espresso
“Manzel” Cocoa or Chocolate
2 Recliners
210/31/14
Recliners
hurry in!! sale ends
2
2
R
Hurry In!
Ends 3/31/15berkshire
oR
R
foRfmall
foSale
2
2
o
f
$699
$799
$799
$799
lanesborough, ma
(413) 445-8800
BEDDING
& FURNITURE
BERKSHIRE
MALL,
LANESBOROUGH,
MA
solomonsfurnitureoutlet.com
2
Recliners
(413) 445-8800
“Manzel”
CocoaCocoa
or Chocolate
“Manzel”
or Chocolate
“Manzel” Cocoa or Chocolate
Mon-Sat 10am-9pm • Sun 11am-6pm
hurry
hurry
in!!in!!
sale
sale
ends
ends
10/31/14
10/31/14
32hurry
210/31/14
Recliners
BEDDING
& FURNITURE
OUTLET
in!! sale
ends
2
2
oR
berkshire mall
R
berkshire
berkshire
mallmall
lanesborough,
lanesborough,
ma ma

TBV March 2015 for w..

Transcription

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