BERKSHIRE Lee Pittsfield
Transcription
BERKSHIRE Lee Pittsfield
day+night Plan Your Month Pages 17-19 january • vOL. 3 nO. 1 The berkshires’ alternative newspaper JTF: local police & body cameras Page 6 • METRO: vermonter line rail plan page 8 • music: ‘lefty’ king powell Page 21 BERKSHIRE EXIT THEBERKSHIREView.COM 2 Lee Pittsfield The Mass Pike is one of the major arteries for transporting opiates to Berkshire County 3/3 • 7:30PM 2/18 • 2PM at The Colonial Theatre at The Colonial Theatre VARIETY & LUNCHEONETTE Ifrealtold You’re Looking to We’re told the best We’re estate the best agents real are estate easyagents to recognize. are easy to r 640 TYLER STREET - 413-443-0324 We’re told real estate agents are easy recogn At least, that’s what clientsthe At tellleast, usbest after that’s working what clients with Wheeler tell us after & Taylor working Real with Estate Wheeler agents. & to Taylor Real Estate Change Your View, It must be the way they listen It must to clients’ be theneeds. way they Maybe listenit’stothe clients’ agents needs. abilityMaybe to understand it’s the agents the ability to unde Homemade Polish community, since they live community, here and recommend since they the live best here marketing and recommend strategy the for best properties. marketing strategy for pr At least, that’s what clients tell us after working with Wheeler & Taylor Real Estate agents. 640&TYLER STREET 413-443-0324 Maybe it’s because they find Maybe buyers it’s the because perfect they house find at buyers the best the price. perfect Of house course, at they’ve the best been price. Of course, th It must be the way they listen to clients’ needs. Maybe it’s the agents ability to understand the American Favorites doing it for overcommunity, 143 years,doing so it’sitno forwonder over they years, are recommend so so good it’s noatwonder it.the Give they them area so callgood orstrategy stop at it.into Give them a call o since they live 143 here and best marketing for properties. Homemade Polish Favorites School Vacation Week. All Tickets $15 GOING TO THE FARM WITH SPOT 2/19 • 2PM at The Colonial Theatre Homemade Polish Favorites GOLUMPKI’S..................................................$3.25 ea. Daily Specials & Baked Goods • Gift Certificates PIEROGIE’S AND KAPUSTA .................... $7.00 Great Barrington Stockbridge St Great Barrington Real Estate Real Estate Serving Breakfast Serving Breakfast wheelerandtaylor.com wheelerandtaylor.com Stockbrid Great Barrington GOLUMPKI’S..................................................$3.25 ea. and Lunch Daily Real Estate and Lunch Daily Until 2pm 333 Main Street 413-528-1006 School Vacation Week. All Tickets $15 Legendary Rock ‘n Roll Band BILL GEORGE BLAGG’S THOROGOOD TEN ILLUSIONS! & THE DESTROYERS: Call Us. the offices. Our agents the easyoffices. tothey recognize Our buyers agents by their are easy to and recognize willingness to serve smile you and sowillingness well. they’ve to serve y Maybe it’sare because find thesmile perfect house at by thetheir best price. Of course, been They Monday:(While Manicotti w/Last) Garlic Bread doing it for over 143 years, so it’s no wonder they are so good at it. Give them a call or stop int Tuesday: Roast Pork Dinner the offices. Our agents are easy to recognize by their smile and willingness to serve you so well KAPUSTA AND KIELBASA ...................... $7.00 Wednesday: Fried Pierogies (While They Last) Thursday: Stuffed Pepper $7.00 PIEROGIE’S AND KAPUSTA .................... Friday: Meatloaf KAPUSTA AND KIELBASA ...................... $7.00 333 Main Street 413-528-1006 44 Main Street 413-298-3786 333 Main Street 413-528-1006 Dale Abrams Tim Donnelly Abrams Tim Donnelly Douglas Goudey Monday–Friday 5:30am–2pm • Saturday 6:30am–2:00pm • Sunday Dale 6:30am–12:30pm Rose Bauman Jonathan Freddy Friedman Rose Bauman Freddy Friedman B. Hankin Chuck Chuck Gillett Dorian HeldGillett Serving Breakfast and Lunch Daily Until 2pm Dale Abrams Rose Bauman 4 44 Main Stre 413-298-3786 Melissa Jacobs B Barbara Schulman B. Hankin David Walker-Price Marji Keefner-West Da MarjiJonathan Keefner-West Dorian Claudia Laslie Claudia LaslieHeld wheelerandtaylor.com Douglas Goudey Melissa Jacobs Tim Donnelly Freddy Friedman Chuck Gillett Douglas Goudey Jonathan B. Hankin Dorian Held Imperial Bowl is a 14 lane candlepin bowling center located at 555 Dalton Ave in Pittsfield, MA 01201. Candlepin bowling is the most historic form of bowling in North America. We offer a clean, family friendly establishment that provides fun for all ages! Imperial Bowling Center is a unique setting to host a great event. No matter what the occasion, we have a comprehensive group package for you. We work with our customers to customize any event to ensure we exceed expectations. Imperial Bowl offers: Open Play, League Bowling, Birthday Parties, Corporate Events, Fund-Raisers, Bumper Bowl, Pro Shop, Billiards, Pinball, Arcade Games, and more. For additional information please visit www.bowlimperial.com or call 413-443-4453. Melissa Jacobs Marji Keefner-West Claudia Laslie Barbara Schul David Walker- Less than 30 minute s from Jimin y Peak 40 Years Strong 2 The Berkshire View | January 2015 www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org (413) 997-4444 The Colonial Theatre 111 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 The Berkshire View | January 2015 3 Victoria Ross `contents ` `Letters ` It is time to heal BERKSHIRE ABR CRS Broker Associate Donna Prisendorf PUBLISHER Anthony Prisendorf (413) 822-5363 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 38 Main St., West Stockbridge, MA 01266 www.StoneHouseProperties.com (413) 232-4253 DESIGN Alexis Prisendorf, COVER CONCEPT Alexis Prisendorf, James Grady, FEATURE DESIGNS James Grady, ART PRODUCTION / LAYOUT PAGE 11 Western New England’s growing drug epidemic prompts a frantic response from federal, state and local organizations. By Shea Garner Just The Facts Right agency. Right time. Right now. 271 Main St., Great Barrington (413) 528-4423 Brittany Maynard certainly made the news. She became the spokesperson for assisted suicide. What did not receive the same level of coverage though, was why a beautiful young woman, in the prime of life, would think that committing suicide was her only option. Brittany Maynard had a brain tumor — GBM — glioblastoma multiforme. It is the most lethal type of brain cancer. The real story is that sadly, there have been no breakthroughs in the treatment of GBM in the last 40 years! Physicians cannot even advise what the risk factors are, let alone treat it effectively. If you’re one of the unfortunate souls to be PRODUCTION James Grady, PRODUCTION MANAGER Jessica Jones Heroin Highway Barnbrook Worth the fight COPY EDITORS: Alexis Prisendorf, Anthony Prisendorf When it comes to finding the right property one real estate agency always comes through. PAGE 6 Turbulence Local police mull using body cameras Local law enforcement is open but skeptical to the use of body cameras on police officers. By Tom Casey A glimpse into the future for 2015 The View takes a look into the crystal ball and offers predictions for the biggest news stories in 2015. By Kameron Spaulding PAGE 8 Metro PAGE 9 Documents in Wade case to be released Letters Day + Night Music 5 17 21 Theater 24 Film 25 Mogul in the making: Lefty King Powell The best albums of 2014 Jacob’s Pillow ready for summer season The best films of 2014 ADVERTISING Alexis Prisendorf, SALES DIRECTOR Nancy Frisbie, SENIOR SALES REPRESENTATIVE Nick Ricciarini, Account Representative 21 22 Financing Through Greylock Federal Credit Union Open M-F 9-5, Sat. 8-12 DISTRIBUTION The Berkshire View is published monthly and is available throughout Berkshire County at select Open 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. diagnosed with a brain tumor, it will likely be a GBM. Other cancers have had tremendous success in screening methods and treatments. One can even have genetic testing performed. So why are brain tumors not in the public eye? Do you even know what color ribbon signifies a brain tumor? There is a significant lack of funding for research. Patients die rather quickly. Families are left devastated and in shock from the speed with which a loved one passes. On Sunday Oct. 26, I participated in the Boston Brain Tumor Walk sponsored by the National Brain Tumor Society. I walked in loving memory of my dear husband Larry who succumbed to GBM on Dec. 1, 2012. Larry lived two years and 10 days from the date of diagnosis. He did “better than most” per his physicians and was considered a “long-term” survivor! When we received his diagnosis I asked him if he had a “bucket list” — places he wanted to visit or things he wanted to do. Larry smiled at me and replied, “No.” And so he simply continued to live his ordinary life in an extraordinary manner — never complaining, always uplifting, trying to make his family happy. Larry died a peaceful death — truly with grace and dignity. Brittany Maynard is gone. My heart goes out to all those heroic patients struggling in their battles with brain tumors, knowing that the focus has been diverted from treatment to suicide. We need to change that for those who Anthony’s Auto Sales BUSINESS Jeanette Graham, BUSINESS DIRECTOR CIRCULATION Ken Guartha, Ward Schoonmaker The State orders documents in the ongoing fight between a business owner and the City of Pittsfield be made public By Brian Wright Tom Salinetti, Lee During all the debate about the renovation of Monument,there was constant praise about the present efforts of the staff,administrators,and students to create a wonderful place to learn. One way to do that is to give money to the non-profit foundation,Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence,which for the past ten years has been awarding grants to innovative programs in the district but always has more requests than can be filled. As head of the foundation, I will be glad to answer any questions. Jack Spencer Stockbridge EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Successfully Selling The Berkshires These corporations are bullies, who rely on money to persuade politicians and invade local communities Financing Through Greylock Federal Credit Union M-F 9-5, Sat. 8-12 413-443-9346 Anthony’s Auto Sales 1420 East St., Pittsfield Anthony’s Auto Sales Joe Renzi Bill Massacani 413-446-0955Joe Renzi 413-822-9158 Bill Massacani 1420 East St. 413-446-0955 413-822-9158 Hours: M-F 9-5, Sat. 8-12 1420 East St. Pittsfield Pittsfield 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 Joe Renzi 413-446-0955 Open M-F 9-5, Sat. 8-12 413-443-9346 413-443-9346 Open M-F 9-5, Sat. 8-12 Financing Through Financing Through Greylock Federal Greylock Federal Credit Union Bill Massacani 413-822-9158 MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 868, Gt. Barrington, MA 01230 Joe Renzi New413-446-0955 hope for passenger rail? The new Vermonter passenger rail service has supporters of a Berkshire based line optimistic about its future By Kameron Spaulding 413-443-9346 4 The Berkshire View | January 2015 COPYRIGHT The entire content of The Berkshire View is copyrighted and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any fashion without the expressed and written permission of the publisher. Bill Massacani 1420 East St. 413-822-9158 Pittsfield 413-443-9346 2006 DODGE DURANGO SLT Silver, 8 Cyl, AT, PS, PB, AC, 105k, #30613 Bill Massacani 413-822-9158 WELL SPENT HERE. Huge Selection Of Suv’s, 4X4’S, AWD’s Huge selection of SUVs, 4x4s, Huge Selection In Of Suv’s, 4X4’S, And Ready ToAWD’s Deliver! allStock wheel drives, sedans, vans, coupes, TAX DOLLARS Anthony’s Auto Sales In Stock And Ready To Deliver! Hurry, It’s Only Just Started!!!! convertibles & much more WELL SPENT HERE. TAX DOLLARS Financing Through Anthony’s Auto Sales Hurry, It’s Only Just Started!!!! Greylock Federal WELL SPENT HERE. Joe Renzi 413-446-0955 Open M-F 9-5, Sat. 8-12 Open M-F 9-5, Sat. 8-12 2006 DODGE DURANGO SLT Silver, 8 Cyl, AT, PS, PB, AC, 105k, #30613 Joe Renzi Credit Union 413-446-0955 Bill Massacani 413-822-9158 1420 East St. Pittsfield Bill Massacani 413-822-9158 Open M-F 9-5, Sat. 8-12 413-443-9346 1420 East St. Huge Selection Of Suv’s, 4X4’S, AWD’s In Stock And Ready To Deliver! Hurry, It’s Only Just Started!!!! Huge Selection Of Suv’s, 4X4’S, AWD’s Financing Through Pittsfield In Stock And Ready To Deliver! Greylock Federal 2011 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT XLT 2010 MERCURY GR SE 2011 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT XLT 2006 DODGE DURANGO SLT MARQUIS 2010 MERCURY GMC GR MARQUIS SIERRA SE 2003 2500HD 2003 GMC SIERRA 2500HD Hurry, It’s White, 4 Cyl, AT, PS , PB, AC, 95k, GREAT WORK Silver, 8 Cyl, AT, PS, PB, AC, 105k, #30613 Black, 8 Cyl, Only AT, PS, PB,Just AC, 74k, Started!!!! Extra Cab, Blue, 8 Cyl, AT, PS, PB, AC, 121k, #30595 Credit Union White, 4 Cyl, AT, PS , PB, AC, 95k, GREAT WORK VAN. #30599 Former Rental, #BKS9 Black, Cyl,Sat. AT, PS, PB, AC, 74k, Open M-F89-5, 8-12 Extra Cab, Blue, 8 Cyl, AT, PS, PB, AC, 121k, #30595 Financing Through 413-443-9346 Greylock Federal VAN. #30599 Former Rental, #BKS9 Credit Union 2011 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT XLT White, 4 Cyl, AT, PS , PB, AC, 95k, GREAT WORK VAN. #30599 We need to stop the pipeline now As it stands, the planned Tennessee Gas pipeline would run through the heart of Berkshire County, including Kennedy Park and the watershed in Lenox, as well as residential properties. It would seem like common sense that this is a bad idea and probably will be altered. However, the preliminary route of the pipeline is insignificant in comparison to the principle. I disagree with the notion that corporations can run pipelines through natural habitats. This is a moral issue for Berkshire County residents, and a chance to rewrite the narrative of a county with a lackluster environmental 24 R U O H Shocked, disappointed, outraged are a few words that describe how I felt when I heard the part-time director of the senior center in Sheffield had been asked to clean out his desk and hand over his keys. John Arthur Miller did an outstanding job over the last 8 years. The part time position should have been a nineteen-hour-a-week job, but John Arthur went well over that in serving the seniors of Sheffield. As a former member of the COA I was embarrassed by the way he was treated. At the very least, the town should have given the many seniors John Arthur served the opportunity to say thank you and farewell. Instead, he was dismissed without any recognition of a job very well done. I hope that the job description put out by the town includes compassion and understanding -- two traits I think of when I think of John Arthur. Dawn S. Massini Sheffield TOWING JUNK CARS WANTED ROAD SERVICE • Jump starts • Change tires Miller hard to replace WE BUY SCRAP METAL • Container Service Credit Union MoreDOLLARS Cash Toward TAX Auto Sales TAXWELL DOLLARS Anthony’s Anthony’s Auto Sales Your Trade Here SPENT HERE. First Taste 26 Weekend Warrior 27 Eat 28 Joe Renzi Enjoy the View413-446-0955 30 Help WantedEast & Classifieds 31 1420 St. Automotive 31 Pittsfield are bravely coping with their illness. Hope is a very powerful word for one diagnosed with a brain tumor! Consider Lauren Hill, 19, the young college student who may possibly die within the year. She is living her life to the fullest knowing what her diagnosis is and what lies ahead. The difference in the two young women is quite startling. Life has value. Support research! Support the National Brain Tumor Society. Help bring about brain tumor awareness so that effective, curative, treatments may be found. Marilyn Konefal Pittsfield résumé. Why should we have to sacrifice something as fundamental as access to clean drinking water? It should not be the responsibility of local communities to house a pipeline that will not benefit them. These corporations are bullies, who rely on money to persuade politicians and invade local communities. It would be a shame to allow them to walk all over us for their own purpose, but if enough people care we can show that someone is willing to keep them in check. Tom Salinetti Lee 2010 2006 MERCURY GR SECONNECT XLT 2011 FORD TRANSIT DODGE DURANGO SLT MARQUIS Silver, 8 Cyl, AT, PS, PB, AC, 105k, #30613 Black, 8 Cyl, AT, PS, PB,4XAC, 74k, D Former Rental, #BKS9 $9,895 L SO White, 4 Cyl, AT, PS , PB, AC, 95k, GREAT WORK VAN. #30599 4 2003 GMC SIERRA 2500HD 2003 GMC SIERRA 2500HD D Black, 8 Cyl, AT, PS, PB, AC, 74k, Former Rental, #BKS9 Extra Cab, Blue, 8 Cyl, AT, PS, PB, AC, 121k, #30595 4X4 Extra Cab, Blue, 8 Cyl, AT, PS, PB, AC, 121k, #30595 D 2011 BUICK ENCLAVE CXLL SO White, 6 Cyl, AT, PS, PB, Leather, Sunroof, NEW NEW NEW, #BKS8 Former Rental. SAYER’S AUTO WRECKING Potter Mountain Road • Pittsfield 01201 • Serving Berkshire County • Financing Through Greylock Federal Credit Union L MERCURY GR MARQUIS SE 2010 SO Tel. 443-1635 $11,995 2002 DODGE SPRINTER VAN 2500 White, 5 Cyl, Diesel, AT, PS, PB, AC, 78k, Former Rental, #BKS10 WIT PLO H W $12,995 2003 FORD F350 DUMP TRUCK Dual Wheel, Red, 10 Cyl, AT, PS, PB, AC, Only 52k, #30620 W $12,995 2004 DODGE DURANGO ST Maroon, 8 Cyl, AT, PS, PB, AC, #30548 The Berkshire View | January 2015 5 `Just ` The Facts Local police mull idea of body cameras By Tom Casey I n the wake of several controversial deaths surrounding police encounters a new call has come to reform methods of enforcement. The shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo ignited protests against the officer and purported racial injustice at the hands of police as well as protests in defense of the officer and his actions. While the main debate surrounded race relations in the country, the confusion over what had actually transpired lead to another discussion on how to ►► Local and better review police state police and perpetrator encounters. consider The discussion using body cameras reached the highest office as President Barack Obama, in a meeting with law enforcement officials in December on how to ease mistrust of police, requested $236 million for body cameras and training. The request sparked a discussion of whether or not the police body cameras should be implemented. In June the International Police Chiefs Association came out in support of utilizing the technology. “The IACP recognizes that technology plays a critical and increasingly important role in the daily work of law enforcement officers in the field, equipping them with enforcement and investigative tools that have the potential to make them safer, better informed, and more effective and efficient.” Said IACP’s President, Chief Yousry Zakhary. “To promote public confidence in, and maximize the benefits of this technology, the IACP believes it is imperative that law enforcement agencies create and enforce comprehensive policies governing the deployment and use of BWCs and other technologies and the data they provide. In order to assist agencies in this effort, the IACP is making the compendium of technology policy resources immediately available to all 23,000 IACP members at no cost.” Another enticing aspect of the use of body cameras is the lessening of “use of force incidents.” A report conducted by the Police Foundation found “more than a 50% reduction in the total number of incidents of use-of-force compared to control-conditions, and nearly ten times more citizens’ complaints in the 12-months prior to the experiment.” On the local level, Berkshire officers and chiefs are also paying close attention to the discussion. The Massachusetts Po- 6 The Berkshire View | January 2015 lice Chiefs Association has come out in support of a pilot program, with Executive Director A Wayne Sampson telling the Boston Globe using the technology could be used for “valuable information for the police departments.” A study conducted by Cambridge University’s Institute of Criminology also found a significant reduction in “use-offorce” incidents, lowering by 59 percent and an 87 percent drop in complaints from the public during a year-long trial period with a California Police department. While the idea has been overall received positively, the practical implementation seems farther out. Lee Police Chief Jeffrey Roosa said while he wasn’t opposed to the cameras, he has concerns surrounding how they would be put in to place and what cost departments would face. “My only issue with it is the cost,” he said. “If it’s not a mandated thing I don’t see a problem with having the choice, if the money is put out there for grants. There is nothing to hide in American law enforcement.” Proponents of the cameras say the cameras would protect officers from being attacked. Roosa disagreed saying a camera would not stop an incident like the recent murder of two police officers in Brooklyn from happening. “The people that would assault and officer won’t be deterred,” he said. “Ninety-nine percent of people respect authority it’s that one percent that would do something like that and you won’t change that with a camera.” Roosa also said that if they were to be instituted into the state, there would have to be some changes to the law as well to allow their use. “We would have to walk up and say you are being recorded He said. “They would have to change some aspects of the law so they would be useful.” Roosa is not alone in his critique, while there has been a push to implement the technology, many have expressed concerns over the cameras implementation without properly studying the ramifications of using the technology. The same study by Cambridge University cautioned that while the program has its benefits, there should not be an over sweeping change to police policy. Roosa also has his skepticism over completely relying on the cameras as evidence. I think there is a perspective issue,” he said. “You don’t hear the whole story ... the context of the video needs to be considered too.” However, Roosa said, he was positive about the idea of using body cameras. “But overall I think it’s going to protect officers more than it will harm them.” Photo contribtued Police departments in Massachusetts are considering instituting the use of body cameras for officers, part of a national trend discussing the issue. `The ` Future Our predictions for new year By Kameron Spaulding Pipeline continues to move We mean move in two ways. One the project will continue to move forward whether the people of Western Mass want to hear it our not. Once a big company like Kinder Morgan gets behind the kind of project it is tough to stop. It is not all bad news though. If the project is going right by your house you may get lucky, we bet the route moves two or three more times in 2015 before a final pathway is picked. Battle on It has been a year on conflict in Pittsfield between the city council and the mayor. In the 2015 the sequel to that shotem-up style brawl will be even wilder. Get your dollar on Fighting over the building of a new Dollar General seems to be the new Berkshire pass time. Now they are all up in arms over the cheap goods in Cheshire, but by the end of the year we say the ground will be broken on that retailer too. We can’t go on like this Enrollment in our local schools has been an a free fall for years. In 2015 the districts will begin to really think about how to consolidate, and maybe just maybe a school will close. The bright lights Coming off a good year we say Tanglewood will have an even better one in 2015. The more brave prediction, the rumor mill is saying at least one more major act, that is popular with younger folks, will be added to the summer slate. Red light district? With the talk of casinos not too far away and the uptick in local crime, in 2015 our crystal ball sees a fight in Pittsfield over a proposed ‘adult’ establishment. Build, build, build After years of a down economy, several big projects are in the work for the Berkshires. In 2015 we bet that continues and we see the most building in the county in a decade. Closing up shop It won’t be all positive news. The local arts rumor will also says that one local cultural establishment will be shuttered by the years end. No new taxes In South County an anti-tax movement filled the headlines. With people still hurting look for that trend to continue in the new year whenever major projects or increases are proposed. We are the champions For all you local sports fans we see a good year ahead. At least one Berkshrie County high school will bring home a state title, but there could be multiple winners. The Berkshire View | January 2015 7 `Metro ` Could the new Vermonter Line brighten rail plans? By Kameron Spaulding G etting Connecticut onboard with possible Berkshire train service may be a long way off, but several state lawmakers are pointing to a new line in western Massachusetts as a possible road map. On a recent Monday, Governor Deval Patrick joined Congressmen ►► A new Richard Neal and Western James McGovern, Mass line MassDOT Acting has train supporters Secretary & CEO still hoping Frank DePaola, many more local elected officials and community members for the inaugural run of Amtrak’s Vermonter service on the Knowledge Corridor. Monday’s inaugural run left Springfield at Union Station and made stops along the new service route in Holyoke, Northampton and Greenfield. The Knowledge Corridor project returns Vermonter train service to the historic passenger route between Springfield and East Northfield, providing a more direct route, eventual faster service and restored access to the cities of Greenfield and Northampton. It also makes in far easier to get to New York and Boston from much of western Massachusetts. The Vermonter operates daily between Washington and St. Albans, Vermont, with service to Philadelphia, New York, Hartford, Connecticut, Springfield, Massachusetts and Essex Junction, Vermont, along with other intermediate stops. Service from Greenfield to NYC will take about four-and-a-half hours on the new line, but as much as 25 minutes is expected to be cut by more upgrades by 2016. “Today’s inaugural ride is another important milestone in the effort to upgrade and restore rail transportation along the historic Knowledge Corridor,” said Congressman Neal. “Passengers will now enjoy increased service and shorter travel time from Springfield to Vermont.” The restoration work along approximately 49 track miles includes the replacement of some 95,000 ties; installation of new continuously welded rail; new active warning signals and crossing gates at 23 public grade crossings and four private crossings; upgrades to six bridges; and the first phase of a new signal installation. The $131-million project is funded by approximately $80 million in federal 8 The Berkshire View | January 2015 Shea Garner Full time NYC-to- Pittsfield service may still be far off even after new line. grant funds, including a Federal Railroad Administration grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, along with state funds. Amtrak passenger service along the new Knowledge Corridor was officially to begin on Monday, December 29. Before the celebration of this rail project was even complete, officials were quickly turning their eye to the future, the New York City to Berkshire County line. “I helped secure part of the federal assistance that helped make this project a reality, and will continue my efforts to bring east-west rail travel to Western Massachusetts,” Neal said. State Representative Paul Mark said that this project, if riders continue to support it, will help open the door to the Berkshire Line. “If this is a great success and it brings in economic development, tourism and educational opportunities, then it’s so much of an easier argument for us to make that now we need it to run to North Adams, to Pittsfield, and of course from Pittsfield to New York City,” Mark said. While praising this project State Rep. Stephen Kulik was also quick to look to the future in Berkshire County. “This investment in improved rail infrastructure is hopefully just the beginning of a brighter future for train service in Franklin and Hampshire counties and all of western Massachusetts,” Kulik said. Last year, the state of Massachusetts announced the purchase of the Berkshire Line, running from Pittsfield south to the Connecticut border, from the freighthauling Housatonic Railroad. The hope is, apparently, to restore through passenger service from New York City to Pittsfield, which hasn’t existed on the line since the 1971, but was once considered a staple of the Berkshires resort economy. But even after this latest development with the Vermonter line many are asking if that is even a good idea. In the official statement, on the deal, MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard Davey claimed that “Studies have shown that a Berkshire County rail connection to New York City would be a winner, with more than one million rides annually.” For some perspective, that’s over 2,700 rides a day, or 1,300+ in each direction. The NYC-Berkshires travel market was once fairly large, and remains somewhat so, but there’s certainly no guarantee of any kind of mass return to transit in the corridor. In any case, the MassDOT purchase covers the line only from the Connecticut border to Pittsfield, leaving Massachusetts dependent on Connecticut’s willingness to invest in its segment of the line. Indeed, even if rail transit returns to the Berkshires, the Housatonic line seems an unlikely candidate for that restoration; it is so poorly suited to through passenger traffic, in fact, that even the dedicated foamers over at railroad.net are very skeptical of the success of any restored passenger service. The entire line is so curvy that railfans estimate (see above link) that even with massive infrastructure investment trip times from NYC to Pittsfield would never get better than 4 hours–and even that seems optimistic. And the required investment would be massive–the line is single-track, completely unsignalled, and has been allowed to deteriorate to the very bare minimum necessary for freight service (and fartoo often less) over the years. Indeed, as early as the 1930s, New York-bound travelers abandoned what was then the New Haven Railroad’s Berkshires Division in favor of driving to New York Central’s parallel Harlem Line. Today, that legacy continues as many Berkshires travelers take MetroNorth to Wassaic (the current terminus of the now-truncated Harlem Line) and drive the remainder of the trip to their weekend or summer homes. Meanwhile, the middle portion, from New Milford to Canaan, CT, is so devoid of population that it was in fact entirely abandoned from 1972 until the Housatonic restored service in 1983. In short, the idea that thousands of passengers a day will ride a slow train to the Berkshires via Danbury seems a little far-fetched to say the least; the train trip from Grand Central to Wassaic is about 2:15-2:30, and it’s another 45 minutes by car to Sheffield, 50 to Great Barrington, an hour to Stockbridge or Lee, 1:10 to Lenox, or 1:20 to Pittsfield, yielding trip times in the 3:15 range for the southern Berkshires and around 4 hours for Pittsfield. Driving all the way is faster, of course, depending on traffic around NYC itself. Restored Berkshire Division service seems unlikely to be able to match these times. So even with this step showing that it isn’t impossible, it also still seems far from likely. `Turbulence ` State orders documents in Wade case to be released By Brian Wright E ven though the fight between a local business woman and the mayor’s office that has resulted in allegations of racism is far from over, the state has ordered that documents involved in the case be released to the public. The case centers on Doreen Wade the publisher and CEO of the New England Informer, a monthly online ►► Case claims news magazine. racism in Wade claimed fight between would also like business to restart the owner, print version pittsfield of The Informer (which was discontinued when the publication made the jump to being online only in 2002) in Pittsfield because she doesn’t see any publications directed at the minority community in The Berkshires. With this in mind, Wade went to the City of Pittsfield to see if there were any grants specifically for black-owned businesses to relocate to the city and discovered there were none. “I wanted to see if there was anything available for a black woman who would relocate and bring her business there,” Wade said. After meeting with Ann Dobrowolski of the Pittsfield Office of Community Development, Ms. Wade had a meeting with Mayor Bianchi on April 3 of 2013 at 11 a.m. to discuss the relocation was because there was a lack of qualified candidates. Finally, Wade claimed Bianchi said he would not support an application from her business to get funding from the city’s PERC program. “He said because, as far as he’s concerned, a black business would not survive here,” said Wade, referring to The Informer’s goal of branching out into a print publication aimed at the county’s minority community. Wade said she left what was sup- “It’s not like we discourage people from applying. It’s not as if we don’t encourage people to be part of our municipal community.” -Pittsfield Mayor Daniel Bianchi of The Informer, as well as why there were no programs available specifically for black-owned businesses. What happened at that meeting is currently disputed. Ms. Wade claimed when she asked Mayor Daniel Bianchi if Pittsfield had an affirmative action policy, he said it did not because Pittsfield is only seven percent African American. She also alleged he said that black children aren’t graduating high school in Pittsfield because there are no black role models in the city. Furthermore, she said when she asked why Pittsfield City Hall didn’t have any black employees, he said it posed to be an hour-long meeting after 25 minutes and was very upset. “The operative word here is allegedly,” said Bianchi at the time. “I don’t know how she could have misconstrued anything I said.” Mayor Bianchi said after the April 3 meeting had finished, he thought it had gone well. “It’s not like we discourage people from applying,” said Mayor Bianchi, when asked about the subject of black employment at city hall, also noting the city’s police chief is black. “It’s not as if we don’t encourage people to be part of our municipal community.” Mayor Bianchi also denies saying that he would not support Ms. Wade’s application for PERC funding. “What I said was, if she was doing a print-based medium in Pittsfield, the demographics might not support it,” said the mayor, who noted the prospects for an online publication were not bound by these demographic concerns. After hearing the claims of Wade the city’s Human Rights Commission opened an investigation into the matter. After that investigation began, news website iBerkshires’ reporter Joe Durwin requested “all records provided to the Human Rights Commission” in the case months ago, and after several hearings and filings the state sided with Durwin and forced the city to open the books. “The City and the HRC are hereby ordered to provide the responsive records to Mr. Durwin in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Access Regulations,” said Supervisor of Records Shawn Williams in his ruling. The city released over 200 pages of emails and other documents that pertain to the Wade case. One key item to come of the release is notes taken by Mary McGinnis, of the mayor’s staff at that time, of a second meeting between Wade and Bianchi. In those notes she describes a contentious meeting in which Wade felt that the mayor set a “racist” tone. In one part of the meeting, according to McGinnis’s notes that were first reported by iBerkshires, “I think you heard what you wanted to hear,” Bianchi said, “You said the city does not support black businesses.” “Ok, I’m a liar,” Wade replied. Wade also twice told the mayor to stop pointing at her, according to those minutes. The HRC has tabled their investigation into the incident until further state inquires on the same matter can be involved. But no matter the outcome the longawaited release from the Wade case file shows the depth of the anger between the two sides, and the case seems as far as ever from being resolved. The story matters. BERKSHIRE The berkshires’ alternative newspaper The Berkshire View | January 2015 9 z Commemorate 2014-15 school year with A Piercing! 451 Dalton Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-443-8112 Something for everyone! Your family Restaurant Full gluten-free menu Exotic Body Piercing 149 Tyler Street, Pittsfield, MA • 413-442-7723 [email protected] www.facebook.com/crazychameleon Check out our latest and greatest jewelry styles and colors, all to customize you! Stop in today! You can call, text, email or facebook us anytime! ‘like us’ Please. facebook.com/theberkshireview BERKSHIRE 222B Elm St. Pittsfield, MA 01201 (413) 236-8036 styleseat.com/DivineHair222 Berkshire Hydroponics W! O NPEN O ORGANICS & SOILS The berkshires’ alternative newspaper We have both dry/liquid organic nutrients, beneficial teas and your basic nutrients. We also stock a variety of organics soils, coco and hydroponic systems. Stop in and get all your indoor/outdoor garden supplies. If we don’t have what you’re looking for, we will order it for you! 1450 East Street Pittsfield, MA Mon–Sat 10am–6pm (413) 464-7875 10 The Berkshire View | January 2015 I n early December, more then 160 Pittsfield residents lost power. The cause wasn’t one of Berkshire County’s infamous snowstorms or a problem at Western Massachusetts Electric Company, but rather a midmorning car accident in front of a busy gas station on South Street. Peter Matthews, 32, was heading south in his Suburu around 9 a.m. when he veered into the opposing lane and struck a telephone pole that snapped and nearly killed Gerald Nkrumah-Bediako, who was driving his minivan northbound near Lipton Mart. The high-voltage transformer reportedly came within inches of Nkrumah-Bediako, prompting a trip to Berkshire Medical Center where he was treated for minor injuries. Matthews escaped relatively unscathed, though southbound traffic was rerouted down Crofut Street and Pomeroy Avenue and northbound vehicles took detours on Barker and South Mountain roads for the better part of the afternoon while cleanup efforts were underway. Perhaps the most distressing aspect of the incident was not the property damage or loss of power, but the fact that Matthews was allegedly high on heroin at the time of the accident, having admittedly shot up only hours before driving. To make matters worse, police reported discovering two bags of heroin, 15 empty heroin packets, and numerous needles on his person when they arrived on scene. The Mass Pike is one of the major arteries for transporting opiates The following day, Matthews was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court, where he had not- guilty pleas entered on his behalf on misdemeanor charges of drugged driving, possession of heroin, and a marked lanes violation, according to the Berkshire Eagle. Judge Fredric D. Rutberg ended up releasing Matthews on personal recognizance and, despite a request from the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, did not require the defendant to refrain from using illegal drugs moving forward. The decision prompted a response from local resident Kate Basile of Richmond in a Letter to the Editor titled “Appalled by accident and its aftermath,” published in the Eagle just days later. “South Street is the second-largest business district in the City of Pittsfield and most of those that lost power were businesses. How many thousands of dollars in lost productivity does that add up to? The entire business day was lost,” she wrote. “What is the name of the alternate universe that these people reside in? I want to go there where one's actions have no consequences and everything will work out sometime in the future, because after all, as the defendant's lawyer said in court, ‘he's a good family man!’” While it’s no secret that Berkshire County has a serious heroin problem, events like these undoubtedly raise eyebrows. Everyone knows that opioid use generally affects rural communities, but when an incident like this impacts the commutes of thousands, people really start to pay attention. In the last year, police departments across the county have experienced an influx of heroin-related arrests and cases, adding to an already growing trend experienced since the late ‘90s. In February, the North Adams Police Department reported the seizure of more than $3,000 worth of heroin during two motor vehicle stops on the Mohawk Trail. According to the department, officer’s assigned to the Berkshire County Drug Task Force received information concerning a local group that was traveling to Holyoke to “resupply” themselves with the substance. The information led to the arrest of five North Adams residents between the ages of 19 and 26, where, at the respective scenes, officers discovered more than 300 bags of heroin and six bags of cocaine. No more than a day later, 20 miles south of North Continued on page 12 The Berkshire View | January 2015 11 Photo contributed The Berkshire County Drug Task Force seized 167 bags of heroin, 100 opioid pills and almost $500 in cash after a motor vehicle search in Pittsfield in February. The suspect allegedly purchased the drugs in Holyoke hours earlier. Adams in Pittsfield, the BCDTF arrested five people in connection with an alleged drug drop on Appleton Avenue, according to the Eagle. Once again, officers were acting on a search warrant after receiving information that Charles Katz, 49, was supplying the residence with heroin from Holyoke. Police found 65 bags of heroin on his person at the time of arrest and 90 additional bags inside the home following a search. At the time of his arrest, the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office reported that Katz had an ongoing court case open in Holyoke for allegedly possessing 171 bags of heroin. A few weeks after that, the BCDTF and Pittsfield police arrested Christopher Harrington, 35, following a no-knock raid at his Glenwood Avenue home. There they found 40 bags of heroin and more than $1,000 of loose cash that Harrington later claimed was used to purchase between 100 and 200 bags in Holyoke “almost daily,” according to published reports. Harrington was sentenced to 32 months in jail in November 12 The Berkshire View | January 2015 after pleading guilty to possession of heroin with intent to distribute and conspiracy to violate drug laws. In less than a month, the BCDTF executed three major drug busts in Central and Northern Berkshire County. And that doesn’t include the more minor drug-related arrests that occur countywide on a seemingly weekly basis. But what’s interesting here is their connection to Holyoke. Located about an hour east of Berkshire County and easily accessible via the I-90 turnpike, Holyoke is similar in population size to Pittsfield, but sits only eight miles north of Springfield, the largest city in western New England and third-largest city in Massachusetts. In fact, just over a year ago, the now-defunct North Adams Transcript reported that two Springfield residents, Luis Agosto, 34, and Ashley Pelletier, 24, were busted at the Howard Johnson Motel in Williamstown with 38 bags of heroin and more than $5,000 in cash. Agosto was charged with conspiracy to violate drug laws, while Pelletier was charged with class A drug possession, subsequent offense, and conspiracy to violate drug laws, respectively. Authorities noted that the seizure was “consistent with street-level distribution,” according to the Transcript. Of course, these are somewhat isolated incidents, but there is no doubt that a decent amount of drugs are coming in from the more populated areas of New England, whether it be the Springfield metropolitan area or the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Statistical Area. In 2013, the Boston Globe ran a story titled “Heroin abuse problems plague rural Mass. towns” that detailed the harrowing addiction of Lance Rice, a resident of Turners Falls, a small, former mill town in Franklin County, bordering the Berkshires. Rice was arrested following a string of break-ins perpetrated to fund his heroin addiction. As a teen, he got himself hooked on the prescription painkiller Percocet and transitioned to heroin because it was cheaper and more readily available. Soon, his addiction spiraled out of control. “Rice and his friends would drive 45 minutes to Holyoke and Springfield, where heroin is cheap — $5 to $10 a bag — and easy to find. They would bring the drug north via what many in law enforcement refer to as the I-91 ‘drug corridor.’ Back in their small town, they could resell heroin for more money and fund their own habits,” the Globe story reads. Transporting heroin from these more centralized hubs proves lucrative for dealers. The North Adams Police Department reports that 150 bags of Holyoke street-level heroin totaling $600 can sell for $1,500 in northern Berkshire County. The figures more than justify the hour trip to Springfield, Holyoke, or Albany as it more than doubles the dealer’s inevitable profit. Recently, U.S. Sen. Charles E. “Chuck” Schumer(D. N.Y.) requested $100 million in federal anti-drug funding to combat trafficking on the “heroin highway” — a nickname for the portion of Route 7 that connects New York City, Albany, and the rest of the Capital Region to Vermont — after the Albany County Sheriff’s Department reported seizing more than 1,500 grams of heroin in 2014. Schumer called for the emergency funds to be distributed to High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas to help assist local drug task forces in combating the “heroin surge,” according to the Times Union. “These people are killers,” said Schumer of the dealers trafficking the deadly substance. “We know they’re trying to make money, but they’re killing people to make money. It’s not very much different than going into a store, shooting the store owner, and robbing the cash register.” Schumer also called out Vermont for being “one of the country’s epicenters for heroin abuse” — a valid proclamation as the state’s “war on heroin” has been covered nationally by the likes of the New York Times, Rolling Stone, USA Today, Vice, and Business Week. At the top of the year, in a heroin raid in Bennington, just 20 minutes north of Williamstown, the Bennington Police Special Response Team arrested four people on charges of heroin possession, heroin sale, sale of regulated drugs, and conspiracy to violate drug laws. Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette claimed the site was a “major source of heroin being sold in Bennington,” according to the Eagle. There’s a quite noticeable connection between the aforementioned metropolitan hubs and the Berkshire region: our county sits in the middle of a triangle between Springfield, Albany, and small cities is southern Vermont like Bennington and Brattleboro. I-90 links the Springfield area with the Berkshires and Albany, while parts of Route 7 link both of the latter to Bennington. I-91 connects Springfield, Holyoke, and Brattleboro, and a mess of routes in between run like veins to the heart of our problem here at home. Lois Daunis, director of prevention programs at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, has been working with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission’s Berkshire Opioid Abuse and Prevention Collaborative in effort to fight the epidemic that’s gripped the county. “What we’ve seen around here, and I think people have seen this around the nation, is that opioids are very expensive,” Daunis told The View. “Many end up using heroin because it’s so much cheaper. Local law enforcement has seen a real spike in heroin use, arrests for heroin possession, and crime related to drug addiction.” The Berkshire Opioid Abuse and Prevention Collaborative formed in November of 2012 after holding a series of countywide forums that addressed reducing the recreational use of prescription drugs and heroin. Over the next two years, an adhoc working group, consisting of 25 diverse stakeholders from around the county, began to meet monthly to work on developing and implementing local policies, practices, systems, and environmental changes to prevent the misuse or abuse of opioids, prevent or reduce unintentional deaths and non-fatal hospital events associated with opioid poisonings, and increase the capacity of municipalities to deal with the growing problem, according to the BRPC. “The good news is that Berkshire Health Systems, which is now the only health system in the county since the closure of Northern Berkshire Health Care, the District Attorney’s office, the Brien Center, and all of us prevention folk are meeting to deal with countywide strategies for this issue,” said Daunis. “We’ve been doing community education and we’ve been disseminating “These people are killers. We know they’re trying to make money, but they’re killing people to make money. It’s not very much different than going into a store, shooting the store owner, and robbing the cash register.” -U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D, N.Y.) from the Keenan House into supportive information around the county.” housing, an assisted living environment The Brien Center for Mental where the patient is still supported but Health and Substance Abuse Services has more autonomy. They also offer is the non-profit agency at the center Safe Harbor, a housing and reunificaof the efforts to overcome the opioid tion program for families impacted by abuse problem in the Berkshires. Their substance abuse. “community-based” programs provide a “We have day programs and eating continuum of care for addicts and their programs run by a remarkably dedifamilies as they strive to get better. cated, seasoned staff,” Michaels said. Doctor Jennifer Michaels, medical “Patients can attend meetings and learn director at the Brien Center, has helped sober skills as we help them navigate retreat more than 10,000 people countycovery. We also have all different types wide in the last year. of individual and group therapy.” “It’s not a new problem but it’s a In her aforementioned Letter to the problem that’s been escalating locally Editor, Basile questioned why the judge and it reflects a national trend,” she didn’t require Matthews to refrain from said, describing a spike in the 1990s using illegal drugs in the time before his when doctors began prescribing more sentencing. opioid pills to address pain issues. There was a sense of genuine out “That led to them being used for rage, from Basile and the general public, recreational use,” Michaels added. “It as to why created a Matthews whole new was let off generation of Looking for information on addiction the hook people who treatment in Berkshire County? Start (for the are addicted learning by scanning this QR code with time being) to opioid your smart device. despite pills.” causing But thousands of dollars worth of damage. that ended up resulting in more restric One reason, in particular, has to do tions on prescriptions, which Michaels with the substance’s highly addictive describes as “good,” despite the subsequalities and the extremely uncomfortquent “dire consequences.” “Because there are fewer pills on the able symptoms associated with sudden withdrawal. street, people have reverted to heroin “Addiction to opioids is truly a disuse to address their opioid addiction ease. Just stopping doing it doesn’t work because it’s very cheap and it’s very pothat way. It’s like being diabetic and tent,” she said. “There are certain areas saying, ‘just get normal blood sugar.’ where you can get heroin for $15 here When people are engaged in substance and in Holyoke it’s $10. Those are the use they make terrible decisions that sites closer to the source. You hear of they would never make if they were sopeople coming back from there because ber,” Michaels said. “The goal is to help there’s a lot of heroin. They go there to someone reclaim their sobriety so they resupply.” stop hurting themselves and their loved The Brien Center, though based in ones. If a crime is committed the person Pittsfield, offers more than 27 locations needs to deal with the consequences but for treatment and service throughout we also need to address the disease so the county and is part of a network they don’t continue to commit crimes of hospitals, social service agencies, related to the substance abuse.” doctors, law enforcement officials, and Rice, for example, started taking donors that share a vision of improving Percocet and ended up stealing and comthe health and well-being of Berkshire mitting other various crimes to fund his County residents suffering from serious habit. According to Michaels, pills can health and addiction disorders, accordcost as much as $30 or more each and ing to their website. abusers can become tolerant quickly, Doctors work with BMC’s McGee requiring more pills to achieve the same Recovery Center, a 21-bed inpatient dehigh. A valid statement, as even Rice detoxification unit, to provide a smoother scribed transitioning to heroin because transition for those suffering from of price and availability. heroin addiction as they reintegrate into “Addiction is a series of lines society. drawn in the sand that are sequentially The Brien Center’s residential prooverstepped,” Michaels explained. “It gram, the Keenan House, is a recovery home where those transitioning from the may start out with, ‘I’m only going to McGee Center can stay for upwards of six months. Patients can then graduate Continued on page 14 The Brien Center Keyboards & Pianos Layaway now! The stories behind the headlines. TUNE IN WEEKLY The Berkshire Courier Check your local TV listings for broadcast times www.ctsbtv.org The Berkshire View | January 2015 13 use on the weekends,’ and then, after an uncomfortable withdrawal, that line in the sand is surpassed. If you’re using intranasally, then it’s, ‘Oh, I’ll use heroin but I’ll never shoot up,’ and then you need to in order to get the same high. If you wake up, you can’t function unless you get an opiate in your system.” The Brien Center provides medications to recovering patients that mitigate the craving for drugs like heroin. While they don’t prescribe methadone, they do provide suboxone, a drug containing the opioid buprenorphine that acts as a mixed agonist-antagonist opioid receptor modular to treat addiction. Doctors at the Brien Center are actively engaged with their patients’ Primary Care Doctors and probation officers and require urine tests to monitor their progress. Michaels describes their comprehensive treatment program as “very effective.” “It’s very upsetting because treatment really works,” said Michaels, referencing a study commissioned by the World Health Organization that found substance abuse more stigmatizing that leprosy and HIV. “People do not necessarily seek treatment because people are ashamed. I always say, ‘hate the disease and not the person who’s suffering from the disease.’ There’s just a lack of role models out there.” Thankfully, according to both Daunis and Michaels, Berkshire County has become a model area in terms of how quickly various organizations came together to target the problem and how effectively they work across the county to tackle it. “There’s this wonderful network of care that exists in our community. We are unique in that way. We have a lot of support and a lot of communication compared to other states where trying to Breakfast All Day Breakfast All Day and Very Affordable Delicious &Delicious Very Affordable FilledCrepes Crepes • Blueberry Pancakes • Belgian Waffles Fruit Fruit Filled Blueberry Pancakes Egg White Omelets • Fresh Fruit Custom Tees While You Wait! Belgian Waffles • Fresh Fruit Daily Specials and Always Fresh Choices DailyEggSpecials and Always Fresh Choices • Great Service White Omlets Great Service • Friendly Atmosphere • Senior Discounts Conveniently Located In The Berkshire Mall Friendly Atmosphere Daily Specials & Always Fresh Choices • Wednesday Senior Discounts Great Service • Friendly Atmosphere Shepherd’ Wednesday Senior Discounts s Pie • Fresh Fish & Chips Clam Strip Dinner • Scallop Dinner See us for youth leagues Save money! Homemade Spaghetti & Meatballs Check our ad in the Berkshire Record and school fundraisers! Meatloaf Dinner & Berkshire Courier for weekly specials! Lunch Specials: Fish & Chips • Meatloaf Berkshire Mall, Lanesborough, MA 413-499-1890 • www.peacetraintees.com Mon-Sat 10 am to 9 pm and Sun 11-6 [email protected] St St. Luke EastSt.,Street • Pittsfield • (413) 499-1180 • Open 6:30am-3pm LukeSquare Square •• 511 511 East Pittsfield • (413) 499-1180 Hours: Wed-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat & Sun 6:30am-1pm, Closed Mon & Tues The Best 2015 S Heroin Please. Other Opiates Type of Drug facebook.com/theberkshireview Cocaine Marijuana What a pretty spot on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. It used to have an abundant fishery. Remember “Cannery Row?” Now it has the best annual Jazz Festival. Speaking of the best, thank you for selecting moi as your tour guide for this year’s Best 2015 See you in March. M MONTEREY CALIFORNIA Best, Gigi Other/Unknown BerkShireS The Best 2015’s tour guide, Gigi, is keeping us posted on her our cross-country tour of the best in towns with very familar names. Check out The Best 2015 coming in March. Greetings from Massachusetts primary drug abuse treatment episodes in 2010 napShotS of the TEREY, ON JAN 9 CA ‘like us’ get treatment is like a labyrinth of dead ends,” Michaels said. Al-Anon Family Groups, a fellowship of friends and relatives of addicts who facilitate a program of recovery based on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, offers support by holding daily meetings across the county, while Learn to Cope, a peer-led support network for families who have loved ones who are using opiates or other drugs, holds weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at BMC. Prescription lock boxes are also available at as many as 10 police departments countywide to encourage the safe disposal of unused drugs and pain medication. So despite this growing threat that’s gripping much of western New England and New York State, Berkshire County has assembled an admirable task force to respond to the heroin epidemic. Under the combined efforts of local law enforcement, prevention organizations, and abuse services like the Brien Center, the problem can be better understood and addressed with an appropriate, thoughtful attack plan that heals not only our area but also the individuals afflicted with the issue. “The wonderful thing about recovery is when people get sober they often enter the health field and get to help other people,” said Michaels. “It’s very powerful.” The Brien Center’s administrative offices are open Monday though Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 359 Fenn Street in Pittsfield. The crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-252-0227. For more information, call (413) 499-0412 or visit www.briencenter.org. 2015 The Berkshire View Attn: Readers P.O. Box 868 Great Barrington, MA 01201 Tranquilizers BERKSHIRE The berkshires’ alternative newspaper 0 10k 15k 20k 25k 30k Primary Drug Abuse Treatment Episodes Source: State of Massachusetts To reserve your space in The Best, call 413-528-5380 ext. 31 14 The Berkshire View | January 2015 The Berkshire View | January 2015 15 day+night T heater • M usic • C omedy • C oncer ts • D ance • T alks , C lasses & W orkshops • S pecial E vents • O ther Tuesday, Jan. 6 with classic and contemporary covers and originals. At Mazcots, 490 Pittsfield Road, Lenox. 9 p.m. (413) 499-1101. Karaoke, At Uncle Larry’s Tavern. 71 Chester Road, Becket. 9 p.m. (413) 623-8711. Open Mic, at Bounti-Fare Restaurant and Catering. 200 Howland Avenue, Adams. 7 p.m. (413) 743-0193. Sean Callaghan and John Culpo, Rainbow Restaurant, 101 First Street, Pittsfield. 7:30 p.m. (413) 443-0002. Music Tom Carroll, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Mission Open Mic Nights, open to all hosted by Jordan Franklin at Mission Bar and Tapas. 438 North Street, Pittsfield. 8 p.m. missionbarandtapas.com. Open Mic Night, at Bogies Steak and Ale. 935 South Main Street, Great Barrington. 9 p.m. (413) 528-5959. Purple Pub Open Mic, live performances. 65 Spring Street, Williamstown. 8 p.m. (413)458-0095. Latin Night, hosted by DJ Alexavier and DJ Chico. At the Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center Street, Northampton. 10 p.m. (413) 586-8686. Other My Old Lady, Kevin Kline plays a down-onhis-luck New Yorker who inherits his estranged father’s appartment. Part of the Little Cinema screenings at the Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street, Pittsfield. 7 p.m. (413) 443-7171. Saturday, Jan. 10 Music Other Tuesday Night Trivia, test your skills during Trivia night At Mazcots. 490 Pittsfield Road, Lenox. 8 p.m. (413) 499-1101. Poker Night, Texas Hold ‘Em at The Brickhouse. 425 Park Street, North Housatonic. 7:30 p.m. (413) 275-0020. Texas Hold ‘Em, free poker night at the Route 63 Roadhouse. 32 Federal Street, Miller Falls. (413) 659-3384. 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] Wednesday, Jan. 7 Tom Savoy, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. The Deadbeats, live musical performance. At the Low Beat, 335 Central Avenue, Albany N.Y. 9:30 p.m. (518) 432-6572. Moonshine Holler, folk duo performs live at Gedney Underground at Gedney Farm. 34 Hartsville-New Marlborough Road, New Marlborough. 8 p.m. Glen Boden and Vinnie Brandi, performing with no cover at Port Smitts, 370 Pecks Road, Pittsfield. 7 p.m. (413) 236-5727. performing folk, rock and americana tunes hosted by Dave Brown and Chris Merenda. At Mission Bar and Tapas, 438 North Street, Pittsfield. 8 p.m. missionbarandtapas.com. DJ I.T.S., performing at Bogies Steak & Ale. 935 South Main Street, Great Barrington. (413) 528-5959. Ray Mason, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. 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) 5532214. Ferriday, performing live with Kitty Little and Many Trails. At the Low Beat, 335 Central Avenue, Albany N.Y. 8 p.m. (518) 432-6572. Quarter Life Crisis, acoustic duo Brian Benlien and Jim Witherell perform at the Music Other Trivia Night, at The Brick House Pub. 425 North Housatonic Street. 6 p.m. (413)274 0020. Trivia, test your knowledge at the Mill Town Tavern Trivia Night. 16 Depot Street, Dalton. 8 p.m. (413) 684-0900. Drag Bingo, with host Kandi Korn with prizes up to $200. At Rumpy’s Tavern at the Village Inn, 16 Church Street, Lenox. 9 p.m. (413) 637-0020 ex. 385. Thursday, Jan. 8 Music Picky Bastards, a local musician collective berkshirerecord.net 16 The Berkshire View | January 2015 theberkshireview.com berkshirecourier.net Facebook Helado Negro, musician and performance artists Roberto Carlos Lange, will perform his latest musical/visual project Island Universe Story at MASS MoCA on Jan. 24. Noah Flamenca’s Antigone, a flemenco interpretation of the text and themes in Sophocles play comes to the Mahaiwe on Jan. 23. Mill Town Tavern, 16 Depot Street, Dalton. 9 p.m. (413) 684-0900. Other Off the Map with Joan Ackermann, a special screening and talk of the 2003 film from Camplbell Scott with Joan Ackermann, artistic director of Great Barrington’s Mixed Company theater and the writer of the film’s screenplay. Part of the Little Cinema screenings at the Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street, Pittsfield. 7 p.m. (413) 443-7171. Friday, Jan. 9 Music Willie and Jan Band, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 9 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Livingston Taylor, a live performance with special guest Chelsea Berry. At the Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center Street, Northampton. 7 p.m. (413) 586-8686. DJ Stylus and DJ Sen-Gee, the two local DJs spinning hip hop, R&B, Reggae and more at the Underground Pub at Crowne Plaza. 9:30 p.m. (413) 553-2214. Peter Boyd, solo acoustic performance Four Events That You Shouldn’t Miss Out On This Month Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, Arleigh Kincheloe and her band perform with The Sexual Reptiles at Club Helsinki Hudson in Hudson N.Y. Jan. 16 The Concert that Never Was, two of the areas best cover bands perform the hits of Led Zepplin and the Who at Fairways at the A on Jan. 31 Diva and the Dirty Boys, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 9 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Livingston Taylor, a live performance with special guest Chelsea Berry. At the Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center Street, Northampton. 7 p.m. (413) 586-8686. Mark Gamsjager and The Lustre Kings, celebrating the 80th birthday of the King, Elvis Presley with special guests. At Club Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia Street, Hudson, N.Y. 9 p.m. (518) 828-4800. Rev Tor Solo, infectious melodies and improvised from the one-man band. At Mazcots. 490 Pittsfield Road, Lenox. 2 p.m. (413) 499-1101. Other Rock Angel, Berkshire County Author and New Lebannon Library Director Jeanne Bogino will sign copies of her book Rock Angle. At Water Street Books, 29 Water Street Williamstown. 12 to 2 p.m. (413) 458-8072. My Old Lady, Kevin Kline plays a down-onhis-luck New Yorker who inherits his estranged father’s appartment. Part of the Little Cinema screenings at the Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street, Pittsfield. 7 p.m. (413) 443-7171. Sunday, Jan. 11 Music Jeffry Folmer, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. The Sunday Musical Brunch, live performances with brunch at the Starving Artists Creperie & Cafe. 40 Main Street, Suite 2, Lee. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (413)394-5046. Willie Watson, the former Old Crow Medicine Show frontman performs with special guest Mark Mandeville and Raianne Off the Map with Joan Ackermann, Berkshire Museum hosts a screening of the film and a discussion with Ackerman Jan. 8. The Berkshire View | January 2015 17 Richards. At the Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center Street, Northampton. 7 p.m. (413) 586-8686. Monday, Jan. 12 Music Jazz with Andy Wrba and Friends, the jazz musician performs with rotating guests featuring some of the county’s best musicians. At Mission Bar and Tapas, 438 North Street, Pittsfield. 8 p.m. missionbarandtapas.com. Mary Ann Palermo performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Other Spoken Work and Poetry, a blend of poetry, story telling and spoken word performances at the Good Purpose Gallery, 40 Main Street, Lee. 6:30 p.m. (41#) 394-5045. Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, a movie event featuring the Tim Burton classic starring Paul Reubens. At the Palace Theater, 19 Clinton Avenue, Albany, N.Y. 7 p.m. (518) 465-3334. My Old Lady, Kevin Kline plays a down-onhis-luck New Yorker who inherits his estranged father’s appartment. Part of the Little Cinema screenings at the Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street, Pittsfield. 7 p.m. (413) 443-7171. Tuesday, Jan. 13 Music Tom Corrigan, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Mission Open Mic Nights, open to all hosted by Jordan Franklin at Mission Bar and Tapas. 438 North Street, Pittsfield. 8 p.m. missionbarandtapas.com. Open Mic Night, at Bogies Steak and Ale. 935 South Main Street, Great Barrington. 9 p.m. (413) 528-5959. Purple Pub Open Mic, live performances. 65 Spring Street, Williamstown. 8 p.m. (413)458-0095. Latin Night, hosted by DJ Alexavier and DJ Chico. At the Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center Street, Northampton. 10 p.m. (413) 586-8686. Comedy Low Down Comedy Open Mic, At the Low Beat, 335 Central Avenue, Albany N.Y. 7 p.m. (518) 432-6572. Other Tuesday Night Trivia, test your skills during Trivia night At Mazcots. 490 Pittsfield Road, Lenox. 8 p.m. (413) 499-1101. Poker Night, Texas Hold ‘Em at The Brickhouse. 425 Park Street, North Housatonic. 7:30 p.m. (413) 275-0020. Texas Hold ‘Em, free poker night at the Route 63 Roadhouse. 32 Federal Street, Miller Falls. (413) 659-3384. Wednesday, Jan. 14 Music David Reed, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Jeff Daniels with the Ben Daniel Band, the star of HBO’s Newsroom shows off his music chops on tour with his son’s band. At the Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center Street, Northampton. 7 p.m. (413) 586-8686. Other Trivia Night, at The Brick House Pub. 425 North Housatonic Street. 6 p.m. (413)274 0020. 18 The Berkshire View | January 2015 Other Trivia, test your knowledge at the Mill Town Tavern Trivia Night. 16 Depot Street, Dalton. 8 p.m. (413) 684-0900. Drag Bingo, with host Kandi Korn with prizes up to $200. At Rumpy’s Tavern at the Village Inn, 16 Church Street, Lenox. 9 p.m. (413) 637-0020 ex. 385. Trivia Night, at The Brick House Pub. 425 North Housatonic Street. 6 p.m. (413)274 0020. Trivia, test your knowledge at the Mill Town Tavern Trivia Night. 16 Depot Street, Dalton. 8 p.m. (413) 684-0900. Drag Bingo, with host Kandi Korn with prizes up to $200. At Rumpy’s Tavern at the Village Inn, 16 Church Street, Lenox. 9 p.m. (413) 637-0020 ex. 385. Thursday, Jan. 15 Music Cosby Gibson, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Picky Bastards, a local musician collective performing folk, rock and americana tunes hosted by Dave Brown and Chris Merenda. At Mission Bar and Tapas, 438 North Street, Pittsfield. 8 p.m. missionbarandtapas.com. 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) 5532214. Friday, Jan. 16 Music The Malibu Brothers, performing live at the Rainbow Restaurant. 109 First Street, Pittsfield. 7:30 p.m. (413) 553-2214. The Highland Band, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 9 p.m. (413) 298-5545. DJ Stylus and DJ Sen-Gee, the two local DJs spinning hip hop, R&B, Reggae and more at the Underground Pub at Crowne Plaza. 9:30 p.m. (413) 553-2214. Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, performing with The Sexual Reptiles at Club Helsinki Hudson. 405 Columbia Street, Hudson, N.Y. 9 p.m. (518) 828-4800. Rev Tor Solo, infectious melodies and improvised from the one-man band. At Mazcots. 490 Pittsfield Road, Lenox. 2 p.m. (413) 499-1101. Karaoke, At Uncle Larry’s Tavern. 71 Chester Road, Becket. 9 p.m. (413) 623-8711. Open Mic, at Bounti-Fare Restaurant and Catering. 200 Howland Avenue, Adams. 7 p.m. (413) 743-0193. Other Doctor Zhivago, a special screening of the 1965 David Lean film starting Omar Sharif, Julie Christie and Geraldine Chaplin. At the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington. 7 p.m. (413) 528-0100. Saturday, Jan. 17 Theater Lehar’s “The Merry Widow”, a special screening of the Met Opera Live in HD performance starring Renee Fleming. A lecture with Scott Eyerly will be held prior to the performance at 11 a.m. At the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington. 1 p.m. (413) 528-0100. Thursday, Jan. 22 Music Photo contributed Acclaimed actor Jeff Daniels shows off his music talents on tour with his son when Jeff Daniels and The Ben Daniels Band comes to The Iron Horse in Northampton on Jan. 14. Music The Piper Hopkins Duo, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 9 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Albany Symphony Orchestra, a classical concert with a program of Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony. At the Palace Theater, 19 Clinton Avenue, Albany, N.Y. 7:30 p.m. (518) 465-3334. Jeff Folmer, singer, songwriter and guitarist performs. At Mazcots. 490 Pittsfield Road, Lenox. 2 p.m. (413) 499-1101. Sunday, Jan. 18 Music Eric Erickson, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. The Sunday Musical Brunch, live performances with brunch at the Starving Artists Creperie & Cafe. 40 Main Street, Suite 2, Lee. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (413)394-5046. Monday, Jan. 19 Music Joe Bonamassa, the guitar virtuoso performs a show with his live touring band and solo to feature rare, vintage, organic and oddball instruments. At the Palace Theater, 19 Clinton Avenue, Albany, N.Y. 8 p.m. (518) 465-3334 Jazz with Andy Wrba and Friends, the jazz musician performs with rotating guests featuring some of the county’s best musicians. At Mission Bar and Tapas, 438 North Street, Pittsfield. 8 p.m. missionbarandtapas.com. Tom Carroll, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Tuesday, Jan. 20 Music Art Steel, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Open Mic Night, at Bogies Steak and Ale. 935 South Main Street, Great Barrington. 9 p.m. (413) 528-5959. Purple Pub Open Mic, live performances. 65 Spring Street, Williamstown. 8 p.m. (413)458-0095. Latin Night, hosted by DJ Alexavier and DJ Chico. At the Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center Street, Northampton. 10 p.m. (413) 586-8686. Other Tuesday Night Trivia, test your skills during Trivia night At Mazcots. 490 Pittsfield Road, Lenox. 8 p.m. (413) 499-1101. Poker Night, Texas Hold ‘Em at The Brickhouse. 425 Park Street, North Housatonic. 7:30 p.m. (413) 275-0020. Texas Hold ‘Em, free poker night at the Route 63 Roadhouse. 32 Federal Street, Miller Falls. (413) 659-3384. Wednesday, Jan. 21 Music Robin O’Harin, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Picky Bastards, a local musician collective performing folk, rock and americana tunes hosted by Dave Brown and Chris Merenda. At Mission Bar and Tapas, 438 North Street, Pittsfield. 8 p.m. missionbarandtapas.com. DJ I.T.S., performing at Bogies Steak & Ale. 935 South Main Street, Great Barrington. (413) 528-5959. Jeff Gonzales, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. 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. Friday, Jan. 23 Theater Noche Flamenca’s Antigona, a flamenco intpretation of the text and themes in Sophocles play. At the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington. 8 p.m. (413) 528-0100. Other Monday, Jan. 26 Sunday, Jan. 25 Jazz with Andy Wrba and Friends, the jazz musician performs with rotating guests featuring some of the county’s best musicians. At Mission Bar and Tapas, 438 North Street, Pittsfield. 8 p.m. missionbarandtapas.com. Sandy and Sandy, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Stockbridge. 9 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Cabin Fever Caberet, The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus will perform its wintertime tradition for month cabarets featuring cicus, theater, comedy and musical entertainers. At Club Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia Street, Hudson, N.Y. 9 p.m. (518) 828-4800. Theater “Swan Lake”, a presentation of the Boloshoi Ballet in HD of the timeless classic. At the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington. 1 p.m. (413) 5280100. Music Music Saturday, Jan. 24 Music Helado Negro: Island Universe Story, bilingual musician Roberto Carlos Lange performs his new musical/visual project in development with eight musicians including Mikael Jorgensen of Wilco, members of the William Onyeabor Atomic Bomb Band and Marc Ribot’s band. At the Hunter Center at Mass Moca. 87 Marshall Street, North Adams. 8 p.m. (413) 662-2111. Bruce Mandel, live performance at Rainbow Restaurant, 101 First Street, Pittsfield. 7:30 p.m. (413) 443-0002. Nico Wohl Quartet, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Low Down Comedy Open Mic, At the Low Beat, 335 Central Avenue, Albany N.Y. 7 p.m. (518) 432-6572. Other Tuesday, Jan. 27 Tuesday Night Trivia, test your skills during Trivia night At Mazcots. 490 Pittsfield Road, Lenox. 8 p.m. (413) 499-1101. Poker Night, Texas Hold ‘Em at The Brickhouse. 425 Park Street, North Housatonic. 7:30 p.m. (413) 275-0020. Texas Hold ‘Em, free poker night at the Route 63 Roadhouse. 32 Federal Street, Miller Falls. (413) 659-3384. Lehar’s “The Merry Widow”, an encore screening of the Met Opera Live in HD performance starring Renee Fleming. A lecture Wednesday, Jan. 28 Theater Why choose Brockman? Music Grahm Sturz, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Other We simply give our very best to every client, every time. Trivia Night, at The Brick House Pub. 425 North Housatonic Street. 6 p.m. (413)274 0020. Trivia, test your knowledge at the Mill Town Tavern Trivia Night. 16 Depot Street, Dalton. 8 p.m. (413) 684-0900. Drag Bingo, with host Kandi Korn with prizes up to $200. At Rumpy’s Tavern at the Village Inn, 16 Church Street, Lenox. 9 p.m. (413) 6370020 ex. 385. Your goals are our only priority and your satisfaction is our only measure of success. Thursday, Jan. 29 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. We listen to you and will provide you with personalized service based on knowledge and experience. 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 Members of: Music DJ Stylus and DJ Sen-Gee, the two local DJs spinning hip hop, R&B, Reggae and more at the Underground Pub at Crowne Plaza. 9:30 p.m. (413) 553-2214. Bev and John, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 9 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Karaoke, At Uncle Larry’s Tavern. 71 Chester Road, Becket. 9 p.m. (413) 623-8711. Open Mic, at Bounti-Fare Restaurant and Catering. 200 Howland Avenue, Adams. 7 p.m. (413) 743-0193. Blue Light Trio, Rainbow Restaurant, 101 First Street, Pittsfield. 7:30 p.m. (413) 443-0002. Comedy duPont REGISTRY berkshiresforsale.com 413-528-4859 [email protected] at 276 main street, great barrington with farm & home quality American-made goods & gifts Music The Adams Brothers, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Picky Bastards, a local musician collective performing folk, rock and americana tunes hosted by Dave Brown and Chris Merenda. At Mission Bar and Tapas, 438 North Street, Pittsfield. 8 p.m. missionbarandtapas.com. 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. Friday, Jan. 30 Music Benefit for the Environment, sponsored by the Berkshire Environmental Action Team with performances by Sandy McNight & the Idea and Matchbox Architects. At Fairways at the A, 303 Crane Avenue, Pittsfield. 2 p.m. (413) 442-3585. Oakes and Smith, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. The Sunday Musical Brunch, live performances with brunch at the Starving Artists Creperie & Cafe. 40 Main Street, Suite 2, Lee. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (413)394-5046. Community Music Space, presenting their young performers showcase, featuring some of the areas most talented young musicians. At Club Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia Street, Hudson, N.Y. 6 p.m. (518) 828-4800. with Scott Eyerly will be held prior to the performance at 11 a.m. At the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington. 1 p.m. (413) 528-0100. Music Christopher John, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 8 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Latin Night, hosted by DJ Alexavier and DJ Chico. At the Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center Street, Northampton. 10 p.m. (413) 586-8686. Open Mic Night, at Bogies Steak and Ale. 935 South Main Street, Great Barrington. 9 p.m. (413) 528-5959. Purple Pub Open Mic, live performances. 65 Spring Street, Williamstown. 8 p.m. (413)458-0095. Jeannie and John, performing at the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn. 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. 9 p.m. (413) 298-5545. Rob Sanzone, performing his energetic and powerful set. At Mazcots. 490 Pittsfield Road, Lenox. 9 p.m. (413) 499-1101. Saturday Jan. 31 Music The Concert that Never Was, two great classic rock coverbands, Who Art You and American Zeppelin perform the rock and roll icons greatest hits at Fairways at the A. 303 Crane Avenue, Pittsfield. 8 p.m. (413) 442-3585. Mike McMann, performing everything from classic rock to bluegrass and more. At Mazcots. 490 Pittsfield Road, Lenox. 2 p.m. (413) 499-1101. The Berkshire View | January 2015 19 `Music ` Music Mogul in the making launches off Brandyn ‘Lefty’ King Powell is making his move to be the go-to media man of the Berkshires. By Tom Casey I f you’re looking to break out in the Berkshires’ music scene, you have to call Lefty. Brandyn “Lefty” King Powell, 26, is Pittsfield’s go-to guy for everything from recording to video shoots to photography. He’s a one-man media empire doing it all out of his home. “I want to be a one-stop shop for musicians,” said Powell. “Everyone needs a video, everyone needs beats, a press kit, promotion. Anything you need you can get it done all in one spot ... you can come to me and get it done.” ►► Powell Lefty is well known has become in the Pittsfield Pittsfield’s music scene as the go-to music guy to call when producer you’re trying to get an album together. Powell runs Lefty’s Frozen Moments, a photography and videography company as well as Pilots Club Music Group, a hip-hop collective where he produces and records songs. Powell has been working with local artists in the area for years, and has turned his home into the epicenter of his media company. But before he became a fixture in the scene, he took his first steps into music, thanks to his older brother. “My brother was a DJ around town; I’ve always loved music but he was the reason I wanted to start doing it on my own,” he said. “I used to love watching him do it.” He started making music with his friend Chandler Lynch. The two put some money into at-home recording equipment and started offering to record for other local artists. “I was sick of paying other people, I could just use my own stuff and then make it back on top of that, I had my man [Lynch] so I knew we had people that would have gotten use out of it, and then making money to get use out of it.” Powell said it was Lynch who encouraged him to really put the money into getting new, top of the line equipment. The entrepreneur put more than $14,000 in equipment and converted his basement into a recording studio. “We had the computer [setup] but really building a studio was based off [Lynch]. He made me really want to fully put the money into this,” said Powell. “We 20 The Berkshire View | January 2015 were making a little buzz with the little bit he’d be mad I wasn’t doing it, but I had to step back.” equipment we had so if we could get the equipment to put us further that the people Powell turned his focus and energy to producing other musicians, building who have already made it we could have his business from the ground up. Powell, did something, he was really the one who with an interest in graphic design and eye pushed me to do it.” for photography, began studying programs But as the two were ready to make and techniques to expand what he offered their big leap, tragedy altered their plans. to include more multimedia. While at a friends house, just following a “Online you can find anything so session at it was like going to Powell’s home, Lynch school for free. I was died from a gunshot to going 24/7 and I studthe head. “No matter what ied everything, but “He was messing you do in life, you that’s how I look at it. with a gun and it hit him right in the head ... right will never know how No matter what you in life, you have to in front of me,” said good you are unless do give it your all. You Powell. “We had just you give it your all.” will never know how left here, not even 20 minutes before that.” Brandyn “Lefty” Powell good you are unless you give it your all. “ The accident made While the Powell step away from projects are a passion, they are not simply recording his own music. a hobby. Powell does it all while raising “I got stuck, I stopped doing my own two kids and working a fulltime job at a music, and started doing it for others, He paper mill. He routinely will pull 14-tosaid. “It was me and him forever and It 15-hour days to keep up production on his felt weird to try and do anything without media business as a means to continue to him so I took a break from that ... I know Tom Casey Brandyn “Lefty,” King Powell at work in his studio in Pittsfield. Powell put $14,000 into equipment and software to convert his basement into a recording studio Lefty’s Frozen Moments Brandyn “Lefty,” King Powell with CoCo Austin; actress, model and wife of Ice-T; at a photo shoot on New Year’s Eve. provide for his family. But the long days can prove challenging. “Time management is big, there are some days where I have so much that I think ‘how am I going to fit all this in, but it also inspires me to go even harder,” he said. “If you don’t love what you’re doing why do it.” The hard work has paid off, Powell has worked with many of the areas musicians, with about 15 performers consistently coming in to his studio, and more putting him at the top of their list for all his services primarily through word of mouth endorsements, including internationally acclaimed fashion designer Indashio. “I have to give a big shout out to Indashio, he’s been great getting my name out there,” said Powell. “Ever since I worked his F.A.M.E. walk event he’s been getting my name out a lot ... I’m going to be doing one of my first celebrity shoots for CoCo, Ice T’s Wife, and that is all because of Indashio.” With bigger names turning to Lefty, his push into media mogul is getting stronger, but he still wants to be a place for artists in the area to come and record as long as they are will to put in the effort. “There is really no one out here, shooting with the same quality or equipment I have, so I’m here for the people that invest in themselves,” he said. “If you are willing to put the money up I’m definitely willing to help.” He also wants to highlight the region through his videography work. Powell is currently working on a documentary “The Campaign,” about local musicians, DJ’s clothing designers and models and has plans to for a feature length film covering the different music of the region. “I want to do a short film that features of a bunch of different types of music with a storyline in the film but with real artists doing their songs,” he said. “Something to show everyone and bring it all into one place about the music aspect of Massachusetts.” Ultimately, Powell said he wants to help spur collaborations between the different music scenes in the area. “I want to bring people together and make good music, “ he said. “Even if I’m just in the background, that is something that will generate something good for all of us. That’s a good project to get involved with that can generate a whole scene out of it.” Lefty has also expanded beyond music with his photography, shooting everything from weddings to birthdays through his website facebook.com/leftysfrozenmoments. “Everywhere, every turn I am there trying to make it,” he said. As for those looking to follow in his footsteps, he said they need to be dedicated. “Believe in yourself, you have to believe you can do it,” he said. “Be all the way, 100 percent into it if you are going to do it.” The Berkshire View | January 2015 21 `Live ` Music 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 `local ` bands 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 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. Not to mention the shows he plays with J.P. Murphy, an Irish band formed by his father in 1991. This summer you can catch him Sunday nights from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Purple Pub in Williamstown hosting a local open mic. Website: reverbnation.com/patrickgray 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. 438 North Street Pittsfield missionbarandtapas.com 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 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 The Best Albums of 2014 A year filled with fantastic follow-ups By Tom Casey T here was a lot to digest in 2014: exciting debuts but a consistent trend of incredible production from established artists seemed to be the theme of the year with great follow up albums from both new leaders of the music scene to the return of influential acts. St. Vincent - St. Vincent. This was yet another incredible year for Annie Clark and her beautifully weird music, following up to her brilliant 2011 release Strange Mercy with the tremendous self titled album. Clark said she opted for the self title because it was “so clearly represents the sound I’ve always sought.” The album certainly reflects that with a perfect balance of her operatic hymnal vocals interlaced with churning schizophrenic guitar work and soaring electronica. Where 2012’s Strange Mercy was heavily 22 The Berkshire View | January 2015 dosed in synths, Clark, who has quietly become one of the best and most interesting guitarist in music today, pushed the guitar back to front and center with songs like Regret and Birth in Reverse that churn with fuzz and power. Ironically, one of the album’s stand outs, Prince Johnny, is almost completely lacking the instrument. Start to finish this is an album that will not leave you surprised as to why its been at the top of so many “Best of,” lists this year. Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 2. This album has been the talk of music blogs since it dropped in October. The breakout sophomore effort from rap duo Run the Jewels, El-P and Killer Mike, is a masterpiece of modern hip hop. Its packs a heavy punch with a vibe that features hints of early 90s hip hop sampling with modern EDM and electronic sounds. The group even unearths former Rage Against the Machine front man Zack De La Roca for one of the albums stand out tracks “Close Your Eyes.” Real Estate - Atlas. The third release Photos contributed Clockwise from top: St. Vincent, Run the Jewels, Real Estate and Wye Oak were at the top of the pack for the best albums of 2014. Whiskey City 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, from the surf rockers picks up where their 2011 triumph Days left off. While the album doesn’t take any wildly new turns from their previous efforts the list the music is warm, upbeat and an enjoyable ride from throughout. Wye Oak - Shreik. A hallucinating journey with the Baltimore rockers feels like it was meant as a score to Alice in Wonderland (pardon the Pink Floyd reference.) with Jenn Wasners vocals hauntingly distant and cavernous running to what its title suggests. The band goes more synth heavy for a dreamy album that is one of 2014’s best. TV on the Radio - Seeds: In a year that saw new music from a few familiar faces of the early aughts NYC indie scene TVOTR’s Seed’s was easily the best. The follow up to 2011’s Nine Types of Light, Seeds is the bands first after bassist Gerard Smith’s death from lung cancer, and has the feel of a band soldiering on with another solid album. Warpaint-Warpaint: Another triumph for female rockers came from these indie rockers out of Los Angeles. Their second full-length album shifts in style that 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. This summer they are kicking off the Lenox concert series and will be on other stages across the county all summer long. Website: whiskeycityband.com Email: [email protected] 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. His wealth of performance experience lends him the ability to connect with audiences spanning a multi-faceted scope: from intimate and poignant solo performances to momentous full-blown commanding vamps with his rock band, the Tony Lee Thomas Band. This summer you can find the band playing shows at the Dreamaway Lodge and many other great local venues. Website: tonyleethomas.com Phone: (413) 218-8307 Booking information: shannon@ wickedcoolproductions.com but builds upon their shoegaze and psychedelic infused sound reminiscent of “Turn on the Bright Lights,” era Interpol. Honorable mentions Thom Yorke - Tomorrow Modern Boxes. Coming in at 8 tracks it’s more EP than album, but there are some great ideas and sounds coming from this album that make the wait for the highly anticipated 2015 Radiohead album that much more excruciating. Bonus points given for Yorke’s use of bittorrenting the album and continuing his attempt to carve a new path in how music is shared from artists to fan. Shakey Graves - And the War Came. A newcommer to the indie folk scene, his mix of country blues and psyche folk has gotten people’s attention. The album is far from perfect, but with songs like Dearly Departed showcasing Alejandro RoseGarcia’s talents as a singer and guitarist, it’s certain you will be hearing more from this artists in 2015 and beyond. Taylor Swift - 1989. Say what you will about the pop star, but the girl can sing a hook with some incredibly catchy hits that will eventually drive you insane by this summer. Katherine Winston Americana Katherine Winston is an Americana singersongwriter from Lenox who grew up listening 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. This winter you will find her locally at the Lion’s Den, Market Place Café and many other venues throughout the county. Website: reverbnation.com/ katherinewinston Email: [email protected] 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 Email: [email protected] 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 Email: [email protected] Photos contributed 2014 featured great follow-up releases from, Clockwise from top, TV on the Radio, Shakey Graves, Warpaint and Thom Yorke. The Berkshire View | January 2015 23 `Theater ` Jacob’s Pillow is already gearing up for a jampacked summer on its stages By Kameron Spaulding I t maybe the middle of winter, but Jacobs Pillow is kicking off the New Year by looking forward to this summer. Following the critical acclaim and record-breaking attendance of Festival 2014, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival announces a new season of exciting activity. Highlights of Festival 2015 include Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host, a special dance and radio stage production starring public radio’s Ira Glass; the return of Nederlands Dans Theater 2; the U.S. debut of Gauthier Dance//Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart from Germany; the world premiere of American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Daniil Simkin’s INTENSIO; Cuban contemporary ensemble Malpaso Dance Company, performing with GRAMMY Award-winning pianist and composer Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra; and the launch of Martha Graham Dance Company’s 90th Anniversary, including a world premiere by eminent choreographer Mats Ek. “Festival 2015 delivers a remarkable range of dance from ballet to tap, music from classical to jazz, brand new works commissioned by the Pillow, and the most astonishing performers in the world,” comments Ella Baff, Executive and Artistic Director of Jacob’s Pillow. “We start the season with Ira Glass’s Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host and the reopening of the Jacob’s Pillow Archives as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of public access and a major expansion of its home, Blake’s Barn. We end with a celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Martha Graham Dance Company, a world premiere by Mats Ek, and the up and coming company MADboots Dance. Quite a range indeed.” Live music is prevalent throughout the season and will be featured in performances by Jessica Lang Dance, Dorrance Dance, Daniel Ulbricht and Stars of American Ballet, Daniil Simkin’s INTENSIO, La Otra Orilla, and Malpaso Dance Company. Jacob’s Pillow is committed to presenting and commissioning new work; Festival 2015 features many world premiere engagements including Daniil Simkin’s INTENSIO and Martha Graham Dance Company in VED by Mats Ek, plus premiere works by La Otra Orilla and Ricardo Graziano of The Sarasota Ballet. Many Festival 2015 artists have developed work during Creative Development Residencies at Jacob’s Pillow, including Jessica Lang, Michelle Dorrance, Annie-B Parson, and Jonathan Campbell and Austin Diaz of MADboots Dance. 24 The Berkshire View | January 2015 `Film ` The artist faculty members of The School at Jacob’s Pillow are equally international and diversely experienced. The 2015 Program Directors include esteemed ballet luminary Anna-Marie Holmes; Ailey School and Juilliard faculty member Milton Myers; ►► Highlights Broadway veteran, include new choreographer, and director Chet Walker; shows and and New York Dance GRAMMY winners and Performance (“Bessie”) Awardwinning choreographer and artistic director Camille A. Brown, with scholar and artist E. Moncell Durden. The Program Directors will be joined by dance artists, choreographers, and artistic directors from across the globe. The Ballet Program roster includes Ballet BC Artistic Director Emily Molnar; BalletX co-founder and co-Artistic Director Matthew Neenan (who will create a new work on the dancers of the Ballet Program); and Hungarian National Ballet Director, ballet master, and dancer Tamás Solymosi. Contemporary Program Director Milton Myers brings a celebrated range of guest choreographers including 2013 MacArthur Fellow and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award-winner Kyle Abraham; 2013 Guggenheim Fellow Brian Brooks; and Emily Molnar. Myers will also lead a diversely talented faculty, including LeeSaar The Company Artistic Director Saar Harari; former Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Hamburg Ballet soloist Peter Brandenhoff; former choreographer for Les Ballets Trocadero de Monte Carlo Pamela Pribisco; 2007 Princess Grace Award recipient Meredith Webster; and Juilliard School faculty member Alphonse Poulin. Additional faculty will be announced in the spring. A major expansion of Blake’s Barn, home of the Jacob’s Pillow Archives, will be completed by June of 2015, adding more than 700 square feet to the Reading Room and effectively tripling space for both public access and climate-controlled storage. The expansion coincides with the 20th anniversary of public access to the Archives, which houses one of the most significant collections on the dance field, including books, letters, costumes, photographs, and films from as early as 1894 through the Pillow’s most recent Festival. On average, 22,000 visitors attend talks and exhibitions in Blake’s Barn each summer, and additional visits by scholars, artists, and the general public take place throughout the year. The new Reading Room will feature additional space for the extensive dance library and new visitor reading areas, additional HD video viewing stations, and a dedicated area for small groups to gather for communal video viewing. The lower floor of Blake’s Barn will increase by 1,200 square feet to accommodate additional archival storage and documentation workspace. Jacob’s Pillow will celebrate the re-opening of Blake’s Barn with a ribbon cutting and other festivities onJune 23. Prior to the Festival, Jacob’s Pillow and MASS MoCA will present Keigwin + Company at MASS MoCA’s Hunter Center, April 11 and 12. Witty, fun, and provocative, choreographer Larry Keigwin’s dances merge high art with pure entertainment. This program includesWaterfront, inspired by the drama of Leonard Bernstein’s score for “On the Waterfront”; the vigorous, precise dance Triptych; and Panic, Larry Keigwin’s first new solo in 10 years. Tickets available at massmoca.org. Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival announced a new season of exciting activity to fill the stages in 2015. Photo contributed `Must ` See The Best Films of 2014 Looking back at an interesting, if scattered, year Tak3n (January 9) Liam Neeson returns as CIA operative Brian Mills in the third and final installment of the globetrotting action franchise. By Shea Garner D espite the sheer amount of sequels and remakes that ended up being released this year, 2014 produced an impressive amount of original films. While franchise fodder like “Captain America,” “Godzilla,” and “The Hobbit” proved entertaining; it was the small-scale releases that tended to dazzle, offering intriguing performances and unique storytelling. It’s a sign that audiences are still hungry for original content and musters some semblance of hope for the year ahead. The following ten films are not ranked and listed alphabetically. The Babadook Jennifer Kent’s debut film is genuinely scary. It’s the first horror film since ►► A few last year’s “The films shined Conjuring” to through as the years deliver on both a best storytelling and atmospheric level. Kent expertly portrays the supernatural connection between a woeful widow and the monster that haunts her adolescent son. Birdman This film soars, thanks to stellar performances from Michael Keaton and Emma Stone. As former stars of big-budget superhero movies, Keaton and Stone are the perfect candidates to help director Alejandro González Iñárritu orchestrate this scathing critique of the current state of Hollywood. Boyhood Richard Linklater’s nostalgic snapshot of growing up in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s is quite possibly the best film of the year. Filmed in increments over the course of 12 years, “Boyhood” is truly revolutionary filmmaking and features an award-worthy supporting performance from actress Patricia Arquette. Calvary This overlooked gem is, from a cinematographic standpoint, one of the most breathtaking depictions of rural Ireland in recent memory. Brendan Gleeson succeeds at portraying a noble priest who must face a humanized version of the seven circles of hell in this darkly comedic character study. Fury David Ayer directs Brad Pitt, Logan Lerman, Shia LeBeouf, Michael Pena, and Jon Bernthal in this captivating WWII thriller set almost entirely inside of an M4A3E8 Sherman tank. The film captures the true horrors experienced and inflicted upon both U.S. and German troops with unabashedly raw honesty. Blackhat (January 16) Michael Mann (Heat, Collateral) directs Chris Hemsworth in this thriller about a hunt for an elusive cyber criminal. Photo contributed ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (top) and ‘Fury’ were two of the biggest hits of 2014. The Grand Budapest Hotel Wes Anderson’s latest is his most Wes Anderson-y Wes Anderson movie to date. In his best work since 2001’s “The Royal Tenenbaums,” the titular director crafts an intriguing tale of European murder and mystery and extracts an excellent performance from leading-man Ralph Fiennes. The Guest This campy surprise from newcomer Adam Wingard, director of recent horror hits “V/H/S” and “You’re Next,” pays tribute to the synth-laden action thrillers of the 1980s. Dan Stevens is terrific as a mysterious, recently discharged soldier who decides to terrorize a small, Midwestern family. Interstellar Matthew McConaughey continued his run as the hottest leading man in the industry with this timely Christopher Nolan project. The special effects, score, and epic scope of “Interstellar” harkened back to the glory days of blockbuster cinema by inspiring a childlike sense of wonder and awe. Locke Tom Hardy’s one-man performance in “Locke,” taking place entirely in the inside of his character’s car, rivals Michael Keaton for the best of the year. Director Steven Knight’s use of the confined setting only adds to the film’s sense of urgency, as the secretive plot points are unveiled. Nightcrawler This examination of modern news media is the most telling satire of American culture since 1976’s “Network.” Jake Gyllenhaal lost almost 30 pounds for his role as a hungry freelance video journalist who may or may not be a complete and utter sociopath. It’s wildly entertaining. Still Alice (January 16) Julianne Moore eyes an Oscar for her portrayal of a doctor with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. The Berkshire View | January 2015 25 `Weekend ` Warrior `First ` Taste The clone wars By Kollin Kozlowski C remant is a term, used in France’s AOC system, that categorizes sparkling made in any other region besides Champagne. The production methods are exactly the same as Champagne but often using local grape varieties (Pinot Blanc in Alsace, Chenin Blanc in Loire, not necessarily Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier or Pinot Noir like in Champagne. This year the Berkshire Tasting Panel members chose a Cremant as our first ever “Celabratory Sparkler”. After blind tasting over 25 Sparkling wines, we eventually picked La Maison du Cremant Cremant de Bourgogne Brut (Chardonnay & Pinot Noir) to represent our top value in sparkling wine under $20 retail. What exactly where we looking for? Frankly….a Champagne clone. This sparkling Brut stood head and shoulder above the competition. On the nose there were distinct aromas of roasted nuts, baking bread and vanilla bean. The palate was not the explosion of bubbles like in the rest of the field, but a fine bead of persistent bubbles delivering a lacy, delicate, caressing creamy sensation. The generous complexity of flavors dazzles us, notes of lemon meringue pie, cookie dough and roasted nuts were inviting us back for another sip. The finish was longer than expected, especially with a wine in this price range, retaining the acid backbone keeping this sparkler fresh and exciting. Sparklers are not just for toasts of special occasions, they make a wonderful aperitif with creamy brie, a fantastic match to fresh seafood or even dessert courses. Affordable Family Fun Close To Home! Make your 2015 resolution to visit these great spots E ven after a wild New Years Eve you still need great places to visit all month long. No matter how cold it gets this January these bad boys are pouring what you need to stay nice and warm. From Michaels to the south all the way to the fine cocktails up at PUBLIC. South County 1. Gypsy Jive 38 Bridge Street, Great Barrington 413.644.8928 $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: save online at: Ski Butternut | 380 State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230 26 The Berkshire View | January 2015 central county 1. Thistle & Mirth 44 West St, Pittsfield 413.344.4335 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. If you have $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 none brew drinkers in you crowd, a nice touch. 2. Michaels 2. Sideline Saloon 5 Elm St, Stockbridge 413.298.3530 4 Great Ways To Save 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. 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. 3. Moe’s 25 Frank P Consolati Way, Lee Moe’s Tavern has been recognized by The New York Times as being an essential, downto-earth destination in the Berkshires. 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. 413-684-0900 16 Depot Street Dalton, MA www.MillTownTavern.com fresh pizza • award winning wings 1/2 pound angus burgers • full bar Sunday: 12-9 • Mon-Wed 4-9 • Thur-Sat 11:30-10 CRAFT BEER FANS! 8 new taps with locally brewed Craft Beers! Try Big Elm from Sheffield, Glass Bottom from Lee, Berkshire Brewing from So. Deerfield plus others. We now have 20 beers on tap! WING SUNDAYS! 50¢ Wings PLAN YOUR EVENT SPECIALS! WITH US! DAILY Pasta • Fish n’ Chips Steaks • Salads Wings • Burgers Pizza • And More! Anniversaries Birthdays Retirement Reasonable Rates! Call & see what we have to offer! 20 DRAFT BEERS FOOD AVAILABLE TO GO! KENO • 9 TVs • ATM • WIFI The Locker Room Sports Pub Family Friendly KITCHEN OPEN 11AM - 10PM • 7 DAYS A WEEK 243-2662 ROUTE 20 • 232 Main Street, Lee, MA www.lockerroomsportsbar.com The Berkshire View | January 2015 27 `Eat ` FLO’S DIner New year, new eats Breakfast Keep an eye out for these spots in 2015 Call Ahead for Convenience By Shea Garner and Rick Forbes Monday thru Saturday 9:30 am – 7:30 pm • Closed Sunday [email protected] 413-528-9720 Red Apple Butchers brings farm-raised mantra to Dalton organics co-op Full Deli Board Menu Fresh Soups & Salads Store Roasted Deli Meats Fresh Prepared Deli Salads Party Platters, Sandwich Trays & Catering Chef Prepared “Grab & Go” Entrees & Soups J ames Burden and Jazu Stine are two true crusaders of the natural food movement. As the co-owners and sole proprietors of Red Apple Butchers, a new noseto-tail butcher .........shop located in the Berkshire Organics co-op market on Dalton Division Road, the duo has taken upon themselves the onerous task of reintroducing the somewhat antiquated, yet no less rewarding, art to the local food community. Operating on a unique supply-meetsdemand system, the butchery sources pasture-raised animals from farms in Williamstown, Cummington, and New York State, among others. Their featured products include cured meats, deli items, stocks and rendered fats, as well as traditional cuts of pork, beef, and poultry. “It’s a constantly evolving thing,” said Stine of their offerings. “It always changes. There’s an ebb and flow to the system.” Stine and Burden initially wanted to source the entirety of their meat selection from one farm when they opened up shop in April of this year. That idea was quickly crushed, but the variety of options from local farmers proved lucrative moving forward. “For us, diversification has been awesome,” said Burden. “If we can get great product from different farmers we can support more businesses that way.” Burden moved to the area after spending some time on active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard. He worked as a chef for various inns and restaurants and even ran the kitchen at Pittsfield’s popular Mission Bar + Tapas for a number of years. “This is a great thing cause it allows you to be an active member of the food community without staying up until one in the morning,” he said of the profession. Stine graduated college with a degree in sculpture and found himself cooking here in the Berkshires after a brief artistic stint in New York City. The duo finalized the lease for the shop in February after Brian and Aleisha Gibbons, owners of Berkshire Organics, reached out and encouraged them to join their growing food movement. “They saw an opportunity for this to become not just another convenience store,” said Burden of the co-op. “Being attached to the grocer next door gets us traffic that’s very positive for us. They already developed a customer base that’s ready to go for good food.” 28 The Berkshire View | January 2015 • Tanglewood Baskets • Taking orders for Pies, Cheesecakes, Happy Cakes & More! Visit us online at www.MartyAndJims.com “Where We Build Berkshires’ Best Sandwiches” served All dAy LUNCH stop In & Checkout DaILY sPeCIaLs our extensive HoMeMaDe Desserts Daily Specials Breakfast & Lunch VeGetarIaN MeNU Menus 75 North Street Central Block 1245 West Housatonic St. 1245 West Housatonic St. (Rt. 20) • Pittsfield Pittsfield, MA 01201 Route 20, Pittsfield ph: 413-236-5671 413.442.3567 413.442.3567 fax: 413-236-5933 Mon-Fri 6:30am - 2:30pm • Sat 7am - 2:30pm • Sun 7am - 1:30pm Wings • Pasta • Soups • Sandwiches • Salads Steak • Chicken • Veal • Pasta • Seafood Full Bar & Several Beers On Tap Gift Certificates Available ~ Former Owners of Jill’s Restaurant ~ Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm Sat 7am-2:30pm • Sun 7am-1:30pm www.onarollcafeandcatering.com 370 Pecks Rd., Pittsfield (413) 236-5727 Open Daily 11 am - Midnight RESTAURANT The Best Breakfast In The Berkshires! Shea Garner Red Apple Butchers owners James Burden, right, and Jazu Stine advocate for the natural food paradigm shift by supplying the local community with pasture raised live stock in their butchery in the Berkshire Organics Co-op market in Dalton. According to Burden, Red Apple Butchers caters to foodies and those who want to eat local and clean with a low carbon footprint. Their grass-fed meats, typically found in only specialty stores and farmers markets, contain no hormones or antibiotics. “Pasture-raised is inherently better. The fat that a cow will produce from that type of cuisine will be better for you by proxy of eating it,” he said. “People end up saying things like ‘that’s what pork used to taste like when we were growing up.’” The shop continues to see new customers daily, some traveling as far as Vermont for things like sausage, short ribs, and beef shanks. The duo even recently prepared 200 turkeys to meet their first-time Thanksgiving orders. “We can at least provide a light in the dark for people that do care just so they have options,” said Burden. “A lot of what we’re doing is just bringing back old methods and teaching people proper cooking again.” Red Apple Butchers is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Butchers are available for custom cuts Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call (413) 442-0888 or visit www.redapplebutchers.com. Bagel & Brew to undergo major expansion in 2015 LENOX — The popular home of both bagels and craft beer in town, Bagel & Brew, will expand on the beer part of the business this summer. They will be taking over the recently vacated space next door, that used to house That’s A Wrap, for the new side of Brew. Coming in the summer they will open an outdoor brew garden and tavern menu that will feature wings, burgers, salads and more. The current location will continue the focus on breakfast and lunch, featuring their bagels. The expanded bar and restaurant will be on the backside of the same building and will reopen the well-known outdoor space behind it that has long been known as one of the best outdoor dining locations in central county. Our Daily Bread joins space in Gorham & Norton’s GREAT BARRINGTON — The popular Chatham, N.Y. bakery Our Daily Bread is coming to the Berkshires. As of Jan. 16, the shop will fill the space vacated by The Daily Bread Bakery inside corner marketplace Gorham & Nortons on 278 Main Street. The flagship location in Chatham opened in offers homemade breads and pastries as well as a sister site deli and cafe also in the Columbia County town. P.S. Italian Bistro opens GREAT BARRINGTON — A new Italian bistro will be filling the space at the former Route 7 Grill on South Main Street in Great Barrington. In a post on the Route 7 Grill’s Facebook page, the restaurant announced the launch of the P.S. Italian Bistro under the direction of head chef Christophe Jalbert. The bistro will feature handmade pastas and farm-to-table dishes. The Preservation Society will remain at the location which features a raw bar and charchuterie selections as well as three and five course meals. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. six nights a week, and is closed closed on Tuesdays. • 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 Friday January 9 Sean Callaghan & John Culpo | 7:30 pm Wednesday January 14, 21, 28 Peter Primamore Jazz Duo | 7:30 pm Friday January 16 Malibu Brothers | 7:30 pm Friday January 23 Blue Light Trio | 7:30 pm Saturday January 24 Bruce Mandel | 7:30 pm NEVER A COVER CHARGE! OPEN 7 DAYS • EAT IN OR TAKE OUT • ONLINE ORDERING • SUNDAY 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 The berkshires’ alternative newspaper The Berkshire View | January 2015 29 `enjoy ` the view 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 • Deadlines 15th of the month before that month’s issue • Submitting your ad EMAIL: [email protected] FAX: Fax copy to 413-528-9449 MAIL: P.O. Box 868, Great Barrington, MA 01230 SALES REPS SALES REPRESENTATIVES Oak N’ Spruce is currently seeking money Oak N’ Spruce Resort is aResorts Vacation Ownership Company providingpositive quality vacation experiences motivated Sales reps with excellent for families throughout the world.people skills. INCREDIBLE CAREER OPPORTUNITY! Job Title: Sales Representative SALES REPS BRING US YOUR TALENTS AND WE WILL OFFER YOU: Position: Full Time Paid Training • Earnings of $50-$100k Vision, Medical and Dental • 401k Benefits Oak Spruce Resorts currently seeking positive money WeN’ see 300-500 clientsiseach week and growing! No cold calling… Requirements: The ideal Sales Representative is an excellent communicator with a No phone calls…and the best part is our clients come to us! reps with excellent skills. hospitality motivated and customerSales service mindset. You must bepeople 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! 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 No phone calls…and the best part is(required) 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 outdoor pools, fitness center, movie 190 Meadow St. | South Lee, MA 01260 • Monthly bonus 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 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 NOW HIRING The Wahconah Warriors played in the MIAA Division IV championship game on Saturday, December 6 at Gillette Stadium. james grady MARTIAL ARTS START-UP SPECIAL 3 months of unlimited classes + free uniform $ 149 The ZenQuest Martial Arts Center is the oldest martial arts school in Berkshire County, originally founded as the Okinawan Karate School in 1972 as a dojo for Uechi-Ryu Karate. The school has since expanded to include other martial arts, and currently provides instruction in Okinawan Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Hybrid Self-Defense, Boxing, Wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts and Kobudo/ Classical Weapons for both adults and children. 55 Pittsfield-Lenox Road, Lenox, MA 01240 (413) 637-0656 76 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 1201 Apply directly online at www.unitedpersonnel.com or call 413-449-5050 for more information. `real ` estate BERKSHIRE The berkshires’ alternative newspaper wheeler & taylor realty company mill river $724,000 Commercial #00024 Wheeler & Taylor 413-528-1006 413-298-3786 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 middlefield $325,000 #00077 Wheeler & Taylor 413-528-1006 413-298-3786 sheffield $120,000 #00018 Wheeler & Taylor 413-528-1006 413-298-3786 stockbridge $295,000 #00021 Wheeler & Taylor 413-528-1006 413-298-3786 sheffield $285,000 #00026 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 The Berkshire View | January 2015 new marlborough $999,000 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 berkshiresforsale.com 30 new marlborough $598,000 MLS #208698 Barnbrook Realty 413-528-4423 barnbrookrealty.com monterey $310,000 2008 private home Wm. Brockman Real Estate 413-528-4859 berkshiresforsale.com great barrington $729,000 Beautiful contemporary Wm. Brockman Real Estate 413-528-4859 berkshiresforsale.com monterey $275,000 Antique colonial Wm. Brockman Real Estate 413-528-4859 berkshiresforsale.com The Berkshire View | January 2015 31 BEDDING & FURNITURE OUTLET YEAR END CLEARANCE SALE QUEEN SETS Starting At 299 $ RECLINERS Starting At 239 $ 5-PIECE DINING SETS Starting At 399 $ 50 OFF $ Purchase of $499 or more. Limit 1 coupon per person. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must be presented at time of sale. Expires 1/31/2015. BERKSHIRE MALL, LANESBOROUGH, MA Mon-Sat 10am-9pm • Sun 11am-6pm 32 The Berkshire View | January 2015 BEDDING & FURNITURE OUTLET (413) 445-8800