Four Corners campaign
STOCKBRIDGE - The Laurel Hill Association and the Stockbridge Land Trust have launched a fundraising campaign, titled the "Four Corners Gateway Campaign," to finance the acquisition and conservation of a 57-acre property at the intersection of routes 102 and 183.
The Four Corners property includes a meadow that has been used for parking when the Berkshire Botanical Garden (located across Route 183) has its major programs. The property also contains environmentally significant woodlands and wetlands that border both sides of Larrywaug Brook from Route 102 almost to the point where the brook empties into the Housatonic River. As a whole, the property provides both scenic vistas and a habitat for rare species.
In October, Laurel Hill and the Land Trust acquired an option to purchase the property for $403,200 from the present owner, the Carmela Delmolino Living Trust. This option must be exercised by Feb. 10. When the property is acquired by Laurel Hill and the Land Trust, it will be forever protected from development. It is expected that Laurel Hill and the Land Trust will enter into an agreement with the Berkshire Botanical Garden for transfer of a portion of the property for use in support of the garden's programs.
Those wishing to support the Four Corners Gateway Campaign can send fully tax-deductible contributions - payable to either the Laurel Hill Association or the Stockbridge Land Trust - to The Four Corners Gateway Campaign, P.O. Box 24,
IS183 preview party
HOUSATONIC - IS183 Art School will hold a "Radioactive Bodega" preview party on Friday, Feb. 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Brick House Pub.
Guests will enjoy live music by John Clarke and Friends and complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages, plus the first chance to bid on and purchase fine art auction items, including jewelry and ceramics, created by IS183 Art School's faculty to benefit the school.
Each year, the not-for-profit IS183 Art School holds a festive preview party three weeks before its annual winter fundraising event, a benefit dance party and silent auction, now in its 10th year. "Radioactive Bodega" is the theme of this year's masquerade gala, known for its outrageous costumes, creative decorations and great dance music. It will be held on Saturday, March 6, at 8 p.m. at the East Coast Refinishing facility at 4 Industrial Drive in Pittsfield. Silent auction lots will include artwork by IS183 faculty and other artists, plus locally-crafted jewelry, delectable dinners, must-have objects and one-of-a kind experiences.
Dance party tickets are $50; attendees must be 21 and over. Guests may also attend privately hosted dinner parties at Berkshire County homes and restaurants preceding the dance party. Dinner and dance tickets are $150.
The preview party is free. Info: is183.org or 413-298-5252, ext. 100.
Shrine memories
STOCKBRIDGE - As the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception in Stockbridge celebrate the 50th anniversary this year of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, they have a request: If you or your family has memories of the construction of the National Shrine, please contact the Marians. They would love to hear your story as they prepare to celebrate the Shrine's golden jubilee on May 29.
The May 30, 1960, dedication ceremony, presided over by the Most Rev. Christopher Weldon, bishop of Springfield, occurred after a full decade of work, hardship, struggle and persistence. Bishop Weldon alluded to this in his homily at the dedication Mass those 50 years ago: "We know this shrine is from God. No human effort could move so far, so long, and so beautifully of its own accord."
During the 10 years of its construction, a glacial pace even by 1950s standards, the project's unofficial motto became: "Festina, lente," a Latin idiom meaning, "Hurry up, but take it easy."
The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy now attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. To share your own stories of the Shrine's construction, or if you or your family helped support the efforts in any way, please contact Carol Scott at 413-298-1118 or CMahoney@marian.org.
Otis cultural grants
OTIS - The Otis Cultural Council has selected 34 grants for 2009-10 totally $9,100.
The distribution of grants is from a pool that includes six school trips for Farmington River Regional Elementary School, five bicentennial events, 16 cultural events, four children's events, four educational workshops and two carried over from last year.
The money for the grants comes from a pool of funds distributed by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the town of Otis and fund-raising events.
One focus of this year's funding is on events geared toward Otis' bicentennial celebrations from June 11-13. Related grant recipients include Farmington River's fifth-graders' colonial reenactment; Dooley Austin Band performance; folksinger Bruce Mandel, "Otis" song with the Red Hats; 15 artisans at Otis Town Hall; historical tours by Hank Wingate; and oral histories by writer Anastasia Stanmeyer.
The annual Otis Arts Festival on July 24, with performances by Moonshine Holler, Henry the Juggler, and chainsaw carver Ken Packie, also will be supported by grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. This year's Harvest Festival, on Oct. 16, will feature the stories and songs of Davis Bates.
Two grants carried over from last year are folksinger Bruce Mandel performing at the Kiwanis Valentine's luncheon at Otis Town Hall and a Berkshire Theatre Festival performance by sixth-graders at Farmington River.
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