Artist, author, poet Danny Simmons work’s described as neo-African abstract expressionism, much of the work has African textiles & influences. Some of the works in this show were created while at home during the stay-at-home orders of the COVID pandemic, he threw himself fully into his studio practice to create beauty and hope during uncertain times.

Paint Where It Ain’t can be viewed at the ’62 Center for Theatre and Dance through January 29th, 2023. The building hours are 9 AM to 5 PM, every day except for during winter shutdown. The building will be closed from December 24th to January 3rd.

Locally-grown food / products /gifts: winter squash, greens, and root crops, apples, meats, cheeses, honey, and maple syrup, as well as baked goods, jams, ferments, cider & beeswax and more.  Greylock Works Mill, 508 State St (Route 2), North Adams (supported by the Williams College Center for Environmental Studies)

Donation boxes can be found at:  Amy’s Cottage — Goodman’s Jewelers — Nature’s Closet — The Print Shop Williamstown — Spring Street Market & Café — The Store at Five Corners — Where’d You Get That!? — The Williams Bookstore — Williams Shop — Williamstown Apothecary.

Local businesses are collecting these items to help our neighbors-in-need in Berkshire County:

• DECEMBER 10-16: CHILDREN & TEENS GIFT DRIVE!
• DECEMBER 17-23: MITTEN DRIVE!

Young & old, families, singles are invited to this event co-sponsored with “Strengthening Police Community Partnership Council.” FREE pizza, games, activities, hot cider!  They are also collecting items for the Williamstown Food Pantry, especially peanut butter, toilet paper, pasta.  Share the spirit at the W’town Police Station at 825 Simonds Rd, W’town.

Williams College students, faculty, staff  & community members will read traditional “lessons” from the Bible interspersed with Christmas carols and seasonal music. Students will offer A Prayer for the World and reflections on the recipient of the free-will offering. Chaplain to the College, the Rev. Valerie Bailey Fischer will offer a meditation on Luke 2.

The service, modeled on the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols first held on Christmas Eve in 1918 at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England, has been described as one that “presents the Christmas story in an ambiance of mystery, splendor, hope and joy.”  The Service of Lessons and Carols has been a beloved holiday tradition at Williams since the 1960’s.