“…The Berkshires are dreamlike on account of that frosting…”

By Ann Claffie

January 2008

James Taylor couldn’t have written a more apt description –dreamlike– for a Berkshires winter in his song, “Sweet Baby James.” I often play his Greatest Hits cd in my car while commuting to our Adams office, singing along like a band member. Stepping into the new year 2008, I must admit the Berkshires quite simply is spectacular all dressed up in white. Whether viewing the forested landscape surrounding Mount Greylock or powder-coated farm fields in nearby Dalton and Hinsdale, I have a feeling this is going to be one Berkshires winter not to be forgotten. It’s unbelievable!

This flurry of excitement is forcing the kid in me to want to be outdoors making a snowman in our yard or enjoying snow-tubing on Bumble Bee hill behind Crosby Elementary School, Pittsfield. If I feel like going Mach speed—my son Robert, and some of his buddies might persuade me to enjoy a multitude of “yahoos” with a trip to nearby Clapp Park or Osceola Park (both located just off Route 20, West Pittsfield), favorite sites for “sledders and tubers.” It’s a blast!

 For the cultural scene, I’m marking our family calendar for a trip to The Clark in Williamstown on Sunday, Jan 20.  Their traditional Family Day program, set for 12 p.m., will focus on a series of paintings of the English Countryside from their newly acquired Manton Collection. This free family afternoon includes English-style art-making with sheep mobiles and tea sachets, a film and "make your own" high tea. There will even be a shepherdess with her sheep on the Clark's grounds. 

Another outstanding January event is America’s celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, traditionally honors King with a family program, “I Have a Dream" Community Celebration.

That reminds me, the Berkshire Museum will be closed for construction from January 1 through March 28, 2008. During this time Phase II of the renovation project, which includes the long-awaited installation of a climate control (HVAC) system, the museum will present several public programs at other locations in Pittsfield. So, on Monday, Jan 21 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Ave., Pittsfield we’ll listen to readings from King's "I Have a Dream" speech and watch a performance by Youth Alive step dancing and drumming troupe. 

“Mom, I remember seeing them in the 4^th of July Parade!  They rock!” 

(Son Robert likes to imitate their drumming and cool moves.)

As I map out our month of activities, I see that Pittsfield’s Annual Winter Carnival, a tradition for 63 years, has moved its usual January activities into February. So, we’ll keep an eye on the calendar for Family Day, held on Feb 2 at Burbank Park’s Controy Pavilion.  Additional weekend carnival activities will take us through into March.

“Hey Mom, Maybe we can also go to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail sometime this winter and try our new snowshoes? And after, maybe we can stop at Burger for a shake and b — corn dog on a stick! Gotcha Mom!”

I think January will also be the best time for me to slow down.  I am going to take advantage of a day pass at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Lenox, and simply indulge myself with inner peace and a total renewal of mind and spirit. A body massage or warm oil treatment would be perfect. 

I’m also tempted to check out the programs at Rhythms in Lenox. Some of their dance classes feature Caribbean and African dance.  (I’ve never done either.) Also, the Native American Meditation with Fidel Moreno beckons to me for rejuvenating my spirit.

 Ah yes, I can’t think of a better way to welcome 2008.