250TH CELEBRATION JULY 27-29

In typical small-town fashion, Sandisfield will host a weekend-long celebration featuring an old-fashioned country fair complete with pie-eating contest, three-legged race, craft demonstrations and a host of vendors, refreshments and entertainers.  All are welcome to join in the fun starting Friday evening, July 27 and running through Sunday afternoon, July 29.  Most activities take place at Carr Field on Route 57 in Sandisfield (Look for the big red barn at 47 Sandisfield Road).

Sandisfield is Berkshire County’s largest and most rural town with a vital history that has just been documented in a 528 page book called “Sandisfield Then & Now: 1762-2012.”   Copies of the book and other 250^th commemorative keepsakes will be available during the celebration weekend.

Festivities kick off at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening, July 27 at the Sandisfield Arts Center with “Rascals and Others,” a community theatrical production that dramatizes the “real story” of Sandisfield.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 14 and under.  Following the performance, Sandisfiield’s own Lewis family, owners of Berkshire Fireworks, will put on a fitting display at Carr Field.

On Saturday, July 28 at 9 a.m., local and regional dignitaries, school children, soprano, Jean Atwater-Williams, and the American Legion will lead the community in commemorative speeches, the pledge of allegiance, the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, and the raising of the flags.  Sandisfield resident, Reverend Donald Peet, will give the invocation. 

Following the fair on Saturday, Sandisfield’s Fire Department will host a BBQ at the American Legion Pavilion followed by a dance featuring Connecticut rockabilly band, Harm’s Way.

On Sunday, the fair continues with the addition of Yankee Street Rods’ Classic Car Show. Some of the many events planned during the weekend include an open house at local farms, walking tour of the New Boston Cemetery, and a Clam River ramble led by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council.  A complete schedule of activities is located online at www.sandisfield.info.

SANDISFIELD HISTORY BOOK COMPLETED

Sandisfield Then & Now: 1762-2012, a hefty history of the Town of Sandisfield, is now available, just in time for the town’s 250^th birthday celebration in July.

The author of the book, Ron Bernard, spent over two years working day and night to complete the project for this anniversary year.  In true Sandisfield fashion, much of the community was involved in the making of this impressive tome.   Over 100 “founding sponsors” supported the project with donations while a committee of residents and contributing authors met monthly to discuss content, fundraisers, and marketing.  Two dozen residents and second homeowners volunteered their time to proofread and hundreds of residents met personally with the author to share stories and photographs. 

A brief review of the Table of Contents shows nearly 200 pages devoted to general history with chapters on everything from dance halls, stagecoaches, and taverns to subjects unique to Sandisfield such as the Suicide Hill ski run, famous residents, and the Baptist Church turned orthodox Synagogue (now the Sandisfield Arts Center).  Another 300 pages cover each section of town and the historic houses within, as told through the people who lived there throughout the centuries.  Maps, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia can be found among the hundreds of historic photographs.  Images from more recent times are laid out for comparison, aptly illustrating the “then and now” concept.

The book was edited by local historian, Bernard Drew, and designed by local artist, Tina Sotis.  Copies are available for $40 while supplies last.  Visit www.sandisfieldthenandnow.org or call (413) 269-0012 to order.  

Happy Birthday to Us!

NEW BOSTON INN HOSTS 250TH CELEBRATION

“Great party” was the phrase of the afternoon, much to the delight of organizers from the 250^th Anniversary, history book, cookbook and Sandiswall committees.  The day itself was a gift -- brisk and clear with plenty of sunshine.  News of our ‘little town’s big anniversary’ appeared in The Berkshire Eagle, The Berkshire Record and the Advocate, while closer to home, email reminders went out to residents along with a copy of the Proclamation issued by Governor Patrick’s office. 

People started gathering at the red, white & blue festooned New Boston Inn at 4pm, glad to see their neighbors out and about after a long, but not-so-hard winter.  In true small-town fashion, a bounty of hors-d’oeuvres appeared to complement the giant sheet cake adorned with a 250^th anniversary logo designed by Fred Swartz.  Barbara Colorio, the Inn’s owner, graciously served hot coffee and retrieved stack after stack of dessert plates for the 100 or so people who showed up in honor of our “Sestercentennial.”

Ron Bernard, author of the soon-to-be-published history book, read the Governor’s proclamation with great aplomb and was acknowledged by rousing applause.  He repeated his new act an hour later for the 2^nd and 3^rd wave of visitors.  Meanwhile, little girls in dresses, who had consumed way too much sugar, were bouncing delightfully around the room and brave seniors sought out chairs to rest or hold court in.  Norton Fletcher got a surprise when Sylvia German’s son, Steve, and his wife, Lorraine, generously donated the historic Sears Family Tree (framed) to the Sandisfield Historical Society.  It has to be seen up close and in person to be appreciated for its complexity and detail. 

Richard Migot documented the event with his camera and Kathy Jacobs used her i-phone to record the reading of the Proclamation which she hopes to post on Facebook if she can find a teenager to assist.  Eventually, photos of party antics will be posted online where you will see everything from Selectmen Barrett and Gray mugging for the photographer to Fire Chief, Ralph Morrison, with 4-year old Alice Barrett glued to his hip.  We even sang “Happy Birthday to Us!” -- And made a wish for fabulous weather during the July celebration.

Kudos to my fellow committee members Kathy Jacobs, Linda Riiska, Barbara Cormier, Bethany Perry and Ron Bernard for putting on a heartwarming event, and to the other committees for their enthusiasm and participation:  Josephine & Barry Freedman, Theresa Bills, Maxene Kupperman, Don Peet, Bob Royce, Laurie Green, Steve & Lorraine German.   Special thanks to Laura Castro who donated the guest book but who could not be with us as she was manning the polls for the Presidential Primary at Town Hall.   -- Liana Toscanini (Photo: Richard B. Migot)

March 6: Happy 250th Birthday Sandisfield!

SANDISFIELD, MA – The official date of Sandisfield’s 250^th birthday is March 6, 2012.  To celebrate, the town’s 250^th birthday committee is hosting an open house at the historic New Boston Inn (The oldest continuously run inn in Berkshire County).  The public is welcome between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.  to enjoy cake, coffee and a reading of the  Proclamation issued by Governor Patrick’s office to mark the occasion.

Sandisfield was still a “howling wilderness” in 1694, but that was precisely the reason this land became one of four Housatonic Townships shaped by Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1735. Boston powers saw settlement as the best way to improve the roads, diminish Indian attacks, and improve commerce with Albany.  Farming families filtered in sufficiently by the 1750s that the town was incorporated on March 6, 1762. Township No. 3 became Sandisfield, in honor of Samuel Sandys, Lord Sandys, who in 1761 was made first Lord of Trades and the Plantations.  (See photo below)

The Town of Sandisfield will host a three-day celebration July 27-29 featuring an opening ceremony, country fair, classic car show, colonial encampment, children’s games, demonstrations, a cookout and dance.  The town’s historical society produced a commemorative cookbook called “Sandisfield Eats,” featuring 270 recipes, old photos, memoirs and other historical material.

Another commemorative project in the works is the publication of a 500-page history book authored by Sandisfield resident, Ron Bernard, with editorial contributions from many residents and local historian, Bernard Drew. 

For more information about the town-wide celebration visit www.sandisfield.info.

A NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT IN SANDISFIELD

On Saturday, December 10^th at 5pm, an assortment of performers will take the stage at the Sandisfield Arts Center in celebration of the holiday season.  Revelers include entertainers Jeffrey Folmer and Karl Finger, Berkshire Pulse dancers, a trumpet solo, an original story by local author, Val Coleman, and even a glow-in-the-dark Hula Hoop number. 

Now in its ninth year, “The Holiday Extravaganza” features plenty of audience participation including the singing of traditional Christmas carols.  In fact, “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” was written in 1849 by Pastor Edmund Sears, a native of Sandisfield. 

Admission to the Holiday Extravaganza is $5 for adults, with children under 14 admitted free.  Traditional holiday refreshments will be offered at intermission.  The Sandisfield Arts Center is located on Hammertown Road off Route 57 in Sandisfield.  For information and directions visit www.sandisfieldartscenter.org. (Jeff Folmer pictured above)   Photo:  Richard B. Migot

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TINA SOTIS EXHIBITION MIRRORS HER EXTRAORDINARY YEAR

Painter, Tina Sotis, presents “Year of Grace,” an exhibit of new paintings at the Sandisfield Arts Center on Saturday, November 5^th from 3-5 P.M.

Her first exhibition in four years, Sotis’ work evokes mystery, personal transformation and introspection.   She explains that the title of the show, 'year of grace,' and the body of new work “….is a summing up of an extraordinary year of pushing my boundaries, exploring the world and reaping the inner rewards of taking those risks."

Artist and fellow Sandisfield resident, Susie Crofut, praises Sotis’ unfailing sense of color, soft evocative brush strokes and extraordinary imagination which both sooth and provoke.  Artist, Larry Zingale, is also a fan of Sotis’ style stating, “The work is always sparse, uncluttered and therein lies its purity and power.”

The Artist Reception and exhibit are free to the public.  “Year of Grace” will be on display through December 10.  The historic Sandisfield Arts Center building is located on Hammertown Road off Route 57 in Sandisfield.  For directions and information visit www.sandisfieldartscenter.org.

Photo:  "Clarity" 4'x4' oil on Canvas, Copyright 2011 Tina Sotis

BECOME A SPONSOR OF THE HISTORY BOOK

The research and writing is almost done for “Sandisfield Then and Now: 1762-2102,” a history book being produced in celebration of the Town’s 250^th birthday next year. There is a wealth of information out there including wonderful old photos, facts and anecdotes. We know you will cherish the 500-page hardcover book full of historic images as well as stories of our industries, famous and infamous people, and old homes, to name just a few of the topics covered.

Right now, we need your help to fund the final stages of the book. We hope you will consider becoming a FOUNDING SPONSOR at one of these three categories:

Silver Sponsor $100 – your name will appear at the beginning of the book as a founding sponsor

Gold Sponsor $200 – Your name will appear in the book and you will receive a signed and numbered copy of the book

Platinum Sponsor $500 – your name will appear in the book, you will receive a signed and numbered copy of the book, and 40 limited edition Sandisfield postage stamps.

Your tax-deductible donation is crucial in allowing us to hire a local graphic designer as well as a professional editor, Bernard Drew, who has written 30 Berkshire town histories, including the 1999 Great Barrington history. Your donation also underwrites the copying, scanning and digitizing of important historical documents for future use by all. Our other expenses include everything from copy paper, to a post-office box, to the purchase and licensing of rare photos.

The history book committee is a sub-committee of the Town of Sandisfield’s 250^th birthday committee so all checks should be made out to the Town of Sandisfield with a note specifying “history book donation.” We are indebted to the Town of Sandisfield and the Historical Society for providing assistance with this important project.

We thank everyone who has taken the time to speak with us and provide photos and stories and to our committee members and consultants as well for their dedication to this enormous project. Call Liana (413) 441-9542 or Ron (413) 269-0012 with any questions.

ICED TEA & TALK AT HISTORIC HOME JULY 30

Saturday, July 30th 3pm-5pm at 100 Silverbrook Road, Sandisfield

At the Manacher Family home, formerly the c. 1770’s Joseph Wolcott House and the residence of Madame Karinska, costume designer for George Balanchine.

Sample fare by professional chef, Adam Manacher, learn about the home’s earlier inhabitants, and stroll the beautiful gardens with views.

RSVP to Adam (617) 645-6525.

LOBSTER SUPPER FUNDRAISER FOR SANDISFIELD’S 250TH

SANDISFIELD – On Saturday, August 27, the Town of Sandisfield’s 250th Birthday Committee will host a fundraiser -- a lobster supper at the American Legion Pavilion on Route 8 in Sandisfield. Proceeds from the supper will help fund the town’s 250th celebration weekend July 27-29, 2012. The cost of the meal, which includes lobster (or ribs), corn on the cob, salad, coffee and dessert, is $25 per person. A veggie burger meal and children’s hotdog meal will be offered for $8. Reservations are required for the two seatings at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Call (413) 258-4816 to reserve.

The 2012 town-wide celebration will feature an opening ceremony and country fair with craft and food vendors, games and contests, and demonstrations of all types. Other events include a barbeque, dance, pancake breakfast, antique car show, history lecture, and talent show. Also in production – a comprehensive history of Sandisfield edited by Ron Bernard and Bernard Drew and a community cookbook organized by the Sandisfield Historical Society. For more information, visit www.sandisfieldthenandnow.org.

AWARD WINNING JAZZ PRODIGY TO PLAY BENEFIT IN SANDISFIELD

19-year-old Grace Kelly, saxophonist, composer, and Jazz artist of the year (Boston Music Awards 2008 and 2010), will entertain luncheon guests at a fundraiser for Sandisfield’s history book project on Sunday, June 26^th at Noon. Held in the nationally acclaimed rare specimen and rock gardens of the late Geoffrey Charlesworth and Norman Singer, the event features summer lunch fare, garden tour and historic talk by Ron Bernard, Sandisfield history buff and lead author of Sandisfield Then and Now: 1762-2012. The history book is scheduled for release during the town’s 250^th anniversary next year.

Speaking of Grace Kelly a few years ago, David Was of NPR said, "What if I told you that the future of jazz rested in the hands of a 16-year-old Korean American saxophonist named Grace Kelly?” Grace will be joined by jazz pianist, Doug Johnson, and trumpeter, Jason Palmer. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple with reservations strongly suggested. Proceeds from the event will help Sandisfield produce a comprehensive history of the town.

For more information or to make reservations, call Betsy Polatin at (413) 258-2820 or (617) 277-2224 during the week. For a sample of Grace Kelly’s music, visit www.gracekellymusic.com.

Sandisfield Launches Website

Sandisfield is the latest of the Berkshire County towns to develop a web site for its residents. Populated with useful information, forms and official documents for download, the site is the work of Cold Spring Road resident, Jean Atwater-Williams, and web developer, Scott Lamlein of North Forty Road Web Design. Elaine O’Brien, Patrick Barrett (Selectman), and Dolores Harasyko (Town Clerk) formed the main working committee, with early input from Chapin Fish and Bethany Perry. Many months of work have paid off in a handsome and easily navigable site with everything from upcoming events to useful links and a downloadable copy of the Town’s bylaws.

Jean Atwater-Williams owns and operates BizTech Associates, a technology consulting firm specializing in helping small businesses and nonprofits utilize computer, Internet and telecommunications technology. She is chair of the town’s Technology Committee, as well as Sandisfield’s delegate to the MBI (Massachusetts Broadband Institute) and WiredWest, the community group trying to bring state of the art broadband Internet service availability to all citizens in western Massachusetts. Jean is also President of the Sandisfield Arts Center, and webmaster for the Sandisfield Times and Sandisfield Then and Now web sites.

Scott Lamlein is the principal designer/developer of North Forty Road Web Design in Bristol, CT. A life-long commitment to the marriage of things technical with things artistic has driven his pursuit of web design, with a focus on reasonable design fees, personal customer service, and local sourcing.

Initial funding for the web site was provided by the former Sandisfield Newsletter and was approved at the annual town meeting in May 2010. After a lengthy search for web designers, including serious consideration of a popular Massachusetts group specializing in municipal web sites, it was decided that North Forty Road Web Design offered the most personal service at the best price for our tax dollars. Check out the new site at http://www.Sandisfield.info. Photo by Richard Migot.

Rare Quilt from Sandisfield Now on Display

For the first time in more than 10 years, antique quilts from the Old Sturbridge Village collection are out of storage and on display to the public in a newly opened exhibit, More Beautiful Than Any Other: Quilts from the Old Sturbridge Village Collection. Rare quilts from all over New England are featured, along with a variety of period quilted garments, including petticoats, hoods, coats, and period sewing tools and accessories.

The oldest quilt on display in the Old Sturbridge Village exhibit is a 1793 wholecloth wool quilt from the family of Elizabeth Mather of Sandisfield, Mass. At the time this quilt was made, the practice of displaying beautiful, high quality quilts demonstrated the owner’s wealth and taste. Quilts adorned beds in the best room of the house -- a room that was used for dining and entertaining as well as for sleeping.

Quilted with an allover floral vine (rococo style) with leaves and cross-hatched flowers, the quilt features a pineapple motif at center bottom. The handwritten label attached to the quilt reads, "Made by Miss Elizabeth Mather at Sandisfield Mass. in 1793. Was married to Constant Bosworth Jr. 1795 and died in Lowville NY 1811. It was then left to her daughter Elizabeth (Betsey) Bosworth who died in Cambridge Penn aged 74. Then left to her niece Elizabeth Mather Read-Spencer born in Lowville NY 1823 died in Oshkosh March 29 1908. Then to her great granddaughter Jessie Elizabeth Strand-Peck born in Oshkosh in 1861. Then to her great great granddaughter Frances Elizabeth Peck born in Chicago Ill 1894." Along the side is written "Descendent of Cotton Mather. Constant Bosworth Jr. born 1769 died 1859."

The exhibit is free with museum admission, and will be open through June, 2011. However, since the fragile quilts can be displayed only for a limited time, a new group of the museum’s antique quilts will replace those currently on exhibit in February, 2011. The overall Old Sturbridge Villager artifact collection of more than 60,000 artifacts. The museum celebrates New England life from 1790 – 1840, and is one of the oldest and largest living history museums in the country, with 59 antiques buildings, three water-powered mills and a working farm. The museum is open year round, but hours change seasonally. For details: www.osv.org ; 1-800-733-1830.

BOB IN THE TREES PREMIERS AUG 14

Dear Friends,

We are delighted to invite you to the premiere screening of our latest short film, "Bob and the Trees", Saturday August 14th at 8:30pm at the Sandisfield Art Center.

The film was shot this spring in our adopted town of Sandisfield, and narrates the daily life of Bob, a fifty year-old logger who has a soft spot for golf and hardcore rap.

The film is about 30 minutes long. We'll have a little Q&A after the screening and for those who are thirsty, we'll head down to Tucker's Pub for refreshments, afterwards.

Diego Ongaro

LOBSTER SUPPER FUNDRAISER FOR SANDISFIELD’S 250TH

SANDISFIELD – On Saturday, August 28, the Town of Sandisfield’s 250th Birthday Committee will host its first fundraiser -- a lobster supper at the American Legion Pavilion on Route 8 in Sandisfield. Proceeds from the supper will help fund the town’s 250th celebration weekend in July 2012. The cost of the meal, which includes lobster (or ribs), corn on the cob, salad, coffee and dessert, is $25 per person. Steamers will be available for an extra $5 and a children’s hotdog meal will be offered for $8. Reservations are required for the two seatings at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Call (413) 258-4688 or 413 258-4816 to reserve or obtain more information.

Other celebratory activities include a comprehensive history book edited by Bernard Drew, a community cookbook organized by the Sandisfield Historical Society, and a town-wide celebration weekend in the summer of 2012 featuring a parade, dance, and tractor pull, among other events.

Photo: Richard Migot
Caption: Steve Harasyko and Richard Campetti created their own giant lobster steamer for a Yanner Park fundraiser in 2007. They have agreed to reprise their roles for the Town of Sandisfield 250th Birthday Celebration fundraiser.

The Sandisfield Times Launches April 1

SANDISFIELD – A group of Sandisfield residents has decided the town needs a vehicle for communication and will launch a monthly newsletter called “The Sandisfield Times” in April. The mission of The Sandisfield Times is to connect the community through reliable, regular and relevant information.

Sandisfield has been without a monthly newsletter for over two years. The editors of The Sandisfield Times intend to cover serious local issues, events, history and politics as well as literature and lifestyle topics such as gardening and birding. Founding members include author, Simon Winchester and his wife, Setsuko, a former producer for NPR, as well as several other full-time residents and second home-owners. Local artist and graphic designer, Tina Sotis, will design the publication.

The Sandisfield Times is an independent, non-profit organization that will fund publication through sponsorships from regional and local businesses and residents. Speaking on behalf of the Town of Sandisfield, Selectman, Patrick Barrett, welcomed the news of the launch. Said Patrick, “We are sorely in need of a way to find out what’s going on in town and hope this publication, along with a new town web site planned for later this year, will really improve communication and bring people together.”

For more information, visit www.sandisfieldtimes.org. To listen to a four-minute piece by Simon Winchester for BBC Radio, click on http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/fooc/fooc_20100306-1219a.mp3 about 22 minutes into the broadcast. Photo of editorial team by Richard B. Migot

SANDISFIELD TO PRODUCE HISTORY BOOK

SANDISFIELD -- A committee is forming in the town of Sandisfield to guide development of a commemorative book which will honor all those who have helped shape this largely rural community from its founding in 1762 until today. Slated for completion in 2012, the town’s 250th anniversary, this comprehensive history will cover the principal institutions, historical personalities and key events that influenced everyday life through the years and created the Sandisfield we know today.

Bernard A. Drew, a highly respected and well-known local historian, will edit this book, provisionally entitled “Sandisfield Revisited: 1762-2012.” The book is intended to be the definitive historical reference for Sandisfield, preserving the heritage for future generations and fostering pride among old and new residents. The committee aims to create a high-quality product with lively text and abundant photographs to be treasured as a keepsake in every home.

The committee is seeking material for the book including histories of Sandisfield institutions, businesses, and civic groups as well as sketches about the everyday life of Sandisfield’s ‘old-timers,’ new-comers and colorful personalities. “Then and now” chapters will feature older homes, farms and distinct sections of town. Important traditions such as the roles of farming, religious communities, immigration, news events and town government will also be featured. Residents and others are requested to submit old photos of houses and people and recollections of bygone days.

If you would like to contribute photographs or family history, or are interested in being on the Commerative Book Committee, contact Ron Bernard at 413 269-0012 Ronbernard@aol.com or Liana Toscanini 413 441-9542 liana@communityaccesstothearts.org . Photo: RIchard B. Migot

CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA DECEMBER 5TH

On Saturday, December 5 at 7 p.m., the Sandisfield Arts Center will host its annual Christmas show. Now in its seventh year, the event features a wide range of performers, from toddlers in tutus dancing to the Nutcracker Suite to venerable authors and actors lending their skills to present original material or classics with class.

This year, Dawn Lane & Co. will perform “Kings Reign: Queens Rule,” a music visualization of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" in which dancers perform original sign language for each lyric of this choral work. Choreographer, Dawn Lane, is joined by dancers Lorimer Burns and Jane Goodrich in this humorous piece that includes audience participation.

Elizabeth Petty, music teacher at Farmington River Elementary School in Otis, will conduct a small choir of her students and also accompany the audience in Christmas caroling. Other performers include singer/songwriter, Jeffrey Folmer, who doubles as Executive Director of Ventfort Hall, and author, Val Colman, reading an original short story called, “Christmas in Louisiana.”

Tickets for this popular event are $5 for adults. Children are admitted free. The Sandisfield Arts Center is located on Hammertown Road off Route 57 in Sandisfield. For directions and more information, visit www.sandisfieldartscenter.org or call (413) 258-4100.

October Line up at Sandisfield Arts Center

Movies, music and art are scheduled throughout the month of October at the Sandisfield Arts Center. The historic building was once a Baptist Meeting House and orthodox synagogue, and is now home to year-round cultural and educational programming.

The Friday night film series is in full swing starting on October 2nd with Truffaut’s “Stolen Kisses.” Other films include “The Widow of St. Pierre” on October 9, “The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp” on October 16, “Bed and Board” on October 23rd, and “Focus” on October 30th. Each film starts at 7:30 p.m. and is hosted by a local film enthusiast including author, Simon Winchester, filmmaker, Diego Ongaro, and naturalist, Bonner McAllester.

On Saturday, October 3rd, the work of artist, Erica Crofut will be on display with a reception from 4pm-6pm. The art will remain in the gallery through November 1st.

Guitarist, Joel Brown, returns to the Sandisfield Arts Center on October 17th, this time with his father, Frank Brown, on clarinet. Father and son will present an evening of jazz, classical and beyond.

For more information and directions, visit www.sandisfieldartscenter.org or call (413) 258-4100.

Tina Sotis Issues 2010 Calendar

Sandisfield artist, Tina Sotis, has released a 2010 calendar featuring 12 of her paintings. The calendar measures 11x 17 when fully opened, and sports a satin cord that keeps the pages together and provides a hanging mechanism.

Tina Sotis paintings emphasize light, shadow, space and the mystery of how alone and yet how related we all are. Her work is in collections nationwide. The images selected were chosen from over 200 works created throughout Sotis’ career and represent some of her favorite paintings. “I like the idea of sharing a collection of my work in a format that everyone can afford,” said Sotis.

Calendars are $18 each†(3 or more $15 each). The calendar in its entirety is available for viewing online at www.tinasotis.com. To order, call (413) 258-8166.

SANDISFIELD CULTURAL COUNCIL SEEKS PROPOSALS

SANDISFIELD, MA -- The Sandisfield Cultural Council has set an October 15 postmark deadline for organizations, schools and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community. These grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Sandisfield and surrounding towns including exhibits, festivals, short-term artist residencies or performances in schools, workshops and lectures.

The Sandisfield Cultural Council will also entertain funding proposals from schools and youth groups through the PASS Program, which provides subsidies for school-age children to attend cultural field trips.

The Sandisfield Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

This year, the Sandisfield Cultural Council will distribute about $4,000 in grants. Previously funded projects include: Berkshire Theatre Festival and Shakespeare & Co. residencies in the schools, class trips for Farmington River Regional School children, concerts for Seniors, and support for Sandisfield Arts Center programs. The Sandisfield Cultural Council is currently seeking new members.

For specific guidelines and additional information, contact Liana Toscanini at (413) 258-4904 or liana@communityaccesstothearts.org. Application forms and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program are available online at www.mass-culture.org/lcc_public.asp. Application forms are also available at Town Hall, the library and the post office.