Coffee in hand, Great Barrington? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Fairview Hospital's Parkinson's Class and 1 more event.
Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. 10 Dirt-Cheap Day Trips In The Berkshires, Massachusetts That Are Worth Every Penny This Summer (takingthekids.com) — Two of the cheapest summer escapes on this Berkshires list sit right in Great Barrington: the downtown Housatonic River Walk and Monument Mountain's classic hike. Both offer big scenery for little more than parking and gas, pairing riverfront strolling and Main Street browsing with historic views from the same peak once climbed by Melville and Hawthorne.
2. Sheffield: Activities, kiosk unveiling to celebrate Elizabeth Freeman (berkshireeagle.com) — This Saturday's Elizabeth Freeman Walk to Freedom culminates in Great Barrington with the unveiling of a new storytelling kiosk at Town Hall on Main Street. The day begins with a 4-mile walk from Sheffield's Ashley House, followed by tours, music, food, and a guided hike at Bartholomew's Cobble. Local residents are invited to preregister for tours and learn more online.
3. Tax Exemption Cases Lead the News (jdsupra.com) — A recent tax dispute over Simon's Rock College has big implications for Great Barrington, as the Select Board revoked Bard College's property-tax exemption after classroom teaching stopped, triggering bills over $250,000. While locals still use the athletic center, the campus is now assessed at $63 million and listed for sale. The article also compares a Pennsylvania case that could guide other nonprofits with multiple parcels.
4. Pia Mary Catherine Guerra Bellinger, 93, formerly of Mill River (theberkshireedge.com) — Great Barrington-area readers are remembering Pia Mary Catherine Guerra Bellinger, a Housatonic native and longtime Mill River resident whose arrangements are being handled through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home on Main Street in Great Barrington. Known for her church work at Christ Trinity in Sheffield, her baking, gardening, and devotion to family, she died August 17 at age 93.
5. Great Barrington Public Theater's last play of the season, 'Yellow Wallpaper 2.0-2020,' reinterprets classic short story for pandemic era (theberkshireedge.com) — Great Barrington Public Theater wraps its 2026 season this Saturday with "Yellow Wallpaper 2.0-2020" at Saint James Place, reimagining the classic story through a pandemic-era lens. The production follows a new mother confronting postpartum depression and patriarchy, with Cloteal Horne in the lead and artistic director Judy Braha at the helm. Locals can find showtimes and tickets on GBPT's website.
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Ok Great Barrington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
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