Edited by Laura Rogers-Castro.
Please send notices for Now Hear This! to editor@sandisfieldtimes.org

Stardust: The Perseids Are Coming! on Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Sandisfield Arts Center. Astronomer Carol Ivers will delve into the world of stars as seen from Earth. The Perseid meteor shower is an annual, prolific celestial event, usually peaking around August 12 and 13 with up to 100 bright, swift meteors per hour. For tickets to the program, visit sandisfieldartscenter.org. Free.

Worship Service on Sunday, August 9 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the New Boston Congregational Church located on Route 57. Stay for fellowship after the service. All are welcome. For more information and to view the calendar, visit newbostoncongregationalchurch.org.

Stardust: The Perseids Are Here! On Wednesday, August 12 beginning at 8:30 p.m. at the Sandisfield Orchard on New Hartford Road. Bring repellent, blanket, and binoculars if you have them.

Daniel Manacher Prize for Young Artists Reception on Sunday, August 16 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A showcase of the winners of the 2025 and 2026 Manacher Prize for Young Artists. Free.

Clam River Hike on Wednesday, August 19 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. sponsored by the Osher Livelong Learning Institute and Berkshire Natural Resources Council. Participants will hike the Wolf Tree Trail and the northern loop of the trail system. Follow the top of the ridge above the river in a dense hemlock grove. Hikers will park at Town Hall and carpool to the Hammertown trailhead. Registration berkshireolli.org opens August 3 at 9:00 a.m. It is strongly recommended to bring hiking poles and wear good hiking shoes.

Fabulous Fridays: Open Mic Series on Friday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sandisfield Arts Center on 5 Hammertown Road. Seasoned performer or just starting out, share your talent! Music, poetry, comedy or whatever. Or just come and enjoy some live entertainment. Performers should arrive 15 minutes early to sign up. Donation.

The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market on Saturday, August 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Sandisfield Arts Center on 5 Hammertown Road. Book talk with celebrated historian and Harvard University professor Naomi Oreskes examines the enduring myth advanced by business elites and media allies to promote hostility to "big government" and faith in unfettered markets. Visit sandisfieldartscenter.org for tickets. $20, with limited $10 tickets for community members.

The American Story in Song-A Program by Jon and Li Waterman on Saturday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sandisfield Arts Center on 5 Hammertown Road. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Sandisfield Cultural Council. Visit sandisfieldartscenter.org for tickets. Free.

Worship Service on Sunday, August 30 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the New Boston Congregational Church located on Route 57. Stay for fellowship after the service. All are welcome. For more information and to view the calendar, visit newbostoncongregationalchurch.org.

Poetry Reading with Amy Dryansky and Hannah Fries on Sunday, August 30 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Sandisfield Arts Center on 5 Hammertown Road. Visit sandisfieldartscenter.org. Free.

RECURRING EVENTS

A Farm and Garden Show alternates Bill Taylor and Jaye Alison Moscariello's interviews with pioneers in regenerative, organic, or permaculture growing with a pair of Tom Christopher's Growing Greener shows. Hosted by Sandisfield folks! Every Monday 10-11 AM live streaming and available anytime up to 2 weeks after the stream under Programs at berkshireradio.org.

Sandisfield Select Board Meetings are currently through Zoom and in-person at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays unless otherwise posted. Please visit sandisfieldma.gov or call 258-4711 for information.

Playgroup on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Otis Town Hall. Sponsored by South Berkshire Kids. No pre-registration is necessary. Led by Nina Carr. This fun program includes free play, crafts, stories, and songs! A great time to meet up with friends and meet new friends! For confirmation of dates, please call Nina Carr (258-3314). Free!

Coffee Hour on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. at the Council on Aging, Town Hall basement. Snacks and conversation! For more information, contact Nina Carr (258-3314). Free.

Chair Yoga with Wendy Larsen on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. at the Old Town Hall at 3 Silverbrook Road, sponsored by the Council on Aging. For more information, contact Nina Carr (258-3314). Free.

Food Pantry on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Sandisfield Library, lower level. Donations of non-perishable food items can be dropped at the library during regular library hours.

SAVE THE DATE

"Not Your Ordinary Yard Sale" on Saturday and Sunday, September 18-19, at the New Boston Congregational Church as a fundraiser. The 2nd Annual Church Yard Sale.

Sandisfield's Annual Pig Roast, on Saturday, September 19, at 5:00 p.m., at the American legion Hall, Rt. 8 in New Boston. Sponsored by Recreation Committee.

Oktoberfest, on Saturday, October 3, from 12:00-4:00 p.m., at Looking Glass Gardens, Dodd Road.

Birds of Prey, on Saturday, October 11, Looking Glass Gardens, 10:00 a.m.

EVENTS IN SURROUNDING TOWNS

COA Coffee Social every Monday at 9:00 a.m. at the Tolland Public Safety Complex. Open to all Tolland residents and those of neighboring towns. Coffee, pastries, and good company! Free.

Sunset Music Series & Car Cruise every Thursday evening in August from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the VFW on 104 South Canaan Road in North Canaan. Food, cars, motorcycles, music, and fun.

Great Barrington Farmers Market every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on 18 Church Street in Great Barrington. Produce, baked goods, food vendors, crafts, and music.

New Marlborough Farmers Market on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the Village Green. Farm bounty, baked goods, handmade items, on other offerings.

Kids' Fishing Derby on Sunday, August 8 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery on Hatchery Road in Monterey. Open to children ages 13 and under. Learn to fish and compete for prizes. No child goes away empty-handed.

Ice Cream Social for Children on Sunday, August 9 at Chesterwood in Stockbridge. In partnership with High Lawn Farm featuring story time with children's book authors, lawn games, and ice cream. Free to all attendees!

Desperate Catskill Mountain Boys-Outdoor Concert on Saturday, August 22 at 5:00 p.m. at the Monterey Community Center. Featuring Monterey resident Marshall Messer on blues harmonica alongside a talented ensemble, the band explores original and traditional ballads, blues, and rock. Bring a chair. Free.

Eric Martin & Jon Suters Live on Sunday August 23 at 2:30 p.m. outside under the tent at the Monterey Community Center. Live acoustic music with guitar and fiddle. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free.

Greg Glassman Quartet-Live Jazz on Saturday, August 29 at 6:00 p.m. under the tent at the Monterey Community Center. Jazz trumpeter Greg Glassman alongside other seasoned performers. Bring a lawn chair. Free.