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

Sandisfield State Primary Election on Monday, September 1 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Sandisfield Town Hall on 66 Sandisfield Road. NOTE: In-person voting is at TOWN HALL, NOT OLD TOWN HALL.

Paper-Mache Workshop-Session 1 of 2 on Saturday, September 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Sandisfield Arts Center. Create vibrant, tactile sculptures in a fun and fast-paced workshop led by Christine Novak and Jaye Moscariello. Open to ages 12 and up, this hands-on session invites you to craft colorful 3D pieces for the "Touch Me, Gently" exhibition opening on Saturday, September 19. Wear an old T-shirt as it could get messy! This workshop is supported in part by the Daniel Manacher Prize for Young Artists. For reservations to the limited-capacity workshop, visit sandisfieldartscenter.org. Free.

Housatonic Heritage Hike on Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Sandisfield State Forest, York Lake turnoff on Rt. 57. The 1.75-mile hike will focus on wildlife habitat, forestry, and landscape-scale restoration. Learn how local forests are being restored for wildlife, healthy ecosystems, and future generations with Doug Brown (Berkshire Natural Resource Council) and Tom Ryan (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and recreation). Registration (tom.ryan@mass.gov) is requested but not required. Meet at access road off Rt. 57 marked by sign, "York Lake, Sandisfield State Forest, DCR." Park along access road to state forest.

Paper-Mache Workshop-Session 2 of 2 on Saturday, September 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Sandisfield Arts Center. See description for Session 1 above. Wear an old T-shirt as it could get messy! For reservations to the limited-capacity workshop, visit sandisfieldartscenter.org. Free.

Worship Service on Sunday, September 13 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the New Boston Congregational Church located on Route 57. This is a special anniversary service to celebrate 152 years of ministry. Stay for fellowship after the service. All are welcome. For more information and to view the calendar, visit newbostoncongregationalchurch.org.

"Not Your Ordinary Tag Sale" on Friday, September 18 (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and Saturday, September 19 (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) at the New Boston Congregational Church located on 4 Sandisfield Road (Route 57). Proceeds go toward a new roof and repairs to the belfry. Food stand with baked goods, burgers and hot dogs, popcorn, and soft drinks. "Ring the Church Bell" for a $5 donation. Antiques, jewelry, quality housewares, furniture, artwork, plants, and more.

Fabulous Fridays: Open Mic Series on Friday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sandisfield Arts Center. 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.

Touch Me, Gently, Group Show Opening Reception on Saturday, September 19 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Sandisfield Arts Center. Dolls by Susan Flex Gilbert, Touch Me, Gently invites you to experience three-dimensional art through touch. Through October 11 (open most weekends 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or by appointment, contact gallery@sandisfieldartscenter.org). Artists include Susan Flex Gilbert, Christine Novak, Jaye Alison and others. Free.

Annual Pig Roast on Saturday, September 19 at 5:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 456 in New Boston on Route 8. Live music, food. This event is free, sponsored by the Town of Sandisfield Recreational Committee. RSVP ( sandisfieldevents@recreationcommittee.info) is required so organizers can prepare for the roast.

The Poetry of Touch on Sunday, September 20 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Sandisfield Arts Center. Join local poets for an afternoon of original verse inspired by the "Touch Me, Gently" group art show. The readings will explore the themes of tactile connection, comfort, and experience. Discover how words can evoke touch, texture, and tenderness during challenging times. Poets include Phillip Benevento, Linda Storms, Hilde Weisert, Jaye Alison, Ed Lent, and Bonnie Arkin Cordova. Visit sandisfieldartscenter.org for tickets. Free.

A Hike Amongst Fall Colors at Bob's Way on Sunday, September 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Join Tom and Nancy Condon from the Naturalists Club in Springfield for this 2.5-mile hike. Gentle climbs over two ridges, through hardwood forests and wetlands. Wear hiking footwear and use a walking stick if needed. Register tomnancycondon@gmail.com for this free Housatonic Heritage hike. Meet in the Bob's Way parking lot on Route 23. 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

Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 3 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Looking Glass Gardens on Dodd Road. Free admission. Music, Food, Beer, pony and hayrides.

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.

Tolland COA Chair Yoga Series on Wednesdays through September 16 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Public Safety Complex. Free and no registration is required. For questions, please call 413-258-4794, ext. 129.

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.

Native Tree and Shrub Identification and Ecological Forestry Concepts Walk on Sunday, September 13 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Bidwell House Museum on Art School Road in Monterey. Space is limited and pre-registration bidwellhouse@gmail.com is required.

Indoor Tag Sale on Saturday, September 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on 204 West Granville Road in Tolland. 30-plus tables, food truck, and musical entertainment sponsored by the Tolland Cultural Council. For questions, call 413-258-4794, ext. 129.

Trodding on the Knox Trail-in Celebration of MA250 Anniversary on Saturday, September 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Explore a preserved section of one of the Berkshires' oldest roads and hear its stories. Meet on Brett Road in Monterey at the Swann Lodge. This is a moderately difficult, 2.5-mile hike and hiking poles are recommended. Free.