Central Berkshire Record Show Spins Back on May 4

DALTON, Mass. — The Central Berkshire Record Show is returning on Sunday, May 4, for its fourth consecutive year. 

Hours are 10 to 4 at The Stationery Factory with VIP entry beginning at 8:30. 

This popular event has attracted music and vinyl record enthusiasts from all over the Northeast, with previous shows drawing in large crowds of music lovers looking for records, CDs and more. Food and drink including craft beverages will be available on site from Shire Tavern.

"People should think of it like a craft fair except that the vendors are all selling records, CDs, or music paraphernalia," organizer Andrew Garcia said.

Garcia, owner of Berkshirecat Records, is looking forward to this year's event and has been pleased with the growth each year.  

"We're creating a space where vinyl collectors of all ages can connect each year, share their love of music, and potentially discover new music. The vendors and DJs are top-notch and we're grateful that the Shire Tavern led by Matt Mottor and his team will be serving up food and drinks downstairs," he said in a press release.

Garcia modeled the annual event after the Northampton record show.

"It's one of the biggest in the area but it's in Pioneer Valley not in Berkshire County, so there wasn't really anything here in Berkshire County of that scale," he said. "So the goal was to start something and build it over time."

A lineup of DJs will spin music throughout the day. They include Pup Daddy Productions (Tim Dupree), DJ Ketchabone (Michael Keleher), Wes Nelson of Belltower Records, Ed Martuscello, and Ed Pelkey.

"The Central Berkshire Record Show really was an 'if you build it they will come' venture. It's always fun watching the community come together for a common purpose- the pursuit of music," Garcia said in an email. "While I organize and produce the show, it really is a team effort. Without all of the excellent vendors, DJs and the Shire Tavern, the show wouldn't be as successful."

The Stationery Factory is located at 63 Flansburg Ave. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $4, with VIP entry for $10 beginning at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, visit the Central Berkshire Record Show's Facebook page.

Community Hero: Retired Senior Volunteer Program

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:41PM / Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Administrative assistant Sherry Reardon, Director Lisa Torrey and volunteer coordinator Diane Monterosso.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For more than 50 years, generations of seniors have donated their time to community organizations in the Berkshires through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. 

 

In 2024, its 305 volunteers committed 40,699 hours across 44 stations. It is this commitment to the community that has earned the organization and its volunteers the title of April's Community Hero of the month. 

 

The Community Hero of the Month is a 12-month series that honors individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on their community. This year's sponsor is Window World of Western Massachusetts. Nominate a hero here. 

 

RSVP is a national organization, funded in part by AmeriCorps Seniors, and sponsored locally by the city of Pittsfield. 

 

The Berkshire County program provides recruitment, training, and placement of seniors ages 55 and over as volunteers. There is a wide range of opportunities to suit anyone's strengths and interests, volunteers said. 

 

The program connects seniors to to more than 40 businesses, organizations, and nonprofits throughout the county, including Hancock Shaker Village, American Red Cross, Berkshire  Athenaeum, Berkshire Scenic Railway, Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center, Greylock Glen Outdoor Center

Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, and more. 

 

State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier demonstrated that the total value of the work contributed by these volunteers is at least $800,000 per year,  if they were to calculate the 40,000 hours of service at $20 per hour, which for many is less than what the seniors made in their careers.