I've got Pownal on my mind.

I know, strange, right? It's a little town in the corner of Vermont. What's so special about Pownal?

This Saturday, July 26, the annual Pownal Valley Community Fair will be held behind the post office on Route 346, starting at 10 a.m. The fair features kids games, an exhibit hall, crafts and vendors, food for sale, horseshoe tournament and more. The day ends with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

But more personally, my daughter and I just finished reading Williamstown author Elizabeth Winthrop's "Counting on Grace," a book about a girl in the early 1900s who has to work in a cotton mill in North Pownal. The book is inspired by a

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I have had the privilege of serving on the board of directors of Berkshire Family and Individual Resources (BFAIR) for more than six years now. In that time, I have gotten to know not only how amazing this organization and its dedicated employees are but also that the sky is the limit for the individuals with disabilities BFAIR serves.

That's why I'm using this space this week to promote BFAIR's annual fundraiser, which this year comes in the form of a miniature golf tournament on Saturday, July 19, at The Range in North Adams.

First, the mission of BFAIR: "Through organizational resolve, skilled and dedicated staff, and dynamic leadership, BFAIR provides quality

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So now that we have power up here in the Northern Berkshires — for now — let's take a look at this weekend.

Actually, let's start with Friday, July 11, and if the power goes out on this event, who cares? I'm talking about Eagle Street Beach Party in North Adams, and a lack of electricity might actually enhance this event by removing the music that's always way too loud on one end of the street.

But I digress. From 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., kids are invited to come play in the more than 250,000 pounds of sand dumped on the street. There are games and contests, and the Eagle Street merchants always get in on the fun, too. The event is only held if there is no

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Get thee to a parade!

So it might rain a little. Who cares? It's Independence Day and it's un-American not to watch a parade. Your choices in the Berkshires: Pittsfield's amazing extravaganza at 10 a.m., a longer parade that marches up South Street, Bank Row, Park Place, North Street and Wahconah Street, or Williamstown's lovely little local affair at 11 a.m. on Southworth, Main and Spring streets (followed by the free community barbecue on the grounds of the Clark Art Institute, reopening Friday with a whole new look). 

Then there's the fun at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, featuring music, a community barbecue and the annual Reading of

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