MAIN STREET NEWS
Scrolling through the endless feeds of Instagram or TikTok is an easy way to pass some time, but there’s a growing body of research that suggests it’s doing far more harm than good. A recent study, published in JAMA Network Open – a monthly open access medical journal published by the American Medical Association – not only details the clear benefits from taking a social media detox, but also suggests that the benefits can be felt in as little as a week.
“True self-care isn’t about grand gestures – it’s found in small intentional moments,” says Tricia MacKenzie, the founder of Feel Good Haus in Great Barrington, MA. Prior to opening Feel Good Haus at 38 Railroad Street, Tricia was balancing a full-time career as a marketing executive, parenting two children, and being the primary caregiver for her terminally ill elderly parents – all at the same time. Life became a “relentless cycle” of doing things for others, with no space to pause or recharge.
Happy December! The holidays are right around the corner, and like many others, we have also been busy gift shopping for all of our loved ones. We've done research on some of the best affordable, local gifts, reached out to local business to share their recommendations, and even included some of our favorites, too! Happy shopping + happy holidays!
Just in time for the holiday season, new independent imprint Galpón Press has published a new deluxe edition of The Woodcutter’s Christmas, by Brad Kessler and Dona Ann McAdams. Set between the serene beauty of winter in Vermont and the streets of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, The Woodcutter’s Christmas explores the contrast between the slow rhythm of nature and the high-energy culture of society.
And while loving the thought of more dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, mice, gerbils, or whatever creatures great and small are in need of permanent homes come Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, etc., skeptics express concern that once the holidays end, the novelty of a new animal could wear thin, and those pets might wind up back where they came from, or worse.
With the holidays rapidly approaching, there are so many parades, markets, and other events coming up across the region. Though this is not a comprehensive guide, I’ve rounded up as many parades, markets, light shows, and other holiday events happening in the surrounding areas.
A few years ago, health publications all over were reporting that the ideal daily step count was 10,000. While not completely unattainable, getting 10,000 requires some serious dedication for those who drive to work and then sit at a desk for eight hours or so each day. Good news for those who have a hard time working periods of walking in during their day – new research suggests that you can get fewer than 10,000 steps daily and reap the same benefits.
Warren Street’s beloved design shop, FINCH, has officially ushered in a new chapter with the launch of its first signature products.
Verse Work / Shop in Red Hook, NY, will be presenting Daryl K: I Am My Muse, the first exhibition dedicated to Daryl Kerrigan, the founder and principal designer of the iconic Daryl K fashion brand.
In honor of Photographer Appreciation Month in October, we’re highlighting some of our local photographers. Get to know more about Steven Howard Photography below!


