BCC Announce Slate of Community Programs

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Workforce Development and Community Education department at Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced several upcoming workshops open to the public.
 
Preregistration is required; to register for a workshop, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/workshops.  
 
Introduction to Golf: Wednesdays, May 29-June 26, 5:30-6:30 pm 
Christopher Polidoro, Head Golf Professional at Miraval Resorts, covers all aspects of beginning or improving your golf game. Over the course of this program, students will learn the fundamentals of golf including putting, pitching/chipping, irons, woods, drivers, and short game review. Golf clubs are available for use if students do not have their own.  
 
Cost: $150 
Location: Miraval Resorts, 55 Lee Road, Lenox 
 
TIPS Certification: Monday, June 3, 5:30-8:30 pm 
The Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) program is designed to mitigate the risks associated with intoxication, underage drinking and impaired driving. This program equips participants, particularly those in bartender/server roles, with indispensable knowledge of pertinent regulations and guidelines, thereby transforming them into adept professionals capable of fostering a safer environment for alcohol service. Brian Andrews instructs.  
 
Cost: $60 (includes book and exam) 
Location: Polish Falcon Club, 32 Bel Air Avenue, Pittsfield 
 
Introduction to Ukulele: Thursdays, June 6-August 29, 5-6 pm (no class July 4) 
Instructor Dave Brown covers basic chords, understanding how to strum, reading rhythms and standard notation, finger picking basics and other various chords, songs and fun tricks. Lessons will be archived in Google Classroom with video aids.  
 
Cost: $170 
Location: BCC, Room H201 
 
Introduction to Guitar: Thursdays, June 6-August 29, 6-7 pm (no class July 4) 
Instructor Dave Brown covers basic open chords, understanding rhythms, how to strum, riffs, the blues, finger picking basics, alt bass, and other various chords and fun tricks. Lessons will be archived in Google Classroom with video aids.  
 
Cost: $170 
Location: BCC, Room H201 
 
Theory and Fretboard Logic for Guitar & Bass: Thursdays, June 6-August 29, 7-8 pm (no class July 4) 
Have you been playing the guitar and/or bass for a while, but the neck and music in general are still a complete mystery to you? Wonder no more. Instructor Dave Brown will show you the easiest way to memorize the neck, covering all the theory you'd want to know and even teaching you how to read! Lessons will be archived in Google Classroom with video aids.  
 
Cost: $170 
Location: BCC, Room H201 
 
Beginners Kayaking Course 
Session 1: Thursdays, June 6-27, 6:15-8:15 pm 
Session 2: Thursdays, July 18-August 15, 6:15-8:15 pm (no class August 8) 
 
Experienced guide Joel Pekosz teaches the fundamentals of kayaking, including proper paddling techniques, safety procedures and equipment essentials. Whether you're a first-time paddler or looking to refine your skills, this course offers the perfect blend of instruction and exploration. 
 
You'll have the opportunity to practice your newfound skills while soaking in the serene beauty of our paddling locations. Each session offers a unique opportunity to connect
with nature and fellow kayaking enthusiasts.  
 
Cost: $120 
Location: Stockbridge Bowl, Goose Pond, Pontoosuc Lake, Big Pond (First session is at Stockbridge Bowl)
 
Self-Defense: Saturdays, June 8-22, 11 am-12:30 pm 
Healthy boundaries: They are the key to healthy relationships, but what are they? How do we set them? How do we keep them? In this interactive three-part series, participants
learn key strategies and exercises utilizing the Empowerment Self Defense Model. Kim Rivers instructs. 
 
Cost: $45 
Location: BCC, Paterson Field House 
 
Bartending & Mixology: Mondays, June 24-July 29, 5:30-7:30 pm 
Consultant Victoria Spencer teaches students the fundamental principles of mixology, bar organization and equipment; how to properly prepare and serve mixed drinks, cocktails and wines; and the legal ramifications of serving alcohol. Must be 18 years old and have a valid Massachusetts ID to take this workshop. 
 
Cost: $189 
Location: Polish Falcon Club, 32 Bel Air Avenue, Pittsfield 
 
Creative Kids Club 
Session 1: Monday-Friday, July 15-19, 9 am-4 pm 
Session 2: Monday-Friday, July 29-August 2, 9 am-4 pm 
 
Creative Kids Club at BCC is where imagination knows no bounds, and every day is an artistic adventure! The weeklong program is designed to inspire elementary-aged kids (grades 1-4) to unleash their creativity through fun games, craft projects, culinary explorations and outdoor fun, all while building friendships and creating memories. All art supplies, ingredients for cooking lunches and materials for outdoor activities are provided. Sessions are led by consultant Heather Cachat Blake. 
 
Cost: $210 
Location: BCC, Room AG12 
 
Getting Paid to Talk: An Introduction to Professional Voice Over: Tuesday, July 30, 6:30-9 pm 
 
From audio books to advertisements and beyond, recorded voices are everywhere! In this one-night class, a professional voice instructor will provide perspective on the industry in general, give tips on how to develop skills, and explain how to leverage your voice's strengths. Participants will record a sample professional voice over under the direction of the instructor.   
 
Cost: $50 
Location: BCC, Room AG12 
 
Mindfulness Workshop: Saturday, August 10, 12:30-3:30 pm 
Join consultant Cara Krol for a six-week workshop focused on mindful eating, communication, movement, breathing, work-life balance and mindful self-care. Participants may bring a yoga mat if desired.   
 
Cost: $50 
Location: BCC, Room AG12 
 
Botanical Illustration Painting : Saturday, August 10, 12:30-3:30 pm 
 
Learn to paint six types of botanicals while learning about their origins and uses in a mixed media presentation. All skill levels welcome, including beginners. Leila DiGirolamo instructs. 
 
Cost: $50  
Location: BCC, Room K118 

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ServiceNet Cuts Ribbon on Vocational Farm to 'Sow Seeds of Hope'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Lori Carnute plants flowers at the farm and enjoys seeing her friends. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Smiles were all around as farmers, human service workers, and officials cut the ribbon Friday on ServiceNet's new vocational farm on Crane Avenue.

Whether it is planting flowers or growing fresh produce, the program is for "sowing seeds of hope" for those with developmental disabilities.

"What Prospect Meadow Farm is about is changing lives," Vice President of Vocational Services Shawn Robinson said.

"Giving people something meaningful to do, a community to belong to, a place to go every day and to make a paycheck, and again, I am seeing that every day from our first 17 farmhands the smiles on their faces. They're glad to be here. They're glad to be making money."

Prospect Meadow Farm Berkshires held a launch event on Friday with tours, music, snacks, and a ribbon cutting in front of its tomato greenhouse. The nonprofit human service agency closed on the former Jodi's Seasonal on Crane Avenue earlier this year.  

It is an expansion of ServiceNet's first farm in Hatfield that has provided meaningful agricultural work, fair wages, and personal and professional growth to hundreds of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since opening in 2011.

Eventually, the farm will employ 50 individuals with developmental disabilities year-round and another 20 to 25 local folks supporting their work.

The pay is a great aspect for Billy Baker, who is learning valuable skills for future employment doing various tasks around the farm. He has known some of the ServiceNet community for over a decade.

"I just go wherever they need me to help," he said. "I'm more of a hands-on person."

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