BCC Offers Variety of Community Workshops

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Workforce Development and Community Education department at Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced five upcoming workshops open to the public. 
 
Preregistration is required; to register for a workshop, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/workshops.
 
All classes will be held on BCC's main campus, located at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield. 
 
Life Skills for Pre-Teens & Teens: Cooking, Sewing a Button, Handling Money, Communication and Self-care 
 
Monday-Friday, February 19-23, 10 am-2 pm 
 
$145 
 
Join us for a fun and educational five-day course designed for preteens and teens, focusing on essential life skills. From mastering kitchen basics to stitching a button, managing money, exploring effective communication and nurturing self-care habits, this course empowers young minds for a brighter future. Plus, we'll whip up lunch together, making learning engaging and delectable! Suitable for ages 12-15. 
 
Young Entrepreneurs: How to Plan and Start a Business 
 
Wednesdays, February 28 – April 10, 4-5:30 pm 
 
$95 
 
Designed for ages 13-15, this workshop explores everything from generating business ideas and understanding your customers to building a strong brand, marketing and even bouncing back from setbacks. It's all about learning how to kickstart and run a business, the right way.  
 
How to Plan and Start a Business 
 
Wednesdays, February 28 – April 10, 5:45-7:15pm 
 
$105 
 
In the adult version of this workshop, learn how to generate business ideas, understand your customers, build a strong brand, market your product and bounce back from setbacks. Plant the seeds to success by learning how to start a business the right way. 
 
Social Media for Adults: How to Set up & Use Social Media  
 
Thursdays, March 7-21, 5-6pm 
 
$35 
 
Learn how to create and optimize profiles on popular platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Workshops focus on topics ranging from understanding social media basics to engaging effectively and ensuring your online presence shines. We'll help you unravel the digital realm and empower you to connect and thrive in today's online community.  
 
Multi-Medium Landscape Painting  
 
Saturdays, April 13-27, 12-3pm  
 
$95 
 
Discover how to tap into your creative center while learning the basics of landscape painting. Explore with different mediums to create depth and dimension through scale and color adjustments while using simple guided techniques. By your last session, you will have produced a unique self-expression art piece. Designed for beginners, but all skill levels are welcome to join the creative process.  
 

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Lanesborough to Vote on 34 Articles at ATM

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Voters will decide 34 warrant articles at the annual town meeting on June 11.

The Select Board endorsed a long list of articles during its regular meeting on Monday, most without discussion. 

A $11,846,607 spending plan has been proposed for fiscal year 2025, a 4.3 percent increase from the this year. The budget includes a net increase of $237,129 in education costs for the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School, less than the $271,478 increase in FY24. 

Three articles are related to short-term rentals, or Airbnbs: To impose a local excise tax of up to 6 percent of the total amount of rent for each occupancy, a 3 percent impact fee on "professionally managed" short-term rentals, and a 3 percent impact fee on short-term rentals in two- or three-family dwellings.

"These are the proposed language as provided by town counsel," Town Administrator Gina Dario explained.

Included in the 34 articles is one citizen's petition, which the board was not required to endorse. If passed, this petition would increase the Select Board from three to five members with an annual election of the chair. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes in that election would serve a three-year term, the candidate receiving the second highest number of votes would serve a two-year term, and the candidate receiving the third highest number of votes would serve a one-year term, with three-year terms to follow.

Two articles needed clearance from the Planning Board before coming to the Select Board, one being a request to amend the town's zoning bylaw to raise the cap on accessory dwelling units from 900 to 2,500 square feet.  

The proposal is in response to the lack of housing availability in the community and is the second go-around.

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