BCC to Offer Wine Workshops in South County

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Wine connoisseurs, or adults simply wishing to learn more about wine, are invited to register for the following workshops offered this spring through Berkshire Community College. All classes, taught by Joseph Smegal, meet Thursday evening from 6 to 8 at Grape Finds in Great Barrington.

“Introduction to Wine” (WKS 403) gives participants a little history of winemaking, and teaches to identify wine’s aromas and flavors. Participants experience that buying wine can be as much fun as drinking it. Class meets May 28. Registration costs $20.

“Cool Whites” (WKS 479) teaches participants about wines from snappy, crisp Savignon Blanc of New Zealand to California’s sun-baked Chardonnays with stops along the way including Germany, France and Italy. Class meets June 18. Cost for registration is $20.

“Wines of the Great 48” (WKS 382) brings students on a journey across varied terrain to taste different wine from coast to coast. Class meets July 9. Registration costs $20.


“Say Cheese!” (WKS 623) teaches cheese lovers guidelines to choose the perfect wine to complement a favorite cheese. Class meets July 30. Registration costs $25.

“Food and Wine Made Fun” (WKS 474) explores the art of matching food and wine. Participants sample savory treats and tasty pours to help unravel the not-so-mysterious world of wine and food, and learn to pair the two like a pro. Class meets August 20. Registration costs $30.

For more information, or to register, call BCC’s South County Center, at 413-528-4521. For long distance (in Mass only), call 800-816-1233, ext. 5201 or 5202. Participants must be 21 years or older. A photo ID is required.
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Taconic High Names Top Students of the Class of 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Taconic High School Principal Matthew Bishop has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian of the class of 2026. 
 
They will speak during the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, at 4 p.m at Tanglewood in Lenox. 
 
Gavin O'Donnell, son of Kevin and Colleen O'Donnell of Pittsfield, has been named valedictorian with a grade average of 103. Hunter Bentz, son of Heidi Bentz of Pittsfield, has been named salutatorian with a grade average of 102.4.
 
Throughout his high school career, O'Donnell has exemplified the values of leadership, commitment, and excellence that define the Taconic community. He achieved high honors all four years and made significant contributions to both the school and the wider community. He was an active member of the Link Crew, Green and Gold, and Class Council, just to name a few of his activities. 
 
A dedicated athlete, O'Donnell played soccer and baseball all four years and was named captain of the varsity soccer and baseball teams both junior and senior years. His commitment to service extended beyond athletics, as he volunteered with Unified Games and was a math tutor at Taconic. He has also been an active part of Pittsfield Soccer Club, where he has helped
referee youth soccer games and assisted in getting the fields ready for game days.
 
He has earned several awards, including being a member of the National Honor Society,  the John and Abigail Adams Award, and being an AP Scholar and an AP Capstone Graduate. 
 
O'Donnell plans to pursue a degree in finance at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he will continue to play baseball and hopes to excel as a student. 
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