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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Woodlands Partnership Hosts Survey, Listening Sessions on Emergency Response

WINDSOR, Mass. — The Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts is embarking on a public safety services study of the 21-town region with the Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

The Collins Center will focus on municipal services in the Woodlands Partnership region as they relate to increasing tourism, use and accessibility of public forests, diminished tax base, and the ability of first responders to provide emergency services.

Funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the study is intended to provide towns with direction and support in receiving additional funds and identifying strategies for municipal financial sustainability, as well as inform state policy and procedure related to Payment-In-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) on state-owned land and other programs.
 
Three listening sessions will be held for community members and emergency responders to provide feedback about experiences and suggestions for improvement. The sessions will be held:
  • Thursday, January 30, 2025, 6-7 pm by Zoom (online)
  • Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 6-7 pm by Zoom or at Windsor Town Hall (hybrid)
  • Thursday, February 27, 2025, 6-7 pm by Zoom or at Shelburne Fire Dept (hybrid)
For more information and to learn how to attend, please visit woodlandspartnership.org/events. Can’t make it? Take the surveys here. First Responders: https://tinyurl.com/3vp3eat7; Community Members: https://tinyurl.com/bddvv52x. Email kconlin@newenglandforestry.org for a paper copy.
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