Berkshire Works to host job fairs

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To herald the statewide "Jobs First Day at the Career Centers," the Berkshire Works Career Center at 160 North St., Pittsfield, and 37 Main St., North Adams, will showcase job search and employer resources throughout the day on Thursday, September 4. According to its organizers, the day-long event, the first of its kind, is designed to demonstrate Gov. Mitt Romney’s commitment to growing the Massachusetts economy by tapping into the career center system, which connects workers and employers. In June, Romney announced the extension of hours at every career center so that job seekers could have greater opportunities to receive job search and assistance services. “My Jobs First initiative is about creating jobs for every citizen who needs one, and these centers are on the front lines, helping give people the tools they need to find new employment, one person and one job at a time,” Romney said. To mark the occasion, Janice Tatarka and Jennifer James from the state Department of Workforce Development will travel to the Berkshires to get a firsthand look at the different services being provided. Berkshire Works will hold numerous special events, as follows: Pittsfield 8:30 a.m.- 7 p.m.: an open house for job seekers, workers and employers. 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.: Matt Harris of Village Ventures Inc. and the Regional Competitive Council will be the keynote speaker at the Berkshire County Regional Employment Board meeting. 9 a.m.: Mayor Sara Hathaway will kick off Jobs First Day. 9-1: GED classes. 10-11: interviewing skills workshop. 9-11: employer recruitments (Jiminy Peak, McDonald’s,Sears). 9:30-11:30: computer literacy classes. noon-3: Job Fair (O’Connell Oil, Adams & Adams, Pinkerton/Securitax, Stop & Shop). 1-4: English as a second language classes. North Adams 8:30-5: open house for job seekers, workers, and employers. Tours will be provided throughout the day. 10-noon: service fair. Fifteen agencies from the community will provide collaborative support and “employability” development to job seekers. Services will include community outreach, transportation assistance, labor market information and employment opportunities. “Jobs First Day at the Career Centers” is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. In addition to the programs listed above, Berkshire Works offers unemployed individuals a wide range of search and assistance throughout the year. Job seekers can post their resume online, receive career assessment and training information, unemployment insurance information, use the Internet in their job searches and more. Employers can take advantage of customized services that include posting job vacancies online, recruiting and screening qualified workers and gaining access to labor market information. Further information: Berkshire Works in Pittsfield, 413-499-2220;in North Adams, 663-1113, or visit the Division of Employment and Training Web site, www.detma.org.
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Friends of Great Barrington Libraries Holiday Book Sale

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Friends of Great Barrington Libraries invite the community to shop their annual Holiday Good-as-New Book Sale, happening now through the end of the year at the Mason Library, 231 Main Street. 
 
With hundreds of curated gently used books to choose from—fiction, nonfiction, children's favorites, gift-quality selections, cookbooks, and more—it's the perfect local stop for holiday gifting.
 
This year's sale is an addition to the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Stroll on this Saturday, Dec. 13, 3–8 PM. Visitors can swing by the Mason Library for early parking, browse the sale until 3:00 PM, then meet Pete the Cat on the front lawn before heading downtown for the Stroll's shopping, music, and festive eats.
 
Can't make the Holiday Stroll? The book sale is open during regular Mason Library hours throughout December.
 
Proceeds support free library programming and events for all ages.
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