Pittsfield YMCA Offers Swimming Lessons

• Parent/Child Level (children 6 months to 3 years old) allows a child to grow comfortable in the water with a parent. Classes meet at 8:30 a.m.
• Pike Level (children 3-5 years old) is for beginner swimmers who need a floatation device. A swim bubble is required. Classes meet at 9 a.m.
• Eel Level (children 3-5 years old) is for children who are comfortable in the water and need little to no assistance with floatation. Classes meet at 9:30 a.m.
• Polliwog Level (children ages 6-12 years old) is for beginner swimmers who need a floatation device. A swim bubble is required. Classes meet at 10 a.m.
• Guppy Level (children ages 6-12 years old) is for children who are comfortable in the water, need little to no assistance with floatation. To participate in this level, children need to be able to demonstrate alternating arm action. Classes meet at 10:30 a.m.
• Minnow Level (children 6-12 years old) is for children who can swim a half lap confidently and are able to float without assistance. Children will learn stroke development and increasing endurance in this level. Classes meet at 11 a.m.
• Fish/Flying Fish Level (children 6-12 years old) is for children who want to learn how to refine performance with rhythmic breathing. Strokes, turns and diving levels will be taught. Children must already know hot to swim a full lap confidently. Classes meet at 11:30 a.m.

Pittsfield Affordable Housing Initiatives Shine Light, Hope

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:08AM / Saturday, December 20, 2025

Housing Secretary Edward Augustus cuts the ribbon at The First on Thursday with housing officials and Mayor Peter Marchetti, state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The holidays are here and several community members are celebrating it with the opening of two affordable housing initiatives. 

 

"This is a day to celebrate," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said during the ribbon-cutting on Thursday. 

 

The celebration was for nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at "The First" located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. A ceremony was held in the new Housing Resource Center on First Street, which was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. 

 

The apartments will be leased out by Hearthway, with ServiceNet as a partner. 

 

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, public officials and community resource personnel were able to tour the two new permanent supported housing projects — West Housatonic Apartments and The First Street Apartments and Housing Resource Center. 

 

The First Street location has nine studio apartments that are about 300 square feet and has a large community center. The West Housatonic Street location will have 28 studio units that range between 300 to 350 square feet. All units can be adapted to be ADA accessible. 

 

The West Housatonic location is still under construction with the hope to have it completed by the middle of January, said Chris Wilett, Hearthway development associate.