BCC Offers Free English Classes for Afghan Evacuees

08:18AM / Wednesday, February 09, 2022Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will offer Afghan evacuees in the Berkshires free english classes at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Pittsfield.

“Learning English is a crucial step for many immigrants as they adjust to a new country and a new culture. For many years, the BCC Adult Learning Program has supported the immigrants of Berkshire County in their goal to learn English and become active members of our community," said Ana Suffish, director of the BCC Adult Learning Program. “We look forward to helping our newest immigrants do the same."

Morning classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 am-12 pm. Evening classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30 pm and will include some asynchronous instruction. Daycare for children ages five and under is provided by CORI-checked volunteers from Jewish Family Services of Western Massachusetts.

A total of 21 students with varying levels of English skills can be accommodated and should expect to be in class six hours per week for six months. All students have access to a Chromebook, and all textbooks and materials are provided at no cost. There are no eligibility requirements.

“Contributing to our community is about knowing what we can best offer. BCC provides education and opportunities that meet our community members where they are," said Kierstyn Hunter, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Providing language instruction is just one way we can help to integrate our new community members, and there are many additional benefits that come from learning and practicing English."

Evacuees or volunteers may call Ana Suffish at (413) 236-5260 or email asuffish@berkshirecc.edu for more information. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church is located at 67 East Street, Pittsfield.

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First Responders Pull Truck From Pontoosuc Lake

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:50PM / Monday, November 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.—First responders performed a rescue at Pontoosuc Lake on Friday, Oct. 30, after a truck ended up in the water.

The driver, who was not identified, was taken to Berkshire Medical Center following the incident.

Deputy Chief Neil Myers said the Pittsfield Fire Department was dispatched for a water rescue incident at the boat ramp off Hancock Road at 9:30 a.m.

There was one occupant in the truck who had climbed onto the vehicle's roof when they arrived. The white vehicle had floated across the channel near the ramp and landed on the waterbody's base; one corner of the roof was peeking out of the water when iBerkshires arrived around 10 a.m.

Myers relayed that a witness saw the truck driving into the water; that was the initial report. On the way, first responders received another call reporting the truck had floated across the channel, and the caller was unsure if the person got out.

With this information, PFD dispatched a full assignment: three engines, a ladder truck, and a rescue. Pontoosuc Lake is drawn down right now, with a maximum depth of about 15 feet in that area.

Two firefighters were deployed in cold-water suits to make contact with the driver. They assessed him, provided a life jacket, and put some lines in for safety.

Worried about hypothermia, firefighters planned to keep the man on top of the truck until a boat arrived. Though, Myers said when the boat was launched off the ramp, the man swan dove into the lake and swam to land.

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