2nd Street, OLLI Series of Free Hiking Classes

03:46PM / Saturday, June 03, 2023Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College (OLLI at BCC) invites clients of Second Street Second Chances to participate in a series of free guided hikes throughout the month of June.

The hikes will take place in various locations throughout the Berkshires on Tuesdays, June 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 10:30 am to noon. Space is limited and registration is required; to register, contact Samantha Bolio-Kearns at 2nd Street, (413) 443-7220 ext. 1275.

2nd Street clients who participate in the hiking course will receive a scholarship to join OLLI at BCC for one year. Benefits of membership include free courses for each of five semesters, access to all lectures and membership in Shared Interest Groups. Individuals who receive SNAP, WIC, EBT or other benefits can join most OLLI events at no cost.

Katherine and John Kidd will lead hikes of four trails in Pittsfield: the Boulders, Canoe Meadows, Pittsfield State Forest and the Ashuwillicook Rail Trail. Hikes will be approximately 75 minutes and will include time to learn about forests, meadows and wetlands.

All hikes have minimal elevation gain but may feature uneven terrain. Class members should wear good hiking shoes and bring water. Hiking poles will be provided to those who wish to use them.

Katherine and John Kidd are experienced hikers who have coordinated a small hiking group that has been exploring the Berkshire Hills and the Taconics for five years. Katherine is a frequent OLLI instructor and retired educator, while John directed a program in Connecticut for 23 years that worked with returning citizens. Both are volunteers with the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) to help steward some of the trails featured in the hikes.

"We are blessed to have so many hiking trails in the Berkshires that are free, open to the public and varied in length and difficulty. By walking these four trails together, we will get to know each other and the environment within which we live," Katherine Kidd said. "For some, it may stretch their understanding of themselves, their capabilities and the rich resources in the community."

Tags: BCC, hiking,

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Pittsfield Council OKs Funds for Plow Truck; Refers Council Pay Recommendation

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
10:16AM / Saturday, October 31, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Winter is right around the corner, and Pittsfield plans to purchase a vehicle to increase its snow-plowing capacity.

On Tuesday, the City Council approved the transfer of $200,000 from the Public Works Stabilization Fund for equipment. The Department of Public Services will purchase a one-ton truck equipped with an all-season body, snowplow, wing, and spreader.

Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said it is something the department would like to have for supervision and expanding its work.

"We need this piece of equipment to have a supervisor be able to go on the mains with a wing plow and assist on that as needed, and be able to pick up that wing and go to a neighborhood street and be able to assist with snow plowing in a neighborhood street," he explained.

"And at the same time be able to jump throughout the city because he's supervising as well, making sure that there's volume."

A comparable truck is included in Pittsfield's capital plan.

These vehicles normally need to be ordered 10 to 12 months ahead of delivery, but Morales said Pittsfield identified one that can be expedited; he did not say how quickly.

"Approving funding now gives us the best chance of having the truck built and in service for the coming snow season," he wrote in a communication to the council.

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