BCC Signs Articulation Agreement for Dental Hygiene Program

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — In response to a growing need for dental hygienists in Western Massachusetts, and to help attract students to the field, Berkshire Community College (BCC) has entered into an articulation agreement with Springfield Technical Community College (STCC).
 
The agreement stipulates that BCC students may complete all 27 credits of their general education classes at BCC and are guaranteed a transfer of those credits to STCC towards an Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene degree, provided that students have earned a minimum grade of C in all equivalent courses. Once accepted into STCC, an additional 44 credits are required to complete the associate degree.  
 
BCC courses that transfer seamlessly to STCC include Biology 201, 202 and 207; English 101; Communications 105; Psychology 107; Allied Health 150; and Sociology 105. 
 
 "We are very excited to be able to partner with STCC and offer the general education classes here on the BCC campus," said Lori Moon, BCC Dean of Nursing. "There is a shortage
 of dental hygienists in the Berkshires, and this is the first step in trying to respond to the needs of our community." 
 
Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases and provide other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health.? 
 
The STCC Dental Hygiene program educates students to become vital members of the dental health profession. The two-year basic core curriculum leading to an associate in science degree follows the guidelines adopted by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. The dental hygiene graduate must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and regional clinical licensing examinations to become eligible for state licensure. Once these examinations are successfully completed, the graduate may apply for dental hygiene licensure in any of the 50 states. Graduates may transfer credits to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree.

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Pittsfield Signs Negotiating Rights Agreement With Suns Baseball Team

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Suns will call Wahconah Park home again. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission accepted a negotiating rights agreement between the city and longtime summer collegiate baseball team, the Pittsfield Suns. It solidifies that the two will work together when the historic ballpark is renovated. 

It remains in effect until the end of 2027, or when a license or lease agreement is signed. Terms will be automatically extended to the end of 2028 if it appears the facility won't be complete by then. 

"It certainly looks like it lays out kind of both what the Suns and Pittsfield would like to see over the next year or so during this construction plan, to be able to work together and work exclusively with each other in this time," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said. 

Owner Jeff Goldklang, joining virtually, said he shared those thoughts, and the team looks forward to starting negotiations. After this approval, it will need a signature from Mayor Peter Marchetti and the baseball team. 

The negotiating rights agreement recognizes the long-standing relationship between Pittsfield and the team dating back to 2012, and the Suns' ownership group's historical ties to Wahconah Park and the city dating to the 1980s. The team skipped the 2024 and 2025 seasons after the historic grandstand was deemed unsafe in 2022.  

The Suns were granted the exclusive right to negotiate in good faith with the city for a license or lease agreement where the Suns will be the primary tenant. During the terms of the agreement, the city can't negotiate or enter into an agreement with another party for leniency, licensing, or operation of Wahconah Park for professional or collegiate summer baseball. 

"The Parties acknowledge the historic and cultural importance of Wahconah park to the residents of Berkshire County and share a mutual goal of providing community access, engagement, and programming on a broad and inclusive scale," it reads. 

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