BCC Info Session At Berkshire Family YMCA

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will hold a special community college information session at the Berkshire Family YMCA, located at 292 North Street in Pittsfield, on Wednesday, August 2 at 5:30 pm. 
 
Financial aid, admissions and advising staff will be on hand to help students enroll at BCC, potentially for free through the Commonwealth's MassReconnect program.  
 
To register for the event, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/massreconnect. Refreshments will be served.  
 
The event is part of MassReconnect, a proposed program designed to pay the full costs of community college for adults 25 and older who do not already have a college degree. The proposal, currently before the Massachusetts legislature, would cover tuition and fees for eligible students, who would also receive an allowance to pay for books and supplies. Pending approval, the program is slated to begin in fall 2023. 
 
"For the fall 2022 semester, nearly 40 percent of students who attended BCC were non-traditional students ages 25 and older," said Megan Lussier, BCC Director of Admissions and Recruitment. "MassReconnect, the new program the Commonwealth is proposing, will have a positive impact on our most populated part of our student body to allow those students financial freedom when it comes to their education." 
 
MassReconnect will consider students eligible for the program if they: 
  • Are 25 or older on the first day of classes       
  • Are enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education at a public community college        
  • Have not previously earned a college degree        
  • Are enrolled in at least six credits per semester       
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)   
  • Are a Massachusetts resident 
Further information, including full program guidelines, will be forthcoming.  
 
For questions regarding the MasssReconnect program, contact the BCC Admissions Office at admissions@berkshirecc.edu or (413) 499-4660. 

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Pittsfield Organizations Remember Late Community Advocate

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

The Pittsfield City Council takes a moment to remember Ephraim Schwartz.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council on Tuesday bowed their heads to recognize the loss of a local advocate, Ephraim Alexander Schwartz.

"Ephraim was a familiar presence in these chambers and a passionate advocate to advance human rights for everyone," said Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi, who called for the  moment of silence

"He believed deeply in civic participation and engaged many of us thoughtfully about various issues on how to improve our community."
 
Schwarz died suddenly on March 5; Berkshire Pride spoke to Schwartz's passing Monday on social media. He was an LGBTQ+ and human rights activist who regularly spoke during public comment at City Council meetings. 

"Everything we do, we do in community. Including grief and loss," the nonprofit wrote. "Berkshire Pride is mourning the loss of Ephraim Schwartz, a local activist, friend, and community member."

memorial service will be held at Temple Anshe Amunim on Sunday, March 15, at 11 a.m. 

Schwartz was one of the early organizers of Queer Men of the Berkshires (Q-MoB), served on the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition board, and was one of the founders of the Berkshire Queer History Project and a founder of Pittsfield Housing for All. 

He regularly spoke against the proposed median and camping ordinances that were brought forward last year. 

"May we all remember his wonderful smile, unshakeable commitment to justice & empowering the voices and dignity of those who are marginalized, attacked, or forgotten," Q-MoB wrote on the event page for the memorial service. 

Berkshire Pride encouraged community members to email info@berkshirepride.org for resources and support. 

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