BCC Announce Slate of Community Programs

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Workforce Development and Community Education department at Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced several upcoming workshops open to the public.
 
Preregistration is required; to register for a workshop, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/workshops.  
 
Introduction to Golf: Wednesdays, May 29-June 26, 5:30-6:30 pm 
Christopher Polidoro, Head Golf Professional at Miraval Resorts, covers all aspects of beginning or improving your golf game. Over the course of this program, students will learn the fundamentals of golf including putting, pitching/chipping, irons, woods, drivers, and short game review. Golf clubs are available for use if students do not have their own.  
 
Cost: $150 
Location: Miraval Resorts, 55 Lee Road, Lenox 
 
TIPS Certification: Monday, June 3, 5:30-8:30 pm 
The Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) program is designed to mitigate the risks associated with intoxication, underage drinking and impaired driving. This program equips participants, particularly those in bartender/server roles, with indispensable knowledge of pertinent regulations and guidelines, thereby transforming them into adept professionals capable of fostering a safer environment for alcohol service. Brian Andrews instructs.  
 
Cost: $60 (includes book and exam) 
Location: Polish Falcon Club, 32 Bel Air Avenue, Pittsfield 
 
Introduction to Ukulele: Thursdays, June 6-August 29, 5-6 pm (no class July 4) 
Instructor Dave Brown covers basic chords, understanding how to strum, reading rhythms and standard notation, finger picking basics and other various chords, songs and fun tricks. Lessons will be archived in Google Classroom with video aids.  
 
Cost: $170 
Location: BCC, Room H201 
 
Introduction to Guitar: Thursdays, June 6-August 29, 6-7 pm (no class July 4) 
Instructor Dave Brown covers basic open chords, understanding rhythms, how to strum, riffs, the blues, finger picking basics, alt bass, and other various chords and fun tricks. Lessons will be archived in Google Classroom with video aids.  
 
Cost: $170 
Location: BCC, Room H201 
 
Theory and Fretboard Logic for Guitar & Bass: Thursdays, June 6-August 29, 7-8 pm (no class July 4) 
Have you been playing the guitar and/or bass for a while, but the neck and music in general are still a complete mystery to you? Wonder no more. Instructor Dave Brown will show you the easiest way to memorize the neck, covering all the theory you'd want to know and even teaching you how to read! Lessons will be archived in Google Classroom with video aids.  
 
Cost: $170 
Location: BCC, Room H201 
 
Beginners Kayaking Course 
Session 1: Thursdays, June 6-27, 6:15-8:15 pm 
Session 2: Thursdays, July 18-August 15, 6:15-8:15 pm (no class August 8) 
 
Experienced guide Joel Pekosz teaches the fundamentals of kayaking, including proper paddling techniques, safety procedures and equipment essentials. Whether you're a first-time paddler or looking to refine your skills, this course offers the perfect blend of instruction and exploration. 
 
You'll have the opportunity to practice your newfound skills while soaking in the serene beauty of our paddling locations. Each session offers a unique opportunity to connect
with nature and fellow kayaking enthusiasts.  
 
Cost: $120 
Location: Stockbridge Bowl, Goose Pond, Pontoosuc Lake, Big Pond (First session is at Stockbridge Bowl)
 
Self-Defense: Saturdays, June 8-22, 11 am-12:30 pm 
Healthy boundaries: They are the key to healthy relationships, but what are they? How do we set them? How do we keep them? In this interactive three-part series, participants
learn key strategies and exercises utilizing the Empowerment Self Defense Model. Kim Rivers instructs. 
 
Cost: $45 
Location: BCC, Paterson Field House 
 
Bartending & Mixology: Mondays, June 24-July 29, 5:30-7:30 pm 
Consultant Victoria Spencer teaches students the fundamental principles of mixology, bar organization and equipment; how to properly prepare and serve mixed drinks, cocktails and wines; and the legal ramifications of serving alcohol. Must be 18 years old and have a valid Massachusetts ID to take this workshop. 
 
Cost: $189 
Location: Polish Falcon Club, 32 Bel Air Avenue, Pittsfield 
 
Creative Kids Club 
Session 1: Monday-Friday, July 15-19, 9 am-4 pm 
Session 2: Monday-Friday, July 29-August 2, 9 am-4 pm 
 
Creative Kids Club at BCC is where imagination knows no bounds, and every day is an artistic adventure! The weeklong program is designed to inspire elementary-aged kids (grades 1-4) to unleash their creativity through fun games, craft projects, culinary explorations and outdoor fun, all while building friendships and creating memories. All art supplies, ingredients for cooking lunches and materials for outdoor activities are provided. Sessions are led by consultant Heather Cachat Blake. 
 
Cost: $210 
Location: BCC, Room AG12 
 
Getting Paid to Talk: An Introduction to Professional Voice Over: Tuesday, July 30, 6:30-9 pm 
 
From audio books to advertisements and beyond, recorded voices are everywhere! In this one-night class, a professional voice instructor will provide perspective on the industry in general, give tips on how to develop skills, and explain how to leverage your voice's strengths. Participants will record a sample professional voice over under the direction of the instructor.   
 
Cost: $50 
Location: BCC, Room AG12 
 
Mindfulness Workshop: Saturday, August 10, 12:30-3:30 pm 
Join consultant Cara Krol for a six-week workshop focused on mindful eating, communication, movement, breathing, work-life balance and mindful self-care. Participants may bring a yoga mat if desired.   
 
Cost: $50 
Location: BCC, Room AG12 
 
Botanical Illustration Painting : Saturday, August 10, 12:30-3:30 pm 
 
Learn to paint six types of botanicals while learning about their origins and uses in a mixed media presentation. All skill levels welcome, including beginners. Leila DiGirolamo instructs. 
 
Cost: $50  
Location: BCC, Room K118 

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Friday Front Porch Feature: This Luxury Home Has Plenty of Amenities

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

LENOX, Mass. — Are you looking for a big house to enjoy your days with a big movie theater, a sauna, and more? Then this is the house for you.

Built in 2004, this seven-bedroom, and nine-bathroom home is 7,073 square feet on more than an acre. The home comes with an elevator to the lower level to access a theater, sauna, gym, wine cellar, massage room, and its very own soda fountain. 

The home also has a guest house with a saltwater pool. A multi-car garage greets you with heated floors.

The this home is listed for $4,950,000 and is located in the 125-acre, gated Pinecroft compound.

We spoke to Leslie Chesloff, the listing agent with William Pitt Sotheby's.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Chesloff: This gated Berkshire stone estate truly redefines luxury living in the Berkshires. What sets it apart is the rare combination of resort-style amenities and complete privacy. The property offers Canyon Ranch-level wellness living with a full spa experience at home — including a sauna, massage room, and gym — plus an eight-seat hi-def theater with wine cellar for entertaining. The heated, gunite saltwater pool and spa are complemented by a fully equipped pool house with a guest suite and complete kitchen, perfect for extended family or guests.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

The moment you step inside, you're struck by the quality and craftsmanship — those 300-year-old reclaimed timber floors set an immediate tone of authenticity and warmth. The scale is impressive but never overwhelming; this is a home designed for gracious living, not just show. The natural light, cathedral ceilings, and thoughtful flow between spaces create an inviting atmosphere that balances grandeur with genuine comfort.

How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?

This home feels like a private wellness retreat meets sophisticated family estate. There's a serene, spa-like quality throughout — enhanced by features like the sauna, steam shower, and massage room — but it never feels clinical or cold. The Berkshire stone exterior and reclaimed timber floors ground the home in a sense of place and permanence. It's designed for people who appreciate the finer things but want to actually live well — whether that's screening a film in the eight-seat theater with wine from your own cellar, hosting poolside gatherings, or simply unwinding in your own spa sanctuary.

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

This is perfect for the discerning buyer who values wellness, privacy, and culture in equal measure. I envision someone who spends their days hiking or exploring the Berkshires, then comes home to unwind in the sauna or pool. They might entertain guests in the theater wine room, host multi-generational gatherings with family staying in the pool house guest suite (which has a full kitchen), and appreciate being minutes from Tanglewood, world-class dining, and Berkshire arts.

This could be an executive looking for a primary residence with work-from-home flexibility (there's an office/bedroom suite), a wellness-focused family, or empty nesters who want to host adult children and grandchildren in style and comfort.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

Picture Saturday morning: you're sipping coffee on the terrace overlooking your heated saltwater pool, planning a day at Tanglewood. Your guests are making breakfast in the pool house kitchen — they have their own private retreat but are steps away when you're ready to gather. Evening arrives, and you screen a favorite film in your eight-seat theater, selecting a perfect bottle from your wine cellar. This isn't just a home; it's a lifestyle that brings resort-level wellness, entertainment, and hospitality to your doorstep — all within a secure, maintenance-free compound where nature meets luxury.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

Absolutely. The home includes an elevator for multilevel accessibility, which is both practical and forward-thinking. The lower level is exceptionally well-conceived — a true entertainment and wellness wing featuring the eight-seat hi-def theater, wine cellar, sauna, gym, massage room, and even a charming soda fountain. The gourmet kitchen has been recently updated, customized wet bar, while outdoor living is elevated with the heated gunite saltwater pool/spa, firepit, and that incredible pool house with guest suite and full kitchen. Also, new HVAC system and heated driveway.

Thoughtful details like cedar closets, steam showers, central vacuum, and backup generator show this home was built to the highest standards.

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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