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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ADOPTED! Companion Corner: Cali and Kyzer at Berkshire Humane Society

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Great news, Kyzer and Cali found a home for Christmas already! Still looking for a new friend for the holidays? There are plenty of dogs and cats and small animals at Berkshire Humane who would love to go home with you.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — There's a bonded dog pair awaiting a new family at the Berkshire Humane Society.

Kyzer and Cali are both poodles. Kyzer is the male and is 7 years old, a quite a bit bigger than his sister Cali, who is a miniature of Kyzer and 8 years old.

Canine adoption counselor Rhonda Cyr introduced us to the two.

"They came from a household that couldn't hold on to them, and it sounds like they may have been abandoned by their previous owner with somebody else, and so they came to us looking for a new home," she said.

The two love to be around you and snuggle. But both are very happy dogs.

"Kyzer is 7 years old, and his personality is that he kind of wants to be in everything. He's very loving, very snuggly, as you can tell. And Callie here, she's 8 years old, and she is kind of like the life of the party," said Cyr. "She wants to tell you everything about her day, and she's a little bit of a little ham."

The two are considered seniors and really like soft treats as Cali just had a few teeth removed and Kyzer has a tooth procedure coming up.

"Currently, they really like soft treats, because they are both on the senior side of things. So they have had some dental work, so they are really in need of something softer. They are not big chewers at this age, really, their main focus right now is just really socializing and cuddling," Cyr said.

The two would love a quiet home with someone who wants to snuggle. They shouldn't go to a home with bigger dogs but if you have a dog, you can bring them in for a visitation with the poodles to see if they will get along. Cats will be fine and the preference is for older and more responsible children so that the pups don't get hurt, as they are senior citizens.

"The perfect home for them would be a quiet home that's not too active. Like I said, they're very social, so they could handle some visitors," she said. "They're very friendly, but I don't think that they would really enjoy any other dogs in the home."

Poodles need to be regularly groomed, and the prospective adopter will have to keep an eye on their health. Kyzer has a heart murmur that needs to be monitored. This doesn't mean he is in bad health, as he could live a perfectly normal life, but he will need to be checked by a veterinary specialist routinely.

"Ideally, he would go to a home that could provide further health care with a specialist in cardiac care. And you know, he could very well live out the rest of his life comfortably and happy," Cyr said. "We just don't have all that information at the moment, but I think that you know the way he's going right now. He's got a good spirit, and he seems to be pretty happy."

The shelter is hoping the to get them a home for the holidays.

"We would love to get them a home in time for the holidays. They've been here since the eighth of November, and they're really, really looking as much as the staff loves them here, we're really looking to get them into a home and somewhere nice and cozy so they can spend the rest of their life together," she said.

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