Berkshire South Hosts Annual Splash-A-Thon Fundraiser

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire South Regional Community Center (BSRCC) will host its 15th annual Splash-A-Thon fundraiser on Saturday, April 5th, at the Norris Aquatics Center. The event aims to raise $20,000 to support the center’s Adaptive Aquatics program.
 
The program provides aquatic activities for individuals with adaptive needs, including group swim lessons and aqua aerobics. James Graham has been named the 2025 Splash-A-Thon Ambassador, recognizing his achievement in learning to swim independently.
 
The Splash-A-Thon will begin with swimming at 8 a.m., followed by an aqua aerobics class at 10 a.m. Participants can contribute by swimming laps, joining the aerobics class, sponsoring swimmers, volunteering, or donating. Donations will be acknowledged with droplets displayed in the center’s lobby.
 
The Adaptive Aquatics programs, led by trained instructors, offer benefits such as improved range of motion and strength building. The program’s annual operating cost exceeds $50,000, and the fundraiser is intended to supplement grant funding.
 
Berkshire South offers classes and training for individuals of all abilities, with a focus on accessibility and adaptability. The center encourages participation from all community members.
 
Information on registration and donations is available at www.berkshiresouth.org/splashathon.
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Berkshire South Sees $1M Earmark for Expansion

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.— The Berkshire South Regional Community Center was earmarked for more than $1 million to expand its north wing. 

On Thursday, Congressman Richard Neal sat with Executive Director Jenise Lucey, board members, and other staff at the center to see how those dollars will help expand childcare, among other areas.  He announced a $1,015,000 earmark for the project. 

"As you can see, we are really, really busy and really busting at the seams," Lucey said while showing the congressman plans. 

"So your advocacy to make this happen, so that we can really move on to the next steps and serve our community, couldn't be better timed, and we're just so grateful for your support." 

The 6,000-square-foot addition will add about 20 spaces for infant and toddler care and increase the 40,000-square-foot building by about 15 percent.  It will also allow BCRCC to expand its fitness center, upgrade its HVAC system, and relocate administrative offices. 

BCRCC sees about 200,000 visitors per year and is licensed to welcome 100 summer campers, running a nine-week program during working hours.  Childcare programming runs year-round, with the center serving about 240 youth annually. 

Open since 2002, the community center will soon celebrate its 25th anniversary.  The allocation was made through Congressionally Directed Spending from the Rural Housing Service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Neal said that childcare was one of the biggest issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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