BCC Announces Community Education Workshops

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the schedule of Community Education Workshops for 2026.
 
Workshops cover the topic areas of art, culinary and hospitality, professional development and self-care. All workshops are open to the public. 
 
For more detailed information and to register for each course, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/workshops.
  
Art Workshops
  • Mosaic Butterfly Garden Stake with instructor Lisa Mendel: Wednesday, March 11, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in BCC Room K118. Cost: $50. 
  • Mosaic Stepping Stone with instructor Lisa Mendel: Thursday, April 9, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Mendel's Stained Glass Studio, 1 East Hoosac Street, Adams, Mass. Cost: $40. 
  • Landscape Painting with instructor Leila DiGirolamo: Saturdays, April 18 and May 9, 12 – 3 p.m. in BCC Room K118. Cost: $65. 
Culinary and Hospitality Workshops
  • Basic Dinner Party with instructor Jill Weinberg: Tuesday, Feb. 3, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the BCC Kitchen. Cost: $65 
  • Beginner’s Flower Cupcake Decorating with instructor Melissa Albano: Saturdays, March 7-28, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the BCC Kitchen. Cost: $145. 
  • Quick and Easy Dinners with instructor Jill Weinberg: Tuesday, March 10, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the BCC Kitchen. Cost: $65. 
  • Brunch Fun with instructor Jill Weinberg: Tuesday, April 7, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the BCC Kitchen. Cost: $65. 
  • Chicken Every Day with instructor Jill Weinberg: Tuesday, May 5, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the BCC Kitchen. Cost: $65. 
Professional Development Workshops
  • Free Choke Saver Training
    • Session 1: Monday, Jan. 12, 10 – 11 a.m. in BCC’s Susan B. Anthony Center, Room G12 
    • Session 2: Monday, Feb. 23, 10 – 11 a.m. at Berkshire South Regional Community Center, 15 Crissey Rd., Great Barrington, Mass. 
    • Session 3: Wednesday, March 25, 10 – 11 a.m. at Freight Yard Pub, 1 Furnace St, Building 3, North Adams, Mass. 
  • Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) Exam Prep with Construction Supervisor Training LLC Staff 
    • Session 1: Tuesdays, Jan. 27 – March 10, 6 – 9:30 p.m. in BCC’s Melville Hall, Room 213. Cost: $525. 
    • Session 2: Tuesdays, April 14 – May 26, 6 – 9:30 p.m. in BCC’s Melville Hall, Room 213. Cost: $525. 
  • Getting Paid to Talk: An Introduction to Voice Over with Voice Coaches Staff 
    • Session 1: Monday, March 2, 6:30 – 9 p.m. in BCC’s Susan B. Anthony Center, Room G12. Cost: $50. 
    • Session 2: Monday, May 4, 6:30 – 9 p.m. in BCC’s Susan B. Anthony Center, Room G12. Cost: $50. 
  • ServSafe Training Certification with instructor Nancy Ruderman 
    • Session 1: Tuesday and Thursday, March 3 and 5, 5:30 – 9 p.m. in the BCC Kitchen. Cost: $185. 
    • Session 2: Monday and Wednesday, May 4 and 6, 5:30 – 9 p.m. in the BCC Kitchen. Cost: $185. 
Self Care Workshops
  • Regulate and Restore: Nervous System Regulation for Trying Times with instructor Rose Hedreen, LICSW: Thursdays, Feb. 5 – 26, 5:30 – 7 p.m. in BCC Room G12. Cost: $65. 
  • Unlock Your Mind: Self-hypnosis for Focus, Calm and Confidence with instructor Victoria Layden, Monday, March 9, 5 – 7 p.m. in BCC’s Susan B. Anthony Center, Room G12. Cost: $30. 
  • Healthy Habits, Hypnotist Style: Making Good Choices Automatic with instructor Victoria Layden, Monday, March 30, 5 – 7 p.m. in BCC’s Susan B. Anthony Center, Room G12. Cost: $30. 

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Pittsfield's Christian Center Rebrands as 'The Center'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Christian Center is becoming The Center, and assures the community that while the logo and name have changed, "Our heart has not." 

The rebrand was announced on Tuesday after months of listening sessions, community conversations, and surveys.  It was emphasized that the organization's heart, mission, and commitment to the community are unchanged. 

The Center will host its annual Community Day, including a name change celebration, on Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"While our name is shifting, our core purpose remains steadfast. Alongside our new name, we are introducing our defining tagline—Nourish. Empower. Connect.—which reflects the three principles guiding everything we do," Executive Director Jessica Jones wrote in a newsletter. 

"Whether through our food pantry, meal program, free clothing boutique, or community events, our work remains focused on helping our neighbors access essential resources, build connections, and thrive."

The new logo features a fork, carrot, heart, and shirt, representing the pillars of The Center's service. 

The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974, but it dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission, founded by the Methodist Church. 

Today, its main focus is food insecurity, but it also provides clothing, household items, and sanitary supplies to those who need them.  The Center operates a food pantry, upstairs free shop, and serves breakfast and lunch, as well as offering assistance in accessing resources. 

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