OLLI at BCC: Intersections of Faith, Feminism, and Activism

03:45PM / Friday, March 27, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College (OLLI at BCC) announces the next installment of its Distinguished Speakers Series, "Intersections of Faith, Feminism, and Activism: Progressive Islam and Social Justice" with Ani Zonneveld on Monday, March 30 at 7 p.m.

The free talk, open to all, will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 74 First Street, Pittsfield. It will also be live streamed. For more information and to register, visit https://berkshireolli.org/event-6577427.

Zonneveld, an award-winning songwriter and the founder and president of Muslims for Progressive Values, will share her personal and professional experiences as an advocate for human rights, gender equality, and religious freedom. The insightful lecture will bring theory to life in an in-depth application of progressive Islamic theology and human rights norms in her work.

Zonneveld will explore her compelling book, "An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist." Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the intersections between faith, feminism, and activism and the various initiatives Zonneveld created in countering patriarchy and sexism in society, including her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and in opposing the misuse of religion to justify prejudice.

This talk is sponsored by Kimball Farms Life Care.

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Pittsfield Traffic Commission OKs Stop Signs, Parking Requests

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:48AM / Wednesday, August 12, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Traffic Commission granted stop signs and downtown parking requests during its recent regular meeting.

A petition from Ward 7 Councilor Kathy Moody to install stop signs at the corner of Thomas Road and Thomas Island Road was approved. One sign will be installed at Thomas Road and Thomas Island Road, and one at the corner of Thomas Island Road and Pecks Road.

Moody said for some reason, people don't understand they need to stop at the "very clear" intersection into the neighborhood alongside Onota Lake off Peck's Road.

"It's really difficult to see right there. Because of the corners, people are not stopping, and I have several phone calls from constituents that live on Thomas Island who have nearly been in very bad accidents there," she explained about the corner of Thomas Road and Thomas Island Road.

"If we could put a stop sign there, that would be terrific. It would help improve the safety of the neighborhood. It's a very small neighborhood. The roads are narrow. There are pedestrians everywhere. Having a stop sign to protect people at that almost blind corner would be very useful."

Police Sgt. David Hallas couldn't recall any significant vehicle accidents in that area, but said that speeding on that section of Peck's Road is "quite an issue."

Other commissioners commented that the roads on the island are very narrow, and it is one of the few places with mirrors so that drivers can see around corners.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren's request for a stop sign at the intersection of Partridge Road and Oak Hill Road was also approved. He said it is a similar situation to Thomas Island.

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