OLLI at BCC to Present Tour of Clock Tower Artist Studios

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College (OLLI at BCC) will facilitate a guided tour of Clock Tower Artist Studios, led by Wit Gallery Director Monika Pizzichemi, on Sunday, June 14 from 4-7 p.m.
 
Tours at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. will include visits to open studios, a wine tasting provided by Nejaime's and hors d'oeuvres provided by Berkshire Culinary Group. Clock Tower Artists is located at 75 South Church Street in Pittsfield. 
 
The cost is $40 per person. To register, visit https://berkshireolli.org/event-6661806. Please indicate your preferred time at checkout. Space in each tour group is limited. 
 
Clock Tower Artists is Pittsfield's creative hub housed in the historic Clock Tower building. Rather than a typical gallery opening or art show, the OLLI tour is a chance to step inside the actual spaces where local artists paint, sculpt, build and create — and meet the people doing the work. 
 
 

 

 
 

 


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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.  

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.  

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release. 

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs. 

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community. 

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program.  Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment. 

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