BCC Offers Info Sessions with New President

07:54AM / Thursday, August 06, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will offer two free community college informational sessions for prospective students:

Thursday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m. at the Lee Public Library, located at 100 Main Street, Lee, MA
Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the North Adams Public Library, located at 74 Church Street, North Adams, MA

Hara Charlier, who joined BCC as its new president on July 1, will meet prospective students, who will learn about degree and career training programs as well as how to qualify for free tuition.

To register, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/freecollege.

Information sessions provide an overview of how the Commonwealth’s financial assistance programs allow all Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend BCC for free — no tuition and no fees. The programs also include an allowance for books and supplies for eligible students.

Applications to BCC are open all year long, and there’s never an application fee. For more information, contact the BCC Admissions Office at admissions@berkshirecc.edu or (413) 499-4660.

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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:30AM / Thursday, August 06, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back over 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

"I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference," committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

"The city could have use for that difference over the next three years."

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has been vocally in favor of the independent audit for years, said the city doesn't have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, "We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional, and a looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is."

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have equitable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

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