BCC to Offer Bartending and Mixology Workshop

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC)'s Workforce and Community Education department will offer a seven-week Bartending and Mixology workshop as part of its series of personal enrichment workshops on Mondays, September 21 through November 2 from 5:30-7:30 pm.
 
The workshop series will be held at the Polish Falcon Club, located at 32 Bel Air Ave, Pittsfield.  
 
The fee is $189 total for all sessions. To register, and to view other upcoming workshops, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/workshops.  
 
Participants will learn the fundamental principles of mixology, bar organization and equipment, including how to properly prepare and serve mixed drinks, cocktails and wines. A review of the legal ramifications of serving alcohol will also be covered. Registrants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Massachusetts ID. 

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Peace Officer Standards Commission Strips Former Pittsfield Cop of Certification

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A former Pittsfield Police officer was one of five statewide who recently had their licenses revoked by the  POST Commission. 

Last week, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission voted to strip five former officers of their licenses to work in law enforcement, including former PPD officer William Straub

The commission had determined that these workers were unfit to carry a badge and gun in Massachusetts; so far, 92 state police officers have been decertified by the commission. 

Records indicate that Straub faced charges tied to a 2024 incident, but details are redacted.  On Oct. 31, 2024, the POST Commission suspended Straub's law enforcement certification, and he resigned from PPD in April. 

"According to Pittsfield District Court records, Straub pleaded guilty in April to two counts of misdemeanor assault and battery tied to a 2024 incident," MassLive wrote on Monday. 

"Three other charges, including drunk driving and carrying a firearm while intoxicated, were continued without a finding. While that resolution allows the charges to be dismissed after a period of time if Straub abides by certain conditions, the commission treats them as a criminal conviction."

According to records, he was certified as a police officer in July of 2021, and recertified in July 2024.  

"The Respondent's appointing agency, the Pittsfield Police Department ("PPD"), submitted a final report to the Commission finding that the Respondent had engaged in criminal conduct and conduct unbecoming [of] an officer," the Aug. 20 final decision to decertify reads. 

"The Respondent resigned from PPD on April 9, 2026, prior to the imposition of any discipline." 

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