BCC Announces Series of Fall Workshops

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Workforce and Community Education department at Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced a series of fall workshops, beginning in mid-September and concluding in November. 

Workshops are geared towards general community education or professional development, and all are open to the public.

Community Education Workshops

  • Intermediate Golf: Fridays, Sept. 18 – Oct. 16 from 5-6 p.m. at Miraval Resort, 55 Lee Rd, Lenox, MA. In collaboration with Miraval Resort, this clinic is designed to improve all aspects of your golf game. Topics include fundamentals of the golf swing, understanding the difference between pitching and chipping, scoring irons, sand play, club path and attack angles. Students must bring their own clubs. Fee is $150; register at www.berkshirecc.edu/workshop.
  • Beginner's Country Line Dancing: Tuesdays, Oct. 6 – Nov. 10 from 6-7 p.m. at BCC's main campus. This fun, beginner?friendly series is led by Berkshire?based instructor Luana Dias, known for her clear teaching style and welcoming energy. Over six weeks, students learn foundational line?dance steps, timing and easy-to-follow routines set to great music. Expect supportive instruction, steady progress and a lively community atmosphere. Fee is $95; register at www.berkshirecc.edu/workshop.
  • Fall-themed Cupcake Decorating: Saturdays, Nov. 7, 14 and 21 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the BCC culinary lab on the main campus. Consultant Melissa Albano guides students through the process of creating a stunning pull-apart turkey cupcake display and a beautiful bouquet of fall-inspired floral cupcakes. Refine your piping skills, learn creative decorating techniques and leave with eye-catching edible centerpieces. Students should have a basic knowledge of frosting tips and cupcake decorating techniques. Fee is $90; register at www.berkshirecc.edu/workshop.
  • Gather and Bloom: Friday, Nov. 20 from 5-7 p.m. in the Susan B. Anthony Center, BCC main campus. Celebrate the beauty of the season with a hands-on fresh flower arranging workshop. Floral designer Aubrey Shields of Petal Planter & Design and Mobile Petal Bar guides participants in creating a stunning fall centerpiece using fresh flowers and seasonal foliage. Fee is $85; register at www.berkshirecc.edu/workshop.

Professional Development Workshops

  • Speak with Impact: Public Speaking for Real Life & Leadership: Thursdays, Sept. 17 – Oct. 22 from 6-8 p.m. on BCC's main campus. Hari Kumar, founder of Convivo, leads this six-week course designed to help you not only overcome stage fright, but also develop confidence and joy in your public speaking skills. The class culminates in a banquet-style event, where participants will demonstrate their public speaking skills for an appreciative audience. Fee: $200; view complete agenda and register at www.berkshirecc.edu/pro. 
  • Bartending & Mixology: Mondays, Sept. 21 – Nov. 2 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Polish Falcon Club, 32 Bel Air Ave, Pittsfield. Instructor Lori Blake teaches the fundamental principles of mixology, bar organization and equipment. Learn to properly prepare and serve mixed drinks, cocktails and wines. Review the legal ramifications of serving laws. Participants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Massachusetts ID. Fee is $189; register at www.berkshirecc.edu/pro.
  • Berkshire Summit Signature Series: AI for Hospitality & Tourism: Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Koussevitzky Arts Center on BCC's main campus. This half-day summit is designed for tourism and hospitality leaders, solo business owners and small teams who want practical, strategic ways to use AI to save time, improve operations, enhance guest experiences and stay competitive. Includes expert keynotes, real-world demonstrations and a Q&A session. Fee is $75; view complete agenda and register at www.berkshirecc.edu/pro.
  • ServSafe Manager Certification Training: Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Hotel Downstreet, 40 Main St, North Adams, MA, or Monday and Wednesday, Nov. 16 and 18 from 5:30-9 p.m. on BCC's main campus. ServSafe verifies a person's knowledge and skills to manage food safety in a foodservice operation. The certification, intended for restaurant owners, managers and employees who are responsible for food safety in the workplace, is valid for five years. Fee is $185; register for either session at www.berkshirecc.edu/pro.
  • CPR, First Aid, AED, Stop the Bleed and Narcan Training: Monday, Oct. 19 from 9-11 a.m. on BCC's main campus. Training includes adult, child and infant CPR; adult and child automated external defibrillator (AED) use, first aid, bleeding management and Narcan (naloxone) administration for opioid overdose response. Instructor Christine Isca teaches how to recognize emergencies, provide immediate care, activate emergency medical services and respond effectively until professional help arrives. Fee is $180; register at www.berkshirecc.edu/pro.

 


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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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