OLLI to present “The New Future of Old Age in Today’s Longevity Economy”
PITTSFIELD — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Berkshire Community College will present an online talk with Professor Joe Coughlin, founder and director of MIT’s AgeLab, on Thursday, April 29 at 3:30 p.m. Dr. Coughlin will discuss opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurship and innovation for an aging society, as well as his call for Boston and the New England region to become a longevity hub — pioneering new approaches to serving older adults.
Dr. Coughlin’s most recent book is “The Longevity Economy: Inside the World’s Fastest Growing, Most Misunderstood Market.” A researcher, teacher, speaker and advisor, his work explores how global demographics, technology, and changing generational behaviors are transforming business and society.
Coughlin was appointed by President George W. Bush to the White House Advisory Committee on Aging and by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker to the Governor’s Council on Aging, where he co-chaired the Innovation and Technology Subcommittee. Coughlin is a senior contributor to Forbes and writes regularly for MarketWatch and the Wall Street Journal. He was named by Fast Company Magazine as one the 100 Most Creative in Business and by the Wall Street Journal as inventing the future of retirement.
—A.K.
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Berkshire Music School to offer Adventures in Music summer youth program
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Music School (BMS) recently announced it will offer a new summer program for youth called Adventures in Music. The program will give budding musicians a solid foundation in making music in a fun, engaging atmosphere. Participants will enjoy group classes in world music, chorus, and creative movement on the tented lawn of the historic BMS campus, as well as small group workshops in piano, ukulele, and visual arts interpretation. Session 1 will be held July 5–16 and cater to children ages 5–9. Session 2 will run July 19–30 and serve older children ages 10–13. Each class will be held from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with extended day options available.
Adventures in Music will be run by BMS Summer Youth Programs Coordinator Cassie Pearson. BMS faculty member Daniel Ariel will be one of the summertime instructors. “I could not be more jazzed for this summer’s youth music program!” said Ariel. “I really can’t think of a better opportunity for kids in the Berkshires to break out of the ordinary and step into a whole new world. With a whirlwind of activities in store, from world music workshops to creative movement sessions and even visual arts and music classes, this is an ideal, day-long youth program to keep kids entertained and engaged for a good stretch of the summer.” Ariel will be joined by BMS faculty members Andrea Goodman and Allen Livermore.
For more information and to register, visit the BMS website or call 413-442-1411.
—A.K.
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Berkshire United Way to host virtual Live United Community Celebration
BERKSHIRE COUNTY — Berkshire United Way, with lead sponsor Greylock Federal Credit Union, will host its annual Live United Community Celebration from 5:30–6:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 29. The event is free and will be virtual with the help of Pittsfield Community Television and Berkshire Community College. Registration is not required, but appreciated here.
Berkshire United Way will present a special tribute in memory of Dan Dillon, as well as the following awards: Employee Campaign Coordinator Award: Tom Blauvelt, Wheeler & Taylor Insurance. Robert K. Agar Jr. Volunteerism Award: Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. Daniel C. Dillon Helping Hands, Caring Heart Award: Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.
The Live United Community Celebration is a culmination of Berkshire United Way’s #HereForGood Volunteer Month.
—A.K.
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BCC announces admissions, nursing info sessions
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will offer three free virtual general information sessions in the month of May: Tuesday, May 4 at 5 p.m., Thursday, May 20 at 12 p.m., and Wednesday, May 26 at 5 p.m. The 30-minute info sessions, presented by admissions counselors via Zoom, are designed to familiarize prospective students with the application and registration process.
Virtual general information session participants can:
- Ask questions about the admissions process: how to apply, register, and choose classes
- Learn about BCC’s affordability and its financial aid options
- Hear from staff about quality programs and student support services
- Discover how classes will transfer to hundreds of schools or prepare graduates for an immediate career
Nursing virtual information sessions
In addition to general admissions information sessions, BCC also offers sessions for those interested in pursuing or continuing a nursing career. Three free virtual sessions will take place in on Wednesday, May 26:
- Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate: 5 p.m.
- Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN): 6 p.m.
- Educational Mobility: PN to ADN: 7 p.m.
To register for either an admissions or a nursing session, visit the website for a list of registration links. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at 413-236-1636.
—A.K.
