Berkshire Pulse announces purchase of an historic mill building in downtown Housatonic to serve as the organization’s future, permanent home
Housatonic— Berkshire Pulse, Berkshire County’s dynamic dance and performing arts education center celebrating its 30th anniversary, is thrilled to announce the recent purchase of an historic mill building in downtown Housatonic to serve as the organization’s future, permanent home. Pulse closed on the 3-story, 13,350 square foot facility at 410 Park Street on December 20, 2024, made possible through gifts from several generous donors.
“Berkshire Pulse was founded with the core belief that dance and the creative arts can profoundly enrich peoples’ lives—and that everyone should have direct access to the arts, regardless of their age, abilities, or life circumstances. Our community in Housatonic has been incredibly supportive of this mission since we first started holding classes here nearly 20 years ago, and we are grateful for their continued encouragement today,” said Bettina Montano, Founder and Artistic Director of Berkshire Pulse. “This new space will allow us to expand our programs, offer more opportunities for local artists, and deepen our impact and connection with the community. We can’t wait to envision how our Pulse will evolve now that we finally have a permanent home and a place to grow.”
Early in 2025, Pulse will begin the planning process to refine the renovation designs, timeline, and funding requirements to convert 410 Park from a private residence to a new, dynamic dance and creative arts center. Project planning costs will be partially supported by a feasibility study grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund program.
The purchase of 410 Park was made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of several anonymous donors. Though the building’s purchase and acquisition costs have already been fully underwritten through these contributions, the project’s planning and construction expenses will need to be raised separately through an anticipated multi-million dollar capital campaign to be launched by Berkshire Pulse’s Board of Directors and volunteers later in 2025.
Berkshire Pulse is a thriving, growing resource for the Berkshire region. Since 2014, it has rented 6,500 square feet on the third floor of Rubin Mill (located next door at 420 Park Street) for its studios and administrative offices. Pulse will continue to operate at Rubin Mill for the next several years while it undergoes the construction and capital campaign work required for 410 Park. Pulse will share updates and additional information on renovation and fundraising plans for 410 Park in the months and years ahead.
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Berkshire Money Management presents ‘Retire This Year: Milestones, Timelines, and Tips for Ages 59+ ,’ a free virtual event to help individuals keep their retirement resolutions in 2025
Dalton— Is your New Year’s resolution to finally retire this year? On Tuesday, January 14th at 6 p.m., Berkshire Money Management Financial Advisor Holly Simeone, CES™ will host “During Retire This Year: Milestones, Timelines, and Tips for Ages 59+,” a special virtual event to give attendees clarity on the steps they need to take to retire before the end of 2025.
Simeone will address the four most important elements of retirement readiness and share how attendees can create real, actionable plans to stick to their retirement resolutions and make their dreams a reality.
This straightforward and practical virtual presentation will help attendees:
- Set achievable retirement goals
- Navigate retirement milestones and deadlines
- Make the most of their savings, Social Security, and other income
- Plan for a long and active retirement
- Turn “someday” into “this year”
The 30-minute presentation is on Tuesday, January 14th at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a live Q&A where attendees can share their hopes and concerns and get answers to their retirement-planning questions. This virtual Zoom event is free and open to the community. Attendees can register online at berkshiremm.com/retire-this-year.
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Berkshire Community College receives funding for ESOL classes
Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces that it has received funding from 1Berkshire for two cohorts of adult students seeking to enroll in BCC’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. 1Berkshire will provide $15,000 per cohort in the spring and fall 2025 semesters, allowing ESOL students to receive full tuition assistance.
BCC’s ESOL classes are designed to assist non-native English speakers, primarily immigrants, assimilate into the community and support them in reaching their academic and career goals. Classes focus on English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. However, critical thinking, digital literacy, civics and navigating systems skills are also integrated throughout the curriculum. In essence, students learn not only the English language, but also how to access the resources necessary to succeed and thrive in their community and in the workplace.
“This is outstanding news, because we currently have about 150 students on the ESOL waiting list. That means BCC can now offer more access to more students for ESOL language learning,” said Executive Director of Workforce and Community Education Linda Clairmont. “I’m super excited about the partnership with 1Berkshire.”
The first cohort will begin at the end of January. Classes will be held on the BCC campus during the early evenings, one night a week, for three hours per class. For more information, email workforce@berkshirecc.edu or call 413-236-2115.
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Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture opens application for local farmer awards
Berkshire— Farmers in Western Massachusetts are invited to apply for Local Farmer Awards of up to $2,500, intended to help farmers purchase capital equipment related to planting, growing, harvesting, and processing to help them compete in the marketplace.
The awards have helped farmers make necessary improvements such as upgrading electric fencing, purchasing no-till equipment, expanding irrigation, installing frost-free water systems, purchasing feed troughs, and applying shade cloths for greenhouses.
John Lee, president of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture comments “We are delighted to once again support farmers in Western Massachusetts through these grants. It is truly inspiring to witness the creativity, thoughtfulness, and uniqueness they bring to their projects.”
To be eligible, farms must have gross sales of $10,000 and be located in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, or Berkshire County. The deadline for applying is January 31st. For a full list of eligibility requirements and application information, farmers are encouraged to visit www.farmerawards.org.
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Berkshire Community College announces second cohort of paraprofessional educators class
Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces that the second cohort of its Paraprofessional Educators class begins Monday, February 24th.
Paraprofessional or “para” educators, which are in demand in the Berkshires, play a vital role in supporting teachers in the classroom. The BCC program covers areas such as instructional techniques, classroom management, child development, special education and effective communication strategies.
Upon completion of the course, graduates are prepared to work in a public or private K-12 education setting as effective, compassionate paraeducators, contributing to a positive and inclusive learning atmosphere.
The entry-level six-week session will be held Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. To register, email workforce@berkshirecc.edu or call 413-236-2115.
