Adult and Family Enrichment
OVERVIEW
If you’re passionate about lifelong learning, Berkshire South’s Enrichment programs are sure to interest you. Explore new hobbies, learn practical skills, sharpen your mind, and build friendships with classmates who share your interests – all while having fun! Pre-registration for all classes is required 48 hours in advance.
For all program-related questions, please contact Molly at mamstead@berkshiresouth.org
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ADULT PROGRAMS
There’s No Shame in Dying
Ages 18+ CANCELED
Wednesdays, May 7th – June 4th
2:00pm – 3:30pm
Instructor: Bess Dillman, Certified Death Doula
Members: $15
Guests: $25
Do you find yourself avoiding thoughts or discussions about death? This class provides an opportunity to explore your feelings and ease your fears in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Whether you’re coming to terms with your own mortality or coping with the loss of a loved one, you’ll learn how to approach this experience with greater peace. We also honor the grief and sadness that often accompanies this journey.
Self-Love-Powered Weight Loss
Ages 18+
Thursday, May 8th, 2025
5:30 – 7:00pm
Instructor: Thais Harris
Free For Everyone
Thais Harris, a board-certified holistic nutritionist, will introduce you to an innovative approach toward understanding your body and supporting it in shedding fat. This class is part lecture and part cooking paired with a personal metabolic questionnaire.
Mindful Migration Birding Walk
All ages welcome
Saturdays, May 10th, May 17th, May 24th, May 31st
9:00am – 10:30am
Instructor: Dave Edson
Adult Rate: $15/session, $40/all four
Child Rate: $8/session, $25/all four
Families or groups (3 or more registrants) receive 20% off!*
*Please reach out to Molly at mamstead@berkshiresouth.org to receive discount.
Join Dave Edson on easy, family-friendly strolls to witness the awe of bird spring migration. It’s spring in full swing and (bird) love is in the air! We will get to know the beautiful and inspiring sights and sounds of local and visiting birds’ songs, calls, plumage, and behavior as we take advantage of the relaxing and healing benefits of mindful birding. Please bring binoculars, if you have them.
*Parent/guardian must accompany anyone under age 18.
Country Line Dancing
Ages: 13+. CANCELED
Tuesdays, May 13th – June 24th (no class 6/17)
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Instructor: Luana Dias David
Members: $90
Guests: $110
Join Luana Dias David for six weeks of line dancing! You’ll learn basic country dance steps and sequences while dancing to the most popular hits in country music.
Guild of Berkshire Artists: Painterly Abstract Collage Workshop
With Alexandra Sheldon
May 14th – 17th
Wednesday, May 14, 1 – 6pm
Thursday, May 15th & Friday, May 16th, 9am – 4:30pm
Saturday, May 17th, 8 – 11am
BSRCC or Guild Members: $485
Non Members: $550
Explore composition, color, texture, light, movement, and narrative, while making collages from scratch. We will make our own materials by mixing colors and painting paper, as well as utilizing printmaking techniques such as trace monotypes. In addition, the class will look at artists to understand their methodology, discuss their processes, and explore contrasting approaches to creating strong compositions. The workshop is for all skill levels from beginner to professional.
Genealogy
Ages 13+
Wednesday, May 14th
5:00pm – 7:00pm
OR
Wednesday, June 11th
5:00pm – 7:00pm
Instructor: Richard Pope
Members: $5
Guests: $10
Have you ever wondered about your family’s past but didn’t know where to start or who to ask? This is your opportunity! In this 30 minute session, Richard Pope, a certified genealogist, will help you get the answers you have been looking for and get you started in the right direction. Please note, Richard focuses on US genealogy only.
Berkshire Ukulele Band presents Strummin' into Summer: A Ukulele Celebration
All ages welcome!
Saturday, May 17th
from 3:00 – 4:00pm
Entry: $10/Person
The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Ages 18+
Thursday, May 22nd
1:00pm – 2:00pm
OR
Thursday, June 26th
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Instructor: Holland Brown, Alzheimer’s Association volunteer
Members: FREE
Guests: $5
The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often dismissed as side effects of normal aging. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes, it’s time to learn the facts. Early detection gives you a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical studies, and plan for the future. Attend this training to learn the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s disease. We’ll separate myth from reality and address commonly-held fears about Alzheimer’s in America.
Intermediate Improvisation for Theater
Thursdays, May 22nd – July 3rd (NO CLASS 6/19)
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Instructor: Darren Blaney
Members: $90
Guests: $110
Building our skills, this course will focus on improvised short scenes, long-form improv, and continued ensemble collaboration. Inspired by the work of Viola Spolin, Keith Johnstone, and Sanford Meisner, we will continue to free our spontaneity, creativity, empathy, and ensemble listening skills.The class requires an open mind, a willingness to explore our creative impulses, and a desire to have fun!
Summertime Fling with Berkshire Sings!
All Ages Welcome!
Wednesday, June 11th
from 6:45 – 8:30pm
Entry: $10 / per person
Enjoy an evening fundraising performance by Berkshire Sings featuring songs by a myriad of composers from 1920 – 1980 including Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, John Denver, Burt Bacharach.
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Wednesday, June 11th
1:00 – 2:00pm
OR
Wednesday, July 16th
6:00 – 7:00pm
Instructor: Holland Brown, Alzheimer’s Association volunteer
Members: FREE
Guests: $5
This program provides information about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, stages and risk factors, available research and treatment, and resources offered by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Primitive Fire Making Workshop
with Tes Reed
Ages 18+
Sunday, June 15th, 10am – 12pm
Free For Everyone
Camping season is coming! Learn to make a one-match fire using primitive methods and earth-based materials. Throughout the day, we will learn how to recognize animal signs, interpret bird calls, and explore local vegetation. Together we will build a community fire and cook something from the wild! Please pack a lunch!
*This program is sponsored by the Green Foundation.
An Evening with The Berkshire Medium
Monday, June 16th
5:30 – 7:30pm
Facilitator: Pam Ellis, The Berkshire Medium
Members: $65
Guests: $65
Pam has helped many people connect with loved ones and create special moments. She has performed at local organizations, nonprofits, schools and on TV. You don’t want to miss out! A loved one may have a message waiting for you.
Estate Planning for Your Peace of Mind
with Kristina Kisiel
Wednesday, August 6th
6:00 – 7:00pm
No Fee for Members
Members: FREE
Guests: $10
If you have monetary assets and property, basic estate planning is essential so you are not leaving your loved ones with the burden of settling your estate.
Come Learn:
- The Basics and Importance of Estate Planning
- The 5 Essential Documents: Will, Revocable Trust, Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and HIPAA Authorizations
- How to Create a Comprehensive Plan to Protect Your Assets and Ensure Your Wishes
*Programs noted with a (*) are part of our Community Vitality programming, which is funded by the Lennox Foundation and the Lee Bank Foundation.
CONTINUOUS PROGRAMS
Free For Everyone
Spring 2025 Dates:
May 12th & 19th,
June 2nd & 23rd,
July 7th & 21st
Funding for these meals is generously provided by Greylock Federal Credit Union, Fallon Health, the Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires, Lee Bank Foundation, and Pepita Foundation.
May 12th, 2025
Macaroni & Cheese
Roasted Chicken Breast
Green Beans
Dessert
Chefs:
Taste of Haiti Chefs
- We strongly encourage calling the Front Desk 413 528 2810 before coming out in case of any program changes.
- First come, first served. Only 125 meals will be prepared
- FREE FOR EVERYONE. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Need A Ride To Community Supper?
The South County Connector provides FREE RIDES to Community Supper dinners for all seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
Call 413-591-3826 to arrange a pick-up!
Berkshire Ukulele Band (BUB)
Ages 13+
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Instructor: Jean Atwater-Willams & Keith Larsen
Program Fee
- $5.00 Drop-In Fee*
- $50.00 10-Pack – Can be used sporadically and does not expire
- $50.00 Flat Rate Season Pass – You can attend any of the sessions for the catalog season (Jan- April, May – August)
*Drop-In Passes Must Be Purchased At The Front Desk
Our music educators will teach ukulele technique, chord progressions, and songs from many musical genres. Students and music lovers of all levels are welcome, including beginners. The ability to read music is not required. Music and chord charts will be provided. There will be opportunities to perform at community events throughout the year. This is a drop in program but calling ahead is encouraged as the group occasionally performs off site during regular class times.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Alford-Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Marlborough, Sandisfield, and Sheffield Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Berkshire Sings!
Ages 13+
Wednesdays, 6:45pm – 8:30pm
Instructor: Robert Kelly
Starting January 1, 2025
- $8.00 Drop-In Fee*
- $80.00 10-Pack – can be used sporadically and does not expire
- $80.00 Flat Rate Season Pass – You can attend any of the sessions for the catalog season (Jan- April, May – August)
*Drop-In Passes Must Be Purchased At The Front Desk
Sing ’till your heart’s content under the guidance and accompaniment of musician and teacher Robert Kelly. Songs include pop, folk, jazz standards, and show tunes. Exercises in breathing, relaxation, and listening will be incorporated, and opportunities to perform at community events will be offered. Everyone is welcome-no prior experience necessary. All you need is the desire to sing! Music will be provided. This is a drop-in program, but calling ahead is encouraged as the group occasionally performs off-site during regular class times.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Alford-Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Marlborough, Sandisfield, and Sheffield Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Community Garden
Winter Plot: October 1st – March 31st $25 per plot
Summer Plot: April 1st – September 31st $45 per plot
Year Round Plot: April 1st – March 31st $65 per plot
Want to grow your own vegetables and flowers, but lack the space to do so? Our fenced garden has eight 4′ x 14′ raised beds with access to water. Rent one (or more!) for the next growing season. Fall is the perfect time to plant garlic, carrots, tulip bulbs, spinach greens and more.
Contact rentals@berkshiresouth.org to learn more or reserve your plot.
