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
Living After Loss: Support Group
Ages 18+
Meets every first Wednesday of the month, starting March 4th
6:00 – 7:00pm
Hosted By: HospiceCare in the Berkshires, Inc.
Free For Everyone
No preregistration required.
Losing a loved one is difficult. Talking with others who have had similar experiences can help ease this burden. Join us to listen and share with other who are also on this journey. This is open to anyone who has experienced a loss.
This group will meet at Berkshire South on:
May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2
Redefining Aging: A Discussion Group for Women
Tuesdays, April 14 – May 19
1:00 – 2:30 pm
Instructor: Cheryl Hutto
Free For Everyone
Registration for this program has closed.
Through this 6-week discussion group, we will share the challenges women face as they age and create a new definition of what it means to be an empowered older woman. The course will be led by Cheryl Hutto, a coach and mentor who facilitates groups and private sessions for caregivers, individuals experiencing loss, and those facing the unspoken challenges that come with aging.
This program is funded by the Green Foundation.
Guild of Berkshire Artists
Explorations in Cold Wax
Mondays, May 4 – June 8
1:00 – 4:00pm
Instructor: Carolyn Abrams
Members: $160
Guests: $185
Please register through the Guild of Berkshire Artists:
This class is a continuing play shop in all the techniques and experiments in shapes, colors, and ways to express yourself creatively in an intuitive and informal setting, all while building camaraderie with your fellow cold waxers. Classes include technique building, challenges, kind critique, sharing of work, and anything else you’d like to bring to the art table.
Those who have completed the Intro to Cold Wax with Carolyn Abrams or the equivalent are welcome to join.
Those who have completed the Intro to Cold Wax with Carolyn Abrams or the equivalent are welcome to join.
Painting in Oils
Tuesdays, May 5 – June 2 (no class May 19)
1:00 – 4:00pm
Instructor: Bob Watkins
Members: $225
Guests: $240
Please register through the Guild of Berkshire Artists:
Join us for a traditional painting class using environmentally safe materials. We will focus on mixing colors with a limited palette. Still lifes and landscapes will be used to explore concepts of perspective, composition and spatial relationships. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class promises to be a supportive environment where creativity flourishes!
Linoleum Carving and Printing for Beginners
Monday, May 20 & Tuesday, May 21
9:00am – 12:00pm
Instructor: Bob Watkins
Members: $120
Guests: $140
(pricing is for both dates)
Please register through the Guild of Berkshire Artists:
This class will utilize simple materials to make and print linoleum cuts. This is a wonderful medium that can become more complex with experience but for now you can make great art on your kitchen table.
Materials Needed:
- 1 sheet unmounted 12”x12” linoleum (most art stores carry it)
- 1 carving handle with a few blades of various sizes
- 1 small tube of black water base ink(for Lino printing)
- 1 Lino rubber roller about 6”
- 1 smooth wooden spoon, several sheets of printmaking paper or a couple large sheets that can be cut.
JWS, the art store in Great Barrington has all that you will need. Please also bring some scrap paper to sketch ideas on in pencil.
Choke Saver Training
Ages 13+
Monday, May 11
3:30 – 4:30pm
Instructor: Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
Free For Everyone
Registration for this program opens soon.
Earn a two-year certification as a Choke Saver. This class is free—a huge cost savings for local businesses—and provides easy, regional access to training for all employers required to have Choke Saver-certified individuals on site. This class is also open to individuals looking for choke saver skills.
Berkshire Ukulele Band: Musical MAYhem
For all ages
Saturday, May 16
3:00 – 4:00pm
Members: $10
Guests: $10
Children 5-13: $5
Children Under 5: Free
Registration for this program opens soon.
Join us for an evening of musical MAYhem with the Berkshire Ukulele Band (BUB) featuring an eclectic selection of songs showcasing different genres and styles of music. This concert is a fundraiser for the BUB program, which meets weekly at Berkshire South.
Featuring: The Berkshire Ukulele Band with Jean Atwater-Williams and Keith Larsen
Salsa with Luana
Tuesdays, May 19 – June 30 (no class June 16)
6:30 – 7:30pm
Instructor: Luana Dias David
Members: $90
Guests: $110
Join Luana Dias David in a 6 week Salsa workshop. Dancers will focus on basic footwork, body lagging, spinning techniques, and partner work. The class also explores salsa choreography, timing and musicality, and performance skills. Be ready to learn fun routines that you can take on the dance floor!
Vegetarian Cooking for Vibrant Lifestyles
Ages 18+
Wednesday, May 27: Knife Skills & Eggplant Parmesan
(Registration deadline: May 22)
Wednesday, June 3: Rainbow Grain Bowls. Sauces & Pickles
(Registration deadline: May 29)
Wednesday, June 10: Minestrone & Sourdough Dinner Rolls
(Registration deadline: June 5)
5:00 – 7:00pm
Instructor: Chef Susie Norris with Egremont Hill Farm
Members: $100 per class (or $250 for all three, register by May 22)
Guests: $120 per class (or $275 for all three, register by May 22)
Learn how to prepare nourishing, deeply satisfying plant-forward meals using seasonal, local ingredients and simple techniques. Each class emphasizes flavor, confidence, and practical skills that support healthy eating, including basic knife skills and vegetable preparation. You’ll cook together, share a meal, and leave with recipes to recreate at home.
Susie Norris is a pastry chef, educator, and founder of Egremont Hill Farm, a nonprofit orchard in Egremont, MA dedicated to food security and sustainable agriculture. With a background in baking and teaching, she focuses on seasonal, plant-forward cooking, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles. Author of three cookbooks, Susie has worked at the Great Barrington Farmers’ Market and now leads hands-on classes that build confidence, skill, and kitchen joy.
Berkshire Sings: A Summer Night of Joy
For all ages
Wednesday, June 3
6:45 – 8:15pm
Members: $10
Guests: $10
Children 5-13: $5
Children Under 5: Free
Registration for this program opens soon.
Enjoy an evening of community and music at this benefit show. This is a fundraiser for the Berkshire Sings! group that meets weekly at Berkshire South.
Featuring: Robert Kelly and Berkshire Sings!
Irish Dancing
Ages 18+
Mondays, June 8 – July 13
2:00 – 3:00pm
Instructor: Deirdre Walger
Members: $90
Guests: $110
In this beginner Irish dance workshop, learn proper standing and foot position, and how to move the body with timing for different Irish dance music. Have fun learning traditional Irish dances including an Irish jig!
Note: Deirdre Walger is also offering Toddler Irish Dance classes, learn more here.
A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music
Thursday, June 25th
6:30 – 7:45pm
Instructor: Jon Waterman
Members: $10
Guests: $15
Registration for this program opens soon.
This program combines history and live music with original and traditional songs, narratives, and a slideshow woven around a historical theme. The show is entertaining and informative and is relevant to our story as a people. Sit back and enjoy a performance of A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music.
Read an article about the program from the December 31, 2019 edition of the Martha’s Vineyard Times. Jon has been performing across New England professionally as a musician and songwriter for over 20 years.
Good Is Amazing: Stop Overstriving and Celebrate Being Enough!
An Author Talk with Heather Campbell
Ages 13+
Thursday, June 11
6:45 – 8:30pm
Members: $30
Guests: $30
Price includes a signed copy of Good Is Amazing.
You’re invited to hear from, and talk with, local celebrated author Heather Campbell, as she discusses her book and invites you to recognize that a life full of good is, well, the title is a spoiler: AMAZING. Take a deep sigh as your mind ignites with possibilities on how to say “yes” to choices that are good for you, and say “no” to what stops you from being who you are. Heather’s stories and conversation will spark your own stories. After this entertaining event, you’ll walk away inspired. You’ll also walk away with your very own copy of her signed book.
In addition to writing and speaking, Heather Campbell is CEO of Ready Set Recover, where she empowers people to get ready for and recover from surgery. She also serves as board member of the Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence, is a School Council Leader at MMRHS, and is the recipient of the “Going the Extra Mile” Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters. Learn more about Heather at heathercampbell.com
CONTINUOUS PROGRAMS
Free For Everyone
Upcoming Supper Dates
- May 11 – In Person
- May 18 – Take Out
- May 25 – No Supper (closed for Memorial Day)
- June 1 – In Person
- June 8 – Take Out
- June 15 – In Person
- June 22 – Take Out
- June 29 – In Person
TAKE-OUT MEALS
Curbside pickup begins at 4:00 pm until meals run out.
IN-PERSON SUPPERS
Served from 5:00-6:00 pm in The Lounge.
The January 26 Community Supper is CANCELLED due to the impending snow storm.
The next Community Supper will be held on:
May 11, 2026
(In Person | 5:00-6:00 pm)
MENU:
CHEFS:
Chef Ko
- We encourage calling the Front Desk 413-528-2810 before coming out in case of any program changes.
- First come, first served.
- 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 has been supported by a grant from the South Berkshire County Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Alford-Egremont, Lee, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Marlborough, Sandisfield, Sheffield, and Stockbridge Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Berkshire Sings!
Ages 13+
Wednesdays, 6:45 – 8:30 pm
Instructor: Robert Kelly
- $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, Sept – Dec)
*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 has been supported by a grant from the South Berkshire County Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
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.
