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
Handiwork Hangout
Ages 13+
Mondays, 1:00-3:00pm
September 9th – December 16th
Instructor: Susie Kandt
Free For Everyone
Calling all crochet, knitting, cross stitch, and embroidery enthusiasts! Come work on your current projects while enjoying the company of other handi-workers in our weekly social club. Make new friends, share techniques, and complete your projects. All levels of experience are welcome!
*This program is funded by the Lennox Foundation.
Steady Mood and Blood Sugar
Ages 16+
Wednesday, August 7th
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Instructor: Thais Harris
Free For Everyone
Learn how to balance carbs, fats, and protein to keep your mind and body happy. This class is part lecture and part hands-on cooking with Thais Harris who is board certified in holistic nutrition.
Sunkissed: Summer Skin Care
Ages 18+ CANCELED
Saturday, August 17th
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Instructor: Nicole Irene
Member: $25.00
Guest: $40.00
Sip on sweet calendula tea while using the same plant to create a home-made after-sun spray, calming lotion, and simple salve lip balm.
Country Line Dancing
Ages 18+
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm
August 20th – September 24th
Instructor: Luana Dias David
Members: $40.00
Guests: $52.00
Join Luana Dais David in a 6-week Country Line Dance Workshop. Learn basic country dance steps and practice the moves. During each class, we will combine the sequences and dance to the most popular hits in Country Music.
Shinrin-Yoku Forest Bathing
Ages 18+
Saturday, August 24th
Inclement weather date September 14th
9:00-11:00am
Member: $25.00
Guest: $35.00
Uke 202 (Beginners & Intermediate)
Ages 13+
Thursdays, September 5th – 26th
6:15 – 7:00pm
Instructor: Keith Larsen, co-instructor of BSRCC’s Berkshire Ukulele Band
Members: $25.00
Guests: $35.00
Join us as we dive into the basics of ukulele playing, covering essential chords such as C, F, G7, Am, and Dm, along with foundational strumming patterns, including the popular Island Strum. Our focus will be on performing songs with frequent chord changes and an upbeat tempo. We will emphasize proper strumming techniques and enjoy singing along in a welcoming and supportive environment. Our ultimate goal is to help you develop a playing style that transcends the basics, making music an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Concert-sized ukuleles will be available for participants to borrow for the duration of the course. All players are welcome!
Vegan Mexican Feast
Ages 18+ Cancelled*
Interested in cooking with Mrs. Pleasant? Check out her next class, Middle Eastern Feast, on October 22nd. Scroll down this page for more details!
Thursday, September 12th
5:00 – 8:00pm
Instructor: Mrs. Pleasant, a personal chef and cooking instructor
Members: $65.00
Guests: $80.00
Please join Emily, Mrs. Pleasant, in a part demo, part hands-on cooking class followed by a sit-down communal meal. Together we will create a 100% vegan/plant-based menu including Spanish gazpacho, cauliflower al pastor tacos, herby Mexican rice, black beans with green chilies, and Mexican-inspired vegan chocolate mousse.
Mindful Birding Walk
All Ages!
Saturday, September 14th
(rain date Sunday, September 15th)
9:00am – 10:30am
Instructor: Dave Edson
Free For Everyone
Join us for an easy Mindful Birding stroll led by educator and naturalist Dave Edson. Get a head start on observing fall migration by learning how to identify birds while connecting with nature. Please bring binoculars, if you have them. *Parent/guardian must accompany children under age 12.
Guided Autumn Hike
Ages 13+
Monday, September 16th (Rain date Tuesday Sept 17th)
10:00am – 12:00pm
Instructor: Tes Reed
Free For Everyone
Join wilderness educator, naturalist, and guide Tes Reed on a nature walk to explore the autumn landscape and its wildlife inhabitants. You’ll learn about the changing landscape, identify trees by their branches and fallen leaves, discover what animals are doing this time of year, investigate wild edible plants, and more. The land will guide our journey!
*This program is funded by the Lennox Foundation.
Intro to Improvisational Theater
Ages 18+
Mondays, September 30th – November 18th
6:30 – 8:30pm
Instructor: Darren Blaney
Members: $60.00
Guests: $80.00
Inspired by the work of Viola Spolin, Keith Johnstone, and Sanford Meisner, this 8-week course will focus on freeing our spontaneity, creativity, empathy, and ensemble listening skills. No previous theater experience is necessary. However, the class requires an open mind, a willingness to explore our creative impulses, and most importantly, a desire to laugh, play, and have fun! The class will work towards building the necessary skills to perform “long form” improvised scenes.
Caregiver Support Group
with Cheryl Hutto
Ages 18+
Tuesdays, October 1st – November 5th
1:00 – 2:30pm
Free For Everyone
This 6-week caregiver support group is designed to provide a safe, encouraging environment for caregivers to share their challenges and experiences. The group will be led by Cheryl Hutto, a coach, and mentor who has worked with caregivers for several years. She is well-versed in compassion, fatigue, resilience, and mindfulness. Cheryl will provide guidance and resources to help better manage their caregiving responsibilities.
*This program is funded by the Lennox Foundation.
Advanced Cold Wax and Beyond Workshop
with Carolyn Abrams
Mondays, October 7th – 28th or
Mondays, November 4th – 25th
1pm – 4pm
Cost: $150 for 4 classes or $50/class for drop-in
Register through the Guild of Berkshire Artists
This course is designed for those who want to continue developing and honing the skills learned in the Intro to Cold Wax class. To register, you must have completed our Intro to Cold Wax course or have prior experience working with oils and cold wax.
Salsa with Luana
Tuesdays, October 8th – November 12th
6:30 – 7:30pm
Instructor: Luana Dias David
Members: $40.00
Guests: $52.00
Join Luana Dias David in a 6-week Salsa workshop. Dancers will focus on basic footwork, spinning techniques, and partner work. Additionally, the class will explore salsa choreography and performance skills. Get ready to learn fun routines you can take on the dance floor!
*This program is funded by the Lennox Foundation.
Italian Cooking with Hank Ferlauto
Thursday, October 10th
Or
Thursday, November 21st
5:00 – 8:00pm
Instructor: Hank Ferlauto
Members: $65.00
Guests: $80.00
Family Day In The Wild
Ages 5-12 with parent/guardian
Monday, October 14th
10:00am – 2:00pm
Instructor: Tes Reed
Free For Everyone
Pack a hearty lunch and bring your family for a fun day in the autumn woods. Tes Reed will create an outdoor adventure for you and your family that will include an introduction to primitive skills, animal tracks, bird languages, and plant identification. We’ll play games and tell stories by the campfire too! *Parent or guardian required.
*This program is funded by the Lennox Foundation.
Country Line Dancing
Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30pm
October 15th – November 19th
Instructor: Luana Dias David
Members: $40.00
Guests: $52.00
Join Luana Dias David in a 6-week Country Line Dancing class. Learn basic country dance steps and practice the moves. During each class, we will combine the sequences and dance to the most popular hits in Country Music.
There's No Shame In Dying: Open Conversations on End-of-Life Issues with Bess Dillman, a Certified Death Doula
Thursdays, October 17th – November 14th
6:30 – 8:00pm
Free For Everyone
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.
Middle Eastern Feast
Tuesday, October 22nd
5:00 – 8:00pm
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 15th
Instructor: Mrs. Pleasant, personal chef and cooking instructor
Members: $65.00
Guests: $80.00
Please join Emily, Mrs. Pleasant, in a part demo, part hands-on cooking class. Together, we will create a pescatarian menu of hummus tahini with pita, spicy cucumber salad, coriander-crusted cod, roasted carrots with hot tahini, and watermelon feta salad.
Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop
Thursday, December 5th
5:00 – 7:00pm
Instructor: Vine Gate Lavender Floral Farm
Members: $50
Guests: $60
Kick off the holiday season with a festive wreath-making class! Attendees will learn how to assemble a mixed evergreen wreath. We will then adorn it with assorted decorations including cones, berries, dried florals, a hand-tied bow, and a little sparkle. All materials and tools will be provided.
*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
Community Supper
Served Twice Monthly on Mondays
From 5:00-6:00 pm
Upcoming Dates:
September 9th & 23rd
Funding for these meals is generously provided by Greylock Federal Credit Union, Fallon Health, the Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires, and the Lennox Foundation.
Call the front desk or check our Facebook page and Instagram for the weekly menu. No reservations are needed.
September 9th, 2024 Menu
Chicken Bruschetta
Rice
Mixed Vegetables
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 TriTown 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
Free For Everyone
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 is a FREE program supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the following local cultural councils: Alford-Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, New Marlborough, Otis, Sandisfield, Sheffield, and Stockbridge.
Berkshire Sings!
Ages 13+
Wednesdays, 6:45pm – 8:30pm
Instructor: Robert Kelly
Free For Everyone
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 is a FREE program supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the following local cultural councils: Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, New Marlborough, Otis, Sandisfield, Sheffield, and Stockbridge.
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.
