Berkshire Museum reopening
Pittsfield— On Wednesday, July 29th, the Berkshire Museum is reopening its doors to the public following a transformational renovation.
Among the new experiences and exhibitions coming to the museum are “Cabinets of Curiosities” and “Voices of Rebellion: Berkshires’ Revolutionary Legacy,” along with the centerpiece of their work: a state-of-the-art aquarium, located in the heart of the museum’s first floor and the only one of its kind in the Berkshires, featuring dozens of terrestrial and aquatic species.
The new aquarium, named the Feigenbaum Aquarium in recognition of the foundation’s longstanding partnership with the museum, is nearly twice the size of the original and the only one of its kind in the Berkshires. There will be a variety of new species, including a Caribbean reef octopus, a bearded dragon, and moon jellyfish. The space will also feature a glass walkway that mimics flowing water, enhancing the visitor experience.
There will be a ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m., a panel discussion at 5 p.m., and a community reopening celebration is planned for August 8th.
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Berkshire Community College staffing updates
Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of two staff members.
Justin Maaia joins BCC as Special Programs Coordinator, TRIO. Maaia has been teaching and advising students since 2005, first at Saint Joseph Central High School in Pittsfield and, most recently, at the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C. In addition to teaching religious studies and philosophy courses, he has mentored teachers as a visiting scholar and now consultant for the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education. Maaia holds an MA from Boston University and a BA from Suffolk University.
Evan Mayotte joins BCC as a Maintainer I.
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MCLA recognized by FirstGen Forward Network
North Adams— Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is a new member to the FirstGen Forward Network Class of 2026. To be selected as a FirstGen Forward Network Member, MCLA displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.
The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach—Network Member, Network Leader, and Network Champion—to scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures.
In this first phase of the Network, selected institutions will participate in the FirstGen Forward Network Virtual Kick-off on August 20th. As a Network Member, MCLA’s interested faculty and staff are afforded opportunities to engage with peer institutions also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students, and will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more.
After successful completion of the Network Member phase, institutions may progress to the second phase, FirstGen Forward Network Leader, in which institutions receive an evidence-based and research-supported framework of actionable priorities supported through monthly workshops; diagnostic tools providing critical institutional insight; robust data-sharing as part of the national Postsecondary Data Partnership; guidance of expert coaches along each step of the experience; and more. Ultimately, all Network institutions strive for national leadership as FirstGen Forward Network Champions.
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BCC, BRPC, and 2nd Street offers mental health training
Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC), in partnership with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) and Second Street Second Chances (2nd Street), recently conducted Mental Health First Aid training for the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office. The course taught participants how to identify risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for helping someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.
The training is part of an effort to increase support services for Berkshire residents and their loved ones affected by substance use, as well as furthering public safety overdose initiatives. These initiatives, set forth by the National Association of County and City Health Officials, are funded by the Remaining Health and Public Safety Overdose Initiatives Grant. The grant allocated $10,700 for the Berkshires project.
“This collaboration with BCC, 2nd Street and the Sheriff’s Office is a critical step in increasing support for families affected by a loved one’s substance use and incarceration. Through this training, we are equipping the staff with stronger tools to help guide family and friends in recognizing the early signs of substance use disorder, setting necessary boundaries, and effectively connecting their loved ones to essential care,” said Andy Ottoson, senior public health planner at BRPC.
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CTSB launches new community radio station
Lee— Community Television for the Southern Berkshires (CTSB) has launched WGSL-LP 107.3 FM, expanding its community media mission into radio. The station began broadcasting on July 3rd from CTSB’s studios in Lee and can be heard on 107.3 FM throughout much of the Southern Berkshires and online at wgslradio.org.
WGSL-LP features audio from CTSB television programs including “Steel Home,” “Solo Creatives,” and “Stockbridge Updates,” along with music celebrating the region’s cultural heritage. The station also carries nationally recognized programs such as “The Moth Radio Hour” and “PRX Remix.”
The station is led by Executive Director Richard Frederick and Marketing & Outreach Manager Sara Paul, a graduate of the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies whose radio work has aired through All Things Considered, Studio 360, WNYC, and Maine Public.
CTSB is inviting community members to help shape the station by joining its new Programming Committee or creating their own radio show or podcast. Training, production support, and access to CTSB’s podcast studio are available to members.
“Community radio is a voice for the people it serves,” said Richard Frederick, Executive Director of CTSB. “WGSL gives our community a new way to connect, share stories, create local programming, and enjoy commercial-free radio shaped by the people who live here. My hope is that it becomes a place that informs, inspires, and strengthens the Southern Berkshires.”
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Greylock Federal Wealth Ambassadors
Pittsfield— Greylock Federal Credit Union held a special ceremony to celebrate the first class of its Wealth Ambassador Program, a month-long youth-centered financial literacy program. The 2026 class of Wealth Ambassadors included 16 individuals ranging in age from 11 to 19.
The program, developed to expand the ambassadors’ knowledge around financial literacy and deepen their connection to the Credit Union, included a blend of online and in-person sessions throughout the year. Participation required a Greylock membership and submission of an application outlining why financial literacy is important. For their commitment to the program, participants received a stipend and letter of commendation.
“Being a Wealth Ambassador is about having the financial knowledge and tools to be able to carve out the life that you want,” said Roberta McCulloch-Dews, Vice President, Marketing, who oversees the program and worked in collaboration with Greylock’s financial wellness team. “I’m proud to know that this first class was eager to learn how to make good decisions with their money, and we look forward to welcoming the second cohort this fall.”
The program can accommodate up to 20 participants up to the age of 22. Applications for the 2026-27 class are now available here: greylock.org/wa
