Berkshire Pride Announces Expansion and 2025 Event Schedule

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Pride has unveiled new initiatives and events aimed at fostering inclusivity across Berkshire County. 
 
Highlights include the integration of North Adams Pride, the launch of Lee Pride, and the addition of Drag Story Hour, Berkshire Chapter, as a program under Berkshire Pride.
 
North Adams Pride, known for events like Pride Night and the Northern Lights Ball, will now collaborate with Berkshire Pride to expand resources and programming in North County. Meanwhile, the newly launched Lee Pride will focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community in Lee and surrounding areas with events celebrating diversity and inclusion. Drag Story Hour, Berkshire Chapter, joins Berkshire Pride to bring affirming, literacy-focused experiences to LGBTQIA+ youth and families.
 
Berkshire Pride's 2025 schedule features a variety of events, including:
  • February 14: Eternal Flame Valentine Dance Party – Stationery Factory with DJ BFG and a dazzling drag show.
  • March 1: Northern Lights Ball – Elks Lodge, North Adams.
  • May 10: Youth Prom – An inclusive prom experience for LGBTQ+ youth.
  • May 31: Flag Raising Ceremony & Block Party – Pittsfield City Hall & School St.
  • June 1: Rainbow Run 5K & Youth Pride – Family-friendly run and youth celebration.
  • June 7: 9th Annual Berkshire Pride Festival & Parade – The Common Park, Pittsfield.
  • June 13: Berkshire Pride Party-Stationery Factory with DJ BFG , VIP is back!
  • June 14: Lee Pride – Celebrating inclusion and community spirit in Lee.
  • June 20: North Adams Pride Night – An evening of celebration in North Adams.
  • June 28: Berkshire Pride Night at Berkshire Busk – Showcasing LGBTQ+ performers in Great Barrington.
  • October 10: Prideoween- Stationery Factory with DJ BFG and a dazzling drag show.
 
To support these efforts, Berkshire Pride has launched a "Pride Without Borders" campaign to raise $75,000 for expanded programming and safe spaces. The organization also announced the return of the Pride Guide, inviting local organizations and businesses to participate by listing events or advertising.
 
For more information, visit www.berkshirepride.org or contact Executive Director Cass Santos-China at Cass@berkshirepride.org.

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Pittsfield's Christian Center Rebrands as 'The Center'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Christian Center is becoming The Center, and assures the community that while the logo and name have changed, "Our heart has not." 

The rebrand was announced on Tuesday after months of listening sessions, community conversations, and surveys.  It was emphasized that the organization's heart, mission, and commitment to the community are unchanged. 

The Center will host its annual Community Day, including a name change celebration, on Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"While our name is shifting, our core purpose remains steadfast. Alongside our new name, we are introducing our defining tagline—Nourish. Empower. Connect.—which reflects the three principles guiding everything we do," Executive Director Jessica Jones wrote in a newsletter. 

"Whether through our food pantry, meal program, free clothing boutique, or community events, our work remains focused on helping our neighbors access essential resources, build connections, and thrive."

The new logo features a fork, carrot, heart, and shirt, representing the pillars of The Center's service. 

The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974, but it dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission, founded by the Methodist Church. 

Today, its main focus is food insecurity, but it also provides clothing, household items, and sanitary supplies to those who need them.  The Center operates a food pantry, upstairs free shop, and serves breakfast and lunch, as well as offering assistance in accessing resources. 

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