Berkshire Art Center Sets Youth Puppet Workshop for April Vacation

STOCKBRIDGE — The Berkshire Art Center (BAC) has scheduled a specialized April vacation program, "Giant Parade Puppets," running April 20–24 at Citizens' Hall.

The workshop is designed for students aged 8 and older and will be led by artist and educator Eric "Homeslice" Weiss.

The week-long curriculum focuses on the design and construction of large-scale puppets. Students will learn to sculpt puppet heads and mount them onto wooden frames equipped with fabric arms and hand rods. The program draws inspiration from global traditions, including Chinese New Year dragon puppets and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, to teach the technical engineering and narrative elements of festive puppetry.

The program concludes with a puppet performance for family and friends on the BAC lawn. Following the workshop, the BAC will store the completed puppets, allowing students to retrieve them to participate in the Pittsfield Annual Fourth of July Parade on July 4, 2026.

Sessions will held Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Supporting sponsors for the program include the Mass Cultural Council, Feigenbaum Foundation, Lee Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Mill Town, Berkshire Bank, and the Rotary Club of Pittsfield.

Registration and additional information are available through the Berkshire Art Center website.

Units Available at Lee's New Eagle Mill Housing Development

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
01:57PM / Tuesday, October 27, 2026

It's took more than a decade to bring the Eagle Lofts to fruition in the former Eagle mill. 

LEE, Mass. — Hearthway wants community members to know there are three-bedroom units available at The Lofts at Eagle Mill with little to no waitlist. 

The apartments at 73 West Center St. recently came online in the historic building on the banks of the Housatonic River after more than a decade of work. The first tenants began moving in last week. 

Three-bedroom units are less than $2,000 per month for those who meet income requirements. 

"These units are $1,855 a month with hot water included. To qualify, applicants must be under the 60 percent AMI income limit by household size and be able to afford the rent," the affordable housing provider wrote in a communication on Monday. 

"Mobile vouchers are welcomed."

A ribbon was cut at the former paper mill over the summer for 56 one- to three-bedroom, mixed-income units in the heart of downtown. 

According to a chart provided by Hearthway, 60 percent area median income is $55,320 per year for a one person household, $63,240 a year for a two-person household, $71,160 a year for a three-person household, and $79,020 a year for a four-person household. 

Applications are available in English and Spanish. They can submitted via email to leasing@hearthway.org, drop off to the main office at 1 Fenn St in Pittsfield, fax to 413-403-2710, or USPS mail to P.O. Box 1180, Pittsfield, MA 01202-1180.