Berkshire Force 12U Team Stays Alive at Conn. Tournament

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WINDSOR, Conn. – The Berkshire Force 12-and-under travel softball team Saturday went 2-1 in the double-elimination bracket at the End of Summer Challenge at the Fast Pitch Nation complex.
 
The Force dropped into the tournament’s losers bracket, where, on Sunday morning, they will face the Connecticut Titans needing two wins to reach the championship round.
 
On Saturday, the Force won its first two bracket-play games, beating the Enfield (Conn.) Extreme, 8-2, and the Hops Fastpitch Red of Rhode Island, 7-2.
 
Against Enfield, C.C. Clark went 2-for-2 at the plate and Cali’Ray St. John doubled in a six-hit Berkshire attack.
 
Emma Wixsom went all three innings in the circle in the win, striking out three.
 
Peyton Demary threw three innings against the Hops, striking out three before giving the ball to McKinley Bushika to finish up.
 
Wixsom went 3-for-3 with three RBIs in the win, which saw Demary double and drive in a run.
 
In the semi-final round of the winners bracket, the Hilltop Hurricanes of Pennsylvania jumped on top with three runs in the bottom of the first to take a 3-1 lead and held on for a 3-2 win.
 
Charlotte Kotski and Clark each had a hit for the Force.
 
Demary allowed just two earned runs and struck out five in a four-inning effort in the circle.
 
Heading into Sunday’s play, the Force is 5-1 at the tournament.
 
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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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