Berkshire Force Opens Play at Eastern National Tournament

iBerkshires.com Sports09:09PM / Monday, July 27, 2026Print Story | Email Story

SALISBURY, Md. -- The Berkshire Force 16-and-under travel softball team Monday started play with a pair of losses at the United States Specialty Sports Association's Eastern National Championship.

Its first game came against the Jersey Storm of New Jersey, which earned a 6-2 win in four innings.

Julia McComish went 1-for-2 at the plate with an RBI, and Amaya Alger and Markiara Jackson each had a hit for the Force.

Ava McMahon took the loss in the circle after striking out four and allowing five earned runs in three innings of work.

Berkshire's second game was against the Complete Game Academy squad out of Pennsylvania.

The Force jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first, but CGA took control with four in the third inning and ended up winning a game cut to four innings due to the tournament's time constraints.

The Force piled up seven hits in the loss. McComish and Lexi Spratling each had a hit and an RBI.

Lilian MacDonald, Mollie Crawford and Ava McMahon each singled and scored a run. Mackeznie Biros added a hit in the loss.

Amelia Polidoro handled the pitching against CGA, striking out one.

The Force continues pool play on Tuesday morning with a pair of games against the Beacon Extreme of New York and the Brunswick Steam of Maryland.

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Pittsfield's Christian Center Rebrands as 'The Center'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:41PM / Tuesday, August 04, 2026

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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