Guest Column: Berkshire United Way's Call to Action During National Volunteer Week

"America's volunteers embody the core values that define our Nation: an optimism that is tested yet resolute; a courage that digs deep when we need it most; and an unshakeable faith in one another, our Nation, and the future we can build together."

These words open President Joe Biden's proclamation recognizing National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 21-27. The president's words focus on volunteerism at the national level, and I assure you the spirit of service is alive and well in the Berkshires.

At Berkshire United Way, we mark National Volunteer Week as the centerpiece of our own Here For Good Volunteer Month.

This past weekend, we partnered with Berkshire Bounty to help address the ongoing and growing challenge of food security in our community. Over 90 volunteers gathered at the Boys and Girls Club to package 40,000 servings of healthy, nutritious meals for distribution to local food pantries. We're helping organize volunteers to paint and prepare space for the Focus is Our Children youth program. On Friday, April 25, we're coordinating a spring cleanup at Soldier On. Then, on May 11, we will partner with the National Association of Letter Carriers on their annual Stamp Out Hunger  Food Drive.

These are just a few of the incredible projects happening now and in the coming days. We're grateful to every volunteer who lends their time and talent to serve their friends and neighbors in the Berkshires.

The great thing about volunteer service is that it's egalitarian, multi-generational, and fun! If you're looking for opportunities to give back, visit volunteerberkshireuw.org to learn more.

Tom Bernard is president and CEO Berkshire United Way.

Allendale Pines North Affordable Manufactured Homes Sell Fast

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:17PM / Saturday, August 22, 2026

Developer Teton Management cut the ribbon on the first six hopes in the manufactured housing community earlier this year. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Just a few months after Allendale Pines North cut the ribbon on its first six homes in the new manufactured home community, units in the planned development are selling fast with both first and second phases all but sold out.

 

For several years, Teton Management Corp. has been planning to expand its existing Allendale Pines Mobile Community with the development of 22 planned manufactured housing units. The new development has its own entrance at 395 Cheshire Road. 

 

The need for attainable housing has never been higher, Teton President George Whaling said. 

 

"And where we sought the opportunity to help with that demand is, we can get folks into a home at Allendale Pines North for essentially a couple of $100 less than what it would cost for someone to rent a three-bedroom of the same quality," he said. 

 

The corporation took over Allendale Pines, now referred to as Allendale Pines South, about 6 1/2 years ago, Whaling said. 

 

Since then, the corporation has invested $1,000,001 in infrastructure improvements, including replacing all water and sewer lines, paving the community and installing the infrastructure needed for 10 additional units, he said. 

 

Additionally, it has been working to clean up and improve the community, which was lacking during previous ownership, said Jason Nocher, owner of Nocher Realty, which has been hired to help sell the units.