Toasting and Tasting Fundraiser

03:03PM / Thursday, October 17, 2024Print Story | Email Story

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Berkshire South Community Center's beer, wine, and spirit tasting event raises funds for the Center's operations.

On Saturday Oct. 19, a Specialty Pairing event begins at 4pm and features fine wines and spirits paired with bites prepared by chef Kevin Kelly of After Hours Catering and presented by sommelier Dan Thomas of the Egremont Spirit Shoppe.

A second event begins at 6pm at which ticket buyers will sip a selection of local libations including beer from Progression Brewing Company, cocktails from Higher Bar, spirits from Cooper's Daughter, and a variety of wines from Dare Bottleshop & Provisions and Domaney's Liquors & Fine Wines, to name a few.

There will be a mocktail station featuring seasonal spirit-free beverages and a special wine-infused sorbet for dessert from SoCo Creamery in Great Barrington. Drinks will be served alongside hors d'oeuvres by Jae's. The evening's entertainment will be provided by The Michael Junkins Group and there will be a robust silent auction filled with gift certificates, home goods, and services from your favorite Berkshire businesses.

"Funds raised at this year's event will directly support initiatives such as the Center's aquatics programs for all ages and abilities, our free teen wellness programming, free Community Suppers, early childhood and after-school care and our financial aid program, which creates greater access to our services," said Executive Director Jenise Lucey. "Our goal is to raise $200,000 in support of these essential services that are the lifeblood of our community center, touching the lives of thousands each year."

Tickets for the Specialty Pairing portion of the evening are $250. Main event tickets purchased in advance are $50, or $60 at the door. Mocktail tickets cost $35. Tickets are for sale online at berkshiresouth.org/toasting-and-tasting. Call for more info: 413.528.2810.

Sponsors of Toasting & Tasting include Jane Iredale and Bob Montgomery, Buzz and Robin McGraw, Fairview Hospital, Susan and Hank Ferlauto, Barbara and Roger Manring, Ethel Patterson and Michael Bandzierz, Robert Yaffe, Adams Community Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Mark and Hannah Gross, Jae's, Erica Jaffe, Suzanne and David Klausmeyer, NBT Bank, Acrisure, Allegrone Companies, Autobahn Service, Maggie Buchwald, Carlson Heating & Air Conditioning, Carlson Propane, Brian Cruey and Matt King, Dare Bottleshop & Provisions, Margaret Deutsch, Bobbie Hallig, Mary and Charles Hamilton, Jill and Robert Jaffe, Lance Vermeulen Real Estate, Estelle Miller, Mirabito, Molari, Jane Miller Shea and Terry Shea, Jerry and John Soechting, Theory Wellness, and Malvina Wasserman.

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Greenagers Founder Will Conklin Honored as Business Person of the Year

By Breanna Steele12:17PM / Saturday, October 03, 2026

Casey Pease of state Sen. Paul Mark's office presents William Conklin, right, with a state Senate proclamation.

EGREMONT, Mass. — The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce honored a local businessman and nonprofit leader on Sept. 24 at Catamount Mountain Resort.

William Conklin was this year's Business Person of the Year, recognizing his work as founder and executive director of Greenagers, a nonprofit that helps youth and children engage in work in environmental conservation, sustainable farming, natural resource management, and vocational skills building.

Conklin and his family also run Sky View Farm and he is a managing partner of Konkapot Tree and Timber, a small-scale forest products business.

"If you spent any amount of time in Southern Berkshire, chances are you've heard his name, whether you realize the connection at the time or not," said board member Sierra King Watson, who emceed the event. "You might be having a conversation about farming, a new barn or structure that was built, students learning hands-on skills in sustainable agriculture, or a family that receives donated firewood to help keep their home warm through a cold Berkshire winter, or maybe you're simply talking about one of those community leaders who somehow manages to show up, support everyone, and seemingly be everywhere all at once.

"Well, one name has a way of continuously popping up, and that is Will Conklin."

Board President Mark Rulison said the region has more than 1,200 nonprofits. One in four jobs in the county is in the nonprofit sector, which ranks 27th nationally for nonprofit employment. He said the economic impact on the community is huge, thanking those who help.

For the event on Thursday, Conklin requested that as much of the food as possible was sourced locally. Most of it came from Greenagers, Sky View Farm, Indian Line Farm and Fancy Feast Supper Club, creative dinner series.

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