Berkshire Habitat Launches Fundraiser in Memory of Stephen Heller

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity announced a tribute in memory of Stephen Heller.
 
Launched by his sister Elaine Cottle and her family, this initiative celebrates Heller's enduring love for community and craftsmanship by raising funds for a central gazebo at Prosperity Way, Habitat's newest 20-home neighborhood in Housatonic.
 
Heller passed away in 2023 at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of generosity. A masterful craftsman turned computer programmer, Heller held an admiration for Habitat for Humanity's mission and was particularly drawn to the Housatonic build site near his family home. His values aligned with the core of Habitat's work: dignity, kindness, and the belief in building not only homes—but community.
 
To honor his life, the Heller-Cottle family has partnered with Central Berkshire Habitat to create a gazebo and green gathering space at the heart of Prosperity Way. This central spot will serve as a lasting tribute—where families can gather, children can play, and neighbors can connect.
 
Elaine Cottle will be undertaking a 360-mile memorial cycling journey along the Erie Canal Bikeway, from Albany to Buffalo, beginning June 16 and concluding June 28. Inspired by their shared love of upstate New York and family memories along the canal, Elaine rides in Heller's
honor, with hope in every mile. Community members are invited to join any part of the ride or support the cause with a donation.
 
"Every gift made in Stephen's name is more than a donation—it's a living tribute to a life defined by generosity, love, and a belief in the power of community," said Cottle. "Help us build a place where memories bloom and neighbors thrive, just as Stephen would have wanted."
 
How to Support the Fundraiser Visit: https://donorbox.org/memoryofstephen

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Companion Corner: Cookie at No Paws Left Behind

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There's an adventurous cat at No Paws Left Behind looking for his forever home.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

Cookie is a six year old grey and white domestic shorthair who has been at the shelter for a couple of months.

The shelter's Executive Director Noelle Howland introduced us to him.

"He came in, actually, with a couple other cats. It was just due to having too many cats in a house, and he came in with, we believe he might be like the father to the others. The others all were adopted over the last couple weeks, so he's the last one still here."

Cookie is a very friendly cat and he is always interested in the other cats to play or hang out. He can do well with other animals and any age but don't let his age fool you as he is still very active and very outgoing.

"He does well with other cats, he would do fine with being at home with dogs, kids. I know, like some people like seeing, a six year old cat you would think he may be not as active, but he is very active, outgoing, vocal. So, I think if you were somebody that was looking for a cat that was active and had a personality that I feel like he'd greet you at the door. He lets you know when he wants food. Really, he can go home with anything, as long as you want a cat that will let you know he's there, he'd be great."

He is quite adventurous as well. He enjoys climbing and exploring around his space. While he may be a bit shy to newcomers at first once he gets to know you he will talk to you and want to play.

"He likes to explore up high, so I think if you had a tall cat tower or windows for him to explore, he would love that, because he always is trying to get up high and get on the cabinets to see what's up there. There's not much he doesn't like, and then he can be a little like shy at first with new people, where he'll kind of go up to you and then walk away, but once he trusts you and is used to you, he's the easiest going social cat," she said.

Cookie does have a bit of a sensitive stomach and would be better if he has certain foods.

"We've tried a lamb or turkey food, and he's had a sensitivity to that, so we've been having him on just salmon and rice food, and he's been perfectly fine, no issues. So, otherwise, aside from the sensitivity, he's perfectly healthy and normal."

Cookie is waiting to be your next family member, if you want someone to talk to and lounge around with this is your boy.

"I really just think if you're looking for a social cat, he's going to be a great companion for somebody. I don't think it matters if you're… it doesn't matter your age. I think he would be happy to just have somebody keep him company and give him attention," she said.

If you think Cookie is your next companion be sure to fill out the form on their website and email or drop it off to No Paws Left Behind today.

 
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