Berkshire Habitat Launches Fundraiser in Memory of Stephen Heller

07:40AM / Wednesday, June 11, 2025Print Story | Email Story

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

Tags: habitat for humanity,

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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Restructure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:11PM / Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday.

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to restructure the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection.

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data. Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost."

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor.

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