Toasting and Tasting for Berkshire South

Print Story | Email Story
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire South Regional Community Center invites the community to the Toasting and Tasting fundraiser on Saturday, October 4. 
 
This event brings together food, wine and community in support of the Center's programs and services.
 
The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 5:00 p.m., featuring live music by Lucas Solorzano and an
exclusive tour of the Community Center. Guests will enjoy specialty culinary pairings created by chef Michael Bick, complemented by wines from Italy, Spain, and France. 
 
The celebration continues with a flight of champagnes, desserts, and both live and silent auctions.
 
"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 are $250 and can be purchased online at berkshiresouth.org/toasting-and-tasting or by calling 413-528-2810.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Prosperity Way Phase 1 Complete; Berkshire Gas Volunteer Day

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Some 55 Avangrid/Berkshire Gas employees spent the day sawing, hammering and painting at Prosperity Way.
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Prosperity Way was founded on the dream of creating an affordable neighborhood where local working families can own a home, build a future, and create lasting memories. Soon, that vision will become reality as homeowners begin moving in.
 
Nearly a year ago, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity broke ground on its three-phase affordable housing project. Now, volunteers are putting the final touches on the six homes and have already begun phase two. 
 
"One of the homeowners is closing on her house tomorrow, so she's moving in this weekend, and then the other family is moving in next week," said Habitat CEO Carolyn Valli. 
 
During Phase 2, seven additional homes will be built, the first modular ranch for that phase has been set, and the stick-built ranch is currently in construction. There are two additional ranches on site, to be set once foundations are cured and two colonial homes are scheduled for delivery on Monday, she said. 
 
Phase 3 will have the construction of another seven homes. Central Berkshire Habitat hopes to finish the project before 2028, dependent on securing sufficient grant funding to bridge the gap between construction costs and affordable sale prices, Valli said. 
 
Energy ran high on Thursday, as more than than 50 employee volunteers from Berkshire Gas, a subsidiary of Avangrid Inc., spent the day helping move the project forward through painting, landscaping, and construction work.
 
"We are an energy company in all aspects. We generate wind energy, we have electric utilities and gas utilities, and this crew is demonstrating their energy for a good cause today to support home building for folks who might otherwise never be able to afford a home," said Chris Farrell, Berkshire Gas' communications and government relations manager. 
 
View Full Story

More South Berkshire Stories