Construct Announces Contest Fundraiser

Print Story | Email Story
SOUTH EGREMONT, Mass. — Construct, a southern Berkshire County affordable housing nonprofit, has announced it will host a karaoke contest fundraiser on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. 
 
The event, presented by and held at The ButtonBall Barn located at 17 Main Street, aims to raise money to support affordable housing, rental assistance, and emergency services in the region.  The competition will feature a field limited to 15 singers competing for more than $1,000 in cash and prizes. Local artist and performer Pops Peterson will host the evening, which will also feature a special appearance by American Songbook performer Harvey Granat. 
 
In addition to the musical entertainment, the event will feature remarks on regional housing challenges. Heather Thomson, entrepreneur and co-owner of the ButtonBall Inn & Barn, will discuss how housing affordability impacts local workforce retention and economic growth. 
 
Joey Lindstrom, Executive Director of Construct, is also scheduled to speak on the importance of expanding housing opportunities for essential workers and vulnerable populations in the southern Berkshires.  Construct serves residents across 17 towns in South Berkshire County, providing affordable housing, fuel and rental support, and transitional housing navigation. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the organization's community programs.  
 
Admission is $15 for advance spectator tickets or $20 at the door, with a suggested contest entry fee of $10 for performers. Registration and ticketing information is available on the organization's website.  
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