New Pilot Program to Reach out to Young Women of Color in Berkshire County

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Youth Alive, in cooperation with the Women of Color Giving Circle, the City of Pittsfield Office of Cultural Development and the Pittsfield Public Schools, is launching a new educational program for adolescent girls called Rite of Passage.

Rite of Passage is an initiative designed to celebrate and honor the entry of adolescent girls into womanhood and provide them with skills and knowledge that they need to be successful, independent and responsible. Rite of Passage is designed to help participants discover their inner voice and support all components of personal development.

Berkshire County Rite of Passage was designed by Shirley Edgerton, who has a Master’s degree in education from MCLA and is program director for the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services in Berkshire County, executive director of Youth Alive, and founder of the Women of Color Giving Circle of Berkshire County.

Beginning in March 2010, a group of up to 15 female high school students will meet weekly with a variety of experienced professionals. Instructors include psychologists Maria Sirois and Tameka Gillum; educator Claudette Webster; and Marla Robertson. Participants will be nominated by a variety of agencies and organizations, including Youth Alive, the Pittsfield Youth Commission, Manos Unidos, and the Pittsfield Public Schools.

The biweekly classes will include focusing on exploring self-worth, self-esteem, interests, skills and abilities; an overview of women of color who have made significant contributions particularly in Berkshire County; respecting and embracing other cultures and developing personal strength to withstand challenges in life.


The participants will also attend two field trips, one to visit the Brooklyn Academy of Music and other cultural sites in New York City, and the other a road tour of historically black colleges and universities.

Berkshire County Rite of Passage is launching in Pittsfield this spring and plans to expand to the rest of Berkshire County in the near future. The pilot program is funded in part by Berkshire Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, and the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area.

A cabaret-style fundraiser for Rite of Passage will be hosted by Jae's Spice on Saturday, March 6 at 7 p.m., and will feature live music by three local performers who are donating their talents: jazz singer Wanda Houston accompanied by Andy Kelly and friends, classical singer Jennifer Poole, and blues singer Gina Coleman and her band Misty Blues. There will be light appetizers and a cash bar. Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door.

For more information about the Rite of Passage program, contact Shirley Edgerton at annburg1@hotmail.com or 413-841-8770.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Friday Front Porch: Luxurious Lakefront Property

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for a lakefront estate to spend your days? Then this might be the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 140 Hancock Road.

This house was built in 2015 and has eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It is 6,986 square feet on a little over an acre. 

The house sits on Pontoosuc Lake and includes private lake access and a pool with an expansive deck. 

The kitchen is equipped with Wolf and SubZero appliances and there is a full outdoor kitchen as well. The property has three additional separated living quarters, each with a kitchen and its own living room. 

The house also includes a big garage for multiple cars or more.

It is on the market for $4,900,000.

We spoke with Elisha Poirier from Stone House Properties LLC, which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

What truly sets this property apart is the incredible scale combined with its premier lakefront setting. With over 7,400 square feet of space, eight bedrooms, multiple independent living quarters, and extensive garage capacity, it offers a level of versatility that is very rare in the Berkshires. The sweeping views of Pontoosuc Lake and Mount Greylock, along with private lake access, a pool, and exceptional indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, create a lifestyle that feels more like a private resort than a traditional home.

What was your first impression when you walked into this home?

My first impression was the sense of openness and how immediately your eye is drawn to the water. The layout was clearly designed to highlight the views, and the natural light combined with the scale of the space makes the home feel both grand and welcoming at the same time.

How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?

The atmosphere is both luxurious and relaxed. It has the presence and amenities of a high-end estate, but the lakefront setting and thoughtfully designed living spaces make it feel comfortable and inviting. It's a home that works just as well for quiet mornings by the water as it does for hosting large gatherings.

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?

This home would be ideal for someone who loves to entertain and host family and friends, or for a multi-generational family looking for both shared space and private living areas. It could also appeal to someone looking for a true retreat in the Berkshires, whether as a primary residence or a luxury getaway.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

It's easy to picture spending your mornings looking out over the lake, afternoons enjoying the pool or taking the boat out from your private dock, and evenings gathered around the outdoor kitchen or fire pit with friends and family. The property is designed so that everyday life feels like a vacation.

What do the current owners love most about this home?

What they love most is the incredible connection to the lake and the views. The property offers privacy while still feeling open to the natural beauty around it. They've also enjoyed the ability to host large gatherings while still offering guests their own comfortable and private spaces.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

Some of the standout features include the chef's kitchen with high-end Wolf and SubZero appliances, multiple private living quarters with their own kitchens and entrances, and expansive outdoor entertaining areas with a built-in kitchen, pool, and fire pit. The home also includes a whole-house audio system, five laundry units, and premium Pella iron-clad windows and doors, all thoughtfully designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind. The property is insulated with spray foam throughout, maximizing energy efficiency while also providing superior protection from the strong winds often experienced on the lake.

You can find out more about this home on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

 

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