Northern Berkshire United Way Sets 'Calcutta' Fundraiser

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Northern Berkshire United Way is looking at a boost as it moves into the final leg of its annual campaign drive with a "Calcutta" fundraiser on Friday, May 10, from 5 to 9 at Mount Greylock Bowl and Golf.

"The Northern Berkshire United Way is very excited to be hosting its' first-ever Calcutta raffle event," said Joseph McGovern, executive director of the nonprofit agency. "We hope to offer a fun-filled night while raising dollars to help our community."

The term "Calcutta" is from a auction-wagering system most often used in sports, especially golf, when participants "bid" on teams (including their own) with various rules on how the pot is won.

The system has been simplified and popularized as a fundraising tool that puts a twist on the usual 50/50 raffle.

Tickets are $50 for an evening of socializing and activities. There will be free bowling and corn hole games, and a chance to win a closest-to-the-pin contest in the golf simulators. It includes a cash bar and light hors d'ouevres at 6.

The big prize is a $1,000. Only 150 tickets will be sold; beginning at 7 p.m., tickets (entry forms) will be drawn. Those selected will be eliminated — though they may win a prize — until only 10 tickets are left.

That's when the twist begins — the group must unanimously decide at each step whether to split the $1,000 or to continue to eliminate names until only one is left.

Disclosure: Alvarez is owner of Boxcar Media, publisher of iBerkshires, and a principal in the bowling alley.
 

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.