18 Degrees President and CEO To Resign

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 18 Degrees President and CEO Colleen Holmes, has resigned to accept another opportunity in the nonprofit sector in Springfield.  
 
"That I have loved serving 18 Degrees' mission and people over the past three years made this a tough decision," Holmes said. "It's been life-changing to be a part of our communities and this amazing 18 Degrees team and to work with all of you to advance 18 Degrees' vision of welcome, inclusion, growth, and social justice change. What we have accomplished together makes me very grateful and unabashedly proud." 
 
Holmes will leave the organization as of Oct. 30, 2020.
 
"For the past three years, our organization has been uplifted and transformed by our President and CEO, Colleen Holmes, for which we are very thankful," Chris King, chair of the board of directors for 18 Degrees said. "When the board of directors began their search for a new President and CEO in 2017, we sought to ensure ongoing programmatic excellence, rigorous program evaluation, and consistent quality of finance, administration, fundraising, and communications.  We got all that with Colleen and more."
 
Stephanie Steed, vice president of programs, will step up to serve as the Interim Executive Director. 
 
Steed, who has a master's degree in education and is a licensed social worker, began her career with 18 Degrees fifteen years ago. She oversees a range of programs in the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley, including Foster Care, Adoption, Child and Family Support in the Pioneer Valley, Family Networks, Young Woman's Initiative, and RAP Inc, and is well acquainted with state funding sources.
 
The board has begun a search for Holmes' successor.
 
18 Degrees, formerly Berkshire Children and Families, promotes the well-being and strengths of children, youth, adults and families to build better communities in Western Massachusetts.  We provide education, parenting skills and support, prevention and intervention, advocacy, and life skills across a spectrum of program serving young people, adults, and families in four areas: early education and care; foster care and adoption; child and family well-being; youth and community development.
 
"This organization has a 133-year history of helping children, youth, and families thrive in Western Massachusetts, and we have the utmost confidence this will continue. We are fortunate to have five highly capable Senior Directors who will work with Steed through the transition," King said.
 

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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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