Patrick Leading Panel on Low Vaccinations in Communities of Color

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Former Gov. Deval Patrick will lead a virtual panel of local health professionals on Tuesday to address the low numbers of COVID-19 vaccinations in the state's communities of color. 
 
The novel coronavirus is disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic people. Long-standing structural health and social inequities have increased the risks of sickness and death, which coupled with historic and systemic issues of maltreatment, have created an environment of mistrust with the vaccine process. According to the latest report by state Department of Public Health, only 3.3 percent of Hispanic or Latinx residents, 2.8 percent of Asian American and Pacific islanders, and 2.6 percent of Black residents make up those who have been vaccinated across the commonwealth.
 
To help build vaccine trust, which is critical to protecting lives and ending the pandemic, several organizations have joined together to provide a dedicated space for communities of color to learn, ask questions, and share concerns about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
 
"It is important to acknowledge that there is distrust in health care and the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines by people of color," Dr. Adrian Elliot of Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington said. "We have to understand why people have the perspectives they have. This is an urgent moment for us to listen, answer questions, and build trust in the medical system."
 
Patrick will lead the health-care and cultural competency professionals who will brief the audience on the safety of the vaccines and address the treatment of minorities in U.S. medical history. Panelists include Elliot, chief of emergency medicine at Fairview; Eden-Renee Hayes, director of the Davis Center at Williams College, and Rosa Tobango, a licensed practical nurse at Laurel Lake Nursing Home in Lee.  
 
There will be time for questions from the audience.
 
The free virtual event will take place Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be available. Registration is required here.
 
The event is co-sponsored by NAACP Berkshire Chapter, Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire Immigrant Center, Berkshire Pride and Community Health Programs.

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Friday Front Porch Feature: Lincoln Log Home Near Onota

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for a Lincoln Log home with beautiful views and plenty of room to roam? Then this is 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 1020 Cascade St.

This 1995 home features three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is 2,662 square feet on 19.20 acres.

The home's first floor is open and includes hardwood floors, full bath and laundry room, and a large living room with a stone gas fireplace and vaulted ceiling, entertaining lots of natural light. The second floor has a primary bedroom with en suite and two bedrooms and a bath. 

Outside, there's a covered front porch and a large new Trex deck in the back. The house also has an attached two-car garage and a walkout basement, plus a barn and shed.

The home is listed for $975,000.

There will be an open house for this home Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We spoke to Amy Wood with Steepleview Realty, which has the listing.

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

I think what is unique about this property is that it truly is its own private oasis; from a 2,662 square feet, thermal insulated log home with plenty of natural light and modern amenities, to over 19 private acres with multiple trails and babbling brook. Additionally, the property is ideally located just steps from a 10,000-acre state forest and minutes from Lake Onota — offering trails and water — providing for four-season recreational activities — all within such close proximity.

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

A feeling of warmth and comfort. This is a very inviting home with vaulted ceilings and numerous windows allowing for an abundance of natural light; all with a rustic flare and modern updates. It has an open-concept layout on the main level that leads to a large new Trex deck — the perfect scenario for both day-to-day living with the ease for entertaining. The sellers are prideful of their home and the upgrades and their upkeep are reflective of this.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

There are many! As noted before, this is a 1995-built thermal insulated Lincoln Log home; upgrades to the home itself include new Trex deck, security system, bluestone hearth/cultured stone façade with propane fireplace insert, granite vanity tops/counters, new furnace, well pump, garage doors and openers, blow-in insulation-sealed basement, and freshly painted throughout! 

Sellers also installed an EV charging unit and cleared and vapor barriered/graveled the main barn (32x27), which is equipped with both water and electricity. With all the mains taken care of, this is a turnkey home ready for its next owner!

 What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

The property has so many possibilities; I could envision a young family who need size and grounds to grow their family to couples or retirees who want to enjoy all the Berkshires have to offer with room to entertainment and host guests — this property has the ability to fit and conform to any lifestyle. Formerly an equine estate, I could easily see horse lovers back as well.

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

Both the feel of the home and its surroundings portray an immense feeling of tranquility and serenity.  Whether from inside the home looking out, or outside absorbing the beauty and views in your immediate surroundings — you're truly met with a calming sense of bliss.

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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