NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— The First Congregational Church's Share the Love campaign exceeded its goal for a total of $5,100.
"We set our sights high when we launched the challenge campaign, and we are immensely pleased that so many generous-hearted people answered the call," Linda Rhoads, of the church's Missions Ministry, said.
Berkshire Food Project, Louison House, and the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry will each receive $1,700.
"On behalf of the Berkshire Food Project, I would like to thank First Congregational Church and all who donated. The church has hosted our program since its inception and its members and staff are big-hearted, generous, and supportive. This is the most recent example of their care for those in need," Mark Rondeau of the Berkshire Food Project said.
"The Board of Directors of The Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry would like to thank the Missions Ministry of the First Congregational Church of North Adams for their fundraising campaign 'Share the Love'. We would also like to thank the caring folk of our community for their generous support in making it a success. These monies will go a long way in helping us to serve our friends facing food insecurity," said Fran Berasi, chair of the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry board.
"On behalf of the Louison House staff, Board of Directors and all residents and program participants, this Love is so appreciated and will help us as we assist our neighbors who struggle with homelessness," said Kathy Keeser, director of the Louison House
The fundraising campaign took place on Valentine's Day. For every $100 received, the church donated $25.
"We had contributions, in varying amounts, from 31 individuals/couples and 1 business," Rhoads said. "Five donations were received from outside the Berkshires, as we worked to spread the word to family and friends."
Rhoads said she has always been impressed by how the community steps up when called upon.
"Since we moved to the Berkshires in 2015, my husband and I have been impressed by how the community rallies ‘round families experiencing disasters, such as fire. Those facing food and housing insecurity are not always as visible in the community, and the Missions Ministry of the First Congregational Church wanted to spotlight the indispensable assistance the three recipient organizations provide to them.
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North Adams Restaurant to Closing in Two Weeks
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A downtown restaurant announced on Wednesday that it will be closing.
In a Facebook post, Door Prize stated its last day of service is Saturday, Nov. 14.
"We are not making this decision lightly and wish there was another way forward," read the post by owners Bryan "Swifty" Josephs and Jenny Klowden.
"We feel great pride for our successes and for a wonderful year of serving our community. Now on to the next adventure!"
They also thanked their staff and patrons who enjoyed their food
The restaurant opened over a year ago in Hotel Downstreet after Josephs and Klowden previously had a residence at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, where they sold some of their signature dishes, as well as working in area restaurants, bringing their food to farmers markets and operating a catering business.
The two named the restaurant after a John Prine song that they danced to at their wedding. Josephs described their fare as European comfort food, with one of their most popular dishes being pierogies.
They also successfully renovated the covered porch outside the restaurant for dining, raising $7,000 through a Kickstarter
While their post did not allude as to why they are closing, iBerkshires has reached out for more answers.
The 90-room hotel has reportedly been sold, with a closing expected by the end of the month. Owner Peregrine Group put the former Holiday Inn up for sale earlier this year after purchasing the property for $4.45 million in 2021. According to reports in The Berkshire Eagle, the cost of renovations to the 55-year-old property put a dent into revenues that limited the hotel's ability to cover obligations.
It's not clear if this has anything to do with the restaurant, which operates as a separate entity.
"We are not looking for a public discourse on our business model or the closure," the Door Prize post states, inviting patrons to personally contact the Josephs or Klowden rather than comment on the posting.
However, preparations for the project are starting now with the removal of trees, placement of utility poles and installation of drainage down Oak Street this fall — dependent on weather.
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