PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 2nd Street seeks submissions for Using Our Outside Voices, a literary project created in partnership with Berkshire Community College (BCC) that is designed to promote creativity, acceptance and inclusion for presently or formerly incarcerated men and women in Berkshire County. The deadline for submissions is June 15, 2024.
Authors whose work is selected will receive a cash award of $200, and winning submissions will be published in a journal. The initial run of 400 printed copies of the free journal will be distributed locally, and digital copies will be available online. In addition, public readings will be held at various venues in the Berkshires.
Any presently or formerly incarcerated resident of Berkshire County is invited to submit original poetry, short fiction, personal essays or other literary works. Those who need editorial help can bring their work to 2nd Street, located at 264 Second Street, Pittsfield.
For more details on how to submit a literary work, visit www.2nd-street.org and click Special Projects, or call (413) 443-7220, ext. 1275.
Financial and in-kind support of Using Our Outside Voices is provided by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Arts Build Community initiative with funding from the Barr Foundation; by Berkshire United Way; by Berkshire Community College; and by Pittsfield Cultural Council, a local agency supported by Mass Cultural Council.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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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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