Toasting and Tasting Fundraiser

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Berkshire South Community Center's beer, wine, and spirit tasting event raises funds for the Center's operations.
 
On Saturday Oct. 19, a Specialty Pairing event begins at 4pm and features fine wines and spirits paired with bites prepared by chef Kevin Kelly of After Hours Catering and presented by sommelier Dan Thomas of the Egremont Spirit Shoppe. 
 
A second event begins at 6pm at which ticket buyers will sip a selection of local libations including beer from Progression Brewing Company, cocktails from Higher Bar, spirits from Cooper's Daughter, and a variety of wines from Dare Bottleshop & Provisions and Domaney's Liquors & Fine Wines, to name a few. 
 
There will be a mocktail station featuring seasonal spirit-free beverages and a special wine-infused sorbet for dessert from SoCo Creamery in Great Barrington. Drinks will be served alongside hors d'oeuvres by Jae's.  The evening's entertainment will be provided by The Michael Junkins Group and there will be a robust silent auction filled with gift certificates, home goods, and services from your favorite Berkshire businesses.
 
"Funds raised at this year's event will directly support initiatives such as the Center's aquatics programs for all ages and abilities, our free teen wellness programming, free Community Suppers, early childhood and after-school care and our financial aid program, which creates greater access to our services," said Executive Director Jenise Lucey. "Our goal is to raise $200,000 in support of these essential services that are the lifeblood of our community center, touching the lives of thousands each year."
 
Tickets for the Specialty Pairing portion of the evening are $250. Main event tickets purchased in advance are $50, or $60 at the door. Mocktail tickets cost $35. Tickets are for sale online at berkshiresouth.org/toasting-and-tasting. Call for more info: 413.528.2810.
 
Sponsors of Toasting & Tasting include Jane Iredale and Bob Montgomery, Buzz and Robin McGraw, Fairview Hospital, Susan and Hank Ferlauto, Barbara and Roger Manring, Ethel Patterson and Michael Bandzierz, Robert Yaffe, Adams Community Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Mark and Hannah Gross, Jae's, Erica Jaffe, Suzanne and David Klausmeyer, NBT Bank, Acrisure, Allegrone Companies, Autobahn Service, Maggie Buchwald, Carlson Heating & Air Conditioning, Carlson Propane, Brian Cruey and Matt King, Dare Bottleshop & Provisions, Margaret Deutsch, Bobbie Hallig, Mary and Charles Hamilton, Jill and Robert Jaffe, Lance Vermeulen Real Estate, Estelle Miller, Mirabito, Molari, Jane Miller Shea and Terry Shea, Jerry and John Soechting, Theory Wellness, and Malvina Wasserman.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Prosperity Way Phase 1 Complete; Berkshire Gas Volunteer Day

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Some 55 Avangrid/Berkshire Gas employees spent the day sawing, hammering and painting at Prosperity Way.
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Prosperity Way was founded on the dream of creating an affordable neighborhood where local working families can own a home, build a future, and create lasting memories. Soon, that vision will become reality as homeowners begin moving in.
 
Nearly a year ago, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity broke ground on its three-phase affordable housing project. Now, volunteers are putting the final touches on the six homes and have already begun phase two. 
 
"One of the homeowners is closing on her house tomorrow, so she's moving in this weekend, and then the other family is moving in next week," said Habitat CEO Carolyn Valli. 
 
During Phase 2, seven additional homes will be built, the first modular ranch for that phase has been set, and the stick-built ranch is currently in construction. There are two additional ranches on site, to be set once foundations are cured and two colonial homes are scheduled for delivery on Monday, she said. 
 
Phase 3 will have the construction of another seven homes. Central Berkshire Habitat hopes to finish the project before 2028, dependent on securing sufficient grant funding to bridge the gap between construction costs and affordable sale prices, Valli said. 
 
Energy ran high on Thursday, as more than than 50 employee volunteers from Berkshire Gas, a subsidiary of Avangrid Inc., spent the day helping move the project forward through painting, landscaping, and construction work.
 
"We are an energy company in all aspects. We generate wind energy, we have electric utilities and gas utilities, and this crew is demonstrating their energy for a good cause today to support home building for folks who might otherwise never be able to afford a home," said Chris Farrell, Berkshire Gas' communications and government relations manager. 
 
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