Construct's 'Warm Up the Winter' Campaign Nears Fundraising Goal

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Construct's "Warm Up the Winter" campaign has raised $121,000 of its $150,000 goal as of March 31, aimed at assisting low-income residents in southern Berkshire County with winter heating expenses.
 
The funds are used to provide heating assistance, including for oil, gas, electricity, and firewood, and to offer emergency motel stays and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
 
Jane Ralph, Executive Director of Construct, stated that the campaign assisted 71 individuals and over 200 families in the previous year.
 
Donations can be made online at constructberkshires.org, by phone at 413-528-1985, or by check mailed to Construct at 316A State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
 
Emergency winter assistance is available by contacting Construct directly at 413-528-1985.
 
The campaign is supported by sponsors including the Schnesel Family Fund, Gilson Family Foundation, Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires, Barbara and Roger Manring, Marash Family Foundation, Elizabeth and Thomas Marino, Greylock Federal Credit Union, NBT Bank, Webster Landscape, Tristan Osgood Warm Up the Winter for People Fund, Edith Cooper, Richard Glaser, John and Nina Lipkowitz, William and Hinda Bodinger, Lee Bank, Sara Koffman, and Stephen and Andrea White.
 
Construct, a nonprofit organization, provides affordable housing and support services in southern Berkshire County.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Must-Experience Spring Events in the Berkshires

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
The sun has finally risen from the clouds and shines its golden rays on the bare trees bringing the wildlife back to life and awakening the wildlife from their blissful sleep. The snow melts and the sky cries with joy, showering the ground and  filling the air with the smell of petrichor.
 
The grass becomes green, the leaves return, and the flowers pollinate, filling the world with the forgotten color. Nature celebrates the coming of spring and so should you. Here are some events happening this spring to help with your celebration.
 
SpringFest 
Saturday, May 9 
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Stockbridge
 
The 24-acre botanical garden will have free admission family fun designed to celebrate spring and community. The event features food trucks and enough children's activities to keep the youngest visitors happily busy for hours including a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and more. A traditional maypole dance will add an old-world flourish to the day's lineup.
 
The festival is part of the garden's immersive weekend experience Mother's Day weekend, coinciding with its 49th annual Plants-and-Answers Plant Sale from May 8 through 10.
 
The event was established in 1977 and has become a cherished Mother's Day weekend tradition for gardeners across the region. This year's edition, curated by its horticulture staff, offers hundreds of perennials, annuals, herbs, and vegetables — each selected with an emphasis on diversity and nature-based landscaping.
 
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