Berkshire Pride Announces Rainbow Guitar Raffle Fundraiser

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— Berkshire Pride has launched a fundraising raffle featuring a handcrafted acoustic rainbow guitar.

The instrument was created and donated by Nick Lenski of Brier Road Guitars and Berkshire Stringed Instruments, located in North Adams.

The rainbow design of the guitar symbolizes inclusion and diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, and its creation represents local artistry.

Raffle tickets are currently available for purchase at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/win-a-one-of-a-kind-handcrafted-guitar-valued-at-dollar5200. Proceeds from ticket sales will support Berkshire Pride’s year-round programming, including advocacy, events, education, and community support initiatives throughout the Berkshires.

Cass Santos-China, Berkshire Pride’s Executive Director, expressed gratitude to Nick Lenski for his donation and highlighted the raffle as an opportunity for community members to support the organization’s mission while celebrating local craftsmanship.

The guitar will be displayed at upcoming Berkshire Pride events: NextGen Pride on May 25, the Pride Festival on June 7, Lee Pride on June 14, North Adams Pride on June 20, and Berkshire Busk on June 28.

The raffle winner will be selected in July.

North Adams Glamping Project Teams With Luxury Resort for New Approvals

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
05:24AM / Friday, April 17, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Just last fall, wellness and fancy tents were the core of the glamping proposal for Notch Road.

 

On Monday, developer Benjamin Crespi of 196 Marine LLC, was back before the Planning Board with a dramatically different proposal: 49 two-bedroom tourists cabins with a restaurant and recreational amenities.

 

He was approved with a lengthy list of conditions hammered out between the project and a group of residents represented by attorney Alexandra Glover of Lazan Glover & Puciloski.

 

"After I think multiple rounds and many discussions with neighbors to understand what their reservations about the project were, we went back to the drawing board," said Crespi. "The main critical issues were the fact that my last permit allowed me to be open to the general public.

 

"There was concerns about the number of events and the size of those events. There was concern about noise impact in the neighborhood, traffic volume, traffic routing and wildlife interaction."

 

He detailed the 19 issues that the neighbors had and determined the way forward was to limit access only to paying customers and not open to the public for events.

 

"It was very clear that I had to reduce the volume of people on site. So if I reduce my guest count, and I've lost those profit centers, then I need to offset by going to a higher level of service. That's exactly what I've done," Crespi said.