Berkshire South to Provide Weekly Free Community Suppers

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire South Regional Community Center is expanding the free Community Supper program, in time to support those losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds in November. 
 
This increase is the result of over a year of dedicated planning and fundraising to strengthen food security efforts and to expand access to nutritious meals for all. Plans were accelerated when the news of the SNAP benefits being held for the upcoming month were announced.
 
"It's an important step forward in serving our neighbors and the fact that it comes during a time of increased food insecurity makes it all the more meaningful," said Executive Director Jenise Lucey.  
 
Free Community Suppers started on Monday and will continue every Monday. Some weeks, the meals will be in-person dining (no take-out) and some weeks will be take-out only. These efforts are made possible by the generosity of volunteers, donors, and partners who share Berkshire South's belief that no one in this community should go hungry.
 
"We encourage everyone who is able to support local organizations providing food assistance, whether by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about available resources," said Lucey. "Together, we can ensure that every member of our community feels supported and seen during these challenging times."
 
Community Suppers are free every Monday from 5:00-6:00 pm at the community center located at 15 Crissey Road in Great Barrington. No reservations are needed, but meals are available on a first come, first served basis. The in-person vs. take-out only schedule will alter based on availability of chefs and volunteers. Checking the schedule in advance is strongly encouraged. Upcoming dates and schedules can be found at berkshiresouth.org or by calling Berkshire South at 413-528-2810. 
 
Funding for these meals is provided by Greylock Federal Credit Union, Fallon Health, the Jewish Women's Foundation of the Berkshires, and the Pepita Foundation.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Great Barrington Fire, Police Respond to Chimney Fire

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Fire Chief Scott Turner called for mutual aid as soon as he saw flames. 
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Firefighters made quick work of a chimney fire on Tuesday afternoon and two police officers aided the occupant in escaping the building. 
 
Fire Chief Scott Turner said the blaze at 205 North St. was reported about 12:38 p.m.
 
"When I arrived on scene, we had a small amount of flames coming out of the eaves of the roof over by the chimney for the wood stove, and then we had light smoke conditions on the second floor," he said. 
 
Police Officers Andres Huertas and Elias Casey were first on the scene and immediately entered the single-family home to find the occupant was on the second floor. 
 
They helped her out of the building, Turner said, "they did a great job."
 
The chimney is a metal chimney and burn marks could been seen where it meets the eaves on the side of the building. 
 
North Street is a narrow residential way and firetrucks from Alford, Egremont, Monterey, Richmond, Stockbridge and West Stockbridge were parked along nearby streets. Scene support was provided by police, Southern Berkshire Ambulance, and National Grid. 
 
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