Berkshire HorseWorks Gala Celebrates Year of the Horse

10:42AM / Wednesday, August 12, 2026Print Story | Email Story

RICHMOND, Mass. — Berkshire HorseWorks, Inc., a 501c3, which for 13 years has offered Eagala Model Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Equine-Assisted Learning, Equine Assisted-Team building, and other therapeutic and recreational activities with horses, invites you to celebrate the "Year of the Horse: A Year of Transformation Gala", on Sept. 18, from 6:00pm-9:00pm, at Berkshire Equestrian Center in Richmond, MA (40 Perry's Peak Road, Richmond, MA 01254).

This gala marks over a decade of providing programming to over 4,200 at-risk youth, active duty, veterans, families, and other vulnerable populations. The event and will honor NPC founder, Liana Toscanini, and be emceed by former Massachusetts State Representative, Smitty Pignatelli. The news was announced today by Hayley Sumner, founder, executive director, and CEO of the nonprofit.

Interact with BHW's rescued herd of 11 horses and ponies, and its clients as you learn about the ranch's experiential, strength-based programs.

Enjoy specialty drinks and hors d'oeuvres from 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm with music by The Berkshire Dreamers, before a live auction and paddle raise from 7:30 pm- 9:00 pm. Auction to support scholarships for equine-assisted programs at the ranch for those at-risk with mental health, behavioral, and academic challenges in the community and to cover medical costs for equines medical care.

Attire is festive Berkshire casual, with comfortable footwear suitable for both the lawn and riding arena, strongly encouraged.

"Thanks to the generosity of Carl and Nancy Dunham, BHW was able to launch its nonprofit at the Berkshire Equestrian Center, enabling us to offer much-needed evidence and ground based programming to those with PTSD, addiction, trauma, and illiteracy, including Hillcrest Education Center, Department of Children and Families (DCF), Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire County House of Corrections, Pittsfield School System," stated Sumner.

Tickets are limited so visit OneCause to purchase now: onecau.se/_mrwau1

For More Gala Information Visit OneCause: https://onecau.se/_mk95z1

For More Information Visit BHW's Website: https://berkshirehorseworks.com/gala

Link For Donating: onecau.se/_mk96h1

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Great Barrington Unveils 9/11 Memorial Featuring World Trade Center Steel

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
12:58PM / Saturday, September 12, 2026

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — A piece of history will now stand in front of the Great Barrington Fire Department, serving as a lasting reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and heroism of those who rushed in, stepped forward, and answered the call on Sept. 11, 2001.

Hundreds of community members gathered outside the Fire Department for the unveiling of a 9/11 memorial featuring a steel I-beam salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.

The monument marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, and its effect reached far and wide beyond New York, said Deputy Fire Chief James Mead.

"There are moments in our lives that become markers of time. Moments when we remember not only what happened, but where we were, who was beside us, and how the world somehow felt different afterwards," Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove said.

"For those of us who experienced September 11, 2001 — it is one of those moments for us to share."

The acquisition of the beam was a multi-year effort initiated by the late Andy Moro, former commander of American Legion Post 298 in Housatonic, and was carried on by the Legion's second vice commander, John Morris.

Morris said he was able to obtain the warped steel I-beam through connections he made during his time as a New York City firefighter.

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