Jewish Federation, BNRC to Host Events Aug. 18 and 25

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. – The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will host two upcoming programs with the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC): A presentation on Thursday, August 18 at 10:45 a.m., at Knesset Israel, Pittsfield and a nature walk at Parson's Marsh in Lenox on Thursday, August 25 at 10:45 a.m.

On Aug. 18, learn about the work of the BNRC, its mission to preserve and protect the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Berkshires for public benefit. BNRC staff will highlight The High Road, which is a long-term initiative to make connections from towns to trails along with clusters of conservation land, allowing hikers to explore the scenic Berkshires. On Aug. 25, join BNRC staff for a nature walk at scenic Parson's Marsh, near Tanglewood (170 Under Mountain Road in Lenox).

The free program on Aug. 18 will be presented in person as part of the Federation’s Connecting with Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $3 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others.

Reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program. Knesset Israel is at 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield.

For more on this program and other Federation events, visit our calendar of events at jewishberkshires.org.


Tags: BNRC,   Jewish Federation,   

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Central Berkshire Habitat Honors President Carter

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Former President Jimmy Carter never visited Berkshire County but the impact of his post-presidential efforts can be seen every day here. 
 
Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, are easily the most famous volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, which has chapters in both Central and North Berkshire. For more than 35 years, they helped to build affordable housing with the organization.
 
"I had the opportunity to meet President Carter and Rosalynn a few times in Atlanta over the years. I believe they are truly the most caring and thoughtful people in the world and represent the best of humanity," said Central Berkshire Habitat's CEO Carolyn Valli.
 
Central Berkshire Habitat was established in 1992 and serves Central and Southern Berkshire County.  
 
James Carter died on Dec. 29 at age 100; Rosalynn last year in November at age 96. Carter only served one term as president, from 1977 to 1981. 
 
They first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Ga., near their home of Plains, in March 1984. Later that same year, the Carters joined Habitat volunteers in New York City's Lower East Side to renovate an abandoned building in partnership with families in need of affordable housing. That trip marked Habitat for Humanity's first Jimmy Carter Work Project (later renamed the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project). 
 
"We are deeply saddened by President Carter's passing, and our prayers are with the rest of the Carter family," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "President and Mrs. Carter began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity near their home in southwest Georgia, soon bringing worldwide attention to the need for decent and affordable housing. We are grateful for the incredible impact the Carters have had on Habitat and on the families who have benefited from their shining example. The Carters put Habitat for Humanity on the map, and their legacy will live on in every family we serve around the world."
 
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