Toasting and Tasting Fundraiser

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Berkshire South Community Center's beer, wine, and spirit tasting event raises funds for the Center's operations.
 
On Saturday Oct. 19, a Specialty Pairing event begins at 4pm and features fine wines and spirits paired with bites prepared by chef Kevin Kelly of After Hours Catering and presented by sommelier Dan Thomas of the Egremont Spirit Shoppe. 
 
A second event begins at 6pm at which ticket buyers will sip a selection of local libations including beer from Progression Brewing Company, cocktails from Higher Bar, spirits from Cooper's Daughter, and a variety of wines from Dare Bottleshop & Provisions and Domaney's Liquors & Fine Wines, to name a few. 
 
There will be a mocktail station featuring seasonal spirit-free beverages and a special wine-infused sorbet for dessert from SoCo Creamery in Great Barrington. Drinks will be served alongside hors d'oeuvres by Jae's.  The evening's entertainment will be provided by The Michael Junkins Group and there will be a robust silent auction filled with gift certificates, home goods, and services from your favorite Berkshire businesses.
 
"Funds raised at this year's event will directly support initiatives such as the Center's aquatics programs for all ages and abilities, our free teen wellness programming, free Community Suppers, early childhood and after-school care and our financial aid program, which creates greater access to our services," said Executive Director Jenise Lucey. "Our goal is to raise $200,000 in support of these essential services that are the lifeblood of our community center, touching the lives of thousands each year."
 
Tickets for the Specialty Pairing portion of the evening are $250. Main event tickets purchased in advance are $50, or $60 at the door. Mocktail tickets cost $35. Tickets are for sale online at berkshiresouth.org/toasting-and-tasting. Call for more info: 413.528.2810.
 
Sponsors of Toasting & Tasting include Jane Iredale and Bob Montgomery, Buzz and Robin McGraw, Fairview Hospital, Susan and Hank Ferlauto, Barbara and Roger Manring, Ethel Patterson and Michael Bandzierz, Robert Yaffe, Adams Community Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Mark and Hannah Gross, Jae's, Erica Jaffe, Suzanne and David Klausmeyer, NBT Bank, Acrisure, Allegrone Companies, Autobahn Service, Maggie Buchwald, Carlson Heating & Air Conditioning, Carlson Propane, Brian Cruey and Matt King, Dare Bottleshop & Provisions, Margaret Deutsch, Bobbie Hallig, Mary and Charles Hamilton, Jill and Robert Jaffe, Lance Vermeulen Real Estate, Estelle Miller, Mirabito, Molari, Jane Miller Shea and Terry Shea, Jerry and John Soechting, Theory Wellness, and Malvina Wasserman.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

BHS And CDCSB Partner to Improve Housing Availability

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) and the Community Development Corporation of Southern Berkshire (CDCSB) are partnering to support the expansion of workforce housing in South County. 
 
BHS will provide the CDCSB with financial support to make some units of the Thornewood available for temporary housing of healthcare workers who face barriers in finding available housing options.
 
"As part of our mission to advance health and wellness for everyone in our community, we recognize that creating better access to housing resources for a diverse population of workers will make a real impact," said Darlene Rodowicz, president & CEO of BHS. "We were pleased to work with the CDCSB to develop this innovative new collaboration focused on addressing one of the core challenges in our community—accessible, affordable workforce housing through the redevelopment of the Thornewood Inn." 
 
The Thornewood, at 453 Stockbridge Rd. in Great Barrington, has 16 furnished units that are suitable for 1–2 adults and vary in size, layout, and features.
 
"BHS's early support of the Thornewood project is greatly appreciated," said CDCSB Board President Jim Harwood. "Our partnership not only addresses a critical community need for short- and long-term housing for healthcare workers, but the additional financial support also allows us to provide this housing at affordable levels and fund ongoing upgrades for the property, such as our current project to build an improved shared kitchen for Thornewood residents."
 
According to the CDCSB, applicants working in Great Barrington will receive priority access to the rooms. Those working elsewhere in Berkshire County are also eligible. Eligibility for the affordable units is subject to maximum income levels.
 
For more information on The Thornewood, visit www.cdcsb.org.
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