What's Happening in the Berkshires: Local Roots & New Possibilities

Arts, music & culture

Looking for a little local discovery this week? Dig into the history of Great Barrington’s Whiting House. The latest local-history feature recounts how the house was preserved by moving it to the corner of Bridge and School streets as Main Street grew.

And a cheerful look back at Halloween: more than 80 area students participated in Great Barrington’s window-painting contest, carrying on a creative community tradition.

• THEN & NOW: The Whiting House in Great Barrington · The Berkshire Edge
• Great Barrington’s Halloween tradition continues: Students take part in window-painting contest · The Berkshire Edge

Community news to know

Two practical updates worth checking out this week: Literacy Network’s new Pittsfield Learning Center location is helping the nonprofit broaden access and programming, and oil-heating assistance is opening to more families. If heating costs are on your mind, take a look at the updated eligibility information.

There’s encouraging news for affordable housing in New Marlborough: a $245,000 state grant supports the Cassillis Farm project, where Construct Inc. plans 11 affordable apartments. Separately, Richard Allen is challenging South County to raise $100,000 for housing and local businesses.

In Pittsfield, a tech hub expansion has broken ground. Meanwhile, Berkshire activists are encouraging participation in the upcoming midterm election—a timely reminder to check your voting plans.

• BUSINESS MONDAY: Spotlight on Literacy Network’s Pittsfield Learning Center · The Berkshire Edge
• Oil heat aid opens to more families. What you need to know - Berkshire Eagle · Google News: Berkshire housing
• ‘A moment of sunrise’ for Cassillis Farm housing project as New Marlborough lands $245,000 state grant · The Berkshire Edge
• One gift, twice the impact: Richard Allen challenges South County to Raise $100,000 for housing and local businesses - The Berkshire Edge · Google News: Berkshire housing
• Pittsfield tech hub expansion breaks ground - Berkshire Eagle · Google News: Berkshire housing
• 'Be a voter, not a spectator.' Berkshire activists get out the midterm vote - Berkshire Eagle · Google News: Berkshire housing

Relocation tip from the team

Moving to or from the Berkshires? Make heating part of your moving checklist. Ask about the home’s fuel source, service history and typical seasonal bills, then coordinate utility or fuel-service transitions before moving day. Our Real Harmony & Associates team recommends checking assistance eligibility directly with the program rather than assuming you do—or don’t—qualify.

• Oil heat aid opens to more families. What you need to know - Berkshire Eagle · Google News: Berkshire housing