Indigenous Water Protectors and Environmentalists Call on TD Bank to
Divest From Fossil Fuels
USDA Farmers Market Promotion Grant Awarded to Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, in partnership with Berkshire Farm & Table and Alchemy Initiative, has been awarded a three-year capacity-building U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant in the amount of $238,595 for the Berkshire Market Collective project.“As a native of the Southern Berkshires and as Chairman of the Massachusetts Legislative Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, I am excited to see the USDA supporting the Berkshire Market Collective through their 2017 Farmers Market Promotion Program grant…” said said State Representative Smitty Pignatelli. FROM BERKSHIRE FARM & TABLE <more>
State Officials Announce Transportation Sector Emissions Listening Sessions
The Baker-Polito Administration today announced dates for a series of listening sessions across the Commonwealth to discuss solutions to the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. The public forums, to be hosted by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), were first announced by Governor Charlie Baker at a Municipal Climate Change Summit held in September to mark the one-year anniversary of Executive Order 569, “Establishing an Integrated Climate Change Strategy for the Commonwealth.” FROM MA EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS <more>
A Pipeline Runs Through It
New Article by Winona LaDuke
New Report: Health Effects Associated with Chemical Emissions from NYS Natural Gas Compressor Stations: 2008-2014
Jobs (click here for full job listings)
MA Community Organizer | Mothers Out Front | Worcester, MA
Government Relations Specialist | The Nature Conservancy | Boston, MA
Event Planner | Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee | Westfield, MA
Campus Organizer | PIRG Campus Action | Western MA
Environmental Health Manager | Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition | Springfield, MA
Regional Recycling Coordinator | City of Pittsfield | Pittsfield, MA
Conservation Projects Manager | Housatonic Valley Association | Cornwall Bridge, CT
Director of Ecological Restoration | MA Dept. of Fish & Game | Boston, MA
Community Solar Interns | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Energy Efficiency Intern | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Community Solar Program Director | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Energy Efficiency Program Manager | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Chief Executive Officer | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
2017-18 Position Openings | TerraCorps – Various locations
Various Positions | The Manice Education Center (MEC) | Florida, MA
VOLUNTEER Haunted House Tour Guides | Naumkeag | Stockbridge, MA
Indigenous Water Protectors and Environmentalists Call on TD Bank to Divest From Fossil Fuels
After months of protests on the front lines of pipeline construction in Otis State Forest, local community members and indigenous activists from around the country are turning their attention to the funders of the fossil fuel industry. TD Bank, with branches throughout western Massachusetts, is a major funder of companies such as Kinder Morgan that build pipelines carrying fracked gas from tar sands in the U.S and Canada.
On Monday, October 23 concerned citizens will be gathering at the Southern Berkshire District Court In Great Barrington at 9 am where four Water Protectors from Standing Rock will have a pre-trial hearing for their non-violent prayerful actions to stop the pipeline in Otis. Since construction of the $93 million Kinder Morgan pipeline project began in Sandisfield and Otis State Forest in April, over seventy citizens have been arrested while trying to stop the pipeline construction. Unlike charges against previous activists at the Otis pipeline, their charges have not been de-criminalized. “Water Protectors and Massachusetts residents, have taken it upon ourselves to uphold Massachusetts State Constitution Article 97, while our own state police protect corporate greed,” says Micah Big Wind Lott, from the Northern Arapaho Nation, one of those facing criminal charges.
After a press conference on the courthouse steps, the Water Protectors, activists from the Sugar Shack Alliance and local allies will walk to the center of Great Barrington. There, clergy and indigenous leaders will hold a prayer service in front of TD Bank. A Call for Divestment will be read and distributed, stating in part, “As consumers and customers of all sizes, we demand TD Bank stop using our money to fund tar sands pipelines that our communities and planet cannot afford. We call on our neighbors, elected officials, and pension managers to close all accounts with TD Bank unless they immediately stop financing tar sands pipelines.”
The divestment action is part of three days of global divestment actions (https://mazaskatalks.org, #DivestTheGlobe). “We are walking from the courthouse to the bank to point out that the human and environmental violations of fossil fuel pipelines, in Otis State Forest and around the country, are only possible with the funding of large financial institutions like TD Bank,” said Steven Botkin, a member of the Sugar Shack Alliance. “We are asking individuals, towns and institutions to close their accounts at TD Bank and move their money to local banks and credit unions.”
This action will also launch a week of resistance (October 23rd – October 29th) throughout Western Massachusetts in opposition to Kinder Morgan and their unnecessary pipeline that is destroying Indigenous stonescapes, damaging fragile wetlands and endangered species, and threatening the climate of our planet. All people are invited to these events.
USDA Farmers Market Promotion Grant Awarded to Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
Berkshire Farm & Table and Alchemy Initiative Partner to Form the Berkshire Market Collective
State Officials Announce Transportation Sector Emissions Listening Sessions
FROM MA EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
Boston — The Baker-Polito Administration today announced dates for a series of listening sessions across the Commonwealth to discuss solutions to the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. The public forums, to be hosted by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), were first announced by Governor Charlie Baker at a Municipal Climate Change Summit held in September to mark the one-year anniversary of Executive Order 569, “Establishing an Integrated Climate Change Strategy for the Commonwealth.”
“Massachusetts leads the nation in combatting and preparing for the impacts of climate change and our Administration has worked in a bipartisan fashion to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to ensure we meet our commitments under the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “While Massachusetts has made significant strides to combat climate change, we must continue to work together across the Commonwealth and the region to achieve substantial emission reductions from every sector, including transportation, in order to chart a course that will ensure we can meet emission limits for 2050.”
“As Massachusetts works to address emission reductions and improve our transportation infrastructure we look forward to hearing innovative ideas from stakeholders,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We’re pleased to be able to hold these sessions across Massachusetts so communities and residents have an opportunity to help us tackle this next challenge as we continue to develop new solutions to combat the causes of climate change and work to build a more climate-resilient Commonwealth.”
As of 2014, the latest year with complete data, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s greenhouse gas inventory shows the Commonwealth on track to meet emission reduction limits of 25 percent below 1990 levels for 2020 with current reductions at 21 percent from the 1990 baseline. Progress to date on emissions reductions has been largely driven by reductions in the power sector, with the transportation sector now representing the largest share of statewide emissions. While Massachusetts has a number of policies in the Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020 that reduce transportation emissions, further reduction is needed to position the Commonwealth to meet the GWSA emission reduction goal for 2050 of 80 percent reductions.
Executive Order 569, signed last September by Governor Baker, directed the Secretaries of Energy and Environmental Affairs and Transportation to work together on regional policies to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. Expanding on this collaborative approach, the statewide transportation listening sessions will be co-hosted by EEA and MassDOT.
“These listening sessions highlight the collaborative approach the Baker-Polito Administration is taking to work across state government and with our cities and towns to reduce emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Matthew Beaton. “As the state continues to be active in a number of regional efforts including the Transportation Climate Initiative, the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers, and the Multi-State Zero Emission Vehicles Memorandum of Understanding, these sessions will ensure that we are gathering all of the best ideas on this challenge from across the Commonwealth.”
“MassDOT is working with municipal partners to make a difference in lowering Greenhouse Gas emissions,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “From solar panels and new LED lighting along the Commonwealth’s highways and at transit parking facilities, to new LEED certified buildings, improved infrastructure and upgraded rainwater management, MassDOT has been proactive in reducing emissions while strengthening the transportation system that residents and visitors rely on. Working collaboratively with communities, MassDOT is helping to develop new, practical solutions in order to meet commitments made regarding transportation sector emissions.”
The public listening sessions for stakeholders will cover strategies to:
- Reduce transportation sector emissions through measures addressing vehicles, fuels, and land use;
- Develop a comprehensive regional strategy for the deployment of zero emission vehicles;
- Increase the resilience of transportation infrastructure as the climate changes; and
- Address environmental justice, low income and rural communities.
The sessions will be held on the following dates:
Tuesday, October 31, 2017 | 9:00am
State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA
Register Here
Thursday, November 2, 2017 | 6:00pm
MassDEP Central Region Office, 8 New Bond Street, Worcester, MA
No Registration Required
Monday, November 6, 2017 | 11:00am
UMass-Amherst, Student Union – Cape Cod Lounge, 280 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA
Register Here
Thursday, November 9, 2017 | 6:00pm
West Middle School, 271 West Street, Brockton, MA
No Registration Required
Those individuals wishing to submit written comments may do so herefrom October 10, 2017 through January 1, 2018, or email them to gwsa@massmail.state.ma.us
Efforts to reduce transportation sector emissions support implementation of Governor Charlie Baker’s Executive Order 569, An Order Establishing an Integrated Climate Change Strategy for the Commonwealth and emission reduction limits established by the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) of 2008. The GWSA requires a GHG emissions reduction of 25 percent below 1990 emissions levels by 2020 and at least an 80 percent reduction by 2050. In early August, pursuant to Executive Order 569, the Department of Environmental Protection promulgated six new regulations to ensure the Commonwealth is on track to meet its 2020 emission reduction limits. The Executive Order also directs the state to begin planning for climate change adaptation and working with cities and towns across the Commonwealth to assess vulnerability and build resiliency to address climate change impacts.
Jobs
MA Community Organizer
Mothers Out Front : Mobilizing For A Livable Climate | Worcester, MA
Position Summary: The Massachusetts Community Organizer builds and supports volunteer-led community teams to grow a diverse and powerful movement of mothers that develops and implements campaigns to achieve a swift, complete, and just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Specifically, the Community Organizer works to:
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Identify mothers, grandmothers and other caregivers in Worcester and Central Massachusetts who share Mothers Out Front’s goals and are willing to take action to reduce climate change;
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Support the creation of member-led teams in diverse communities in Worcester and Central Massachusetts by helping to organize house parties and coaching team leaders and potential leaders;
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Support member-led teams to launch and carry out local Mothers Out Front campaigns;
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Connect local teams to state campaigns and national Mothers Out Front movement work across states; and
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Provide “in-the-background” support and training to team members to strengthen their leadership skills, including their use of data and technology to support organizing.
READ THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION & APPLY HERE
Government Relations Specialist
The Nature Conservancy | Boston, MA
The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts is hiring a Government Relations Specialist to work alongside our Government Relations Director.
- Influence the outcomes of federal and state public policy initiatives to further the Conservancy’s mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
- Collaborate in strategic partnerships with the policymakers, agencies, conservation organizations, and associations.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary staff to develop creative solutions to complex policy challenges.
Details:
- The position is full time and based in Boston, with travel to DC expected.
- Please see the full job description and apply here (Note: please use the on-line application)
- Application Deadline: October 24, 2017
Event Planner
Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee | Westfield, MA
In 2018, the Westfield River will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary since being designated as a National Wild & Scenic River. This happens to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. As we near a quarter century of protecting the Westfield River and half century of protecting some of the greatest rivers in the United States, we hope to celebrate the accomplishments of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System with a series of events and promotional materials. The Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee seeks an Event Planner to assist us with our 25th and 50th Wild & Scenic Anniversaries outreach and events in 2018. Proposals will be accepted until filled with an initial review to begin on September 28th, 2017. RFQ Details here.
Environmental Health Manager
Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition | Springfield, MA
Primary Objective
Partners for a Healthier Communities (PHC)’ Environmental Health Manager (listed on the Baystate Health website (as “Community Health Planning/Environmental Health) is responsible for the planning, program development, and evaluation of environmental health and other projects, including assistance to subcontractors and community partners allied with the agency in this these efforts. The environmental health initiative will focus on a variety of types of projects, including the management of the Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition, systems and policy change, and collective impact. The Environmental Health Manager will cultivate and strengthen strategic community partnerships and alliances between local, regional, and state-level coalitions and advocacy organizations; community-based nonprofit corporations; and business, social, educational, and health entities.
Role of the Environmental Health Manager
The position’s role typically involves grantwriting and reporting, leading environmental health projects, and convening as necessary community partners and clients to achieve the needed goals of projects. Partnerships could be with sectors such as faith, business, education, academic, healthcare, social sector entities.
In particular, the position implements programming for initiatives to improve the health of people enrolled in the project:
- Develops programs and services that promote best and emerging practices for the environmental health area. Designs and implements collaborative strategies with community partners and collaborators such as social organizations, faith communities, community-based organizations and so on;
- Assists in strategic thinking, research and evaluation and program planning to achieve the corporation’s strategic goals and objectives assigned to the Consultant. In this area, the Consultant is primarily responsible for implementing strategies such as providing training and technical assistance to help prioritize issues and develop community partnerships, utilizing data to execute new initiatives, evaluate results and communicate progress.
- Provides facilitative leadership to fellow community leaders, and offers opportunities and/or shares experiences, perspectives and expertise on issues such as partnership development, meeting planning, facilitation, and conflict management;
- Provides facilitative leadership to the project team in action planning including steps and/or activities to address the priority areas, and implementing actions with a timeline, identifiable milestones and evaluation measures;
- Oversee subcontractors when necessary and student interns;
Performance Expectations
It is expected that the Environmental Health Manager will work under the general supervision of the Director of Programs & Development.
The Environmental Health Manager’s work entails the day-to-day management (including planning, directing and organizing staff, programming and funding responsibility) of Environmental Health programs and activities.
- Programs will meet the objective of the strategic goals and objectives of PHC.
- Coalition-building activities will adhere to PHC standards.
- In establishing community programs, planning will adhere to a community health planning methodology and the planning processes will result in high quality successful programs.
- Community programs and issues will undergo regular assessments and review based on published reports on internal and external environmental issues related to the corporations health priority areas.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Public Policy or related field required. Master’s level college degree in these areas is preferred.
- Applicant must have five years of relevant experience in a role of a program manager or supervisor in a public health or human service program. Five years of relevant experience in a role equivalent to a Program Director of a major public health program is preferred.
Core Competencies
The high visibility of this position, both internally and externally, requires that the Environmental Health Manager have
- Experience designing and implementing program and initiative planning;
- Highly proficient writing skills;
- Strong interpersonal, facilitation and collaborative planning skills;
- Proven abilities to work with and within teams;
- Strong written and oral communication skills; bilingual preferred
- A high degree of computer literacy;
- Demonstrated use of community problem-solving skills;
- Demonstrated facilitative leadership experiences in a community setting; and
- Strong understanding of the public health environment (including asthma and environmental health) and the healthcare environment.
- Strong public presentation skills
About Partners for a Healthier Community
Partners for a Healthier Community, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, provides skills, expertise and experience to create successful public health campaigns and sustainable system changes to improve health and well-being in Western MA. Through partnerships, we build on community assets and build community capacity to positively impact social determinants of health. Our services include Research and Assessment, Coalition-building, Program Evaluation and Health Policy Development. PHC is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit with a 20 member Board of Directors and relies on state, federal and private grants and contracts. PHC contracts with Baystate Health for Human Resources services.
TO APPLY: Candidates for PHC’s Environmental Health Manager (Community Health Planning Consultant/Environmental Health) should apply through Baystate Health’s job portal at https://www.baystatehealthjobs.com/job/springfield/community-health-planning-consultant-environmental-health-full-time/156/5671580
Campus Organizer
PIRG Campus Action | Western MA
FULL TIME CAREER POSITION
At PIRG Campus Action, our full time organizers work on college campuses across the country to empower students to make a difference on critical environmental and social issues.
If we’re serious about climate change, we can’t afford to drag our feet—so we’re pushing cities and states to commit to 100% renewable energy, now. We rely on bees to pollinate our food, yet we’re allowing some pesticides to drive them toward extinction—so we’re working to ban these bee-killing pesticides. People in our communities and even students on college campuses are dealing with hunger and homelessness that affect their quality of life. We’re raising funds, toiletries, and food items for our local relief agencies – as well as holding fundraisers for Hurricane Relief for the communities in TX, FL, and the Caribbean who were hit from the recent natural disasters.
We’re looking for an individual who has the passion and the drive it takes to win positive change on these important issues, and who isn’t afraid of hard work. Ideally, this person has experience working on campaigns or with groups on campus. Our Berkshires organizer will mobilize a team of passionate students to run a campus chapter on two campuses in Western MA. You’ll recruit dozens of students to volunteer and get involved, and teach them how to plan and run effective campaigns through internships and on-the-ground training.
You’ll build relationships with faculty and administrators, while organizing news events and rallies, and generating the grassroots support it takes to win campaigns. During the summer, you’ll run a citizen outreach office, building the organization by canvassing and training others to canvass. And you’ll learn from some of the best organizers in the country—people who have been doing this work for more than 30 years.
Location: Western MA (organizing at Berkshire Community College and Mass College of Liberal Arts)
We’re also hiring organizers to work on college campuses in California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon and a few other states.
Pay & benefits
The target annual compensation for this position is $25,500 in the first year. PIRG Campus Action offers a competitive benefits package. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.
Apply here today or contact Samantha@masspirgstudents.org directly with any inquiries or recommendations for candidates.
Regional Recycling Coordinator
City of Pittsfield | Pittsfield, MA
The Municipal Assistance Coordinator for the Western District (WE) provides technical assistance to municipalities to increase recycling, composting, waste reduction, household hazardous waste diversion and regional cooperation. The City of Pittsfield has been awarded a Host Community grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to fund this position.
The Coordinator will act under the supervision of the MassDEP and will serve 100 municipalities in a district known as “Western”. The district extends from Ware to Richmond. For a map and list of communities in the district, please visit: http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/macmap.htm
This is an independent contractor position. The position is funded at 36 hours per week, with an annual ceiling of 1,800 hours. Annual compensation is commensurate with experience, starting at not less than $55,000. An additional $5,000 annual reimbursement is provided for self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare). Use of personal vehicle is required. Vehicle mileage, tolls and parking =will be reimbursed. Limited funding for in-state professional conferences is also provided.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, September 8, 2017 @ 4:00PM
Full listing and application details here.
Conservation Projects Manager
Housatonic Valley Association | Cornwall Bridge, CT
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented environmental professional to join our Watershed Conservation Team. The successful candidate will support all aspects of HVA’s conservation projects, which include (but aren’t limited to) environmental monitoring, regional road-stream crossing assessment and replacement planning, watershed management planning, stream corridor restoration, stormwater management through Green Infrastructure development, and environmental education. This position is based out of HVA’s Connecticut office.
This is only a part of the job description. To view the full descriptions and to apply, click here.
Director of Ecological Restoration
MA Department of Fish & Game | Boston, MA
The Division of Ecological Restoration is charged with restoring and protecting the health and integrity of the Commonwealth’s rivers, wetlands, and watersheds for the benefit of people and the environment. This mission is critical to the success of the Department of Fish and Game that manages, protects, and restores the natural resources of the Commonwealth.
The Division of Ecological Restoration works with community-based partners to restore aquatic ecosystems. The Division’s ecological restoration work brings clean water, recreation opportunities, and other ecosystem services to the citizens of Massachusetts.
The Director leads the Division of Ecological Restoration, one of three Divisions (and one Office) of the Department of Fish and Game. The Director is responsible for all functions and program performance ensuring that the Deputy Director is properly managing the day-today operations of the Division and the assistant director is administering annual budgets properly. The Director develops and makes sure the annual and five-year strategic plan goals are implemented and sets procedures and program priorities for the Deputy Director and Assistant Director to faithfully administer. The Director oversees development of the operational and capital budgets and manages a diverse staff.
This is only a small part of the job description. Click here to read the full description and to apply.
Various Positions at Co-op Power
Co-op Power in Florence, MA, is hiring for:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Energy Efficiency Program Manager
- Community Solar Program Director
- Energy Efficiency Intern
- Community Solar Interns
Full details and how to apply here.
2017-18 Position Openings with TerraCorps – Various locations
TerraCorps, formerly MassLIFT-AmeriCorps, is an innovative national service program helping communities conserve and secure land for the health and well-being of people and nature. This year we are looking for 36 members to serve in full-time, 11 month positions. Members will carry out capacity building projects; educate or train individuals; recruit, train, manage, and support community volunteers engaged in land-based activities; and identify new individuals and groups to participate in education, recreation, or service opportunities centered around land access and conservation.
Members serve as: Land Stewardship Coordinators, Regional Conservation Coordinators, Youth Education Coordinators, or Community Engagement Coordinators.
These 1,700 hour AmeriCorps positions receive a living allowance, education award, and additional AmeriCorps benefits. The 2017-2018 program will run from 8/28/17 – 7/27/18.
Application specifics, position descriptions, and information about organizations hosting TerraCorps members can be found at here.
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
AmeriCorps programs provide equal service opportunities. TerraCorps will recruit and select persons in all positions to ensure a diverse and inclusive climate without regard to any particular status. We encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations for interviews and service upon request. TerraCorps is a grant program of the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Various Positions
The Manice Education Center (MEC) | Florida, MA
The Manice Education Center (MEC) is intentionally located in a unique outdoor setting within the heart of the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. MEC operates several distinctly different seasonal programs that are experientially focused in high-quality environmental education, wilderness camping, and leadership training.
Summer Outdoor educators will lead wilderness expeditions for campers & can expect to guide an average of 6 backpacking and/or canoeing trips, ranging from 2 to 5 days in length. Expedition locations inlude the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, Savoy Mountain State Forest, Taconic Trail, Battenkill River, Deerfield River, & Connecticut River. Educators receive training in backpacking and wilderness navigation, participate in a 2 day professional canoe clinic, & can earn free certifications in Wildernes First Aid and/or Waterfront Lifeguarding.
APPLY TODAY – SEND US A COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO EMPLOYMENT@CHRISTODORA.ORG
For more details please visit our Jobs page (click here).
Please share this opportunity with your friends and colleagues! If you have any questions about employment in Christodora programs, please contact Matthew Scholl, Programs Director at 413.663.8463 or email us at employment@christodora.org
HAUNTED HOUSE TOUR GUIDES
Naumkeag’s 2nd Annual Haunted House will take place on 10/20, 10/21, 10/27, and 10/28 and we are seeking volunteer groups to serve as characters in the house during one of those nights! Costumes are provided and the training is simple-no acting experience is required. 5pm-9:30pm.
Visit www.thetrustees.org/volunteer or contact tbeasley@thetrustees.org or 413.213.4248 for more information.