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GREEN DRINKS DIGEST

By Dana Drugmand

April’’s Great Barrington Green Drinks featured leaders from Berkshire Co-op speaking about the local business’s vision and expansion plan.

“We’re really an engine for social change that is focused here on building a sustainable agricultural sector,” said Daniel Seitz, president of the Co-op’s Board of Directors. He explained the Co-op’s mission – a community-owned enterprise “committed to being a model of social and environmental stewardship.”

The Co-op stocks up on much more local and organic food compared to a conventional grocery store. They offer incentives to local farmers to encourage them to expand their production. “Quietly, we have been lending money to our local growers,” said Art Ames, General Manager. The Co-op also has an outreach program in which they go into area schools to talk about the benefits of healthy, local food.

Now, the Co-op is looking ahead with plans to relocate to a larger space in order to better serve the community and continue to grow and support the local food system.

“We’re looking ahead to the next decade or two with peak oil, with the change in climate, with the fact that our federal government has financial issues now that we think are going to be even worse. We think it’s a matter of course where communities are going to have to be more self-sufficient,” said Ames. “The time to ramp up isn’t when our backs are against the wall, it’s right now.”

The Co-op plans to move into a new building at the 100 Bridge Street development, just across the river from their current location. The new building will offer more ample parking and storage space, and the capacity to carry more local food products.

“We don’t want to build a bigger co-op to build a bigger co-op. We think we need to at this point,” said Ames.

The new location may seem ironic for a store that is all about environmental stewardship. “We’ve got a natural foods co-op involved in the community about to build a bigger co-op on a polluted site next to a waste treatment plant along a polluted river,” Ames explained. But, he says they’re going to clean up the site, open up space along the river, “and we’re going to succeed.”

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USDA Dedicates April to Increasing Awareness on How to Stop Invasive Pests from Spreading

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has proclaimed April as “Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month.” All month, APHIS will highlight how invasive species can enter the United States and spread, and how the general public can take simple, specific actions to leave these hungry pests behind. Invasive pests and diseases are non-native species that cause—or are likely to cause—harm to the economy, the environment or human health.

 

“At its core, APHIS’ mission is protecting animal and plant health in the United States,” said Acting APHIS Administrator Kevin Shea. “This includes programs to address the invasive pests and diseases that have cost the United States billions of dollars in lost agricultural jobs, closedexport markets and damaged ecosystems. It’s a huge job, and APHIS needs the help of the public to be successful.”

 

Devastating invasive pests and diseases— insects, disease-causing microorganisms, snails, slugs, mites, microscopic worms, weed seeds and fungal spores—often hitch rides on things people move and pack. These common pathways include passenger baggage; plants and plant parts likefruit, vegetables and bud wood; Internet-purchased plants and plant products; firewood; and outdoor gear, among many others. Fortunately, once people are aware of these risks, they can easily prevent the spread of hungry pests.

 

Visit the Hungry Pests website, which is available in English and Spanish, at www.HungryPests.com to view an interactive map and learn about invasive pests and diseases that are affecting or could affect individual states, and how to report them. The website’s “What You Can Do” section offers the public “Seven Ways to Leave Hungry Pests Behind.” Also, by using Facebook and Twitter links, visitors can engage on the invasive pest issue on social media.

 

APHIS safeguards U.S. agricultural and natural resources from risks associated with the entry, establishment or spread of agricultural pests and diseases, as well as invasive and harmful weeds. In this battle, the agency works very closely with its many partners at the federal, state, county and local levels, and at universities and nongovernmental organizations.

 

APHIS has had many successes combatting invasive plant pests and diseases, including the eradication of the Asian longhorned beetle in Illinois, New Jersey and Islip, New York; numerous exotic fruit fly outbreaks in Florida, Texas and California; the wheat disease Karnal bunt in Texas and California; plum pox virus in Pennsylvania and Michigan; the boll weevil from all 17 cotton producing states with the exception of Texas’ Lower Rio Grande Valley; and Khapra beetle infestations in a number of states. APHIS is also closing in on the eradication of the European grapevine moth in California.

 

With Agriculture Secretary Vilsack’s leadership, APHIS works tirelessly to create and sustain opportunities for America’s farmers, ranchers and producers. Each day, APHIS promotes U.S. agricultural health, regulates genetically engineered organisms, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and carries out wildlife damage management activities, all to help safeguard the nation’s agriculture, fishing and forestry industries.

 

In the event that a pest or disease of concern is detected, APHIS implements emergency protocols and partners with affected states and other countries to quickly manage or eradicate the outbreak. To promote the health of U.S. agriculture in the international trade arena, APHIS develops and advances science-based standards with trading partners to ensure America’s agricultural exports, valued at more than $137 billion annually, are protected from unjustified restrictions.

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Garlic Mustard Pull at Burbank Park, Pittsfield

Sunday, April 14
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Meet on the west side of Valentine Road opposite Vin Hebert Blvd
Garlic mustard, a non-native, invasive plant that has spread through parts of Burbank Park.
For more information contact Jane at Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT): jane@thebeatnews.org  413-230-7321.

 

Join the fun! Sunday, April 14, 10 am to noon we will pull up and bag garlic mustard, a non-native, invasive plant that has spread through parts of Burbank Park. We will meet at 10 am at the Vin Hebert entrance to Burbank Park (google map on Valentine Road at the intersection with Vin Hebert Blvd).  Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. BEAT will provide gloves and garbage bags.

 

The Garlic Mustard Pull is part of a major effort in the stewardship of Burbank Park. Last year, two Berkshire Community College students volunteered for BEAT to organize a successful trash cleanup of the park involving the Berkshire Geocachers. In addition to trash cleanups and invasive plant removals, BEAT will organize walks and talks to showcase some of the amazing species found in this park.  For more information contact Jane: jane@thebeatnews.org  413-230-7321.

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Comment on North Adams Vision 2030

North Adams Vision 2030, the city’s current comprehensive planning effort, is available for review. At the end of February a workshop was held about the current state and future desires for Parks, Recreation, and Open Space in North Adams. Materials used during this event, and the comments received from participants have been posted to the project webpage, http://www.northadams-ma.gov/index.php?nav_id=122. If you weren’t able to participate, please review this information and provide comments to the contacts below.

At the end of this month comments received will be used to finalize the goals, policies and actions related to Parks, Recreation and Open Space, which will be posted to this same location.

Please let Mackenzie, Amy, or Mike know if you have any questions!

Amy Kacala

Senior Planner & Project Manager

akacala@berkshireplanning.org

Phone:  413-442-1521, Ext. 12

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission

1 Fenn Street, Suite 201

Pittsfield, MA  01201

Fax: 413-442-1523

 

Mackenzie M. Greer

Community Planner

mgreer@berkshireplanning.org

Phone: 413-442-1521 Ext. 32

(On medical leave 4/12 – June)

 

Mike Nuvallie

Director of Community Development

mnuvallie@northadams-ma.gov

City Hall, 10 Main Street

North Adams, MA

Phone: 413-662-3000 Ext. 3229

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Goodwill of the Berkshires Helped Local Households Recycle over 138,000 Pounds of Computers and Peripheral Hardware in 2012

Goodwill of the Berkshires makes it easy for area residents to dispose of used computer equipment in an environmentally responsible way. It’s free; and you’ll get a donation receipt for tax purposes.

In 2012, households all over the Berkshires and Southern Vermont uncluttered their closets, basements, garages and attics and brought in more than 138,000 pounds of old computers, hard drives, printers, monitors, keyboards, and other computer peripherals to Goodwill Donation Centers. Through Goodwill’s partnership with the Dell Reconnect Program™ all of this equipment found new life through repurposing or was safely recycled and kept out of landfills.

According to William Hall, Goodwill’s Director of Donations and Acquisitions, “Last year, we surpassed our previous computer recycling total by more than 38,000 pounds. This year, we anticipate that the popularity of tablets and iPads will help us surpass the 150,000-pound mark. E-waste donations, along with all other types of donations, are the first step in supporting Goodwill’s mission of breaking down the barriers to work.”

Computer equipment is accepted for free year round at all Goodwill stores in the region and at their donation center on Tyler St. Computer recycling continues Goodwill’s 100-year legacy of reuse, repurposing and recycling, keeping tons of material out of landfills. The list of computer-related items that Goodwill will take, along with locations and phone numbers of the donation centers, is available at www.goodwill-berkshires.org/reconnect

Since 2004, the Dell Reconnect Program™ has recycled more than 253 million pounds of end-of-life computer equipment, reaching more than 64 million households in the United States and Canada.

Founded in 1956, Goodwill of the Berkshires is an innovative and sustainable social enterprise that helps all people in our communities to enhance the dignity and the quality of life, gaining confidence, pride, independence and self-sufficiency through employment training and other support services, including Suit YourSelf, in collaboration with local resources.

Goodwill funds job training, employment placement services and other community programs through its recycling initiatives, including sales of donated clothing and household items at Goodwill retail stores.

For more information, call Goodwill of the Berkshires, 158 Tyler St., Pittsfield, at (413) 442-0061 or visit www.goodwill-berkshires.org and www.facebook.com/GoodwillBerkshires

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Documents submitted to Repositories from February 24, 2013 through March 16, 2013

 

Documents submitted to the Berkshire Athenaeum

 

Letter (with attached report) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Richard Fisher (USEPA), February 27, 2013, Re:  GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Groundwater Management Area 1 (GECD310); NAPL Monitoring Report for Fall 2012       Volumes I and II of II

 

Letter (with attached report) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Richard Fisher (USEPA), February 27, 2013, Re:  GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Groundwater Management Area 3 (GECD330); Groundwater Quality and NAPL Monitoring Interim Report for Fall 2012

 

Letter (with attached report) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Richard Fisher (USEPA), February 27, 2013, Re:  GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Groundwater Management Area 5 (GECD350); Annual Summary Report for 2012

 

Letter (with attached report) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Michael Gorski (MADEP), March 6, 2013, Re:  February 2013 Monthly Status Report; GE Pittsfield ACO/MCP Activities

 

Letter (with attached report) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Dean Tagliaferro (USEPA) and Michael Gorski (MADEP), March 7, 2013, Re:  GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Monthly Status Report Pursuant to Consent Decree February 2013 (GECD900)

 

Letter from David Dickerson (USEPA) to Richard Gates (GE), March 7, 2013, Re:  Conditional Approval of GE’s 12/7/12 Revised Evaluation for Tax Parcel I9-9-34, Silver Lake Area, GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site

 

Letter from Dean Tagliaferro (USEPA) to Kevin Mooney (GE), March 11, 2013, Re:  Conditional Approval of GE’s 2012 Annual Monitoring Report; Upper ½-Mile Reach of the Housatonic River; GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site

 

Letter from David Dickerson (USEPA) to Richard Gates (GE), March 15, 2013, Re:  Conditional Approval of GE’s 11/9/12 Revised Evaluation for Recreational Area RA-1, Silver Lake Area, GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site

 

Documents submitted to the Connecticut Repositories

 

Letter (with attached report) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Dean Tagliaferro (USEPA) and Michael Gorski (MADEP), March 7, 2013, Re:  GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Monthly Status Report Pursuant to Consent Decree February 2013 (GECD900)

 

Letter from Dean Tagliaferro (USEPA) to Kevin Mooney (GE), March 11, 2013, Re:  Conditional Approval of GE’s 2012 Annual Monitoring Report; Upper ½-Mile Reach of the Housatonic River; GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site

 

Documents submitted to Repositories from March 17, 2013 through March 30, 2013

 

Documents submitted to the Berkshire Athenaeum

 

Letter (with attachments) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Dave Dickerson (USEPA), March 15, 2013, Re:  GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Silver Lake Area (GECD600); Re-submittal of Revised Evaluation for Tax Parcel I9-9-34

 

Letter (with attachments) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Dave Dickerson (USEPA), March 19, 2013, Re:  GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Silver Lake Area (GECD600); Re-submittal of Revised Evaluation for Recreational Area RA-1

 

Letter (with attachments) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Dave Dickerson (USEPA), March 21, 2013, Re:  GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Silver Lake Area (GECD600); Revised Evaluation for Bank Portions of Tax Parcels I9-9-17, I9-9-18, I9-9-19, and I9-9-201

 

Letter (with attached report) from Kevin Mooney (GE) to Susan Svirsky (USEPA), March 21, 2013, Re:  GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Floodplain Residential Properties Downstream of Confluence – Actual/Potential Lawns (GECD730); Revised Pre-Design Investigation Work Plan

 

Letter from Dean Tagliaferro (USEPA) to Kevin Mooney (GE), March 28, 2013, Re:  2012 Annual Monitoring Report; 1½ Mile Reach Removal Action; GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

 

Documents submitted to the Connecticut Repositories

 

Letter from Dean Tagliaferro (USEPA) to Kevin Mooney (GE), March 28, 2013, Re:  2012 Annual Monitoring Report; 1½ Mile Reach Removal Action; GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

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Berkshire Community Action Council Seeks Experienced Gardener/Farmer for Seasonal Position

gardener job posting pdf(1)

 

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