Housatonic River CleanupsOn Saturday, June 22 and Saturday July 27 help clean up the West Branch of the Housatonic River in Pittsfield. Meet at 9:00 am at Wahconah Park, 105 Wahconah Street, Pittsfield. Clean up groups will be organized to work north and south of the new river access and in other parts of the West Branch. Canoes will be used to move collected trash to an exit point. Clean ups on the West Branch are cosponsored by the City of Pittsfield. An additional cleanup is proposed for Saturday, August 10 in Great Barrington where we’ll remove tires and other miscellaneous trash from the banks and in the river. For all clean ups, volunteers are recommended to wear old clothes and either wear old sneakers or waders. A few pairs of waders will be available to borrow. Volunteers should bring a water bottle, sunscreen, bug repellant and a hat. Pouring rain and thunder cancels a clean up. For more information and to register contact BEAT at 413-230-7321 or HVA at 413-394-9796. Information is also available at www.thebeatnews.org or www.hvatoday.org. Founded in 1941, HVA protects and restores the land and waters of the Housatonic watershed from its source in the Pittsfield, Massachusetts area to Long Island Sound. Visit www.hvatoday.org for more information. BEAT works to protect the environment for wildlife, keeps the public informed of current local issues that could have an impact on the environment, and helps people work together to take action to protect the environment. Visit www.thebeatnews.org for more information.
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EcoBuilding Bargains Celebrates Earth Day with Solar InstallationThe Center for EcoTechnology, a local non-profit helping people live and work with less environmental impact, celebrated the installation of a 140 kilowatt solar panel system at its used and surplus building material store, EcoBuilding Bargains, this Earth Day, Monday, April 22, 2013. The event featured solar demonstrations and remarks by Congressman Richard Neal and Mayor Dominick J. Sarno. The solar installation is the final step in a deep energy retrofit of the EcoBuilding Bargains building at 83 Warwick Street, begun in 2011. The solar system is projected to produce over 156,800 kWh of electricity a year—over 95% of the store’s electric demand. “We are pleased to celebrate the conclusion of this project,” said John Majercak, executive director of the Center for EcoTechnology. “This building provides a visible example of what you can do to an older building to make it green. Our facility stands as a resource for the city, offering local residents and businesses a place to get green information and products.” The Center for EcoTechnology partnered with Solect, a full service photovoltaic (PV) project developer based in Hopkinton, MA and Duro-Last Roofing on the installation. “This system demonstrates the way businesses can take control of their energy use, saving money and protecting the environment,” said Andy Brydges, senior director of renewable energy generation at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). “We’re excited to celebrate EcoBuilding Bargains and the leading role they are taking in the clean energy future of Massachusetts.” Mayor Domenic J. Sarno added, “I would like to congratulate EcoBuilding Bargains on their latest green initiative with the completion of their solar installation. EcoBuilding Bargains is truly becoming a successful leader in the region in reusing, reducing, and recycling.” The Center for EcoTechnology helps individuals and businesses carry out their daily activities with less environmental impact by providing practical solutions that save energy, materials, and money and decrease waste. A 35-year-old non-profit organization with offices in Pittsfield, Northampton, and Springfield, the Center for EcoTechnology also operates EcoBuilding Bargains, a store selling used and salvaged building materials and surplus stock. For more information visit cetonline.org or ecobuildingbargains.org.
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Bascom Lodge Celebrates its 75th Anniversary from June 1 through October 202013 highlights feature special events, programs and classic American regional cuisine ADAMS, Mass. (April 22, 2013) – In celebration of its 75th anniversary this year, Bascom Lodge, the iconic Berkshire landmark at the summit of Mount Greylock, has planned a series of special events and programs related to the rich history of the Lodge, the mountain, the 1930s, and local history and folklore. In honor of the anniversary, the Bascom Lodge Café will tip its hat to the classic roadside diners, truck stops and cafés that were once found on the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine with a season-long series of 1930s classic “blue plate” lunch specials. The menu will include Maryland crab cake salad, salmon croquettes, Philadelphia cheese steak sandwiches, “Miles Standish” club sandwiches, Carolina pulled-pork sandwiches, New England clam chowder, Georgia peanut soup, and Maine lobster rolls. Bascom Lodge officially opens for the season on June 1, serving three meals daily at its breakfast and lunch café and dinner restaurant operations, and will offer lodging accommodations and dining through Sunday, October 20. The Lodge’s Café will open earlier, during the last two weekends in May: May 18 and 19, and May 25 through 27 (Memorial Day Weekend) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, please visit bascomlodge.net The Lodge has come a long way in 75 years. Built in the 1930s during the Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to provide a rest stop and rustic accommodations for hikers, nature enthusiasts and vacationers, in recent years the Lodge has been transformed by its current operators, the Bascom Lodge Group, comprised of brothers John and Peter Dudek and Brad Parsons, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Historic Curatorship Program. Through the program, state-owned historic properties like Bascom Lodge are rehabilitated, maintained, and reused by outside parties in return for a long-term lease. Under the management of the Bascom Lodge Group, the restored and dramatically upgraded Lodge has become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike for mouth-watering meals with a focus on fresh, locally sourced foods and regional American cuisine, and comfortable overnight accommodations in a beautiful and unique location. The Lodge has also rapidly become a highly desirable spot in the Berkshires for weddings, special events, and retreats. Bascom Lodge is the recipient of two Yankee Magazine Editors Choice awards: “Best Mountaintop Lodging” (2012) and “Best Meal with a View” (2011). After a long day on the trail or just to take cover from an afternoon cloudburst, the relaxing ambience of Bascom Lodge’s lobby, with its wood paneled walls, box-beamed ceiling, mica-glass lamps and leather-cushioned furniture, is a welcoming sight. The Lodge has a large dining room with high ceilings, hand-cut oak beams and a stone fireplace. An enclosed porch with wraparound windows overlooks what many consider the most breathtaking vista in the Berkshires. Its lofty location, perched atop the mountain at 3,491 feet, offers spectacular, 100-mile views of the Taconic, Catskill and Housatonic mountain ranges, as well as glorious sunsets and impressive stargazing. Mount Greylock State Reservation, which surrounds Bascom Lodge, encompasses more than 12,500 acres with 50 miles of hiking trails over a variety of terrains, including a segment of the ”Georgia-to-Maine” Appalachian Trail. A paved road, that opens in mid-May, reaches the summit. 75th Anniversary Program HighlightsJULY July 13 & 14 Bascom Lodge’s 75th Anniversary Celebration Weekend The festivities kick off on Saturday, July 13, with the raising of a Native American tipi, a mountain blessing, and drumming, from 12 to 4 p.m. On Sunday, July 14, the celebration continues with Bascom Lodge’s first annual Jazz Festival, in collaboration with Topia Arts Center. Hours TBD. The events are free and open to the public. For more information: http://bascomlodge.net/Events.html July 24 The Civilian Conservation Corps and Bascom Lodge Alec Gillman, a Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Ranger at Mount Greylock State Reservation, presents an illustrated talk about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) on Mount Greylock and the building of Bascom Lodge. Held in the lobby from 6 to 7 p.m. Free. For more information: http://bascomlodge.net/Events.html AUGUST August 11 America Eats! On the Road with the WPA – the Fish Fries, Box Supper Socials, and Chittlin’ Feasts That Define Real American Food Pat Willard explores the regional nooks and crannies of American cuisine: Places where Works Project Administration (WPA) writers such as Eudora Welty, Saul Bellow, Ralph Ellison and Nelson Algren, among countless others, were dispatched in 1935 to document the roots of America’s diverse culinary cuisine. Held in the lobby from 6 to 7 p.m. Free. For more information: http://bascomlodge.net/Events.html A prix fixe dinner based on menus from the book will be offered after the talk and book signing. For reservations, contact mail@bascomlodge.net August 21 The WPA and CCC in Massachusetts Max Grinell discusses the projects done by the WPA and CCC in Massachusetts during the 1930s. Held in the lobby from 6 to 7 p.m. Free. For more information: http://bascomlodge.net/Events.html In addition to 75th Anniversary programs and events, Bascom Lodge presents a diverse and lively schedule of weekly talks and presentations relating to nature, history, science, cuisine, and music from June through October. A complete schedule of programs, events, special activities for families and children, and dining menus is available online at http://bascomlodge.net In conjunction with IS183 Art School of the Berkshires, the Lodge will offer eight art and photography workshops on Sundays in June, July and August. For more information: http://bascomlodge.net/Workshops.html About Bascom Lodge Bascom Lodge is a landmarked historic building in Adams, Mass. The Lodge was constructed between 1932-1938, using native materials of Greylock schist and red spruce. It was a project of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a federal jobs program during the Depression, and is a classic example of the rustic Arts and Crafts-style design of period park structures. The Lodge was named in honor of John Bascom, a Greylock Reservation Commissioner and Williams College professor, who had a strong association with the mountain during his lifetime. Bascom Lodge is open daily from June 1 through October 20, 2013. The restaurant and café provide a varied and changing menu inspired by regional American cuisine, emphasizing fresh, organic, locally produced foods. Breakfast is served from 8 to 10 a.m.; lunch from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and a prix fixe dinner is served at one seating at 7 p.m., for which reservations are required. A Sunset Beverage Hour is offered Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. with wine and beer available for purchase. The Lodge has six private guest rooms and two shared co-ed rooms with bunk beds and can accommodate 34 overnight guests. Bascom Lodge also hosts weddings, private events and retreats. Each Wednesday evening at 6 p.m., Bascom Lodge presents free, hour-long talks on nature and culture in collaboration with the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area, in additional to other weekly programs and events. For reservations and more information, please visit bascomlodge.net or email mail@bascomlodge.net
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Be a PechaKucha Presenter at the Berkshire MuseumMay 16, 7 p.m.
Loosely translating to chit-chat or blah-blah in Japanese, a PechaKucha night consists of a series of PowerPoint presentations, each just 6 minutes and 40 seconds. The catch? Each presentation comprises 20 slides, each projected for only 20 seconds, that progress automatically. The topic? Anything. In past PechaKuchas, we’ve had presenters talk about food, theater, motivations, architecture, furniture, music, culture, travels, and so on and so on. If you want to present, simply send an email to Craig at clanglois@berkshiremuseum.org with your name and a brief description of your topic. PechaKucha was created by Klein Dytham Architecture.
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Williamstown, Lee, and Northampton Participating in Solarize MassIn the Berkshires, both Lee and Williamstown are participating in Solarize Mass programs this summer. Jake Laughner is the solar coach for Williamstown, and people can reach him at solarize@williamstown.net. As solar coach, he is the contact person for the Williamstown program and happy to communicate with anyone from Williamstown who is interested in getting an assessment. Cities and towns joining Williamstown as new participants are Bourne, Brookline, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Lee, Medford, Medway, Newton and Northampton. The three-year-old Solarize Mass program has helped to dramatically increase the number of residents and business owners undertaking solar projects in participating communities, according to Alicia Barton, CEO of Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). Barton said that last year, the program helped install roughly 5 megawatts of new clean energy— 850 systems— in 17 cities and towns. Statewide residential solar electricity prices dropped 28 percent in 2012, according to a report by the Solar Energy Industries Association. The state has set the goal of reaching 250 megawatts of solar power by 2017.
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Kestrel and City of Northampton Finalize an Innovative Partnership for Public LandsKestrel Land Trust has partnered with the City of Northampton to enhance the protection of 639 acres of conservation land that have been purchased by the City since 2008. The city has placed a Conservation Restriction on all City conservation lands that were purchased using funds from the Community Preservation Act (CPA). Kestrel now holds that CR in perpetuity and will ensure the stewardship of those lands.
Many popular hiking locations are covered by the new Conservation Restriction including the Mineral Hills Conservation Area, the Saw Mill Hills Conservation Area, the Mill River Greenway, and land around Fitzgerald Lake in the Broad Brook Greenway. These areas protect a wide range of public resources and natural benefits including scenic views, woodlands, wildlife habitat, and they maintain large areas of unfragmented open space that help preserve the character of Northampton. “It has been great to work with a municipality that is proactively seeking to follow through on protecting their CPA lands,” said Ben Wright, who has been working on the Conservation Restriction for Kestrel Land Trust over the last year. “Northampton open space legacy preserves habitat, reduces flood risks, provides recreation, adds value to our homes, and encourages development that supports the community economically, not development that doesn’t pay for municipal services,” said Wayne Feiden, Northampton Director of Planning and Sustainability. “This Conservation Restriction ensures that this legacy is forever.” |
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2 Million Gallons a Day?by petervickery New post on Beat Back Fracking A company called Pioneer Valley Energy Center wants to extract up to 2 million gallons of water per day from Holyoke’s Tighe-Carmody Reservoir for a new power station in Westfield. The power plant would burn natural gas, a fossil fuel that emits methane, which does more damage to the climate than CO2.
And it would withdraw up to 2 million gallons of water and discharge almost 250,000 gallons of wastewater every day. The water would come from the Tighe-Carmody Reservoir in Southampton, which is owned and operated by Holyoke Water. Is this really the best use of your drinking water? In Westfield and Holyoke we need more clean renewable energy like solar, not more fossil fuels. Through the Green Communities Act, Westfield could get state grants to invest in efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy like small-scale solar systems. Other communities in Western Massachusetts are making the most of the funds. For example, last year Sunderland secured almost $150,000; Northfield received $144,000; and Gill (population 1,500) got $139,000. So we say yes to the Green Communities Act, yes to solar, and no to more natural gas. To make your voice heard and learn more about how Westfield can do better with clean energy instead of burning more fossil fuels, come along to the public meeting co-sponsored by the GRP’s campaign to Beat Back Fracking; Concerned Citizens of Westfield; and Climate Action Now! MA: Westfield Athenaeum, Thursday, May 23, 6:30 p.m.
La planta eléctrica quemaría gas natural, un combustible fósil que emite metano, el cual causa más daño al clima que el dióxido de carbon. La planta eléctrica que Pioneer Valley Energy Center quiere construir en Westfield sacaría hasta 2 millones de galones de agua y despediría casi 250,000 galones de agua residual cada día. El agua vendría del Embalse Tighe-Carmody en Southampton, propiedad y operación de Holyoke Water. ¿Es éste el mejor uso de tu agua potable? En Westfield y Holyoke necesitamos más energía limpia y renovable como la solar, no más combustibles fósiles. Mediante la Ley de Comunidades Verdes, Westfield podría obtener subvenciones estatales para invertir en eficiencia, conservación y energía renovable como sistemas solares a pequeña escala. Otras comunidades en Western Massachusetts están aprovechando al máximo los fondos. Por ejemplo, el año pasado Sunderland consiguió casi $150,000; Northfield recibió $144,000, y Gill (población 1,500) obtuvo $139,000. ¡Westfield se lo está perdiendo! Así que le decimos sí a la Ley de Comunidades Verdes, sí a la energía solar y no a más gas natural.Para hacerte escuchar y aprender más sobre comoWestfield puede mejorar con energía limpia en vez de quemando más combustibles fósiles, ven a la reunión: La campaña Beat Back Fracking (Repeliendo la Fracturación Hidráulica) de GRP (Partido Verde-Arcoiris) le invita a una reunión pública: Jueves, 23 de mayo, 6:30 p.m., Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm Street, Westfield Copatrocinadores: Partido Verde-Arcoiris de Pioneer Valley; Ciudadanos Preocupados de Westfield; ¡Acción para el Clima Ahora! MA
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Moving Toward a Coal-Free Massachusettsfrom Environment Massachusetts Another step to reduce global warming pollution Environment Massachusetts is calling on Gov. Deval Patrick to take steps now that will make the state completely coal-free by the year 2020. Our goal is for Massachusetts to eliminate the state’s largest sources of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants and to rid ourselves of a major source of global warming pollution. “The good news is that the governor has all of the legislative authority he needs to wean Massachusetts off its dependence on coal-fired power,” said Environment Massachusetts Field Associate Anika James. “Our challenge is to show him the public support is there.” We can be coal-free by 2020 Mercury from coal-fired power plants is a powerful neurotoxin even at low levels, and every year soot and smog cause 58,000 asthma-related trips to the emergency room in Massachusetts. It’s well into the 21st century, and we should be getting our energy from clean, renewable sources that won’t make us sick. Brayton Point, the largest coal-fired power plant in the state, is also the single largest source of carbon pollution in Massachusetts. Massachusetts can change all of this. Thanks to the Green Communities Act that we helped pass in 2008, Massachusetts was named number one in the nation for energy efficiency. In the past five years, Massachusetts’ use of solar energy has increased 46-fold, and this year we hope to become home to the nation’s first offshore wind farm. Environment Massachusetts has teamed up with like-minded groups to form the Coal-Free Massachusetts coalition, working to convince Gov. Patrick to get the state off coal by 2020. Gov. Patrick has the power By utilizing existing laws and policies that Gov. Patrick has already championed—including the Global Warming Solutions Act and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative—Massachusetts can develop enough renewable energy and save enough electricity through efficiency to make old, dirty coal plants obsolete. Environment Massachusetts and our coalition are organizing legislators, businesses and citizens all across the Commonwealth to push for a coal-free future. Learn More
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MA Open Space Conference, 6/8When: Saturday, June 8, 2013 – 10:00am – 3:00pm Where: Oakmont Regional High School, Ashburnham MA The 2nd Statewide Open Space Conference is an event designed for municipal volunteers from Massachusetts involved in open space protection. This year’s conference will include nine different breakout sessions with topics ranging from managing town land, creating a town forest, starting a trails subcommittee, promoting CPA, planning a Woods Forum, and writing an Open Space & Recreation Plan. A lunch will also be provided at this free event. To RSVP or for more information please contact Andrea Buglione @ 978-248-2055 x21 or conservationist_americorps@mountgrace.org Sponsored by the North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, Sudbury Valley Trustees, Nashua River Watershed Association, UMass Amherst, and the MassLIFT AmeriCorps program. |
Una compañía de nombre Pioneer Valley Energy Center quiere extraer hasta 2 millones de galones de agua cada día del Embalse Tighe-Carmody de Holyoke para una nueva central eléctrica en Westfield.