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Berkshires Beat: Grant Helps Farmers Market Continue Its Mission
12:24PM / Friday, October 07, 2016
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The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market

Farmers market grant: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has awarded the Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market $10,000 to support its work in fostering good eating habits, active lifestyles, and healthy environments,

The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market was started with the belief that everyone in our community should have access to healthy food. With 50 percent of city residents being low-income, the market was located in the Morningside neighborhood, which has even lower rates, where more than 80 percent of elementary school students qualify for free lunch and where there are no grocery stores in walking distance.

Two years ago, the market launched its Double Value Program, a money-matching program for low-income residents using SNAP, WIC and Senior FMNP benefits. For example, for every dollar in benefits a mother spends, she receives an equal amount in coupons -- doubling her purchasing power. In the past two years, the program has put over $35,000 worth of fresh food on the tables of families in need.

The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market is a year-round market. They head indoors to The Lighthouse of The Boys and Girls Club, the second Saturday of each month, November through April, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.




Deer hunting in Hopkins: Hopkins Memorial Forest in Williamstown will again be open to deer hunting by special permit during the 12-day shotgun season this fall. The 2016 Massachusetts deer shotgun season runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 10, excluding Sunday, Dec. 4, and a limited number of complimentary permits will be issued to hunters from local communities.

Applications, which can be obtained from the Center for Environmental Studies at Williams College, are due back to the Center by Nov. 1. They will be evaluated on a first-come, first served basis and permits will be issued to selected hunters by mid-November. Hunter surveys from recent seasons indicate that typically five to ten deer are harvested from the area each year. Such reductions in the herd help to minimize browse damage to the forest's understory and herb layer and protect ecological research areas.  

Due to possible conflicts with other forest uses, no other hunting, aside from the 12-day deer shotgun season, is allowed in Hopkins Forest. The college gives preference in awarding permits to its neighbors; although, in the past, hunters have come from across the state to hunt the forest’s rugged terrain. Hunters may obtain a no-fee permit application by calling 413-597-2346 or e-mailing ajones@williams.edu.



Teen programs: The UNITY Program of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition again will offer its Youth Leadership Program (YLP) and Teen Writing Workshop (TWW), facilitated by nbCC staff Tim Shiebler and Carrisa Sacherski.

YLP engages teenagers in developing leadership skills through creative, youth-led community service projects. Activities that address communication skills, diversity, decision-making, and team building are also central to the program. Participants can expect to make new friends in a fun, and supportive environment. The group meets Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.

TWW brings together young writers of all levels and genres to develop their creative work with the guidance of two professional writers in a safe and supportive environment. In addition to participating in weekly writing sessions, students have the opportunity to publish their work in the TWW student journal, "Somewhere Between," and share their work in public readings. TWW meets on Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.

All UNITY programs are free and open to young people ages 14-19 that attend school or live in northern Berkshire County. They are held at the nbCC Conference Room at 61 Main Street, North Adams, unless otherwise indicated. Transportation is available upon request. For more information or to register, call 413-663-7588.



Clothing drive: Berkshire County Arc is holding a clothing drive and will be accepting gently-used coats, scarves, hats and mittens - as well as winter clothing items that have been knitted or crocheted - through Oct. 14. All donations will be distributed to various organizations in the community.

Drop-off locations are Berkshire County Arc’s Community Apartments, 189 First St., 288 Pecks Road, Pittsfield, and Berkshire County Arc’s Main Office, 395 South St. For questions or additional information, contact Rhodora at 413-499-4241, ext. 255.



Elevator grants: Ventfort Hall  has been awarded two grants totaling $38,000 for the installation of an elevator. The Jane & Jack Fitzpatrick Trust has awarded Ventfort Hall a grant of $28,000 toward the elevator. And Ventfort Hall was also selected to receive a $10,000 Quality of Life grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

Ventfort Hall will use the two grant awards to make the second-floor fully accessible by installing an elevator (technically a two-floor lift). The first floor of the mansion is fully accessible, however at this time the second floor can only be reached by climbing a large staircase. The plan to install a two-floor lift in the 1893 mansion’s original elevator shaft will meet the need for accessibility while also maintaining the historic character of the house.

 

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