Learn to Eat Locally and Sustainably and Plan a “Menu For The Future”

The First Congregational Church of Williamstown and Caretaker Farm are co-sponsoring a six-session Northwest Earth Institute discussion course entitled “Menu for the Future” on Wednesday nights April 30-June 4 at the Church.  Evenings will begin with a potluck meal at 6 pm followed by the class at 7 pm.

“This is the perfect follow up to the Milne Library’s ‘Williamstown Reads & Eats’ series where we read ‘Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life’ by Barbara Kingsolver – an account of a family's year eating local food and supporting sustainable agriculture,” explained Bridget Spann, one of the farmers at Caretaker Farm.  “And the timing is perfect too with the start of the farming season when everyone starts thinking about eating locally and where they can get their produce from.”

Given the array of food choices and advice, eating in modern industrial society can be wrought with confusion, contradictions and anxiety.  “Menu for the Future” considers the effects of modern industrial eating habits on culture, society and ecological systems, and explores emerging alternatives, highlighting sustainable growing practices and the benefits of small farms and urban food production.  Participants will learn how to make personal choices that will improve their own health and well-being as well as inspiration and practical advice in taking steps to create a more sustainable food supply.

Registration is required and there is a $18 fee to pay for the textbook.  Call (413-458-4273) or e-mail (fcc.willi@verizon.net ) the Church office to register and for further information.

The First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, of Williamstown, is a Just Peace and an Open and Affirming church, centrally located at 906 Main Street (Rt. 2) in Williamstown, Massachusetts.  The church is fully handicap accessible and parking is available in the church lot off of Chapin Hall Drive behind the church building.

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.