Stanton Home Awarded Funds Toward Garden Project

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Stanton Home has received $5,000 toward its North Plain Garden Project.

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Stanton Home has been awarded $5,000 by the Berkshire Charitable Life Foundation for the further development of its garden education programs.

A New England farm turned therapeutic facility, Stanton Home is located on a working organic farm.

The North Plain Garden Project will provide a participatory, life-enhancing gardening program for special-needs residents throughout Southern Berkshire County. The garden project will be administered by Stanton Home, formerly known as Life Needs Coop, a longstanding community leader in special needs co-housing.

The project will offer specialized instruction on greenhouse and garden bed preparation, planting, composting and harvesting, engaging students in discussions and preparation techniques that highlight nutrient content, health benefits, and use of various herbs, vegetables and fruits. Similar special-needs programs across the country have proven that gardening enriches the quality of life. It expands nutritional knowledge, improves eating habits and increases physical dexterity — vital to an individual's well-being.



"With nature as the primary teacher, the students learn responsibility, connection and teamwork. The support of Berkshire Charitable Life Foundation will allow us to broaden our services and offer their benefits to those with special needs in Southern Berkshire County," said Peter Stanton, executive director. "An expanded garden project represents a vital piece of the range of therapeutic opportunities that we offer, which we aim to make both educational and enjoyable."

The North Plain Garden Project will take place April through September 2014, and will feature two 4-hour classes per week.

Since 1986, Stanton Home has been dedicated to offering enriching activities, therapeutic day programs and communal living for people with special needs.


Tags: assisted living,   gardens,   special needs,   therapeutic,   

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Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.

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