Higher Ground Group Continues Support for Irene Victims

08:11PM / Tuesday, November 15, 2011Print Story | Email Story

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Higher Ground was established as a nonprofit group on Oct. 21 and is dedicated to providing immediate relief for those affected by Tropical Storm Irene, preparing for future disasters, and creating more affordable housing in the area.

Higher Ground is providing services and raising money to meet long-term physical, emotional and spiritual needs associated with the disaster, which is perhaps the greatest in Williamstown's history.

The group currently provides 14 trained caseworkers who are working closely with those affected by the storm. Other volunteers are facilitating communications between the town and affected residents, fund raising to cover families' immediate needs, and networking with regional, national and international resources that can provide guidance and financial support.

Higher Ground's efforts will replace those of the Community Fund and serve to supplement the businesses, organizations and individuals who have been essential in the relief process so far.

The outpouring of financial and volunteer support exhibited since Higher Ground's inception by the Northern Berkshire Interfaith Clergy in the days following the storm has been "phenomenal," said the Rev. Carrie Bail, pastor of First Congregational Church and the organization's chairman. "Many disaster professionals have remarked on how quickly we have built an effective helping organization."

Higher Ground is accepting donations by check, which can be made to Higher Ground and mailed to 906 Main St., Williamstown, MA 01267. Those interested in volunteering should email group coordinator Robin Lenz at nbhigherground@gmail.com. To stay updated on the situation and the group's work, visit nbhigherground.org or sign up for the newsletter at here.

Upcoming events:

• All Saints Episcopal Church is making and delivering a home-cooked turkey dinner with all of the fixings for anyone who is homebound and 55 or older. Call the church at 413-664-9656 to place an order. Those interested in helping with the program should contact Diane Bleau at the same number.

• Monday, Nov. 21: The Berkshire Food Project will host its annual Thanksgiving dinner at 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church in North Adams.

• Wednesday, Nov. 23: Williams College will host a Thanksgiving meal at 11 a.m. in Driscoll Dining Hall.

• Tuesday, Nov. 29: The Williamstown Chamber of Commerce annual meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. will be a fundraiser for Higher Ground. The dinner will be at the Orchards and open to the public at a cost of $30 per person. To sign up: 413-458-9077 or info@williamstownchamber.com.

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Firefighters Make Progress Against Wildfire on New York/Massachusetts Border

Staff Reports02:24PM / Tuesday, October 27, 2026

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — New York officials Tuesday morning reported significant progress overnight in battling a wildfire on the Massachusetts state line, with hopes of total containment as early as tonight.

"Containment right now is about 70 percent contained," N.Y. Department of Environmental Conservation Lt. Eric Stratton said during a news conference telecast by Springfield, Mass., television station WWLP. "We do anticipate by the end of the day shift today … we should be between 90 and 100 percent contained if all goes according to plan."

Stratton and Rensselaer County (N.Y.) Director of Public Safety Jay Wilson met with the media and fielded questions about the fire, which currently affects 251 acres and has spread over the state line into Williamstown.

"We had a night crew working all night long, and they were able to do a lot of good work," Stratton said. "The [relative humidities] recovered nicely, so that decreased fire behavior.

"We reinforced some [fire] line, put in a new line. We are now at 251 acres."

Stratton explained that the strategy for battling the fire involves establishing a control line around the blaze and setting fire between the control line and the wildfire to consume fuel the wildfire would need to spread.

Stratton said that as of mid-morning Tuesday, 119 fire personnel from New York and Massachusetts were involved with the effort to extinguish the blaze.

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