Letter From Rep. John Olver: A Fond Farewell

By U.S. Rep. John W. OlverGuest Columnist
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U.S. Rep. John W. Olver at this year's Fall Foliage Parade in North Adams.

As my time in Congress draws to a close, I want to take a moment to thank the constituents of the 1st Congressional District for your friendship and counsel.

When I arrived in Washington in 1991, I never expected to be in office for 21 years but there were many important issues to fight for and many things to change. The priorities that I fought for over the years were the ones that you brought to me in meetings in my offices, in letters that you sent and in phone calls that you made. Your thoughts and opinions guided my efforts in Washington.

I am proud of my work to protect human rights, expand energy efficiency measures and advance renewable energy technology, conserve our natural resources, expand community health centers, defend and promote affordable housing, increase access to rail and advocate for the effective use of transportation dollars.

There is still much to do and I am happy that Representatives Neal, McGovern and Tsongas will be representing central and Western Massachusetts. Their contact information can be found below.

Many of you have asked what my plans are for retirement. I look forward to spending time with my family, hiking in Western Massachusetts and beyond, tending to my garden, and traveling.

Thank you all for your well wishes and your calls of thanks. But it is you who deserve my thanks for providing me with the opportunity to serve you over the last 21 years.

Be well.

 

 

 

 

Congressman Richard Neal (MA01)
www.neal.house.gov
300 State Street, Suite 200
Springfield, MA 01005


413-785-0325

Congressman James McGovern (MA02)
www.mcgovern.house.gov
34 Mechanic Street
Worcester, MA 01608
508-831-7356

Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA03)
www.tsongas.house.gov
Lowell MA Office
11 Kearney Square, 3rd Floor
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 459-0101


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Berkshire Bounty Fundraiser Responds to Community Need

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Bounty, a 501(c)(3) food recovery organization, will conduct a crowdfunding campaign from April 22 through April 29  to raise funds to address growing community need regarding food insecurity.
 
"Like many nonprofits in our community, Berkshire Bounty has been affected by cuts and fluctuations in federal funding," said Morgan Ovitsky, Executive Director of Berkshire Bounty. "We're also closely watching potential cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP]. If enacted, the most vulnerable Berkshire County residents will be heavily impacted."
 
"Spring Into Action" will raise $75,000 for Berkshire Bounty. The Crowdfunding Campaign is the public facing portion in which Berkshire Bounty reaches out to supporters and asks for help in reaching that goal.
 
The Greater Boston Food Bank report indicated that the food insecurity rate in Berkshire County was at 45 percent. Berkshire Bounty has data from partner emergency food sites about increased use, particularly among people who are "working poor" and the immigrant community. Reporting data collected quarterly in 2024 from emergency food sites show a 30 percent increase in people accessing food assistance over the year. Projections and trends indicate the increase in food insecurity will continue to climb.
 
"Food pantries are serving more people than ever and struggling to procure enough to satisfy the demand. Berkshire Bounty receives calls daily for more food," stated Mark Lefenfeld and Jay Weintraub, Board members and co-founders of Berkshire Bounty. "We are so grateful to our community for their support."
 
Spring Into Action is aided by the Donald C. McGraw and Black Rock Foundations, offering a $20,000 dollar-to-dollar match. 
 
"Our foundation and family are proud to support Berkshire Bounty as they prepare to provide extra support to our neighbors in a time of need," said Robin McGraw, Director of the Foundations.
 
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