Berkshire Agricultural Ventures Welcomes New Board of Director Member

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (BAV), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local agriculture and a resilient regional food system, announced the appointment of Martha Page to its Board of Directors. 
 
With her experience in nonprofit, government, and private sector management, Martha brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to further strengthen BAV's mission and impact across the Berkshire-Taconic region. 
 
Page joins the Board following her successful tenure as the Executive Director of Hartford Food System Inc, where she spearheaded innovative initiatives to address food security, promote equitable access to nutritious food, and foster community development. Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the food system will be invaluable in helping guide BAV's strategic vision.
 
Throughout her career, Page has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving. Her multi-disciplinary background has allowed her to navigate complex landscapes and build strong partnerships across sectors which will play a vital role in helping to shape BAV's initiatives.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Martha Page to the Board," Tom Gardner, Board President of BAV said.  
 
He emphasized her impressive background and steadfast commitment to enhancing food systems, which strongly resonates with BAV's mission. 
 
" Martha's extensive expertise in the government and not-for-profit sectors will help BAV foster the development of a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system within their service area."
 
Martha Page will collaborate closely with other Board members and BAV's dedicated staff to ensure that BAV continues to make a significant impact on the local agricultural communities of Berkshire, Litchfield, Columbia and Dutchess counties.
 
"I am so excited to join the Board of Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, I have followed the work of this impressive organization and have been a fan for several years," Martha Page said. "What they do to ensure strong farms and food businesses in this region resonates so strongly with my ongoing commitment to help build a resilient New England food system. I look forward to working closely with Rebecca and the other Board members to promote and support the work of BAV's dedicated and talented staff!"  
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Lee Breaks Ground on Public Safety Building

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Lee Town Administrator Chris Brittain says the community voted to invest in its future by approving the new $37 million complex. 

LEE, Mass. — Ground was ceremonially broken on the town's new public safety building, something officials see as a gift to the community and future generations. 

When finished, Lee will have a 37,000 square-foot combined public safety facility on Railroad Street where the Airoldi and Department of Public Works buildings once stood. Construction will cost around $24 million, and is planned to be completed in August 2027.

"This is the town of Lee being proactive. This is the town of Lee being thoughtful and considerate and practical and assertive, and this project is not just for us. This project is a gift," Select Board member Bob Jones said. 

"This is a gift to our children, our grandchildren."

State and local officials, including U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, gathered at the site on Friday, clad in hard hats and yellow vests, and shoveled some dirt to kick off the build. 

Town Administrator Chris Brittain explained that officials have planned and reviewed the need for a modern facility for the public safety departments for years, and that the project marks a new chapter, replacing 19th-century infrastructure with a "state-of-the-art" complex.

"The project is not just about concrete and steel, it's a commitment to the safety of our families, the efficiency of our first responders, and the future of our community," he said. 

He said he was grateful to the town's Police, Fire, and Building departments for their dedication while operating out of outdated facilities, and to the Department of Public Works, for coordinating site preparation and relocating its services. 

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