Roots Rising Secures Land for Youth Farm

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After an extensive, multi-year search, Roots Rising announced the successful acquisition of 923 Barker Road in Pittsfield, marking a milestone in their journey towards launching the Youth Farm.
 
The process of finding the right location for the Youth Farm involved years of searching and the exploration of over twenty parcels. Roots Rising ensured that the selected land was not only viable but aligned with their vision. Serious consideration was given to several potential locations, including a thorough exploration of a parcel within Springside Park.
 
The Youth Farm will be teen-powered and community-centered, integrating Roots Rising's longstanding food justice and youth development work. More than just a farm, the property will serve as Roots Rising's long-awaited homebase, housing both offices and an education center. It will provide space to deepen their work and champion the organization's values: youth empowerment, food justice, community building, a strong local food system, and connection to the land.
 
"Roots Rising's Youth Farm will be a dynamic component of our vibrant local food system, responding to community needs and fostering deep connections between people and the land. After lots of hard work behind the scenes, the moment has arrived for us to put our hands in the soil and bring this vision to life." said Lauren Piotrowski, Roots Rising farm manager.
 
"We want to express our profound gratitude to the community for their unwavering support through the extensive years of our land search," Roots Rising Executive Director Jessica Vecchia said. "This acquisition not only represents a significant step forward for Roots Rising, but really underscores our commitment to the city and community we serve."
 
Roots Rising extends thanks to the funders who have played a role in making the first step of land acquisition possible:
  • Bud Ackerman Fund
  • City of Pittsfield
  • Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
  • Green Pastures Fund
  • Josephine and Louise Crane Foundation
  • Lenox Garden Club, Garden Club of America
  • Lisa Messinger
  • Mass Development
  • Neenah Technical Materials
  • Roaring Brook Family Foundation
  • The Donald C. McGraw Foundation
  • And many individual donors
 
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Pittsfield Firefighters Knock Down Morningside Blaze

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Fire Department knocked down a two-alarm blaze in the Morningside neighborhood in less than an hour on Friday. 

Just before 3 p.m., the department received a report of a fire at 25 Pine St. Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Garner said he arrived at the scene first and saw heavy fire showing from the rear of the more than 100-year-old home. 

"We just went to work, pretty much," he explained. 

"Because of the heavy volume of fire and the potential for a high number of occupants, I called a double alarm, which called all available Pittsfield firefighters directly to the scene. And I would say the fire was knocked down and under control within an hour." 

Eight occupants were evacuating the home when firefighters arrived, and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. People, including the occupants, stood on the sidewalk and watched the scene unfold. 

When iBerkshires arrived, firefighters were on the ladder, extinguishing the top level of the home from the side and rear.  

There were five fire engines and one ladder truck. Hinsdale also came to assist, and Lenox and Dalton were called for standby. 

Garner believes the building is salvageable and repairable, but recognized that the family won't be able to stay there tonight. An extended family appears to live in the home. 

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined; the Fire Investigation Division was on site. The Red Cross will provide assistance to the residents of the home. 

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