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
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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