Did you miss our lunchtime webinar, Bridges Out of Poverty: An Overview for Individuals on February 27? Click here to watch a recording from the presentation.
Author: Alisa Costa
February 28 Working Cities Wednesday
Another great crowd filled the First United Methodist Church with great energy and ideas this month. If you want to learn more, contact the lead of any of the projects outlined below.
Building enthusiasm for trees in Pittsfield: Greening the Gateway Cities Program
Lead Name: Elizabeth Orenstein [email protected] (413)717-1255
Summary of Discussion:
- Trees provide beautification, shade, green color, birds, wildlife, and a lush green feeling.
- Trees for special life events or to commemorate someone; memorial trees, celebration trees, birthday trees
Three things to do before next meeting:
- Contact 8 more churches
- Create new advertising postcard
- Contact schools in the planting zone
- Contact veteran groups in the area
- Reach out to local groups: BMC, Kenan House, Churches, SoldierOn, VFW, Elks, Schools, City parks, apartment complexes, housing developments
Resources you may need:
- Community support- Let’s talk about trees!
- People to attend tree walks
Supporting Students w/ Social Action
Lead Name: Erin Sullivan [email protected] (413)448-8281 x.236
Summary of Discussion:
- High School students taking part in social action and protest are being harassed online
- How do we support the students with positive message without stifling their voices or redirecting focus?
- Support behind the scenes and encourage students to feel empowered and heard.
Three things to do before next meeting:
- Reach out to the principals and superintendents
- Reach out to students
- Letter writing campaign
- Support scheduled events
- Send positive messages
Resources you may need:
- Write letters
- Support from the schools
Living Historic Record: Video interviews
Lead name: Zach Durso [email protected]
Summary of Discussion:
- Create a living historic record of Pittsfield
- Have a list of 40 starting questions to gather information from interviewees
Three things to do before next meeting:
- Come up with people to interview
- Decide on a timeline
Quality of Life Feedback
Lead name: Carolyn Valli [email protected] (413)442-3181
Summary of Discussion:
- Data from previous WCW meeting surveys shows that more information on services/resources/opportunities needs to get out into the community.
- Government on many levels is not seen to be responsive
- Changes are happening in how we access information
Three things to do before next meeting:
- Put actions to ideas
- Compile even more info
Resources you may need:
- Time
- More surveys
- Continued planning
Pittsfield Bike Trails
Lead name: Nick Caccamo [email protected] (413)441-6461
Summary of discussion:
- Identified biking “good” roads
- Points of interest for riders to reach
- Connection to bike trail, create a loop
Three things to do before next meeting:
- Think about additional roads
- Organizations to contact, New England Mountain Bike, Berkshire Bike and Board
- Look at maps of current paths and routes
Resources you may need:
- Engineering: Parking restrictions, road widths
- Access to maps
The next Working Cities Wednesday will be held on March 28 from 5:30 -7:00 pm at the Christian Center, 193 Robbins Ave., Pittsfield.