Pioneer Valley Blog

Calling all gardeners! Regional organic seed farmer needs help...

Hi there,

I am young farmer (originally from Brooklyn) pursuing my dreams and starting a farm in upstate NY. Last year, I have my own gardening business around the city called Edible Landscapes from which I collected and dried some of my current inventory.

To see what I have in stock, go to the "Order Seeds" section of www.collectedseed.com

Be A Local Lover This Valentine's Day!

On this Valentine's Day (and every day) we at Pioneer Valley Local First encourage you to be a lover of all things local as you and your loved one spend time with each other. Whether it is going to a local restaurant, getting flowers, chocolates, massage oil or some other gift we encourage you to see what great offerings our members have for this and all other days of the year.

Thank you for extending your love to where you live as well. We love this place too.

Energy Efficiency Job Openings and Volunteer Opportunities

As you know, Co-op Power has been putting a lot of energy into
building energy efficiency resources for our members and for
communities served by our local organizing councils.

*** Co-op Power's Energy Efficiency programs are launching this
month under Paul Schmidt's leadership. Paul has 23 years experience
in energy efficiency and we're excited to be able to now be able to
insulate and air seal your home! Email pam@cooppower.coop if
you're interested in finding out how to upgrade your home.

Launch of Green Earth Computers in Amherst, Mass.

I have been working with computers, in some form, my entire life. I have been repairing them professionally for over ten years. Working at a number of different repair jobs around the Pioneer Valley, I gained a wide range of experience in many different areas.

I started Green Earth Computers to bring that knowledge and computer expertise to more people at a lower cost than the big companies can offer. It is my belief that good on-site technical support doesn't have to cost hundreds of dollars per hour and that power-efficient green computers can be just as affordable as the

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HELP from UMass MBAs in ISO 14000 certification?

I am looking to identify one best match for some very cheap, excellent assistance to boot up to get certfied for ISO 14000

UMass Professor Alan Robinson, of the Isenberg School of Management, is supervising this project. See more about him at http://www.isenberg.umass.edu/finopmgt/Faculty/Profiles/Alan_Robinson/ and contact him at agr@som.umass.edu

Meet Up to Eat Up at Local Restaurants

[Western Mass] EatUp! is a social gathering of interesting, fun-loving and friendly foodies of any age who would like to gather in the eating establishments of the Pioneer Valley.

NORTH AMHERST FARM CONTINUES TO SUPPLY LOCAL PRODUCE YEAR ROUND WITH UNIQUE WINTER/SPRING CSA & ONLINE ORDERING

Swartz Family Farm, (www.SwartzFarmAmherst.com) of North Amherst is continuing to offer openings for its WINTER/SPRING Farm Share CSA program. This 4th generation family farm has been engaged in year-round vegetable and herb production for the past 25 years, growing greens, vegetables, and culinary herbs in their four season, 100% pesticide free greenhouses. In addition, they network with numerous other local family farms to offer their Members a wide array of local produce, eggs, cheeses, breads, honey, and prepared foods.

Northampton's Winter Farmer's Market Every Saturday in the basement of Thornes!!

Northampton's 1st Winter Farmer's Market
Every Saturday from 9am-2pm

This Saturday
(and every Saturday thereafter)
9am-2pm
Dynamite Space
basement level, Thornes Marketplace
150 Main St. Northampton

No need for winter to be veggie deprived; it's the 1st Northampton Winter Farmers Market! From honey to hamburger, kale to apples, you'll have access to the best in local produce, brought to you by the best in local farmers. Plus, live music, art, and a warm space to get out of the cold and into the community.

It's Just Beginning.....

Friends,

I can hardly believe my eyes.

16 hours ago, citizens in New Zealand gathered before dawn next to a wind turbine on a mountaintop. As local elders said prayers to bless the global event, banners and signs were held high to greet the planet's first rays of sunlight on this most incredible of days.

Meet at The Gill Tavern on 10/24 To Take Part in the Thousands of 350.org Events Across The Planet

Saturday, October 24, is International Day of Climate Action and the Gill Tavern is taking part-- and we would like YOU to join in. International Climate Action Day is spearheaded by 350.org as it seeks to draw attention to the number 350. Why 350?