Pioneer Valley Blog

New Farmer's Market in North Amherst!!

We would like to announce the opening of a NEW Farmer's Market in the center of North Amherst!
 
Demand for local produce has been steadily increasing, but it has been very difficult for many small farms to gain access to the more populated Farmer's Markets.  These farms continue to struggle, despite the fact that there is a growing

South Hadley Farmer's Market on Thursdays

Dear Friends,

South Hadley Town Green will once again bustle with market activity on Thursday afternoons (from 1:00 to 6:00 pm) as people shop for fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and plants while socializing with neighbors and friends.

Hampden Bank Now Hosting Weekly Farmer's Markets in Wilbraham, Indian Orchard and West Springfield!!

The Town of West Springfield has given the green light to a weekly Farmer's Market to be hosted by Hampden Bank at their 220 Westfield Street branch office location beginning on Tuesday, May 4th.

Local Businesses Going Green!!

This April 22nd is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. With this in mind we want to thank and recognize these members of PV Local First: Green Fields Market, A2Z Science & Learning Store, Starlight Solar B&B and Llama Farm, Paradise Copies, Zoar Outdoor, Richard's Fuel, the Northampton Brewery and River Valley Market for having already installed solar panels on their buildings. We encourage any business (or home owner) to do the same.

Please Consider Attending the 8th ANNUAL BALLE BUSINESS CONFERENCE in Charleston, South Carolina

Lighting the Way to a New Economy

MAY 21-23, 2010 ♦ Charleston, South Carolina

Come see speakers like Annie Leonard from the Story of Stuff, Judy Wicks, David Korten, David Orr, Michael Shuman and others. Click here for a full list of speakers.

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