By Carole Owens
Berkshire Preservation Inc (BPI) — who we are and what we are up to.
Preserving Life — Land — Heritage
We are here to help — in whatever way we can. It is as simple as that. We are blessed with a skilled Board and a commitment to preserve our land and our heritage for the next generations so they might enjoy, and feel pride in, what we have. To explain, here are four examples of what we are doing.
Preserving Life
BPI helped secure “star power” for an upcoming fundraising event.
When, following a stroke, 20 minutes is the difference between life impaired or life unimpaired, every minute is precious.
Emergency medical service workers are the unsung heroes of the Berkshires. They are there when we need them. Now they need us.
Southern Berkshire Ambulance needs ambulances. Did you know – primary 911 service to 6 towns, advanced paramedic intercept to several additional towns, and mutual aid coverage for all 18 towns of South County. These pros need state of the art ambulances. Ambulances can be more than transport — they can serve as emergency rooms on wheels, delivering life-saving care en route.
Preserving Land
BPI is actively raising money to purchase land for conservation.
It is time for a local landowner to sell a very special piece of land here in Stockbridge. It is land filled with beauty and history. At the same time he, like other locals, is anxious that it be preserved rather than developed. Even if he is sacrificing a greater profit in the open market. BPI salutes the effort and is raising money to purchase and preserve the land.
Preserving Heritage
An officer and board member of BPI, a great gentleman, facilitated purchase of an outbuilding at an historic site to restore the original “look” of the grounds and also generate rental income for the nonprofit.
Another board member is studying the possibility to convert a large historic structure into affordable housing — a double win for our community.
Later this month we will meet with Kripalu and investigate saving an original Shadowbrook building on the grounds.
There are many ways to help. Money is one. BPI is willing to try them all — raising money, lending manpower, equipment, and expertise. Join us in preserving our health, heritage, and habitat.
