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Correspondent CHICOPEE Winter weather didn't put a damper on the host of carpenters, plumbers, electricians and farmers who made it their mission to dismantle a 30' x 80' greenhouse that will benefit local entrepreneurs for years to come. The sunny afternoon of March 11 was the final day of packing up plastic panels and metal framework of the greenhouse and cleaning up the job site, and a host of Westover Job Corps students were among those assisting Eric Toensmeier, farm project director of Nuestras Raices. "We are so grateful for the help from so many generous organizations," Toensmeier said during an interview with Reminder Publications. Toensmeier explained that Associated Building Wreckers and Fontaine Brothers donated a large greenhouse to the Chicopee-Holyoke School to Career Program which will be reassembled at the Nuestras Raices Farm in Holyoke later this year. Both companies are currently dismantling the old school buildings at Chicopee Comprehensive High School on Winsor Street. The greenhouse consists of a cooling unit, plumbing, water and heating systems, shelving, and automated vents for heating and cooling purposes. "Nuestras Raices Farm is within walking distance from the William J. Dean Technical High School in Holyoke," Toensmeier said, adding, "the greenhouse will provide training opportunities for youth job training in the production of vegetable plants and aquaculture." Nuestras Raices is a grassroots organization begun in 1992 that promotes economic, human and community development in Holyoke through projects relating to food, agriculture and the environment. Toensmeier noted that many partners "generously donated" their time and resources to make the greenhouse project a reality. "The Westover Job Corps carpentry and plumbing crews have been of enormous assistance, as well as the welding and carpentry classes from Dean Tech," Toensmeier said. Toensmeier also singled out Norm LeBlanc of the Chicopee-Holyoke School to Career Program for his expertise on handling the logistics of the donation, NES Rentals of Springfield for providing two scissor lifts, Chicopee Industrial Contractors for donating the use of a flatbed truck and forklift, Leclerc Brothers for providing needed tools and ladders, and American Saw & Mfg. for donating saw blades and plumbing materials. With the arrival of spring, the Nuestras Raices Farm will soon be bustling with activity from local entrepreneurs and farm staff all eager to start working the soil for the upcoming growing season. Toensmeier expects the farm stand to be open to the public by the first weekend of June. "This greenhouse will provide space for local entrepreneurs to realize their dream of starting greenhouse horticulture and acquaculture businesses, and will provide training opportunities to local youth through the Chicopee-Holyoke School to Career Program," Toensmeier added. For more information on Nuestras Raices, or for volunteer opportunities at the farm, visit www.nuestras-raices.org. | ||||||
