mack - Strong support for Grow Food Northampton Pavillion.pdfSarah LaValley <slavalley@northamptonma.gov>
Strong support for Grow Food Northampton Pavillion
1 message
Dinah Mack <dinah@massfarmtoschool.org>Mon, Nov 4, 2024 at 2:15 PM
To: slavalley@northamptonma.gov
Dear Sarah,
I am writing this email in strong support of a pavilion structure to be built at Grow Food Northampton to be used as an
outdoor classroom for workshops for all ages, a place where community can gather and connect.
I have three strong connections to the programs at Grow Food. First, I am a veteran educator from JFK Middle School
where I taught grade 7 for 15 years. Second, in my current role as Education Program Manager with Massachusetts Farm
to School, I am involved in farm to school education, including a collaboration with Grow Food programs that support
Northampton Public Schools, and as a member of the Grow Food Education Advisory Board. I am also a gardener at
Grow Food (I have two garden plots) and I have participated as a learner in a few of their programs this year.
Most importantly, as part of their organization's mission, the structure would enable Grow Food to have a central outdoor
classroom and meeting place for all learning programs. There is currently no sheltered place to meet, and the heat can be
quite intense in the late spring and summer. There is no place for a large group to sit and meet, so the workshops are
often outside under the elements. The shade and seating a shelter could provide would enable more comfortable and
more immersive school field trips and community workshops. This shelter would also allow for the community of
gardeners to rest, gather and connect with each other, and share best practices and resources. The heat in the summer
can be quite oppressive, and this could allow a place to come to rest and learn.
Thanks so much for considering this much needed pavilion at Grow Food. If you would like to speak more about my
support, please reach out any time. I am unable to attend the Community Preservation Committee meeting on Nov. 6 to
share at public comment, so please share this support with your committee.
All the best,
Dinah
Dinah Mack (she/her)
Education Program Manager
Massachusetts Farm to School
https://www.massfarmtoschool.org/