Letter: Stop the Notch Reservoir logging project

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To the Editor:

As a lifelong resident of the Berkshires and current MCLA student, I have come to possess a great fondness for the nature intertwined within our towns and cities. Even as a person who generally gravitates towards the indoor side of life, I believe we strike a fine balance between natural land and industry here in Western Massachusetts. One needs little more than to look around at wonderful mountain forests that surround us to realize the beauty at hand. It saddens me greatly, then, to see our governing bodies propose plans to disrupt this balance, and tear away our beautiful scenic views.

Currently, there is a proposed logging project that will target nature trails surrounding the Notch reservoir, destroying a middle and old growth forest with the intent to replace it with one that will promote better long-term water quality. However, this seems not to take into account the immediate effects such a project will have on our current water supply; more importantly, the destruction of such a long-standing and untouched pocket of natural land will be a detrimental blow to both the many animals that inhabit the space, as well as the people who enjoy it as a hiking trail. Spending time in nature has great benefits to the emotional well-being of people, and it would be a shame to take that from our fellow North Adams residents.

The solution is quite simple: We do not want this logging project to proceed. Mayor Macksey has already postponed the project due to community efforts by the "Friends of the Notch Forest" group, but it can be reinstated at any time. Our mayor has demonstrated she is willing to listen, so in order to ensure our voices continue to be heard, we should write Mayor Macksey and urge her to stop the project altogether.

If you want to protect our beloved forest, you can contact Mayor Macksey at mayormacksey@northadams-ma.gov.

Julian Rocca Killela
North Adams, Mass.

 

 

 

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Local Stop & Shop Inventory Still Low After Cyber Attack

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Shoppers have reported bare shelves at local Stop & Shops after a reported cybersecurity attack.
 
The Boston Globe reported on Nov. 12 that Stop & Shop claims a cybersecurity issue is affecting its parent company, Ahold Delhaize.
 
Company officials reported that there is limited inventory on certain products and they are restocking shelves as soon as item availability improves. 
 
The grocery chain's parent company Ahold Delhaize said its US outlet had to take some of their systems offline, disrupting its pharmacy and e-commerce business.
 
Ahold Delhaize reports it is investigating the issue and is working with law enforcement, the Boston Globe reports. They are taking some systems offline to protect them.
 
In North Adams, shoppers have reported empty shelves in the produce section of the store as well as limited selections for meat.
 
Ahold Delhaize, an international Dutch company, also owns Hannaford markets, among other brands. There are Stop & Shop stores in Pittsfield and in North Adams.
 
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