Great Barrington — Since 2007, the nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization Greenagers has created programs for teenagers and young adults to learn about the environment and agriculture. The successes of the organization and its participants were all celebrated at the organization’s annual gala “Dinner, Democracy, and Dancing” at April Hill Farm on Thursday, August 15. The organization has multiple programs in environmental conservation, sustainable farming, vocational-skills building, and natural-resource management.
The August 15 gala included food grown by Greenagers participants at April Hill Farm. The farm, which is part of the Greenagers program, includes 100 acres of diverse habitat and is used by the organization for many of its programs. “We’re important to the Berkshire community because we connect young people with some of the things that are most essential to our community: good food, our beautiful outdoors, the natural environment, and our ecological integrity,” Greenagers Executive Director Will Conklin told The Berkshire Edge.
“We offer young people jobs in order to be connected to all of that. One of the many ideas behind Greenagers is to help young people find a place for themselves in the community, pick up valuable skills, and learn how to work together.” Conklin said that the organization employs over 70 young adults every year, and Greenagers programs reach thousands of young people.
“Through Greenagers, young people can find a place where they can grow and develop their careers, and they will hopefully see that this Berkshire County community is a community that’s worth sticking around for,” Conklin said. “I think we’re at a tipping point in our community, and across our culture as well, when it comes to young people deciding whether or not they want to stay in their communities. Young people can’t stay in their communities without finding a positive roadmap towards life here.
I think that Greenagers help young people to find those positive roadmaps.” Great Barrington resident Jesse Blumenthal was one of the many Greenagers participants at the event. “I kind of bounce around from trail crew to the build crew, and sometimes I’m on the farm to assist where I’m needed,” Blumenthal said.
“I’ve been with Greenagers for eight years now, and it’s been a good experience. I’ve learned about the importance of hard work and leadership skills. Greenagers are made up of a lot of people who care about the community.
” Fourteen-year-old Gabe DelSonno from Lee just started with Greenagers this summer with its build crew. The build crew works on building and maintenance projects at April Hill, as well as on the property’s various historic buildings. “I’m hoping to become a carpenter when I’m older, and this is a good start,” Gabe said.
“I’ve learned a lot about the trade, including many skills I can use in the future.” Pittsfield resident Nicholas Viggino has been part of Greenagers since 2018. “All of the work I’ve done with Greenagers has been very fulfilling,” Viggino said.
“I’ve learned a lot of skills over the past few years, and I’ve also met a lot of people. Greenagers have been very important to me.” “I think that, when it comes to a community, whatever you put into it you’ll get back out of it,” said Greenagers Trades Program Director Peter Gray.
“All of the young people in our programs will get out into the world with a better perspective on things and with a lot of great skills. I think it’s great to have young people in the Berkshires who will have skills and a good idea of what it means to be a part of the community.” “I really appreciate how much we all value the community at Greenagers,” said Farm Crew Coordinator Iris Arboreal.
“I think everyone here at Greenagers is really valued and their time is respected. I see a lot of people in these programs trying new things and connecting with their peers in new ways, and they all like trying all of these new skills that they may not be sure of. But I see a lot of them being really proud of what they accomplish.
” The event included a keynote address by former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D), who praised Greenagers and its programs when he spoke to The Berkshire Edge. “To see young people who are so deeply and soulfully invested in their work, it’s beautiful,” Patrick said.
“I think it’s important to have young people involved in agriculture programs because I think it’s important for everybody to understand where food comes from, how, through a little bit of effort and the cooperation of nature, those two things can produce such an extraordinary bounty and enough food to share.” Patrick referred to the Bible when he spoke to The Berkshire Edge about farming. “The Bible has a term called ‘gleaning’ when it comes to farming, especially when farmers finish their harvest,” Patrick said.
“When it comes to farming, there’s always more work. The Bible refers to the notion that the Earth keeps giving if you care for it. I think that’s something that young people realize.
” Toward the end of the gala, State Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli (D – 3rd Berkshire District) took part in a panel discussion with Greenagers participants about their experiences with the program. “I like to tell young people that, whatever you do in the next few years, you can always come home,” Rep.
Pignatelli said. “Don’t be afraid to go home with your life experiences, but always make a difference in whatever community that you live in. Don’t be afraid to share your stories, embrace challenges, and teach each other.
I think [Greenagers program participants] will be teaching the next generation the value of hard work, the appreciation of the environment, and the commitment you have made to make this community a better place.” For more information about Greenagers, visit its website ..
