Latina314 Grateful for Grants, Collaborative Work

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Latinas413, an organization dedicated to empowering and representing Latina women, extends heartfelt appreciation to Milltown Capital for supporting the Earth & Fire Initiative, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for Arts & Culture programs, & reaching a third year of sponsorship from Lee Bank Foundation for the bilingual Mentoring Program. 
 
"These grants will enable us to continue making a positive difference in the lives of countless Latina individuals, helping them unlock their full potential and pursue their dreams," Board Chair Liliana Atanacio said. 
 
Latinas413 collaborates with a number of local organizations to expand culturally diverse programming in the Berkshires.  In their third year of partnership with Jacob's Pillow, Latinas413 is proud to highlight its dedication to establish standards of Language Justice & inclusive programming. In another innovative collaboration Latinas413 is joining forces with Artist at Work & Luiza Follegati for the project "Immigrant Mothers & Daughters,"  Berkshire Busk for supporting immigrant talent, and WAM Theatre for "Devising Theatre in Spanish."  
 
"These grants & partnerships strengthen our leadership and amplify impact to expand programming, providing courageous spaces and advocacy for Latina individuals striving to achieve their goals and flourish in the community," said Atanacio. 
 
Through initiatives such as Bilingual Mentoring for entrepreneurs, Rest & Reading Circle (Book Club), Earth & Fire (Outdoors), and Arts & Culture, Latinas413 is committed to fostering a community where Latina women are celebrated, empowered, and encouraged. 
 
"With our funding partners supporting our mission, we will continue to build a brighter, more equitable future for all," said Atanacio.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

MassDEP Talks Pollution Plans for Pontoosuc Lake

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The state Department of Environmental Protection has some options for restore a polluted Pontoosuc Lake back to health.
 
These were reviewed last Wednesday at a public information session.
 
Holly Brown, an analyst with MassDEP's Watershed Planning Program, said the lake is showing signs of nutrient pollution and eutrophication — a condition which promotes algae blooms, fish kills and dead zones — and cited recent algae blooms that resulted in public health advisories.
 
Matt Ladewig, principal scientist with TRC Companies of Windsor, Conn., explained the two different avenues Pittsfield and Lanesborough can take to help restore Pontoosuc Lake.
 
The two potential avenues include determining the lakes capacity for pollution (Total Maximum Daily Load) and developing a Nine Element Wastershed-based plan.
 
"The TMDL process is more formal and allocates pollutant loads to contributing point and non-point services in a way that will allow the water body to meet water quality standards," said Ladewig. 
 
A TMDL plan would identify the impairment, the causes and the pollutant load reductions. Following public comments, it would have to approved by the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency to be eligible for grants. 
 
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