Governor Declares Nov. 28 As 'Green Friday'

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HATFIELD, Mass. — To kick off the holiday season in Massachusetts and to highlight the state's Christmas tree and nursery sectors, Governor Maura Healey is declaring Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, as "Green Friday."

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle joined state and local officials today to celebrate the declaration at Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in Hatfield. The event included a presentation of a Governor's Proclamation, followed by a ceremonial Christmas tree cutting.

"There's no better way to usher in the holiday season than by purchasing a locally grown Christmas tree and other festive plants," said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. "Our growers take great care of the land which produces beautiful evergreens that provide a perfect centerpiece to your holiday celebrations. Start your holidays off at a local farm or nursery for a memorable experience."

Massachusetts is home to 459 Christmas tree farms, which operate on nearly 3,000 acres of land and contribute more than $4.5 million to the local economy every year. These farms provide hundreds of seasonal jobs, and many year-round positions as well, boosting local economies through commerce and tourism. Many farms offer family-friendly activities like sleighrides and treats like milk and cookies or hot chocolate.

Christmas tree farms provide a stunning backdrop to the agricultural landscape in Massachusetts and help preserve open space across the state, bringing tremendous environmental benefits to the surrounding land. Often sited on soil that cannot support other crops, these farms enhance soil health, which helps prevent erosion and protect water supplies. After the holiday season, trees and other plants can be used as a renewable source of energy to be burned as fuel, used as mulch, fed to certain livestock, or composted.

To find more information on Massachusetts Christmas tree farms and nurseries, please visit MDAR's MassGrown page.

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Pittsfield School Committee Appoints Latifah Phillips as Permanent Superintendent

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee enthusiastically voted to hire Latifah Phillips as the permanent superintendent on Wednesday. 

Appointed as the interim last spring, Phillips is said to have brought meaningful initiatives centered on student outcomes to the Pittsfield Public Schools in a short period of time. Her hire is pending a successful contract negotiation.

"We've had a lot of really difficult decisions since January, and I think this one is easy," committee member Heather McNeice said. 

There was applause from attendees after the vote. 

Three options were listed on the agenda: Hire Phillips, conduct a search and allow Phillips to apply, or conduct a search not allowing Phillips to apply based on the interim search. Committee member Sarah Muil made the motion to hire Phillips, explaining that from her first conversations with the educational leader, she has felt like Phillips was at home. 

"She has always been unwavering, and everything that she's done, she's always kept a calm and steady way of talking through every situation with families, with staff members, with us," Muil said. 

"I feel as though I'm growing up with her in some way through this experience, because she is showing us what a leader truly can be when you allow them to be in the role that they should be in."

Phillips, who joined the meeting virtually, said this is one of the most significant moments in her life and career, and that serving PPS during this interim year has reinforced her belief in restraint, resilience, and potential with students, staff, families, and the community.

She said she looks forward to advancing the district’s shared vision and ensuring that every decision is centered on the success and well-being of students.

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