Our most vulnerable population has no roof over their heads, unable to use the existing shelter system they are relegated to the streets. In Pittsfield there are about thirty people presently sleeping under bridges, abandoned buildings, office hallways, or any place that is warm. Many come to the Pearl Street Center for a shower, get mail, use the phone and enjoy a hot coffee and snack. As Director of the Center they share with me how tough it is some nights.

Our community has an opportunity to remedy this long standing need. This will also significantly reduce the burdens on the Jones, McGee, and hospital emergency room use. Co-Act a local non-profit organization is facilitating the cot shelter initiative in collaboration with the Salvation Army, Continuum of Care members, and volunteers.

The Berkshire Emergency Winter Cot Shelter will be open soon with your help from 7 pm to 8:30 am, followed by a hot breakfast. The shelter will remain open to April 30. Our goal is have a group of trained volunteers who would work alongside experienced staff. Can you volunteer an evening once a week or twice a month? Or can you help us with our fund raising drive for $20,000 to cover expenses for our first year?

Contact: Paul Deslauriers
Director of Co-Act and Pearl Street Center
paul@co-act.org
413-232-7888

The Co-Act TimeBank of the Berkshires has about 145 active members offering more than 100 different services, and asking nearly as many requests. The timebank is all run on-line with each member having a personal profile and a listing of offers and requests.

There are about 10 active timebanks in Massachusetts and there are timebanks around the world in at least 23 countries.

The coordinator for Co-Act TimeBank of the Berkshires is Michael Costerisan 413-232-7937.

The mortgage scam begins when you sign the mortgage and loan papers. The bank never lends a penny of their money, they illegally monetize your promise to pay, and then unlawfully claim the money as theirs. The bankers collect 2 to 3 times the original loan, and claim your property if you miss a few payments, even after the principal loan was paid three times over.

They employ additional strategies to amplify wealth transfer into their pocket. For example, bankers flood the market with money and loans, then they reduce the amount of Federal Reserve notes on Main Street making it impossible for a large portion of the people to keep up their loan payment and the bankers get more real wealth.

All the bankers do is move a few numbers on a computer screen. They claim your wealth and don’t even take a dime out of their pocket. This was allowed in our judicial system by backdoor deals paid by banking interest to benefit bankers. Just as the bailout benefited bankers. “We the people” had no say in the imposition of this usurious mechanism of mortgage enslavement in our society.

There are three major illegal and unlawful acts we need to address but it requires legislative action, and it must come from the people, as it will not come from the Federal or State Government, the media, Wall Street or large corporations and bankers. It must come from grassroots.

Something in the w

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orld is not right. There must be a better way.

By Becky Meier

Millions of people are starving around the world and there is enough food to feed them all. Something is not right. There must be a better way.

Education should help to develop the potential in every child and yet we use it to test and sort children. We are degrading our natural world and yet we aren’t pursuing greener policies or forbidding known practices of destruction. We elect good decent people to positions of power and they end up enforcing the status quo. Millions of people are sick (and some die) from preventable illnesses and yet we can’t find a way to guarantee health care to everyone. Something is not right. There must be a better way.

Millions of people are unemployed and yet there is so much work to be done. Wars continue to kill thousands and create havoc for millions and yet we continue to use it as less than a last resort. 1/10th of 1% percent of the population owns 34% of the entire wealth of the United States. Something is not right. There must be a better way.

I could go on and on…

As I think about working to eradicate some of the above problems, I feel overwhelmed. Good things have been accomplished in all of the above areas, but yet the basic system persists. Is there some underlying problem that could move toward solving all of the above problems? Much of it seems to be caused by either a lack of money or an unequal distribution of buy cialis money. Why is that? Is it inevitable? If we could solve the money problem, it seems we could solve many of our other problems.

The only real constraints to our productivity are our natural resources, technology, and the ability of people to be productive. Money was invented as a way to create a way of exchanging goods and services when bartering wasn’t feasible. John may need what Mary produces, but Mary might not need what John produces. Money became a way to represent the value of an exchange. But along the way it has changed its meaning and become an entity in and of itself, rather than a representation of exchanged value. And the source and control of money has become consolidated in the hands of a small group of private citizens.

As I feel more uncertainty about the national economy, I like the idea of working on solutions at the community level. Imagine a community assembling to assess its own needs, decide its priorities, discuss the best ways of getting this work done, and making a plan for accomplishing this based on the resources available in the community. Is there a way to make that possible?

The non-profit organization, Common Good Finance, thinks there is. A new understanding of where money comes from and what money really “is” opens up new possibilities. William Spademan, a social activist, computer programmer, teacher, nonprofit business incubator, artist, and Quaker from Ashfield, Massachusetts has been working on a plan to make this systemic shift possible. Since 2002 he has been researching alternative models, educating himself about money, talking with people in economic and democratic movements, and creating computer software to bring this all together. In 2002 he created the non-profit organization titled The Society to Benefit Everyone which turned into the organization Common Good Finance.

The Campaign for the Common Good Economy was officially launched on July 10, 2011. At the heart of the design for a Common Good Economy is a revolutionary sustainable money system called R Credits™. The R? stands for regenerative, revolutionary, responsible resilience. Like thermal insulation, this “R factor” can insulate us from the economic effects of big banks behaving badly.

R Credits combines features from successful alternative credit systems, adding a few technology innovations and procedures to ensure a secure, profitable experience for everyone. R Credits is designed to serve as the framework for a new democratic economic system that puts people and planet first — a model easily adopted by individuals and businesses in any community, so that everyone can have healthy food, a home, healthcare, satisfying work, and a livable world.

The Common Good Finance organization is working to establish the R Credits mutual credit system starting in Greenfield, MA in early summer 2012.

Mutual Credit associations are tried and true organizations around the world. They are mostly used in what is known as “business to business barter exchanges” (an actual misnomer since they don’t barter, they use mutual credit). Rather than buy and sell products (or services) with Federal Reserve cash, they use an accounting system to keep track of exchanges and thereby save Federal Reserve cash. The R Credits system will use this type of system between all its members.

Our representative system of democracy often makes us feel disenfranchised. There are many other models of democratic decision making that are more effective in representing the interests of the electorate. Several of them have been incorporated into the plan for the R Credits system.

Establishing a money system that works for everyone is a lofty dream. But it seems possible. I want to work toward a solution to our mutual problems, rather than complain about them. I want to be surrounded

by people who believe in people, and generate the excitement that hope and a plan create. I invite you to join us.

Look at the website to learn more details: CommonGoodFinance.com or RCredits.com

This September newsletter details a member work project, member meetings, a local music festival and a member marketplace. Read on and tell me what you think of adding these new categories to the Berkshire Timebank Newsletter and how Berkshire Timebank can become a bigger part of your life.

Sincerely,

Bob Connors
Co-coordinator

MEMBER WORK PROJECT

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18,10 AM TO 12 PM

As Tom Sawyer illustrated, painting can be SO much fun; especially when it becomes a social event. Bob and Becky need to paint their outside shed, in Canaan, NY (about twenty minutes from Stockbridge and Pittsfield). They have begun the scrapping work, but need help finishing the scrapping and beginning the painting. They have all the equipment (but if you have a favorite scrapping tool or paintbrush, bring it along). Wear your painting clothes.

They will provide a lunch incentive!

Feel free to bring your garden

flowers or vegetables to exchange.

RSVP to Becky: beckyjmeier@gmail.com.

If you have a work project at your house that you would like help with, email beckyjmeier@gmail.com and we’ll advertise it in the next newsletter.

We know that Berkshire Timebank prospers when members get together, so this is a great way to do that and earn some BT hours too!

Drivers Wanted

Many people need someone to drive them to appointments, errands, or out of state visits. If you are looking for something that you can offer through Berkshire Timebank, think no further, driving would be a very helpful offer. To submit a new offer, log in (from our website), go to the “my account” tab (at upper right), then “my services” tab (on left), then click on “add new offer” button and follow instructions. Contact Michael at 413-232-7937 or michaelcosterisan@yahoo.com if you need technical help.

Ridebuzz.org

If you are interested in carpooling, click here for a helpful new website called Ridebuzz.org. This website originated out of Northampton, but the more people who use it in the Berkshires, the larger the local pool will be.

MEMBER MARKETPLACE

A member marketplace can increase member contact and improve the local economy. Send an email with a list of items that you wish to buy, sell or exchange to beckyjmeier@gmail.com and these requests will be posted in future BT newsletters.

WANTED :

Rototiller, push lawnmower, weed wacker, hedge trimmer, medium tolarge size screen house, solar yard accent lights, picnic table. Contact Bob or Becky: 518-781-4686

FOR SALE:

Wooden Extension Ladder (Contact Becky or Bob)

Potluck Host Needed

The best way for Berkshire Timebank to flourish is through member to member contact.

Would you like to host the next Berkshire Timebank potluck for October? Call Bob at 413-464-3345 and we’ll give you help and support.

Welcome New Member:

Nancy Beach

Recent Exchanges:

Body Work by Mikka to Michael

House Care by Bob to Diana

Car ride by Bob

C to Bob A

Presentation consultation by Becky to Karen

MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please send us news that you would like to share with the Berkshire Timebank community, and we will try to present it in future BT newsletters. For example, the following was sent to us by member Paul Deslauriers:

A Fund Raiser for Berkshire Co-Act

Sunday September 18 from 1 to 8 pm

Join in the celebration and fun with 9 bands playing

48 High Street, Housatonic, MA

Check out who is playing http://debfest.com/

Food and drinks will be available

Berkshire Co-Act Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, September 20

Growing Nutrition-Dense Foods for Self-Sufficiency

6:30 PM Pot Luck; Meeting 7:30 – 9:30 PM

Pearl Street Day Center (First United Methodist Church)

55 Fenn St. (use Pearl St. Entrance), Pittsfield

The second right on North St from the old traffic circle

At 6:30 pm along with the Pot Luck, cialis online we will also have a showing of “Dirt”, an interesting documentary on soil nutrition.

Interesting Link

Click here to see a video on alternative currencies which features Timebanks at the end.

the info.

Bands Playing

We supply the music, and you supply the food, drinks, chairs, blanket, umbrella, etc. No smoking

at this event, please.

$10 donation to Co-Act is much appreciated!

If you’d like to come, please let us know by sending an RSVP to Paul Deslauriers at paul@co-act.org or use our Contact Form!

<s

pan style=”font-size: small;”>6:30 - 7:30 PM potluck; 7:30 - 9:30 meeting at 55 Fenn St., Pittsfield, MA

Potluck

begins at 6:30

Along with the potluck, we will have a showing of “Dirt”, an informative documentary on soil nutrition.

Presentation begins at 7:30

With the economy as it is, we have a timely topic for this evening: David Yarrow, who has been a food and farm activist for 35 years, will discuss the process of creating soil balance for optimum plant growth. He will use four of Co-Act Food Net’s gardens as examples. We will also discuss food storage and preparedness for self-sufficiency.

David Yarrow organized NOFA-NY with its certification program and Finger Lakes Organic Co-op. He has been active in developing inexpensive methods to regain soil balance for optimum plant growth and says that even a small plot can produce enough to feed a family.

The potluck and meeting will be held at the Pearl Street

Day Center (inside First United Methodist Church) at 55 Fenn St. in Pittsfield, MA. From North St. take the second right past the old traffic circle onto Fenn St. Take the second left onto Pearl St. and use the Pearl St. entrance. There is free parking in the city parking lot across the street.

Berkshire Center for the Homeless and Unemployed

Help us help those in need: volunteer on Tuesdays or Thursdays

The Local Emergency Food System

Become part of a team to harvest and deliver fresh produce to 14 meal sites

If you would like to support these projects, call 413-232-7888.

chool, let’s start to think more about our community and our long-term interests.

• Do you think your federal, state or local governments will improve your life in the next year?
• Do you think these entities have the resources or ability to do so?
• Do you think that your life will improve economically in the next year?
• Do you think that you can improve your neighbor’s life in the next year?
• Do you think your neighbors can improve your life
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  in the next year?

I’ve answered with three straight “No’s” and two straight “Yes’s.” How about you?

Be proactive and help yourself while helping others: use your local resources and your heart!!

Sure, you are thinking there are many things that you already do to improve your life and your community, but how many are like Berkshire Timebank and are basically free to use, seven days per week? How many are “person to person” interactions with immediate results and benefits? Berkshire Timebank is literally at your fingertips.

I am challenging you right now, to pause, get out of your comfort zone, and go

straight to Berkshire Timebank “Member Offerings” and “Member Requests,” and contact one new member(s) and then one familiar member(s) to work with and renew your commitment to creating a more functional community!

Berkshire Timebank will also increase its chances of receiving grants or other types of outside assistance when its activity level increases.

I will know about any interactions immediately (as the co-coordinator of Berkshire Timebank) and my facial expression will go from one of watchful waiting to satisfaction as a result of your combined efforts.

Sincerely,

Bob Connors
Co-coordinator