Berkshire County Sheriff Tom Bowler was our guest speaker at last weeks luncheon. After a rousing introduction by Jeff Whitehouse, Sheriff Bowler detailed several new initiatives his department is conducting. Berkshire County jail is the only correctional facility in the north-east to have its own hydroponic greenhouse, producing five different types of lettuce. Fertilized by fish that live in the gardens water, this program has produced over 200,000 heads of lettuce, some is used at the prison while most of the produce is delivered to the Berkshire community. The facility cost roughly $600K to build; inmates receive STEM credit for working at the greenhouse. The department has partnered with Fallon Community Health and CHP to help provide nutritious meals prepared by inmates and developed by dieticians to some 260 local residents in need. These medically tailored meals are provided in tandem with a wellness program. Funded through grants this program has provided over 6,000 meals.
Sheriff Bowler introduced a third new program entitled 2nd Street 2nd chance. This program was created to help inmates released back into society to begin their new lives away from the regiment of prison. The program assists with legal, housing and employment challenges faced by newly released inmates. The program aims to greatly reduce the rate of recidivism. Sheriff Bowler invited Club members to tour the facilities if we have an interest.