ASHFIELD — In October, Hurricane Melissa swept across Jamaica with 185 mph winds that left behind an estimated $8.8 million worth of damage, making it the most costly hurricane in the country’s recorded history.
Now, as islanders rebuild, an Ashfield affinity group is looking to support the 16 Jamaican workers who come to Ashfield each fall to assist with the harvest at Clark Brothers Orchards. The group is hosting a reggae dance fundraiser at Ashfield Community Hall on Saturday, Feb. 21.
“The goal is twofold: to bring the community together and to raise money for a good cause,” said Peyton Fleming, one of the event’s organizers. “These workers are really part of the Ashfield community and we want to support them. … It’s pretty tough right now.”
Neil Stewart, who has been a Clark Brothers Orchards employee since 2019, said he lost a major section of his roof and most of his farm crops, including pepper trees and avocados, which he grows on the northern side of the island.
“It’s a big setback for us,” Stewart said.
“I know two workers [at Clark Brothers Orchards] who lost their entire roofs; another one lost his cattle,” Stewart said of the Category 5 storm that flattened entire neighborhoods and damaged more than 100,000 acres of farmland. “I could see for a mile in some places because so many trees were knocked down.”
Fleming said the affinity group in Ashfield, which meets every few weeks to discuss what can be done to support the local community, brings people together to raise money. Lately, the affinity group’s efforts have manifested in community dances, sometimes in collaboration with other groups and organizations.
“The important thing is having fun,” Fleming said. “I think a lot of people are stressed right now with the cold weather and cold politics. … Having an excuse to get together, smile and dance is a good thing.”
Organizer Mary Link said the group was inspired by dances and concerts held in neighboring towns, and wanted to bring them to Ashfield.
“After going to a benefit concert [a few months ago in Shelburne Falls], we realized it was so uplifting to get up and dance in these challenging times and support a cause at the same time,” Link said. “So, we decided, ‘Let’s keep having these dances throughout the winter to build community and bring us together. … It seemed like absolutely the right thing to support our local farm workers at Clark [Brothers] Orchards, whose families suffered so much in Jamaica.”
The dance will feature music by reggae band Root Fiyah, featuring Abdul Baki, with opening remarks from Naomi Clark, the office manager at Clark Brothers Orchards.
Clark said she was happy to support the affinity group when its members reached out about their idea for a dance.
“These skilled workers return year after year to Ashfield, sacrificing time away from loved ones to provide their children with an education and a brighter future,” Clark said. “This is our opportunity to show our love and support as they try to rebuild from the devastating hurricane.”
Suggested donations are $10 to $100, although Fleming said, “if folks can afford to give more, it would be great.” The group hopes to raise at least $10,000 to help the Clark Brothers Orchards staff rebuild.
Music will begin at 7 p.m. at Ashfield Community Hall, located at 521 Main St. Those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP by contacting noteaparty@gmail.com.
People who are unable to attend but still wish to donate can contact Fleming at peytonfleming22@gmail.com.