Downing Brings Community-Based Monthly Meetings to Becket on July 25th

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PITTSFIELD - To further his goal of being fully accessible to his constituents from all cities and towns in his district, Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield) is bringing his rolling series of open monthly meetings he has dubbed Coffee & Conversation, to Becket, MA. Downing hosts these public forums in rotating communities across the Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin Senate District.

Downing said, “Holding roving office hours in communities throughout my district will create an additional platform by which my constituents may be heard. People will be able to share with me the issues affecting them, and become more engaged in state government.” All are welcome to drop by Downing’s Coffee & Conversation hours to share their thoughts, ideas and concerns, or to simply say hello and share a cup of Joe.

While Downing’s community relations and constituent services hub is his 20 Bank Row district office in Pittsfield, he recognizes that serving the largest, most rural district presents communication gaps which he intends to fill. Downing’s district, comprised of 48 municipalities in the westernmost counties of Massachusetts, covers the widest geographic area in the Massachusetts Senate. Downing’s Pittsfield office is open during normal business hours Monday through Friday.

Downing will be hosting Coffee & Conversation in the Becket Town Hall, 557 Main Street, this July 25th from 11:00am – 12:30pm. During that time, Downing will provide free coffee and open, unscripted conversation to all people interested in speaking with their state senator face-to-face about issues ranging from housing and economic development to human services and health care and everything in between.

To learn about future Coffee & Conversation events, please visit Downing’s online office at: www.bendowning.org and click on ‘Upcoming Events.’
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Taconic High Names Top Students of the Class of 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Taconic High School Principal Matthew Bishop has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian of the class of 2026. 
 
They will speak during the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, at 4 p.m at Tanglewood in Lenox. 
 
Gavin O'Donnell, son of Kevin and Colleen O'Donnell of Pittsfield, has been named valedictorian with a grade average of 103. Hunter Bentz, son of Heidi Bentz of Pittsfield, has been named salutatorian with a grade average of 102.4.
 
Throughout his high school career, O'Donnell has exemplified the values of leadership, commitment, and excellence that define the Taconic community. He achieved high honors all four years and made significant contributions to both the school and the wider community. He was an active member of the Link Crew, Green and Gold, and Class Council, just to name a few of his activities. 
 
A dedicated athlete, O'Donnell played soccer and baseball all four years and was named captain of the varsity soccer and baseball teams both junior and senior years. His commitment to service extended beyond athletics, as he volunteered with Unified Games and was a math tutor at Taconic. He has also been an active part of Pittsfield Soccer Club, where he has helped
referee youth soccer games and assisted in getting the fields ready for game days.
 
He has earned several awards, including being a member of the National Honor Society,  the John and Abigail Adams Award, and being an AP Scholar and an AP Capstone Graduate. 
 
O'Donnell plans to pursue a degree in finance at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he will continue to play baseball and hopes to excel as a student. 
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