Downing Brings Community-Based Monthly Meetings to Westhampton

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Pittsfield Mass - 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 new series of open monthly meetings he has dubbed Coffee & Conversation, to Westhampton, 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 Westhampton Town Hall, One South Road this November 7th from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm.  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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Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.
 
Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.
 
They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
 
College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.
 
She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication. 
 
"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."
 
Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.
 
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