Letter: Tom Bernard for North Adams Mayor

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To the Editor:

Tom Bernard, the mayor of North Adams, shows up. Everywhere. And he would do more if only there were more hours in a day. In a recent Facebook post listing a dizzying number of activities which he led or joined in, Mayor Bernard wrote, "There are so many positive and exciting things happening in North Adams and throughout the Berkshires right now, and it's such a privilege to be part of them. Now if I could finally master the trick of being in three places at once."

With Tom Bernard, it's genuine. He deeply cares about all the people in North Adams — their well being, their quality of life, their opportunities. And he doesn't stop at the city's borders. He "gets it" that in Berkshire County, connections and mutual support create more opportunities for the people of North Adams, so you will see him attending events in the County seat of Pittsfield, too.

I live in Williamstown but work and attend civic events in North Adams. I've seen up close the significant difference that Tom Bernard has made in the city — and throughout North County.



Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, is coming upon us quickly. Please take a moment to put the date in your calendar to vote. Every vote matters, even in a city in which campaigns are low key. Votes matter because opportunities matter, attention to righting past city wrongs matter, and moving the city forward in a way that lifts up every single resident matters.

Not only has Mayor Tom Bernard worked hard to earn your vote. There is a slate of candidates for City Council and School Committee who are counting on your vote. Please take the time this Nov. 5 to elect the people who will continue to work as a team with Mayor Bernard to build a better tomorrow for North Adams.

Arlene Kirsch
Williamstown, Mass.

 

 


Tags: election 2019,   


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Companion Corner: Stink at No Paws Left Behind

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There's a cat at No Paws Left Behind looking for his forever home.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

Don't let the name fool you! Stink is a 4-year-old domestic shorthair tabby who has been at the shelter for about a month.

Volunteer Claire Morin introduced us to him.

Stink came from his previous home after not getting along with some of the cats there.

"He came from a woman who had horses. He was an indoor cat, but he also spent some time in the barn, and I think he was not getting along with the other cats at the house."

Stink does like to roam around and check new stuff out. He can be a little shy at first but once he comes out he likes to play with toys and get a lot of pets. He can be quite territorial especially around male cats.

"He clearly likes treats. He likes to explore when he's out. He is a little bit territorial, so he has not come out that much. Actually, I'm surprised that he's out today, but, like I said, he prefers the company of female cats," she said. "He has been sort of interacting today with the male cats that he can now see ... he hasn't been acting out or hissing or anything towards them."

While it takes him a while to get out of his shell he is not shy to chat with you, most likely asking for more pets or to play.

"He does like people, he's very affectionate. He would not come out on his own for a long time. We could open the cage and he would interact with us, and he would be super sweet. You could interact with him, but he really preferred to stay in his cage. But now that he started to come out more, he's a lot more interactive," she said.

Stink would have to go home as the only cat or with a female cat because of his aversion to male cats.

"I think his perfect home would be someone who has children who are over the age of 8, because he can be a little bit territorial," Morin said. "The home can be cat friendly, there can be other cats, but preferably female, because he has been reactive towards male cats here at the shelter, and he can go home with dogs that have interacted with cats before."

Stink is a very sweet guy who can't wait to talk and snuggle up to you. Plus, you can pick a new name for him.

"I just think he's a super warm, friendly cat. He's clearly exploring the whole space today. He doesn't come out that often, but he's very gentle and very sweet," she said.

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