North Adams Airport Acknowledged by Aviation Group

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Alliance for Aviation Across America (AAAA) released proclamations emphasizing the essential role of general aviation. 
 
North Adams Harriman-and-West Airport was included by the AAA, a nonpartisan, nonprofit, national grassroots coalition of over 7,000 aviation and non-aviation groups and individuals across the country, including businesses, FBOs, small airports, elected officials, agricultural and charitable organizations, and leading industry and aviation groups.
 
According to a press release, in Massachusetts alone, general aviation airports contribute more than $630 million to the economy each year and support thousands of jobs and are critical to supporting the state's infrastructure, serving as reliever airports and ensuring access to critical services, among other benefits. 
 
"General aviation is more than just a mode of transportation, it is a lifeline for communities and businesses across Massachusetts," said Selena Shilad, Executive Director at the Alliance for Aviation Across America.
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Community Hero: Noelle Howland

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Noelle Howland is committed to keeping alive the late Pittsfield ACO Eleanor Sonsini's mission of helping animals ... albeit farther north in North Adams.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — No Paws Left Behind Executive Director Noelle Howland has been selected as the November Community Hero of the Month. 
 
The Community Hero of the Month series honors individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact in their community. The series sponsor, Haddad Auto, has extended this initiative for one more month.
 
Howland breathed new life into the mission of the former Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter, which closed in August 2023. 
 
The shelter in Pittsfield operated under the mission established by Eleanor Sonsini, a local animal rights activist and longtime animal control officer in Pittsfield, to be a no-kill shelter committed to finding surrendered and abandoned pets new forever homes. 
 
Howland's love for animals, dedication to their well-being, and expertise in animal behavior and training and shelter management brought this mission to new heights at No Paws Left Behind, a new shelter for dogs located at 69 Hodges Cross Road. 
 
"I want people to understand that I know it's hard to surrender. So, my biggest thing is [making sure] people know that, of course, we're not judging you. We're here to help you," Howland said. 
 
When Sonsini announced its closing, Howland, who was the shelter's manager, worked to save it, launching fundraising initiatives. However, the previous board decided to close the shelter down and agreed to let Howland open her own shelter using their mission. 
 
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