Letter: Vote for Right Team for North Adams

To the Editor:

Hi there! How many North Adams folks know that Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 7? How many residents realize that the current mayor is up for re-election? Luckily for us, the signs on the lawn of City Hall remind us of our civic duty.

Me, I voted early right there in City Hall, for nine members for City Council (phew!) plus the city mayor. I'm eager to earn bragging rights for electing the right team. Because, coming soon, North Adams will be reviewing the 10-year update to our Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan.

We have made progress, despite the COVID-19 setback, and now we are looking ahead to a prosperous future. Vote, and get the right team on board in City Hall. Thank you.

Alice Bojanowski
North Adams, Mass.

Arlene Vachereau Marks 60th Anniversary at Donovan O'Connor & Dodig

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:42AM / Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Arlene Vachereau stands next to the original sign for the law firm that used to hang in the Mausert Block. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The year 1966 saw the wedding of Mia Farrow and Frank Sinatra, the premiere of  "Star Trek," publication of the "Valley of the Dolls," the election of Ronald Reagan a governor of California.

 

It was the year that Arlene Vachereau, clad in a skirt suit and white gloves, had an interview with attorney Walter J. Donovan. She was immediately hired. 

 

"My insurance guy new Mr. O'Connor and he put in a word for me," Vachereau said, as she looked forward to her 60th anniversary with Donovan O'Connor & Dodig, which was celebrated on July 1 at the company picnic.

 

Vachereau has outlived both attorneys, celebrated the firm's 100th anniversary, and continues to work three days a week. 

 

"I got here 1973, she was a veteran already, and then I left as a partner 2010-11," said John O'Neill. "And she's still here!"

 

Vachereau, also a longtime poll worker in Clarksburg, took time out of her busy day to talk about some of the changes she'd seen during her decades at the firm.

 

"In those days, we worked from a drawer because they did dictation tapes," she said. "When you were ready for another job, you went and took a dictation folder, so we worked for everybody.