WGBY Public Television has partnered with Spice Restaurant

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PITTSFIELD - WGBY Public Television has partnered with Spice Restaurant and the Berkshire Visitors Bureau to host a Celebration of the Berkshires on Sept. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the restaurant. The reception, open to 250 invited guests, will celebrate the Berkshire county area's collaboration with WGBY and as well as a growing partnership with the visitors bureau. An announcement will also be made at the reception about a future collaboration with an important Berkshire County institution. "The Berkshire Visitors Bureau is extremely pleased with its partnership with WGBY-Springfield," said bureau acting CEO Ray Smith. "They are the champion in capturing and reporting on the cultural arts and lifestyle for the Berkshires and Western Massachusetts through public television programming." A seven-minute film will be shown celebrating the role of public television in the Berkshires and will feature a montage of clips from WGBY-produced programs including "On The Menu" and "Making It Here" that highlight the stories of local Berkshire residents and businesses. "Through our partnership, we will be developing digital video content that will be available for viewing and download on wgby.org and berkshires.org," Smith added. Among the many collaborative events between WGBY and Berkshire institutions has been the successful Family FunFest event in March at the Berkshire Museum that drew 1,300. Background: For 35 years, WGBY (www.wgby.org) has connected the people of the region with ideas, events and each other in an effort to fulfill their aspirations, enrich their lives and improve their communities. From the educational services used in classrooms and day care centers, to a portfolio of locally produced programs, WGBY is committed to building a stronger community through learning and understanding. WGBY is a non-profit organization with nearly 80 percent of its revenue provided by local sources and the support of its viewers. For more information, John G. Graiff, WGBY communications specialist, (413) 781-2801, Ext. 239
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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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