Swift Endorses Bech for Congress

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Nathan Bech and former acting Gov. Jane Swift
PITTSFIELD — The region's best-known Republican, former acting Gov. Jane M. Swift, has endorsed GOP candidate Nathan Bech in his run for the 1st Massachusetts District.

Bech, of West Springfield, is seeking the seat U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst, has held the seat since 1991. (Olver will contend against Democrat Robert Feuer in a primary in September; Bech will face the winner.)

Swift sought to unseat Olver in 1996 after serving as Berkshire County's state senator for three terms. She came up short in a tight race but went on to become to become lieutenant governor in 1998 and later acting governor on the resignation of A. Paul Celucci.

The Williamstown resident  spoke in support of Bech at an event in Pittsfield on Monday night.

Bech, who will be 34 next month, operates a property management business founded by his parents and served in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Army officer. The self-described moderate launched his campaign in May.


Swift spoke on behalf of Bech in the hometown of the late Silvio O. Conte, the last Republican to hold the 1st Mass. seat.

Swift is the honorary co-chairman for presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in Massachusetts and his chief education adviser. She is rumored by sources within the Republican Party to be a top pick for secretary of education should McCain win in November.

"Nathan is very, very fortunate to be running with John McCain at the top of our ticket," said Swift.

For more information about further events and Bech's progress in the congressional race, visit www.nathanbech.com. Bech will be in Pittsfield on Thursday, June 19, for the 3rd Thursday events.
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Thistle 'N Thorn Floral Announces Closing

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Another North Street business has announced their sudden closure.

Thistle 'N Thorn Floral announced on Instagram that its doors will close. 

"What many people don't see behind a creative business is how much it grows, shifts, and eventually asks more of you than one person can realistically carry. Between the rising costs of flowers, increasing rent, and the sheer volume of work, the business has become almost too successful for one person to sustain alone."

Owner Ashley Davidson opened the shop at 393 North St. a couple years ago and was selling flowers long before that according to her social media history.

Thistle 'N Thorn sold floral arrangements for events like weddings, funerals, and more. She also sold gifts, bouquets and wreaths according to Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Davidson also hosted events and workshops for those to create their own arrangements. 

"While this chapter is closing, I want to be very clear about something. This is not the end for me," Davidson wrote on Instagram.

"I'm incredibly proud of what I built. It took vision, grit, creativity, and a lot of courage. Those things don’t disappear just because a business chapter ends. If anything, they’re the reason I’m confident stepping into whatever comes next."

She also said she will be honoring the weddings and events she has already scheduled and plans to offer more workshops.

 
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