The Legacy Banks Foundation Contributes to The Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. – The Legacy Banks Foundation has contributed a grant of
$2,500 to the Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D), which operates two studios in Berkshire County – one in Lenox and one in Williamstown.

A national nonprofit, volunteer organization, for more than 60 years, RFB&D has been the leading accessible audiobook library for students with disabilities, such as visual impairment or dyslexia, that make reading standard print difficult or impossible. With titles available in every subject area and grade level, RFB&D’s digitally recorded audio textbooks on CD and downloadable audio textbooks help students challenged by the printed page.

Legacy’s grant specifically benefits the Berkshire County chapter’s operating expenses as well as their Every School Campaign, which supports the RFB&D’s national goal of reaching 1 million individuals struggling with print disabilities. Lynn Terelle, Director of Development of the RFB&D Berkshire Chapter, thanked Legacy for its donation saying, “Funds raised through our "Every School" Campaign will be used to deliver that service to schools and students with need. Generous partners such as the Legacy Banks Foundation are helping us to achieve this goal.”

Locally, RFB&D has nearly 200 volunteers donating their time to record audio texts. Recently, the organization has significantly expanded its educational outreach to serve more students with print disabilities, and to increase teacher/student training to ensure optimal use of the program. Nearly 600 students are serviced throughout Berkshire County at all grade levels including graduate, post-graduate and vocational.


Richard Sullivan, the president of The Legacy Banks Foundation commended RFB&D’s local chapter saying, “We applaud the Berkshire County offices of the Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic. They fulfill an important need in our community and schools. We thank those who work at the studios and those who volunteer their time for their commitment to those who benefit from these valuable services.”

Anyone interested in volunteering with the RFB&D, may contact the local office at 413-637-0889.

(l-r) Rebecca Flood, branch manager of Legacy’s Holmes Road Office; Jim Currie, Pre-Production Coordinator, Lenox Studio for RFB&D and Lynn Terelle, Director of Development for RFB&D.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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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