Letter: Blackmer Has the Vision for City Council

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my support for Lisa Blackmer for North Adams City Council. In particular, Lisa's vision for our community’s future is one that takes into account decades of being a mother, working in municipal government, and serving on the school council, which she did with my father in the mid-nineties.

Lisa's vision for us is one that takes into account all the details of the challenges our city faces and meets them head on. Lisa understands that for this region to experience more economic growth, we need to capitalize on our assets. We need to have the best schools, safe neighborhoods, and invest in our infrastructure.

I know Lisa both personally and professionally. I attended elementary through high school with both of Lisa's children. Lisa worked hard as a parent leader for 20 years. I have also served with Lisa on the North Adams City Council for two terms and appreciate how prepared she was for some nuanced municipal issues.

Lisa Blackmer has paid her dues and walked the walk. With Lisa, I am especially impressed with her work in Boston at the Massachusetts Municipal Association. Lisa donates her time driving back and forth to Boston for the MMA and served as its president. (the first from North Adams) This is in addition to being a mother, grandmother, and wife to William Blackmer, a retired state police lieutenant and station commander for Northern Berkshire.

Lisa will be an outstanding voice in the city, our children, and our future. She is the right choice to make on Nov. 5.

Jennifer Breen, Esq.
North Adams, Mass.

Northern Berkshire Celebrates Spirit of Caring Award Recipients

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
06:22PM / Friday, May 10, 2024

NBUW Executive Director Patti Messina recognizes two 'dynamic' women retiring this year: Janice Broderick and Christine MacBeth. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire United Way on Thursday saluted members of the community who have stepped beyond their roles to help and support others. 

 

Among them was state Rep. John Barrett III, former longtime mayor of North Adams, who was recognized not only for his efforts on behalf of the city for so many years but a "softer side" not always apparent. 

 

The celebration was NBUW's sixth annual Spirit of Caring Awards, held at Norad Mill and attended by its member agencies, sponsors and community members. The room was packed at 3 West for the presentations of the Spirit of the Future Award to Officer Stephanie Mirante, the newly named Steve Green Spirit of Community Award to Wild Oats and the Al Nelson Spirit of Caring Award to Barrett. Also recognized was Adams Heating & Plumbing for campaign of the year. Barrett also provided a proclamation from the House to his fellow recipients. 

 

Executive Director Patti Messina first wanted to recognize two women who are retiring after years of serving the community: Janice Broderick of the Elizabeth Freeman Center and Christine Macbeth, president and CEO of the Brien Center. 

 

"They leave behind a legacy of dedication, commitment and hard work to this community," she said. "We salute you and thank you for your accomplishments."

 

Sharon DeMyer-Nemser and Ellen Sutherland, both members of the board of directors, presented Barrett, elected to the House in 2017, with the award. 

 

"Although John really needs no introduction, we would like to take a moment to review John's past and storied history in our community," said DeMyer-Nemser, ticking off accomplishments including fighting for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and convincing political leaders that arts and culture are vital components in building a strong creative economy in the Berkshires during his 26 years as mayor and representing North Berkshire on Beacon Hill.