Letter: Lynette Bond for Mayor

To the Editor:

I am writing to encourage you to cast your vote for Lynette Bond as the next mayor of North Adams. I've known Lynette for more than 10 years and can't think of a better person to represent the City. Lynette is everything you'd want in a mayor. She is honest, a great leader, has the tenacity to make tough decisions, and an amazing ability to inspire others to reach their goals.

I have been lucky to have Lynette as my assistant coach for the past four years. She has brought many of these same qualities to the court. She inspires the players and is disciplined in her coaching. Lynette has a passion for youth sports and understands how important it is for young people to be part of a team, to learn the fundamentals of sports, and most importantly, to have fun with their friends. For me and my family, this is the heart of a community, on the courts and on the ballfields. This is where communities are formed and Lynette is there-as a coach or as a fan cheering on the youth of this community.

Lynette has proven that she can work well in stressful situations while maintaining a professional and respectful composure. Her ability to lift people up is something we could all learn from. Lynette is compassionate and real. She understands the stressors of being a working parent with kids involved in many activities and coordinates rides between families and often provided rides to those without transportation. She gets it. Lynette is someone who gives her all and does not tire easily. She will champion youth sports and ensure our young people have access to recreation. She will make North Adams proud. I am asking you to vote for Lynette Bond. I can't imagine it will be anything less than a slam dunk!

Al Arnold
Selectman, Clarksburg, 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.