Letter: Macksey Understands How to Manage City

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To the Editor:

As a former administrative officer for the city of North Adams (2001-2008), I write to urge the citizens of North Adams to elect Jennifer Macksey their next mayor. I can attest to Jen's sharp intellect, skilled financial management and good nature during the years we worked together when she was the city's top financial officer. Jen worked tirelessly on behalf of the residents of North Adams and has prepared herself, with her strong municipal background and experience in education administration, to be exceptionally qualified to do this remarkably difficult work.

There is no more difficult or important job than that of a mayor; I say this with confidence based on my own diverse and challenging work experience in both the private and public sectors. Jen Macksey has experienced firsthand the inherent difficulties in managing a city to meet the needs of its citizens while continually struggling to obtain and effectively use limited financial and other resources. She knows how to do this job and do it well.

It's been concerning to observe the current city government difficulties resulting in multiple resignations from incumbent city councilors. Now is not the time for on-the-job learning or training. Experience matters. Jen Macksey knows how to effectively position and utilize key resources on day one, which will be critical to the future success of North Adams. For these reasons, I urge the residents of North Adams to cast their vote for Jen Macksey on Nov. 2.
 

Mary Katherine Eade
North Adams, Mass. 

Mary Katherine Eade is a former administrative office for the city of North Adams.

 

 


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Green River Financial to Award $1K in Grants to North County Teachers

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Green River Financial Services is partnering with iBerkshires.com to launch the Green River Financial Services Classroom Grant Program, which will award a total of $1,000 to two North County teachers to help fund classroom projects or educational initiatives.
 
Two teachers will each receive a $500 Classroom Grant.
 
Teachers may apply beginning Sept. 15, 2026, through Oct. 13, 2026. The program is open to teachers working in public schools in North Adams, Williamstown, Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Florida, New Ashford, Hancock and Savoy.
 
The grants are designed to help local educators bring ideas to life that will directly benefit their students. Teachers can apply for funding for classroom supplies, books, educational materials, hands-on learning activities, technology, enrichment programs or other classroom projects.
 
Green River Financial Services President and CEO Rob Abel said the program is an opportunity for the company to directly support local educators and the students they serve.
 
"Teachers are constantly finding creative ways to make learning more engaging and meaningful for their students, and many times they are doing that with limited resources," Abel said. "At Green River Financial Services, we believe investing in our local schools and educators is an investment in the future of our communities. By awarding two $500 grants, we're excited to help two local teachers turn great ideas into projects that can make a real difference for their students."
 
The application process is designed to be simple. Teachers will be asked to briefly describe their proposed project and explain how it would benefit their students.
 
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