Letter: Bond Will Be a Reliable Community Leader

To the Editor:

When looking toward the future of this great city, it is important not to neglect the voices of the younger generations. It is also important not to underscore the value community service has in shaping a candidate. Coming from an MCLA student and soon to be officeholder, I believe the person to best connect with our youth and represent the value of community service is Lynette Bond.

The most important memories I've made as a college student were through active volunteerism. As a person who dedicates my time in such a way, I can see how volunteer work has influenced Lynette Bond as a person, and how it will shape her tenure as the next mayor of North Adams. Through her dedication as a foster parent, her time in the Peace Corps, and her intense dedication toward the Colegrove Park Elementary School project, she has proven to me that she will be a reliable community leader.

I have been able to call North Adams my home for 22 years. MCLA was my school of choice because of this beautiful city I have been able to call my home. I think the school is especially emblematic of our community's younger demographics, and it makes me pleased to see who younger people want as their leader. The feedback we have received from the overwhelming majority of them? The future is with Lynette.

With students who want to make North Adams their home after they graduate, and have taken on our community as one that represents them, Lynette is an especially symbolic person to take office as our next mayor. Lynette may not have been born in North Adams, but she chose our city as her home like so many others here do. I am confident in Lynette's experience, transparency, and communicative nature to lead our city for the next two years. I hope with all this information in mind, you will vote for her assuredly on Nov. 2.

Joshua Vallieres
North Adams, Mass.

Joshua Vallieres is a candidate for North Adams School Committee. 

Driscoll Focuses on Outdoor Recreation for 413 Day

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:50PM / Monday, April 13, 2026

Brian Gilbert of Hilltown Anglers gives the lieutenant governor a lesson in casting at the Zoar Picnic Area on River Road. 

FLORIDA, Mass. — Last year, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll celebrated 413 Day with a tour of Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. 

 

This year, it was in the middle of a river. 

 

Driscoll was getting a lesson in fly fishing from Brian Gilbert of Hilltown Anglers after a speaking to outdoor recreation stakeholders at Berkshire East in Charlemont. 

 

"We started our day in Gill, Massachusetts, where we talked about housing choice and really making sure our small and rural communities can participate in our housing programs and have priorities for more funding," she said. "And being at Berkshire [East] Mountain, it was just terrific to be able to hear from so many outdoor rec enthusiasts about what we have in Franklin County and Berkshire County to really celebrate eco-tourism and how we can partner with our local stakeholders." 

 

Gilbert gave the lieutenant governor a quick rundown on fly fishing gear and techniques and then had her do some dry land practice casts (and warning everyone to step back) before she got her waders on. 

 

"Outdoor recreation is really one of the important drivers of the economy and community out here, and it's also a heck of a lot of fun and and important for public health," said Paul Jahnige, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, while Driscoll was in the middle of the Deerfield River.

 

His office is working an Industry Pathways Project to find how the state can better support the outdoor recreation industry. It's held several virtual listening sessions in addition to that morning's with area businesses and state agencies in Franklin County.