News & Notes: Olver, Bech Debate on Radio

By Larry KratkaBerkshire News Network
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House Candidates Meet in First Debate

PITTSFIELD — Area residents finally got a chance to hear both candidates for the region's U.S. House seat debate the issues.

U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst, and Republican challenger Nathan Bech of West Springfield got together for their only radio debate Tuesday at WBEC-AM 1420 in Pittsfield. 

The two candidates talked about a number of issues including the recent multibillion-dollar bailout of Wall Street. Olver said he voted for it and that it will be successful if the line of credit can be extended between banks and that would keep the economy working.

On the other hand, Bech said he would NOT have voted for the bill if given the opportunity and blamed the Democrats for adding millions of dollars of pork to the bailout bill. 

Olver responded by naming a few choice Republicans in the House who added their own pork to the bill. Bech did not reply to that.

They were questioned on the issues by Berkshire News Network Director Larry Kratka, Tom Conklin of WBEC and Jessica Michalski of WSBS.

Bech, 34, an Army Reserve veteran of Iraq who operates a property management business, has been trying to debate the eight-term congressman for months, inviting him to town hall-style meetings across the 1st Massachusetts District.

Olver, 72, a former professor, has declined or ignored the invitations, although his Democratic primary opponent, Robert Feuer, appeared at several of the town hall meetings. Olver easily defeated the Stockbridge attorney in September.

The radio debate will be rebroadcast Sunday morning in its entirety on WUPE-FM 100.1 from 7 to 8. It will also be broadcast in two parts on Sunday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 26, on Live-95.9 FM at 7 a.m. each day.

Bech and Olver will record a debate with WGBY public television in Springfield on Friday and will appear at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner at 7 p.m. on Oct. 22.

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Haddad Ford/Mercury Sold To Vermont Dealership

NORTH ADAMS — Haddad Ford/Mercury has been sold for an undisclosed amount to Carbone Auto Group in Vermont.

It's just the latest in a series of dealership consolidations within the Berkshires over the past year.

Carbone Auto Group owns a number of new car and Harley-Davidson dealerships in central and eastern New York and in Vermont, including two dealerships in Bennington. Carbone Auto will keep the operation in North Adams as Carbone Ford and Mercury of Massachusetts, until a new Bennington facility is ready for occupancy, at which time the North Adams property will be vacated.


Second Year Without Greylock Ramble

ADAMS — For the second year in a row, the Greylock Ramble was cancelled because of the construction of roads that lead to the top of the state's highest peak.

One of the key reasons the Ramble was cancelled was because emergency vehicles could not get to the top in case of a medical emergency. And the town of Adams was told it could not obtain any permits or insurance for the one-day event.

The three-mile Ramble has been one of the most popular Columbus Day events over the years with an estimated 3,000 participants taking place from the very young to seasoned senior citizens and everyone in between. But not this year. Hopefully, the Ramble will return next year when road construction is completed.

 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Biz Briefs: Dream Green Expands, Marie's Closes, Advice for Retiring Docs

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Dream Green Offers Secure Data Destruction

ADAMS, Mass. — Dream Green Recycling is now certified to destroy secure data, opening up possibilities for local municipalities and more to recycle their electronics locally.

Owners Patrick Kennedy and Kyle Danforth said this will help them reach new facilities.

"It allows us to do a lot more, municipalities, government contracts, hospitals, big corporate offices, stuff like that, where they need that badge to do the data destruction and know that, it's done the right way, and it's totally wiped out or destroyed," Danforth said.

The certification took about a year to obtain. Dream Green is one of few facilities in the New England area that has the certification, making it easier for customers to recycle their computer devices locally instead of shipping it outside the county or state.

"With us being able to do it locally reduces the carbon footprint and the emissions. A lot of people are like, 'Oh, we're recycling, but we're shipping it all the way to Rhode Island or New Jersey or out of the state.' And it's like, yeah, you're recycling, but you're really not lowering the carbon footprint because you have that tractor trailer truck or the 18 wheeler that's going over the trail and burning up all those emissions," Danforth said. "So yeah, you're recycling, but in the long scheme of things, you're creating a larger footprint trying to do the right thing," 

The team plans to expand on their certification to include on-site data destruction as well as solid state scrubbing to be able to upcycle the product.

"As we grow, we just listen to what the community lacks and try to fulfill those issues and stuff like that, help solve problems along the way. So this was someone who came to us and said something about how it was hard to do stuff with the E waste, and that's why we diversified in it," Danforth said.

Dream Green is EPA Section 608 certified, which means they are also able to handle refrigerants like refrigerators and air conditioning units.

"Our end goal is we want to be the facility like your scrap yard or your transfer station, where we are the one stop shop for recycling," Danforth said.

Kennedy agreed, "our job is to divert as much material from a landfill as possible. We try to divert as much trash from going to a landfill as possible. That's our main objective of Dream Green Recycling."

Dream Green Recycling opened in late 2023 and provides local drop-off and pickup from its locations at 15 Print Works Drive, Adams, and Downing Industrial Park in Pittsfield. It recycles mattresses, tires, televisions and more.

Marie's Closes on North Street

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Marie's North Street Eatery and Gallery closed its doors for the last time Friday, Feb. 27.

Co-owners Neil Davis and Ashley Marie announced their closure on the Facebook on the following Sunday.

"Bringing Marie's to life every day brought us incredible joy, from renovating the space, to opening a gallery, and of course, to preparing wholesome and tasty food for you, which is what we did best. We truly thank you so much for being a part of it."

The gallery held its ribbon-cutting two years ago at its space at 148 North St. The eatery and gallery had grab-and-go breakfast and lunch items.

The two had opened their eatery in the former Maria’s European Delights, paying homage to her through their name and certain menu items.

Financial Planner Specializes in Health-Care Professionals

WYNANTSKILL, N.Y. — Nate Tomkiewicz, a certified financial planner, specializes in providing fiduciary investment management and comprehensive financial planning, with a primary focus on health-care professionals within 10 years of retirement.
 
Established in May 2025, Tomkiewicz Wealth Management is a registered investment advisory firm.
 
"I founded Tomkiewicz Wealth Management to cut through the noise and provide the kind of specific, high-level guidance that health-care professionals deserve," said Tomkiewicz. "These are people who spend their careers — their lives — caring for others. My goal is to care for their financial future, ensuring they can transition from a high-stress career to a comfortable retirement."
 
After nearly a decade working in the financial services industry, Tomkiewicz founded his own firm to offer personalized, client-first experience. Tomkiewicz Wealth Management was built to address the unique complexities faced by doctors, nurses, and medical professionals who often juggle demanding careers with intricate benefit packages, including 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans, he said.
 
The firm operates as a fee-only fiduciary, meaning it is legally bound to act in the client's best interest at all times. These services include strategies for retirement income, investment management, benefit optimization, tax planning, and planning for health-care costs. 
 
Tomkiewicz Wealth Management serves clients in New York's Capital Region, Berkshire County, and virtually across the country.
 
For more information visit tomkiewiczwm.com or call 518-219-7323.
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