Sen. Downing to Hold Coffee Klatsch in Williamstown

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Sen. Benjamin B. Downing
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — State Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield,  is bringing his rolling series of open monthly meetings, dubbed "Coffee & Conversation" to Williamstown on Friday, Feb. 20, at Town Hall. 

Downing hosts these public forums in rotating communities across the Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin Senate District 10 months out of the year.

"Holding roving office hours in communities throughout my district will create an additional platform by which my constituents may be heard," said Downing.  "People will be able to share with me the issues affecting them, and become more engaged in state government."

All are welcome to drop by to register their thoughts, ideas and concerns, or to simply say hello and share a cup of joe.

While Downing’s community relations and constituent-services hub is his 20 Bank Row district office in Pittsfield, he said serving the largest, most rural district presents communication gaps that he intends to fill.

His district, comprised of 48 municipalities in the westernmost counties of Massachusetts, covers the widest geographic area in the Senate. Downing's Pittsfield office is open during normal business hours Monday through Friday; walk-ins are welcome.

Downing's Coffee & Conversation will be held in the Selectmen's Room at Town Hall, 31 North St., from 10 to noon. During that time, the senator will provide free coffee and open, unscripted conversation to all people interested in speaking with their state senator face-to-face about issues ranging from housing and economic development to human services and health care and everything in between.

To learn about future Coffee & Conversation events, visit Downing's online office at: www.senatordowning.com and click on "Upcoming Events."
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Companion Corner: Lucy at Second Chance Animal Shelter

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ARLINGTON, Vt. — There is an excited and energetic pup looking for her new family.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

Lucy is an 18-month-old heeler/terrier mix with energy to spare. She has been at the Second Chance Animal Shelter for about a month.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to her.

"She is a very energetic girl. She loves to play, and as you can see, she came to us from animal control," she said. 

Lucy was not in a great situation before coming to the shelter and they are still trying to learn more about her.

"They had seized her from a pretty neglectful situation. She was actually technically abandoned. She just came to us this last month, so she's still showing us all of her energy she has," Lasher said.

Lucy is able to go home with a dog-savvy cat and older children as she can be a bit jumpy with her bounds of energy.

"The perfect home for her is one that is able to give her a ton of attention and a ton of time playing, she loves her time outside," said Lasher. "She can run forever and not get tired. She can possibly live with another dog who is used to more of a pushy play style. She can be a little pushy when she plays, just because she's so hyper."

Since she is young, she is still learning and training with the staff and might need more with someone who takes her home.

"To the best of our knowledge, she's just a healthy young girl, because she's only a year and a half old, she still got a little bit of learning and training that she could use."

But Lucy is always happy to see anyone and immediately wants to play and say hi. Her endless energy makes her a great companion to play outside with and then hang out after a long day of fun.

"She's just a super sweet girl again. She'll need some help with the training, but as long as you've got time to burn out her energy, she'll make a great family dog," she said.

If you think Lucy might be the girl for you, reach out to Second Chance Animal Shelter and learn more about her on their website.

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