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. 

Weekend Outlook: Summer Pride

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
12:28PM / Friday, June 12, 2026

Check out the events happening in the Berkshires this weekend including festivals, pride night, free days, and more.

Editor's Pick

The Great Ladybug Release 
The Apple Barn, Bennington Vt.
Friday and Saturday
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join The Apple Barn to learn about ladybugs and why they are good for the environment. Enjoy a storywalk with the kids and you will also be able to release some ladybugs as you enjoy the farm.

More information here.

Multiple Days

2026 Berkshire Yoga Festival
Jiminy Peak, Hancock
June 11 to 14

Another year of yoga in the Berkshires is back featuring yoga teachers from around the world sharing their knowledge as well as local vendors, hiking, art, and more.

More information and tickets here.

Friday 

North Adams Pride Night
Main Street
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.

Come downstreet for the annual Pride Night featuring a drag story hour, local food vendors, dance parties, and more.

More information here.

Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Bring your crafts and work on them with others in the community.

More information here.

Lebanon Valley Drift
Lebanon Valley Dragway, 
West Lebanon, N.Y.
Time: 2 to 8 p.m.

All driving levels are able to participate in the drift or just come to watch others. The food stand will be open to sit and enjoy the show.

More information here.

Saturday

Fair Gardens: Family Programming
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 11 a.m.

Design a little home a fairy would love to reside in. Open to ages 8 to 18 with family, bring your own garden type supplies or use from the library.

More information here.

Mass MoCA Free Day