Letter: Elect Deborah Maynard in Lanesborough

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To the Editor:

Why I'm voting for Deborah Maynard for the Lanesborough Select Board.

I have known Debbie for over 50 years. She is a person of high standards, moral values, intellect and integrity. Having worked with her, I know she possesses a strong work ethic, is competent, committed to excellence and takes pride the quality of her work.

She is active in the community and will bring to public service not only a vast amount of experience in municipal government but from life. Her common sense, character, experience and leadership abilities will guide her in the decision making that is necessary for the Select Board. Debbie grew up here, and is committed to preserving all she loves about this community.

Serving on the Select Board is not always an easy task in a small town. You're always accountable to friends and neighbors who may not always agree with your position. Debbie and I have not always agreed or held the same opinion on issues we've discussed. But Debbie is a listener and not only respects what others think and have to say, but knows you can frequently learn something from another point of view. She is not afraid to stand up, speak up and defend what she believes is right. She does so in a civil way. That, to me, is a clear demonstration of leadership. Being available, listening, asking questions and taking action make her an effective leader.

Debbie will do her very best to serve the interests of what is best for this small town.

She has served on the planning board, public safety building committee and is a volunteer for VITA. When there was a sudden staff turnover at Town Hall in the collector and treasurer offices, Debbie immediately stepped up and volunteered her expertise and time to keep the tax collector's office operating to ensure there would be no disruption of services for residents for the entire interim period. She did this out of devotion to her community.

She is a team player and will serve our community well. I encourage you to cast your vote on June 18 for Deborah Maynard.

Linda Pruyne
Lanesborough, Mass.

 

 

 


Tags: election 2024,   town elections,   

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Pittsfield Considers Repairing East Part Cemetery

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Historical Commission will consider grant opportunities for repairs to East Part Cemetery.

A resident reached out to the city with concerns about degradation in the half-acre burial ground at the top of Williams Street. East Part Cemetery was established in the early 1800s and has about 300 interments. 

“It's a nice old cemetery, and basically, (the resident) had had concerns that the stone wall had taken some damage, the gravestones have taken some damage, and was wondering if there's anything that could be done to repair the gravestones and the wall," City Planner Kevin Rayner told the commission on Monday.

In cooperation with cemetery leadership and residents, the Historical Commission will consider applying for Community Preservation Act funds to support repairs. West Part Cemetery, on the other side of Pittsfield, has previously used CPA funds for revitalization work. 

The 1080 Williams St. property is owned by the city and managed by the Pittsfield Cemetery Commission. Rayner presented photos of broken and overgrown gravestones, parts of the stone wall collapsing, and knocked-over obelisks. 

Some aspects could use general maintenance and restoration, he observed. 

According to the Pittsfield Cemetery and Crematory's website, East Part Cemetery was established around 1808 on land owned by Nathan Webb, who permitted and authorized its use as a public burying ground.  

In 1842, Nathan Webb's son, also named Nathan Webb, deeded the property to the Methodist Episcopal Society of Pittsfield as a public burying ground, and in 1893 the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Society transferred their control of the cemetery to the Proprietors of the Pittsfield Cemetery. Their action was confirmed by the Berkshire Probate Court.

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