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Lanesborough Select Board Sees New Member, Chair

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The Select Board welcomed a new member on Monday and elected Deborah Maynard as chair.  

Last week, just under 4 percent of the town's registered voters turned out for the election of a Select Board member, two Finance Committee seats, and more. Jason Breault secured a three-year seat on the board, replacing Timothy Sorrell, who did not stand for election. 

"It's great to have Jason on board. I'm really happy," Maynard said. 

On June 17, 98 of the town's 2,573 registered voters turned out to Town Hall for the election. Breault had 66 votes, and there were 27 write-ins. 

Juli Ann Baker and Vera Yvonne Farrell secured three-year terms on the Finance Committee, and Eleanore Goerlach was elected as a library trustee. 

At the beginning of the Select Board meeting, Chair Michael Murphy indicated that he is "certainly willing and interested in continuing [as chair], but that really is up to the three of us together." Recognizing that Murphy's term expires in 2026, Maynard indicated her interest in becoming chair, and said, "in case this is your last year and you don't go on to another one, I would like somebody here to help me out in case I mess up." 

Maynard was elected chair 2-1 with Murphy voting in opposition.



"My first thought is, I didn't even take the chair out until I completed three years of my first term, and I think that's important to complete a full term before you take another responsibility on," he said. 

Maynard was elected last year, filling the seat left vacant by longtime board member John Goerlach.

in other business, Town Administrator Gina Dario said a review expiring commission and board terms are done at the end of the fiscal year and individuals holding those positions are contacted to see if they are interested in being reappointed. 

There are vacancies in the Board of Health, Tree and Forest Committee, and the Board of Assessors, and there could be other vacancies if people decide not to be reappointed. 

"So if people are interested at any point in understanding more about any particular committees, I really encourage them to reach out to me in the first instance, or go directly to that committee chair," Dario said. 

"We will keep the list of vacancies updated on the committee's web page, on the town website. We've done a really good job in trying to give that visibility."

Maynard said some young people have expressed interest in getting involved in town government. She urged newcomers to town and longtime residents to get engaged. 

"Come on and see what our town is all about," she said. "Get involved." 
 


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Pittsfield's Christian Center Announces Community Day, 'Big News'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After collecting community input about a potential new name and programming opportunities, the Christian Center says it will make a big announcement this summer. 

The nonprofit plans to unveil "big news" during its annual Community Day on Aug. 22, Executive Director Jessica Jones told the Homelessness Advisory Committee on Wednesday. 

To accommodate different work schedules, Monday through Friday pantry hours were extended to include the second and fourth Saturday of every month; the pantry and lunch open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

"Having some Saturday availability, we're hoping, is going to be helpful for those whose work schedules don't allow for weekday visits to the pantry," Jones said. 

"And we also know that more and more working people are having to make tough decisions about whether or not they spend their money on food or gas or rent or any of the other things that they have to make decisions about." 

HAC Chair Kim Borden said the Saturday hours are very exciting. 

"And I love your thinking on that, because you're right, limited hours when folks are working and picking up kiddos from daycare, there isn't always enough time," she added. 

The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974, but it dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission, founded by the Methodist Church. 

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