Hometown Hero Banner Program Expands Across Northern Berkshire Municipalities

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire Veterans' Services Office has announced the opening of the Hometown Hero Banner Program across multiple area municipalities, offering local communities an opportunity to publicly honor military service members and veterans.
 
The regional initiative includes participation from Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Florida, Lanesborough, North Adams, Savoy, and Williamstown.
 
Designed to commemorate all active-duty service members, as well as living, discharged, and deceased veterans, the program installs personalized banners featuring photos and details of local heroes on municipal telephone poles and streetlights.
 
Community Banner Details
 
Adams: Expanding its existing Park Street tribute—which previously honored only those killed in action—to include all active, living, and deceased veterans.
 
North Adams: Rolling out a second wave of banners across the city following strong community participation during the initial launch.
 
Lanesborough: Program operations are being managed directly through Town Clerk Ruth Knysh (413-442-1351).
 
Clarksburg, Cheshire, & Williamstown: Currently accepting applications while finalizing banner placement locations based on total participation.
 
Florida & Savoy: Applications are open, though final town approvals remain pending ahead of upcoming Town Meetings (Florida's vote is slated for Aug. 26).
 
Costs and Application Process
Banners are expected to cost between $125 and $150, varying slightly by municipality and banner size.
 
According to organizers, the fee covers initial production, ongoing maintenance, and replacement banners. A portion of the proceeds will also fund a hardship assistance program to ensure financial constraints do not prevent veterans from being recognized. Organizers noted that a minimal renewal fee may be instituted in the future to maintain the banners long-term.
 
Residents interested in sponsoring a banner for a family member or local veteran can contact the Northern Berkshire Veterans' Services Office at 413-662-3040 for application details and requirements.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Healey Makes Berkshire Campaign Swing: 'I Stand With You'

By Tammy Daniels & Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey says she endorses Healey and Kim Driscoll '150 percent' as they pursue a second term as governor and lieutenant governor, respectively. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Maura Healey was in the Berkshires on Monday to rally support for a second four-year term as governor. She spoke at a meet and greet on Main Street, visited small businesses on North Street in Pittsfield, and planned to stop in Great Barrington on Tuesday.
 
Speaking with dozens of supporters at the new Main & Mill restaurant, the Democrat ticked off successes over her term and challenges ahead in education, energy, healthcare and housing.
 
"I go around the state and I talk to colleagues around the country. People are hurting. You know, they can't afford gas, groceries, rent. Everything it seems has gotten more expensive," she said. "We got a president who continues to cut and make things more expensive and more difficult for all of us.
 
"I mean, except for the very rich and the very powerful, it didn't work out really well for a lot of people across this country right now, which is why state leadership I think, is all the more important."
 
Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who hosted the meet and greet, said Healey "gets what it is to grow a community, and she has supported me for the last 4 1/2 years." 
 
"No matter where you sit or who you represent, you are important to Governor Healey, and I know that firsthand because we talk often about the work that we do, the work we do in the weeds, the work we do at higher end, but Governor Healey gets it," she said, adding at a walkthrough of the Greylock School project later that she supports Healey and her running mate Kim Driscoll "150 percent."
 
Healey touted her role in being the "first governor in 20 years" to cut taxes, pointing to increases in tax credits for seniors and families, and signing the $5 billion housing act that allows accesory dwelling units by right and offered incentives for converting office space.
 
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