Nominations Sought for Northern Berkshire 2027 Peacemaker Award

07:17AM / Thursday, October 29, 2026Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Peacemaker Award is given annually to an individual or group in Northern Berkshire for their volunteer efforts.

The award originated as part of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and is made to persons who have contributed substantially to peace in the region.

In general, the Peacemaker Award recognizes persons who have a history of working with people and/or neighborhoods and communities to provide for greater tolerance, understanding, and caring. While the award may be made to a person or group well known in the region, those making nominations are particularly urged to consider those who have dedicated significant personal time and have made contributions without much recognition, stated a press release.

Past Peacemakers include Kenna Waterman, Don Quinn Kelley, Mark Rondeau, Mark Lincourt, Pastor Dave Anderson, Al & Cindi McLain, PopCares, Inc., Dick Alcombright, Bilal Ansari, Kerri Nicoll, Mary Lou Accetta, Mary Frances Curns, Gina Coleman, and Wendy Penner.

To nominate a Peacemaker, pick up a form at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition office at 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams, or nominate online at https://bit.ly/2027-Peacemaker. Nominations must be received by December 4, 2026.

The recipient of the 2027 Peacemaker Award will be announced in the new year, and the award will be presented to them at the 2027 MLK Jr. Day of Service event on Monday, January 18, 2027.

The MLK Jr. Day of Service Committee is also seeking new members interested in helping to plan the January 2027 event. To join the committee, please call the Coalition at (413) 663-7588.

Tags: NBCC, peacemaker,

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North Adams City Council Seeking Candidates for Vacated Seat

Staff reportsiBerkshires
08:28PM / Wednesday, October 28, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council is accepting letters of interest to fill the seat being vacated by Councilor Alexa Macdonald.

Macdonald was elected in 2025 for the two-year term but is moving out of the area. Her resignation is effective on Sunday, Nov. 1. The person selected to replace her will serve out the final year of her term.

"We are asking that individuals interested in filling the vacancy or being considered submit a letter of interest to the city clerk and myself, outlining the reasons for seeking the position, along with a current resume and any other additional information they feel relevant," said Council President Ashley Shade. "Previous experience in elected office is not required. The deadline for submitting letters of interest and supporting materials is Wednesday, Nov. 4th, at noon, which is also our deadline for submitting items to our agenda."

Communications should be sent ashade@northadams-ma.gov and City Clerk Tina Leonesio at tleonesio@northadams-ma.gov. If desired, candidates can email the entire council at citycouncil@northadams-ma.gov.

Shade made the announcement at Tuesday's council meeting, noting the process is outlined in the council's rules of order and aligned with the city charter.

The candidates will be able to speak for themselves at the meeting of Nov. 10, when the council will vote on Macdonald's replacement.

"All candidates will be nominated, and then we will have a vote," Shade said. "It'll be roll call, which is in our rules, and we will name the person that we're voting for by roll call, that's how the voting will happen."

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