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Berkshires Beat: Honoring Downing On His Way Out
02:31PM / Monday, May 23, 2016
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Sen. Benjamin Downing, who is not seeking re-election this fall, is racking up awards and honors.

More praise: State Sen. Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield) received awards from advocates for the Massachusetts tourism industry and advocates for clean energy in two ceremonies at the State House earlier this month.

Downing, a former chair and current vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, was presented with a Champion of Tourism award at Massachusetts Tourism Day. The annual event is sponsored by the Regional Tourism Councils and the Mass Office of Travel and Tourism. Tourism is the third-largest industry in Massachusetts, supporting over 132,000 jobs and generating $19.5 billion annually in visitor spending.

Downing also was honored by the Northeast Clean Energy Council with their Energy Vanguard Award. The presentation was part of Clean Energy Day at the State House, an event that brings clean energy industry leaders to showcase the importance of clean energy for the environment and the regional economy.  As Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, Downing led recent conference committee negotiations to produce legislation that increases the cap on solar net metering. That legislation was signed into law by Gov.Baker on April 11.


New website: To reverse its standing as the Berkshires’ “best kept secret,” Berkshire Natural Resources Council, the county’s leading charitable land conservation organization, will unveil a new website, logo and tagline on May 25 to help clarify its mission and public benefit in the Berkshires.

Along with features like “Top 10 Trail” recommendations, the website at www.bnrc.org will unveil a new tagline and look for the organization: “The Landkeepers.”

The new website will be followed by redesigned road signs, kiosks and other improvements intended to make clear that Council lands are open to the public.

Tim Lovett, a Council board member and the co-founder of Berkshire Property Agents, led a creative team that included Tad Ames, the organization’s presiden, brand consultant Karen Slade, graphic designer Jennifer Clark, web designer Brian Martin, and web developers Kit Latham and Jessica Thomson.


Healthy dining: In honor of the Berkshire Mayor’s Fitness Challenge, a variety of food establishments will be offering Mayors’ Fitness Challenge meals and deals during the week of May 22-28, many of these food establishments are also part of the Be Well Berkshires Healthy Dining Initiative.

The Mayor’s Fitness Challenge meal or option will offer a healthy entrée or side dish that will include fruit and/or vegetables, smaller portions or discounts. These healthy options make the healthy choice the easy choice, and as healthy dining restaurants, many of these healthy options can be ordered all year round. Mayor’s Fitness Challenge Participants can receive “points” just for dining at the participating food establishments, as well as receive points by enjoying the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge options being offered. This is a fun and healthy way to support our local economy and community. Please visit the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge Facebook page to learn of the Specials during the week!

Participating restaurants for North Adams and Pittsfield are: Freight Yard Pub, Eat To Total Health, Grazie, Oh Crepe, Wild Oats, Desperados, Lickety Split, The Marketplace Café, Bagels, Too, Guidos Café.

A full list of Healthy Dining Options Restaurants can be found at www.bewellberkshires.com. For more information about the Berkshire Mayor’s Fitness Challenge visit www.berkshiremfc.com.


Rousing success: More than 225 people attended St. Joseph Central High School’s sixth annual fundraising gala, “Evening with the Stars,” at the Crowne Plaza on April 29, which raised an amazing $91,000 after expenses for the school. The event recognized alumni and community leaders who have made significant contributions to their communities and the world.

Sen. Benjamin Downing, a St. Joseph alumnus (class of 1999), led the ceremony during which 10 individuals were inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. Among the honorees were Barrington Stage’s Founder and Artistic Director Julianne Boyd, John Bresnahan (1972), Matthew Cusson (1996), Donna Decker (1974), Patrick Gormalley (1965), Paul Kalill (1961), Carol McGinty, Nancy Lusignan Schultz (1974), Margaret Leahey-Walsh (1988) and Dale Zola.

Prior to the ceremony, three current St. Joseph students and one parent spoke ardently about their experiences at the school. They were Taylor Jordao, Olivia Bullock and Joey Maynard with his mother Risa Maynard. Their compelling insights helped influence the live scholarship auction, which raised in excess of $40,000 for scholarships for future students.

After graduating from St. Joseph High in 1961, honoree Paul Kalill served as an army captain in the Vietnam War, for which he received a Bronze Star. Today, he practices law and teaches higher education in Westfield.

“If you learned one thing at St. Joe, one thing that I took with me, it was to care about others and to do things for others. And that was a lesson that really helped me later in life to do the things that I was able to do,” said Kalill.

The school reports that projected enrollment for the incoming freshmen class for 2016-17 will more than triple the current class with more applications expected after a full Student Shadow Day on May 10. The admission office is encouraging interested students to call to schedule their interviews and visit before June 3 in order to be eligible for financial assistance.  For information call 413-447-9121.

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