Climate action rally in Boston
Pittsfield — On Friday, December 11, world leaders will close the 21st round of international climate negotiations in Paris. Regardless of what happens in Paris, hundreds of people from across New England seeking action on climate change will gather in Boston on Saturday, December 12 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. for a rally and march to demand jobs, justice, and bold climate action. “Jobs, Justice, and Climate: A Rally to Defend New England’s Future” is co-organized by a diverse coalition of organizations including a dozen labor unions and workers’ rights groups, nearly 50 climate and environmental groups, and nearly 40 faith and social justice groups.
350Mass-Berkshires, Berkshire County’s all-volunteer climate action network, has organized a bus to leave from the Lee Big Y parking lot at 9 a.m. on Saturday to bring residents from western Massachusetts to the Boston event.
The speakers at the rally will include:
- Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts
- John Robbins, president, Council on American-Islamic Relations of Massachusetts
- Adrian Ventura, New Bedford Workers Center
- Derek Pelotte, 350 Massachusetts for a Better Future
- Sherri Mitchell, executive director, Land Peace Foundation and member of the Maine Penobscot tribe
The event will begin at Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common and will be followed by a march through downtown and a rally at the State House. The bus will leave from the Big Y parking lot at 9 a.m. sharp, stop briefly at the Holyoke Mall around 10 a.m., leave Boston by 6 p.m. at the latest, and is due back in Lee between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. The cost per seat will be between $10 and $25 depending on how many people register. Cash for seats will be accepted on the bus on Saturday morning if seats remain. Those interested in taking the bus to the rally may register online.
For more information call (413) 652-5387 or email berkshires@350ma.org.
–E.E.
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Tyer announces appointments to administration
Pittsfield — Mayor-elect Linda Tyer has announced the first two appointments to her administration: Catherine VanBramer, who will serve as executive assistant to the mayor; and Roberta McCulloch-Dews, who will serve as director of Administrative Services.
VanBramer most recently served as the senior clerk in the city clerk’s office. She has also held the role of clerk for several Pittsfield boards and commissions including the Charter Review Study Committee, Ordinance Review Committee, and Human Rights Commission. In 2013 VanBramer participated in the Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI) through the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts. She is a 2014 graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Program and currently serves as a member of the program’s steering committee.
McCulloch-Dews is the founder and CEO of RMDews Media, a company that specializes in communications, public relations, and social media services. Prior to establishing her business, she held positions at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, including assistant to the president and assistant director of communications. She currently serves as a commissioner for the Berkshire County Commission on the Status of Women and is a member of the Berkshire Compact for Education. Additionally, McCulloch-Dews is a member of the Norman Rockwell Museum’s board of trustees, as well as a member of the Elizabeth Freeman Center’s board of directors.
Tyer will officially take office on Monday, January 4, 2016.
–E.E.
