We would like to share some spring-like news for this fall issue. The Becket Beat is partnering with the Becket Washington Elementary School to publish a column written directly from the students. Under the guidance of 5th-grade teacher Lauren Dolan, students Emma Matthews, Vivian Pratt, Siscel Bruce-Cole, Weston Dietlin, Amelia Karpinski, Jamison Zalepeski, and Alanna Lavoie will be submitting a monthly article on a topic that matters to them. In this issue Dolan introduces us to the students and to the curriculum they are studying, focused on the Westfield River Watershed and its role in our environment. We are off to a great start and can’t wait to hear more from these enterprising young minds.
We also want to introduce two new volunteer staff to the Becket Beat: Joe Bazydlo and Austin Bazydlo. Both are new to Becket, coming from the Washington, D.C., area. Joe has a background in engineering and technology and looks to use that to inform the community on topics like energy resources, housing, archeology, and culture. Austin has expertise in AI, medical physics, and human services and will use that knowledge to help us better understand AI and its impact on our everyday lives. He is also passionate about cooking and promises to share some of his favorite recipes with us.
As we head into the holidays and approach 2027, we feel incredibly grateful for the renewed energy that Joe, Austin, and the students will bring to our community.
Have an amazing Thanksgiving!
