2026

Aaron Beatty highlights the Becket Volunteer Fire Department’s centennial, celebrating 100 years of service. Powered by tradition, strong mutual aid, and a new generation of volunteers, the department continues protecting our community.

Becket residents gathered at the historic parade grounds to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday by planting an “Oak Tree of Liberty,” symbolizing community strength, resilience, and enduring freedom.

There’s a convenient new book-borrowing option in Becket Center, offering local residents a fresh alternative for finding a summer read without having to make your way to the north end of town.

Susan Neul details Japanese Knotweed’s evolution from an admired 19th-century ornamental plant into a destructive invasive species. She highlights its aggressive root spread and introduces a novel starvation method used in Becket to eradicate it.

Adele Levine explores “Charcoal City,” a historic Becket neighborhood defined by its 19th-century charcoal industry. Despite the industry’s decline and vanished kilns, the area’s name survives through local heritage and official state designation.

A new Warming/Cooling Center is open in the Becket Town Hall Community Room to help residents combat extreme weather. Volunteer-staffed daytime operations take place during severe temperature alerts.

Becket’s Municipal Buildings Advisory Committee estimates that replacing the Highway Department facility and improving the ambulance station will cost $10–$12 million. The town approved a $75,000 feasibility study to evaluate potential sites.

The Becket Arts Center presents a full August schedule featuring yoga, dance, workshops, and free concerts at North Becket Park alongside the Athenaeum’s community reading programs and book sales. Highlights include a Sashiko workshop, the Summer Celebration of the Arts, and author readings—running through early September.