November 2026

Becket celebrated the ribbon-cutting of a new 15kW wind turbine at Town Hall, concluding three years of work. The grant-funded project will save $9,000 annually, powering municipal buildings with clean energy by November 1. Kathy Dickinson was on the scene.

The Becket Beat is partnering with elementary students for a monthly column and welcoming two new volunteer staff members with diverse tech backgrounds.

Two new stations in Becket are monitoring indoor and outdoor air quality 24/7 as part of the Berkshire County Clean Air Project. The three-year initiative tracks neighborhood-level data to protect vulnerable populations and aid future emergency planning. Marcia Parnell gets us up to speed.

Folk singer Dar Williams performed and discussed community revitalization at the Becket Arts Center, inspiring a panel of local leaders to highlight Becket’s unique strengths. The event focused on building “positive proximity” through local culture, nature, and collaboration. Kathy Baugh has the scoop.

Marcia Parnell reports that MassDOT has secured unexpected federal funds to fast-track repairs on the eroded Route 8 embankment. Additionally, Becket is advancing several road resurfacing projects and upgrading its highway maintenance equipment.

BWES students in grades 2 through 5 completed an immersive, hands-on watershed unit with the Wild and Scenic Westfield River group, exploring local ecosystems through six interactive cross-grade learning stations. Fifth grade teacher Lauren Dolan tells us all about it.

Cathy Terwedow reports on how the Becket Washington Elementary School ad hoc committee is working to boost enrollment by transforming the campus into a vibrant community center, introducing innovative learning blocks, and expanding early childhood outreach.

A few years ago, Becket resident Laurel Burgwardt established free holiday and monthly community meals at the Becket Federated Church, creating a growing tradition of food and fellowship to ensure no one eats alone. Adele Levine fills us in on the details.

The Wild and Scenic Westfield River Committee hosted over seventy Wahconah students for the First Annual October Adventure, an outdoor learning event designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Meredyth Babcock tells us all about it.

November is full of community fun at both the Arts Center and the Athenaeum, with events, classes, activities, and ways to give back for neighbors of all ages. Read all about it!