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What's PlayingBazaarsNov. 21
St. Stanislaus School benefit, 9 to 4 in Kolbe Hall, Adams. Bake sale, snack bar, games, Chinese auctions, money raffle, crafts, and pierogi.
Blackinton Union Church, 1373 Massachusetts Ave., North Adams; 10 to 2. Crafts table, bake sale, Chinese auction, the Christmas table, and kid's grab bag. Lunch $4, $2 kids.
First Congregational Church, North Adams, 9-2.
Nov. 28
Becket Federated Church, Route 8, holiday bazaar from 9-3. Lunch, crafts, baked goods, holiday and other items. Information: Mary Peltier, Parish House, 413-623-5217.
Dec. 5
Holiday Fair at First Congregational Church, 25 Park Place, Lee, from 10 to 3; handcrafted items, raffles, children's shop, bake sale, cut Christmas trees and lunch from 11 to 1. Includes angel-themed goods from SERRV. Information, 413-243-1033 or www.ucc-lee.org.
Dec. 12-13
North Adams Country Club, crafts 9-4; food from That's a Wrap from 11-2. Information: Sheryl Morehouse at 413-822-3329.
Planning a bazaar this season? Submit information to info@iberkshires.com to have it listed here. |
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Williamstown Barn Burns After Lightning StrikeBy Tammy Daniels
iBerkshires Staff
10:12PM / Thursday, August 07, 2008
WILLIAMSTOWN — A barn at Bonnie Lea Farm went up in flames after being hit by lightning earlier this evening.
No one was injured and no animals harmed but the barn is a total loss, said Carol DeMayo, who owns the family horse farm on North Street with her husband, Richard.
The lightning struck at about 5:30, as a series of severe storms moved across North Berkshire.
"We saw it," said DeMayo by phone. "Our television blew. And five children were in that barn when it hit."
The youngsters had sought shelter in the big haybarn from the rain. Instead, they found themselves in danger as lightning surged through the electrical wiring, spitting out of a light switch and igniting a nearby bale of hay.
DeMayo said the children did the right thing, running out to call for help.
"Because of their quick action, they're heroes and they all got out safely," she said.
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Photos courtesy Elizabeth Winthrop
The hay barn at Bonnie Lea Farm burns after being struck by lightning. |
There were five horses in the barn, too, and it took some doing to get them out — horses can be obstinate in leaving what they perceive as the safety of their stalls.
DeMayo said five people hit them to force them out as her husband struggled to open the stall guard, but the horses broke through on their own and fled the barn. She thinks all the cats got out, too, but they won't know until they count them tomorrow.
The Fire Department responded to the scene and called Clarksburg and Pownal, Vt., for mutual aid. Traffic was rerouted from Route 7 over Syndicate Road as firefighters tapped into nearby hydrants; neighbors watched the flames from their porches. One described it as "devastating."
Firefighters were still at the scene later that evening and the barn was still smoldering, said DeMayo.
"All of Williamstown smells like smoke," said Lisa DeMayo, the DeMayos' daughter, who's managed the farm since 1991, offering riding lessons, boarding and training.
This is the second time lightning has struck Bonnie Lea Farm with tragic results. In 2005, two draft horses were killed after lightning hit them while they were out in a pasture.
It was also the second time in a matter of weeks that lightning had struck in Williamstown. Thomas Mahar of Pine Cobble Drive found a lightning strike had taken out a child's swing on a playset in his back yard and left a spidery hole in the ground last month.
Frequent intense electrical storms have boomed over New England this summer. Nearly two weeks ago, a New Jersey man was hit by lightning as he ran across Tanglewood's lawn to a concert at The Shed. And lightning started two house fires in Vermont last month, one of which was fatal. Nearly a dozen people in Dorchester were injured after lightning hit a tree they were under, prompting the state Emergency Management Agency to release warning about the danger.
At Bonnie Lea, lives were saved but nothing else in the barn. The wood structure was used to store hay — a winter's worth is gone. Trunks of tools and tack. Saddles and show bridles.
"We don't know what we've lost," said Carol DeMayo. "We can barely breathe."
But, she added, "Our kids are safe. Our animals are safe." |
| Carol and Richard: You may not remember me very well but I spent a few days at your farm as a travelling exchange student from Panama. I had always treasured the time I spent at your beautiful farm back in 1984. I am sorry for your loss and I am so glad everyone is safe and sound. Would love to hear from y'all. My family and I are planning a trip to the Northeast this coming winter.(mirandag@cableonda.net) | | from: Jose Nilo Miranda | on: 09-23-2008 |
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| Ron Baldwin, Williamstown contractor has started the first building. Tomorrow, Sat. Aug.23rd at 9 he plans to get major work done. This building is smaller than the original barn but will house our stallion who has had such a tough time since the fire. (Cadet just wants to be where he can look out and see what he is used to.) There will be some space also to put in some hay. We will have notices in several places when we get to the next hay storage barn for those who have so kindly offered help. We may try to put some stalls off the back of the rear barn at some time in the future. Thanks to all of you for all you have done to help us. We have loved seeing and hearing from so many friends from the past. Love, DeMayos | | from: Carol De Mayo | on: 08-22-2008 |
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| I was shocked when my father sent me the link to the story of your fire. Although I left Williamstown 35 years ago, I still consider it to be home & have wonderful memories of the times I spent at your home/farm. I rode my 1st horse there. I had the epitome of a sleigh ride there & will never forget the sounds & smells. Andrea was my brother's 1st crush! I wish there was more I could do to help you. Thank you for contibuting to an awesome childhood & a lifetime of memories. | | from: Deirdre (Bellows) Wheelan | on: 08-16-2008 |
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| Bonnielea Farm and the DeMayo's was the subject of conversation just three weeks ago following my niece and nephews' day at camp and my Mom and Dad's visit with Mr. and Mrs. DeMayo. The news of this devastation is heartbreaking. You are in my thoughts and prayers. | | from: Helen Lekowski-McNeill | on: 08-12-2008 |
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| Oh my God, oh my God...that's all that I could say when I heard your news today. There are no words - only thanks that all human and animal types are alive, although not so well. I love you ALL so much and want to help in any way that I can. I will be in touch. Love, Marcia | | from: Marcia McMahon | on: 08-12-2008 |
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Very sorry to hear the news about the loss of the barn, but glad to know that all the people and animals got out safely. As others have posted here, there are so many great memories of the hours spent in that barn and on your farm.
Sending our love and prayers from Seattle,
Sarah | | from: Sarah Shepherd | on: 08-12-2008 |
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Wow, so good to hear from all of you. We have been recounting memories from our childhood of playing in the barn with cousins and friends, swinging from the upper hay loft into the lower one on the rope that hung from the highest beams! I won't ever forget the face of Miss Crowley when she screamed at the thought of all of the 3rd graders climbing the wall to swing on the rope... or crossing the beams! Christmas Mass was held in that barn for years... so many foals were born in there, Johnny, Sirius, Early, Jitterbug, Luminosity, etc. Lots of late nights getting ready for numerous shows... it goes on for generations of stories. Well, the news stories didn't tell it all... When Cadet was put out with the ponies he was more than excited! He thought Fuzzy was cute! Fuzzy wanted to get the ape off of his back and will be in therapy for a while!(Fuzzy is a gelding, Cadet is a 34yr. old stallion) Once we were able to get them apart we were on to keeping the peace with the 24 horses which we turned loose out of the back barn. The horses were so co-operative, I wish everyone had the oportunity to turn out through the barnyard the way we do, I think when Spinner broke the web to get out the back door he was able to lead the "paddock" horses out to safety.
Just like Andrea said, this place wouldn't be what it is without our extended family! Thanks to all. Love, Lisa | | from: Lisa DeMayo | on: 08-11-2008 |
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On behalf of the Healey family I can say we are all thinking of you and praying thanks that all of your precious lives were spared and that the animals are fine. We have a lot of special memories there. We send you happy thoughts and all our love as you put things back together..
Love,
Peggy Linn and the Healey Family | | from: Peggy Linn | on: 08-11-2008 |
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Lisa & Mr Mrs Demayo There Are so many memories of being at the barn. It's so hard to hear about a devastation like this. Your very special to us. We wanted you to know you have our support and if you need anything please feel free to call on us.
Love Always
Beth & Dina Salvatore | | from: | on: 08-11-2008 |
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Thank you to all of the true friends who have sent their prayers and concerns and to those who have been there cleaning, caring, hugging, working and cooking. Bonnie Lea Farm is much bigger than the DeMayos and that is because our extended "family" is such an important part of our lives. We have a long way to go, but we could not have gotten through these days without your love and support. You are all blessings to us. Your words and actions keep us going!
With Love and Thanks,
Andrea and all the DeMayo Family | | from: Andrea | on: 08-11-2008 |
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| I was one of the lucky children to get out in time! I was so afraid we were going to loose a horse or something. Some of the horses were being brats and didnt want to come out! Ive had so many fantastic memories at that barn. And to think it is all gone! But i am thankful none of my friens got hurt and that all the horses are safe! | | from: Celia | on: 08-11-2008 |
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Dear Lisa, Mr & Mrs. D,
I just went to the web site and heard the news. I am so sorry to hear about the barn, there are so many memories in that barn it is so sad to hear that it is gone. I am happy to here that everyone is okay and the horses are okay too. My thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone. Think about you guys often. | | from: Jennifer Howard/NC | on: 08-10-2008 |
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DeMayo's, the memories everyone of us have for that absolutely amazing barn will never leave us. From the days standing in the aisles on buckets, braiding our horses manes and tales while they stand in cross-ties in a line for the upcoming show, cleaning our tack vigilantly, baling hay and stacking it up high into the rafters, chasing the crazy cats up the rafters as well, and of course mucking those stalls! These memories are so special to every person who has stepped foot into the wonderful place that is Bonnie Lea Farm. From this tragedy there will most certainly be something great! Something unimaginable will emerge. This is what the DeMayo family instills in all of us and we will all come together for the support of you!
Much love to all of you!
| | from: Aly Messina | on: 08-10-2008 |
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| Dick and Carol:So sorry.You guys are THE nicest people in the world and the repeat problems mother nature has thrust upon you is a true test.I know you will come overcome again.Your demeanor is a very strong trait and we wish both of you the best.I know you both are thankful nobody was hurt.Love.....Rick and Nancy. | | from: Rick/Nancy Taft | on: 08-09-2008 |
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Dear Dick and Carol, Thank God you are all ok and the animals are safe. I haven't been there in probably 32 years but always enjoyed it.
I am Norm and Betty's youngest.
God Bless you ALL
Juanita | | from: Juanita Williamson | on: 08-09-2008 |
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Lisa, Carol and Dick very sorry to hear of your loss. Thank God the children and horses got out ok. Our prayers are with you and everyone that lost something to the fire. So many riders have memories involving time spent at the barn, I am sure the fire will be sad news for all of them.
Joanne & Paul Russell | | from: Paul & Joanne Russell | on: 08-08-2008 |
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| Dear Dick and Carol - wow - even in California, this fire to your property gives me goosebumps! Thanks to Arlene for getting the news to family members. I am glad all are OK - will pass along information to Norm and Betty. Love, Cousin Nancy | | from: Nancy Garren | on: 08-08-2008 |
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Carol, Dick, Lisa & Family:
We are very sorry to hear about your misfortune. Thank God no one nor any animals were hurt. It is a blessing and a tribute that the children acted so sensibly. Our thought and prayers are with you.
Love, Diane & Jay
| | from: Diane & Jay Van Kempen | on: 08-08-2008 |
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Prayers are with the DeMayo family. We are so relieved no animals or people were injured.
| | from: Concerned | on: 08-08-2008 |
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| Mr. & Mrs. D and Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear about the 3rd barn, so many good memories there. I'm glad everyone is okay and you got all of the horses out safely. You're in our thoughts and prayers. -Amber, Jack and Brenda | | from: Amber Lettre | on: 08-08-2008 |
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Dick and Carol,
So sorry to hear about the fire.
Glad no one was hurt.
Best,
Phyllis | | from: phyllis mcguire | on: 08-08-2008 |
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Andrea and family,
Know that you are in my prayers. Is there anything else I can do at this time?
Love and prayers,
| | from: Margie Copeland | on: 08-08-2008 |
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| its sad to see that barn gone ive had so many good memories in that barn. i am extremely thankful that know one was hurt and the horses got out safely. i live close to the barn and on our way home i looked at the barn it was looking as it normally does and now i see it a couple hours late i just could not believe what i saw. But again im thankful everyone is ok. | | from: kevin | on: 08-07-2008 |
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