image description — Six flags representing the five armed services and prisoner of war/missing in action flank the American flag at the Veterans Memorial. The American flag is at half staff because of the shooting tragedy in Aurora, Colo.

Big Y Donates $1K to North Adams Veterans Memorial

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
06:17PM / Wednesday, July 25, 2012Print Story | Email Story

North Adams Big Y Store Director Raanan Hartman, left, Enrico Gaspardi and Mayor Richard Alcombright with a check for $1,000 from Big Y.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Korean War veteran Enrico Gaspardi's plea for funds last year to improve the Veterans Memorial brought in more than $6,000 and resulted in the installation of six flags marking the nation's five armed services and POW/MIA.

That total was bumped up on Wednesday with the announcement of a $1,000 gift from D'Amours Big Y.

Store Director Raanan Hartman said the family-owned supermarket helps to fund projects and programs in the communities that are home to its 65 stores. It offers more than $250,000 in scholarships each year and has donated millions to educational, cultural and medical programs through corporate and private giving by the D'Amour family.

All the requests are reviewed through the corporate office under the watchful eye of customer service representative Betti Boggis. "He called up the office and talked to Betti and worked it out," said Hartman.

"She said I'll put you down for $1,000 but I can't get it to you until June 1," said Gaspardi. The check actually arrived on May 25.

Mayor Richard Alcombright expressed thanks to Big Y for its community partnership and noted the company's efforts in maintaining and improving its North Adams store.


	The installation was dedicated on Veterans Day 2011. Watch the video here. Gaspardi, who paid for the flags, hoisted the Army's flag that day.

"This will help the city be able to maintain [the memorial] in the way that Rico would want it to be maintained," said Alcombright, who envisioned adding plaques to note those who served in the Revolution or in the Civil War. He also pointed out that Gaspardi had dug "deep into his pockets" to ensure that the flags kept flying and were in good shape.

Gaspardi, who spent 21 years in the Army and obtained the select rank of command sergeant major, said his goal was simple: "I wanted to honor all the veterans, servicemen and women."

There was some urgency to the 84-year-old's quest. Gaspardi had told the mayor he wanted to do it before he died, which Alcombright thought at first meant he was dying (he isn't) then thought "it was his way to put pressure on me."

But Gaspardi noted that he was one of only two listed on the Korean War roll still alive, and that he's buried his three younger brothers in the last two years. John, 74, died on June 26.

The Veterans Memorial has provided a lasting tribute to his brothers and sisters in arms, and a place of contemplation for him.

"Once a week, I go and get a cup of coffee and sit in the park," he said.

Tags: flags, veterans, veterans memorial,

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North Adams Students Taste Test for Input on Lunches

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
08:00AM / Sunday, January 18, 2026

Chef Kyle Zegel talks to the children about the food they will be trying on Friday. He will be bringing recipes each month for them to try.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Pupils at Brayton Elementary got to taste test a new side dish as chef Kyle Zegel passed out cups cider-glazed carrots on Friday for the children to try.

Zegel, a food literacy facilitator, said his goal is teach children about farms and how to grow food, and to have a deeper relationship with their food system.

"There's this increasing separation between the natural world and ourselves, and there's this increasing separation between the food system and ourselves," he said. "And we really see that with our students, and with the increasing prevalence of technology and ways that just separate us from interacting with how our food grows. ...

"I think it's just really important to make sure that we're giving students accessible opportunities for experiential learning."

Zegel will be highlighting a "Harvest of the Month" in the North Adams Public Schools through the Massachusetts Farm to School program.

The district last year received a state-funded MA FRESH (Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health) grant toward scratch cooking with more local ingredients. A little less than $7,000 of the $30,000 grant the district received in December will go to Harvest of the Month program.

Director of Food Services Thomas Lark said it was important to connect the children to food that is grown locally. The district is sourcing through Marty's Local in Deerfield.

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