image description
The volunteers pose while serving at the Veterans Day dinner at the Greylock Community Club on Monday.

Veterans, Families Served Free Meals at Greylock Community Club

By John DurkaniBerkshires Staff
Print Story | Email Story
Greylock Community Club members served free food to veterans, their families and the public on Veterans Day. At left, Ray Aubin, left, Jim Wondolowski and Huey Rand cooked about 68 pounds of roast beef for the dinner.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Veterans Day didn't wind down until long after the 21-gun salute on Monday — after all, dinner wasn't served until 4 p.m. at the Greylock Community Club.
 
The club hosted a free dinner for veterans, their families and friends for two hours that evening.
 
"This is all about the veterans and I hope they enjoyed their meal," said Joanne Aubin, a club member who volunteered serving throughout the night.
 
The all-volunteer effort, featuring cooks Ray Aubin, Jim Wondolowski and Huey Rand, served more than 100 veterans roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn and bread. In addition to dinner, a table full of desserts was donated by members.
 
"This is the least we can do," said Trustee Tim Sunn, who quickly made rounds bussing table to table and keeping supplies in check.
 
Club President Randy Wood said Greylock Community Club has roots back to the service because it was founded by World War II veterans. The Veterans Day dinner started seven  years ago as the initiative of bar manager JoAnn Langlois.
 
"And we'll do it again next year," Wood said.
 
With less than two months left in the calendar year, the Greylock Community Club has a couple more upcoming fundraisers and events.
 
On Thursday, Nov. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m., the club will host a benefit spaghetti dinner to help fund Diane Bleau's recovery from a bike accident. Tickets are $7 and there will be a 50/50 raffle, a dessert table and to-go meals available. For tickets or more information, contact Connie at 413-664-9402.
 
The club will also organize two more benefits for the holiday season — a children's Christmas party and a dinner giveaway.
 
Sunn said 10 families will be selected from a list compiled by club members to receive a free Christmas dinner that includes a 20-pound turkey and the fixings, "right down to the apple pie." People who are in most need of the dinner, either from a lost job, unemployment or tough luck will be selected. 
 
In December, the club will also donate about $3,000 in toys to local children at the Christmas party.
 
"We go all out," Sunn said. "We do a lot, it's amazing."

Tags: benefit,   veterans,   volunteers,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Northern Berkshire Celebrates Spirit of Caring Award Recipients

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

NBUW Executive Director Patti Messina recognizes two 'dynamic' women retiring this year: Janice Broderick and Christine MacBeth. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire United Way on Thursday saluted members of the community who have stepped beyond their roles to help and support others. 
 
Among them was state Rep. John Barrett III, former longtime mayor of North Adams, who was recognized not only for his efforts on behalf of the city for so many years but a "softer side" not always apparent. 
 
The celebration was NBUW's sixth annual Spirit of Caring Awards, held at Norad Mill and attended by its member agencies, sponsors and community members. The room was packed at 3 West for the presentations of the Spirit of the Future Award to Officer Stephanie Mirante, the newly named Steve Green Spirit of Community Award to Wild Oats and the Al Nelson Spirit of Caring Award to Barrett. Also recognized was Adams Heating & Plumbing for campaign of the year. Barrett also provided a proclamation from the House to his fellow recipients. 
 
Executive Director Patti Messina first wanted to recognize two women who are retiring after years of serving the community: Janice Broderick of the Elizabeth Freeman Center and Christine Macbeth, president and CEO of the Brien Center. 
 
"They leave behind a legacy of dedication, commitment and hard work to this community," she said. "We salute you and thank you for your accomplishments."
 
Sharon DeMyer-Nemser and Ellen Sutherland, both members of the board of directors, presented Barrett, elected to the House in 2017, with the award. 
 
"Although John really needs no introduction, we would like to take a moment to review John's past and storied history in our community," said DeMyer-Nemser, ticking off accomplishments including fighting for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and convincing political leaders that arts and culture are vital components in building a strong creative economy in the Berkshires during his 26 years as mayor and representing North Berkshire on Beacon Hill. 
 
View Full Story

More North Adams Stories