Biz Briefs: North Adams Edward Jones Office Supports Northern Berkshire Santa Fund Toy Drive
Giving back
Walter Lother, the local Edward Jones financial advisor, is supporting the Northern Berkshire Santa Fund toy program by using his office as a drop-off location for this year's toy drive. Local residents may help needy children in the area by bringing in a new, unwrapped toy to the office, 71 Main Street, North Adams, during regular business hours from Nov. 1 through Dec. 1. Especially needed are LEGOs and baby dolls of all types, as well as board games and books.
"With the holiday season around the corner, we are all getting ready for the festivities," Lother said. "And as this is the season of giving, now is a great time to remember the less fortunate in our community." Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company, provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada.
Chamber giving
The North Adams Chamber of Commerce will kick off the holiday season with a Thanksgiving Chamber Night event from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Holiday Inn in North Adams. Delicious treats prepared by their own chefs and door prizes will be given.
Admission is a voluntary donation of $20 or an unwrapped toy for a young child. All toys purchased at Persnickety Toys, 13 Eagle St., North Adams will receive a 20 percent discount. All toys and money collected will be donated to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. RSVP here.
Good for them
Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont was named as one of three Goodwill organizations in the country to receive Goodwill Industries International's operational excellence award for 2016 performance. The award was presented on July 31 at Goodwill's 2017 Summer Conference in Charlotte, N.C.
The award, "Growing the Business Total Growth," recognized Goodwill organizations with the highest growth rate in total donated goods revenue from new and existing retail footprints over the previous year. Goodwill Industries of Greater Washington in Washington, D.C., and Goodwill - Easter Seals Minnesota in St. Paul were the other award recipients in this category.
Goodwill of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont operates six retail stores in Pittsfield, Great Barrington, North Adams, and Lee, Mass., and in Bennington and Rutland in southern Vermont.
Feeling fresh
The indoor season for the Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market kicks off Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the newly renovated Common Room of Zion Lutheran Church, 74 First St. A monthly market, the indoor season runs each second Saturday of the month, November through April.
According to the Farmers Market Coalition, now more than ever, farmers markets serve as anchors across American communities, positively influencing community health and wealth. Markets result in more viable regional economies and local farm businesses, increased access to fresh, nutritious food, and stronger social networks that help keep communities healthy.
Shoppers can stock up on local meats, eggs, cheese, vegetables, baked goods, coffee, wine, art, and more. They can support small farms and businesses, and in turn strengthen our local economy. They can meet their neighbors and build a stronger community in a safe, healthy space. Children can enjoy Pixie Peepers Face Painting and Balloon Ben, while grown ups can enjoy free 10-minute chair massages offered by Radiance Yoga. Artisans will include Carrie Jean Converse, Shire Fire Candles and Things That Work.
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