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Union Street barber Gus Jammalo is offering free haircuts to veterans.

North County Gives Back To Veterans

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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The Williamstown Elementary School Sixth-Grade Choir, under the direction of Betsy Reali on piano, honored veterans in a tribute ceremony Thursday night.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Local businesses and organizations are giving back to veterans this week.

Union Street barber Gus Jammalo is offering free haircuts to any veteran this year.
 
"I am a veteran and was in the Korean War. I didn’t see any combat, but I was a paratrooper and a tank commander," Jammalo said. "I wanted to give something back and do something different. A lot of veterans come in some are rich, some are in bad shape and can’t afford a haircut."

Jammalo said one of his favorite parts of the job is talking to veterans when they come in for a trim.

"Some veterans don’t like to talk about it, but some do and I like to talk to people who were in the service," he said. "It is nice to share stories and talk about our time in the service. I get sailors, infantrymen and some marines who are always special people – they are all great."  

"It will be fun, and I might even meet some new people."

Jammalo said he will also be donating any tips he receives to the American Legion.

Jammalo will offer the free haircuts Nov. 13 through Nov. 16. Veterans will need a valid military ID to get the free haircut.
 
Jammalo isn't the only local business giving back to the troops. Mingo’s Sports Bar and Grill will offer a free meal to all active, inactive and retired military personnel.
 
"It is very important to honor our current and past veterans for all that they have done for our country," Jim Shaker, General Manager of Greylock Bowl and Golf said. "We can't thank them enough for what they have done and for what they are doing for our country. It's the least we can do to thank them."
 
On Veteran’s Day, veterans can stop by Mingo’s for a free appetizer, burger or entrée.
 
Shaker added that Mingo’s has done this in the past and he felt it was important for businesses and individuals to take opportunities like Veterans Day to do something special for those who have served the country.

"We feel it's important to make sure our veterans know that we are so appreciative of the commitment that they make to keep our country safe," Shaker said. "Anything that any business or citizen can do to thank them is important."

After the North Adams Veterans Day Ceremony at the American Legion at 11:00 am and the special dedication for Spc. Michael D. DeMarsico II at the North Adams Armory Saturday at 12:15, Veterans and citizens alike can make their way up to Clarksburg Elementary School to participate in a tabletop gaming fundraiser to support homeless veterans though soldier on.

This event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Veterans were also treated to music Thursday in Williamstown with a Veterans Tribute Concert put on by the Williamstown Elementary School Department of Music and Performing Arts.

The sixth-grade chorus performed patriotic songs and presented cards of thanks to present veterans.
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Clarksburg Gets 3 Years of Free Cash Certified

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Town officials have heaved a sigh of relief with the state's certification of free cash for the first time in more than three years.
 
The town's parade of employees through its financial offices the past few years put it behind on closing out its fiscal years between 2021 and 2023. A new treasurer and two part-time accountants have been working the past year in closing the books and filing with the state.
 
The result is the town will have $571,000 in free cash on hand as it begins budget deliberations. However, town meeting last year voted that any free cash be used to replenish the stabilization account
 
Some $231,000 in stabilization was used last year to reduce the tax rate — draining the account. The town's had minimal reserves for the past nine months.
 
Chairman Robert Norcross said he didn't want residents to think the town was suddenly flush with cash. 
 
"We have to keep in mind that we have no money in the stabilization fund and we now have a free cash, so we have now got to replenish that account," he said. "So it's not like we have this money to spend ... most of it will go into the stabilization fund." 
 
The account's been hit several times over the past few fiscal years in place of free cash, which has normally been used for capital spending, to offset the budget and to refill stabilization. Free cash was last used in fiscal 2020.
 
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