Avery Family Begins Transformation At Former Peno’s Bar

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Scott Avery and family are moving forward with renovations to the property at 139 Ashland St. in North Adams. Renovations to the building began officially the morning of Wednesday, April 4, when Mayor John Barrett III to the first swing at an interior wall of what will soon be operated by the Averys as "Canteen." Canteen will be a restaurant featuring American regional comfort foods and cocktails in a Mission-style inspired interior.

"Mayor Barrett, and the entire staff at City Hall, have been very encouraging and helpful with this process from the beginning," said Walter W. Avery, who with his wife Anita is helping Scott Avery with this venture. "We thought it only appropriate that the mayor take a "first swing" at what will be one of many new restaurants he has worked hard to bring to North Adams."

The Averys purchased the building last October from Robert Pontier.

"Bob operated Peno's for many years in North Adams," Avery said. "He was ready for retirement at the same time we were looking to invest in a downtown North Adams location. The timing couldn't have been better."


Scott Avery, perhaps best known as a local caterer and restaurateur at the former Savories of Williamstown, will operate Canteen.

"I am very excited to be involved with all the new growth here in North Adams. We will have a facility that will not only house a state-of-the-art kitchen for both catering and a restaurant, but a comfortable and welcoming environment for our guests," he said. "Architect David Westall is to be congratulated on his interior and exterior designs for the building. Once finished by Kip MacDonald and Jim Secor of MacDonald-Secor Associates of Bennington, Canteen will surely be a North County destination."

Canteen is planning a construction party in the near future. To be added to the Canteen mailing list for information about this and other opening events, contact Scott Avery at 663-8656 or by email at chefscott@att.net.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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