Hair Salon Moves to North Adams

By Justin SaldoiBerkshires Intern
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NORTH ADAMS — Pamela Bissaillon and Kim Oakes know loyalty — their customers are so faithful they've followed the women's hair salon north to 81 Main St.

Shear Madness operated in Adams for five years, first on Spring Street and then at 64 Summer St., until the opportunity came to take over a "prime location" on Main Street. The proprietors, who have 45 years of hair experience between them, say the move has had little effect on their business.

"We have received a 98 percent return rate from previous customers since the move," said Bissaillon. "Loyalty like that speaks to the quality of the services we offer." 

The hair salon's services include everything from nails, waxing and coloring to foils, frames and perms.

While it may seem like a "ladies only" affair men shouldn't be dissuaded from stopping by for a trim.

"We chose professional, gender-neutral colors so that all of our clientele can feel relaxed coming in," said Oakes of the red, black and gray interior.



Shear Madness has opened at 81 Main St
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If the cool atmosphere doesn't help customers relax, the salon also has two licensed message therapists who would be more than happy to alleviate their stress.  

The salon made a big splash during the DownStreet Art festival last Thursday when it opened its doors and offered free services and balloons to the public. 

"Being off Main Street is a great opportunity to cater to a large part of the community, plus being near high-traffic areas like [Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art], banks, bus stops and eateries makes our salon a convenience for people with busy schedules," said Bissaillon.

That convenience is reflected in the salon's hours. "Our hours are designed to cater to people getting out of work, school ..., she said. The salon is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday. 

Shear Madness is offering a $5 discount off its services for first-time customers. Bissaillon and Oakes are in the process of hiring six to eight more hair professionals and the salon is expected to be operating at maximum capacity by the end of July.

Walk-ins are welcome but to guarantee service, customers are recommended to schedule ahead of time in person or by calling 413-662-2444.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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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