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Six flags representing the five armed services and prisoner of war/missing in action flank the American flag at the Veterans Memorial. The American flag is at half staff because of the shooting tragedy in Aurora, Colo.

Big Y Donates $1K to North Adams Veterans Memorial

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
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North Adams Big Y Store Director Raanan Hartman, left, Enrico Gaspardi and Mayor Richard Alcombright with a check for $1,000 from Big Y.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Korean War veteran Enrico Gaspardi's plea for funds last year to improve the Veterans Memorial brought in more than $6,000 and resulted in the installation of six flags marking the nation's five armed services and POW/MIA.

That total was bumped up on Wednesday with the announcement of a $1,000 gift from D'Amours Big Y.

Store Director Raanan Hartman said the family-owned supermarket helps to fund projects and programs in the communities that are home to its 65 stores. It offers more than $250,000 in scholarships each year and has donated millions to educational, cultural and medical programs through corporate and private giving by the D'Amour family.

All the requests are reviewed through the corporate office under the watchful eye of customer service representative Betti Boggis. "He called up the office and talked to Betti and worked it out," said Hartman.

"She said I'll put you down for $1,000 but I can't get it to you until June 1," said Gaspardi. The check actually arrived on May 25.

Mayor Richard Alcombright expressed thanks to Big Y for its community partnership and noted the company's efforts in maintaining and improving its North Adams store.

The installation was dedicated on Veterans Day 2011. Watch the video here. Gaspardi, who paid for the flags, hoisted the Army's flag that day.
"This will help the city be able to maintain [the memorial] in the way that Rico would want it to be maintained," said Alcombright, who envisioned adding plaques to note those who served in the Revolution or in the Civil War. He also pointed out that Gaspardi had dug "deep into his pockets" to ensure that the flags kept flying and were in good shape.

Gaspardi, who spent 21 years in the Army and obtained the select rank of command sergeant major, said his goal was simple: "I wanted to honor all the veterans, servicemen and women."

There was some urgency to the 84-year-old's quest. Gaspardi had told the mayor he wanted to do it before he died, which Alcombright thought at first meant he was dying (he isn't) then thought "it was his way to put pressure on me."

But Gaspardi noted that he was one of only two listed on the Korean War roll still alive, and that he's buried his three younger brothers in the last two years. John, 74, died on June 26.

The Veterans Memorial has provided a lasting tribute to his brothers and sisters in arms, and a place of contemplation for him.

"Once a week, I go and get a cup of coffee and sit in the park," he said.

Tags: flags,   veterans,   veterans memorial,   

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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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