Post Cmdr. Michell Keil presents Dennis Labonte with a certificate of appreciation.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— American Legion Post 125 held a special celebration last week to honor Dennis Labonte, who after 38 years of cooking the annual Be Our Guest Dinner is passing on his duties to a new generation
"We have some good people here to come and take over, and I know they will do a great job," Labonte said.
The Be Our Guest Dinner is a free dinner Post 125 hosts every Dec. 25 for veterans and community members together who may not have a place to go on Christmas Day.
During the ceremony, Labonte ritualistically handed over his trusty spatula to Brittany Lillie and her fiance, CJ Hazel. Both have worked extensively in the food industry.
Lillie, past commander Dennis St. Pierre's granddaughter, has been around the community dinner her entire life.
"Every Christmas before we went to see our families we would always come here first to see Dennis," Lillie said. "This will be a different side of such an important tradition."
Hazel, a man of few words, already had his mind on the menu.
"Ham, glazed carrots, stuffing, mashed potatoes," Hazel said aloud running through a mental list as he scoped out the kitchen.
Lillie said Hazel will do the lion's share of the cooking and she plans to take on more of a "sidekick" role.
Commander Mitch Keil gave Labonte a certificate of appreciation as well as a spatula adorned with a plaque noting his service to the community.
Keil said Labonte has been cooking up Christmas dinner since 1955.
"We want to thank you for your dedication and honor you," he said.
Labonte didn't deny he was getting older and that spending so many hours on his feet just wasn't possible anymore. He was thankful for the support he had received in the kitchen over the years and was happy to be able to feed so many people in the community.
And after giving up his Christmas Day for so many years to volunteer, Labonte still plans to dine at the Legion this holiday to lend a hand.
"I will miss the people," he said. "But I will still be here on Christmas Day."
Dinner will be served at the post home, 91 American Legion Drive, from noon to 2 on Christmas Day. Meals can also be delivered throughout North Adams, Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Williamstown. Volunteers will also deliver to Pownal, Readsboro, and Stamford in Vermont.
Delivery and takeout is available between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The post is currently taking orders via phone 413-664-9004. Volunteers are always welcome.
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Cost, Access to NBCTC High Among Concerns North Berkshire Residents
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
Adams Select Chair Christine Hoyt, NBCTC Executive Director David Fabiano and William Solomon, the attorney representing the four communities, talk after the session.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Public access channels should be supported and made more available to the public — and not be subject to a charge.
More than three dozen community members in-person and online attended the public hearing Wednesday on public access and service from Spectrum/Charter Communications. The session at City Hall was held for residents in Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg and North Adams to express their concerns to Spectrum ahead of another 10-year contract that starts in October.
Listening via Zoom but not speaking was Jennifer Young, director state government affairs at Charter.
One speaker after another conveyed how critical local access television is to the community and emphasized the need for affordable and reliable services, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly.
"I don't know if everybody else feels the same way but they have a monopoly," said Clarksburg resident David Emery. "They control everything we do because there's nobody else to go to. You're stuck with with them."
Public access television, like the 30-year-old Northern Berkshire Community Television, is funded by cable television companies through franchise fees, member fees, grants and contributions.
Spectrum is the only cable provider in the region and while residents can shift to satellite providers or streaming, Northern Berkshire Community Television is not available on those alternatives and they may not be easy for some to navigate. For instance, the Spectrum app is available on smart televisions but it doesn't include PEG, the public, educational and governmental channels provided by NBCTC.
One speaker after another conveyed how critical local access television is to the community and emphasized the need for affordable and reliable services, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly.
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