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Owner Peter MacGillivray has had his eye on the Water Street storefront for some time.
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Employees spent the day setting up for the grand opening.
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Much of what is sold at Provisions is locally produced.

Provisions Williamstown Grand Opening Today

By Brian RhodesiBerkshires Staff
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The store's regular hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Provisions Williamstown, a new fine wine and cheese shop at 4 Water St., is celebrating its grand opening today, Thursday, with a tasting event that begins at 4 p.m.

 

"This is supposed to be an experience, like anything else we enjoy in life," said Peter MacGillivray, who runs the business with his family and others. "You really want to be able to hang out here. You want to dwell in the moment and explore new things and meet people." 

 

MacGillivray, who grew up in the area, said he had an eye on the building before he knew what kind of business he wanted it to be. He explained that he had seen the property through several iterations throughout his life.

 

"I knew just in my gut that it was a special place because I grew up here," he said. "... It's not like this is what we planned. It just happened. We saw something that checked a lot of boxes for us and went for it." 

 

After a license became available in town, MacGillivray decided to sell locally produced wine and cheese, in addition to things he has tried in his travels. He has partnered with several local farms and distributors to help stock the store. 

 

"I was able to dip into my experience living in California, and then really traveling around the world trying interesting wines," he said. "... I want super local beers here. I want super local cheese. It warms my heart that I've got places like Cricket Creek, yeah, that are in the same ZIP code as I am." 

 

Additionally, the store hosts art from several local artists, such as Jackie Sedlock of Pownal, Vt,. and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts professor and artist Melanie Mowinski. 

 

"It's been a lot of fun for me, while I've been building this, to reacquaint myself with a lot of people that I knew when I was growing up here, but also meet new people that are being super supportive and helping me out," he said. 

 

The store's regular hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit the store's website here. Click here to register for the grand opening tonight, Oct. 27.


Tags: grand opening,   wine,   

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Mount Greylock School Committee Picks Interim Superintendent

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Mount Greylock School Committee on Wednesday voted 7-0 to enter negotiations with the district's assistant superintendent to serve as interim superintendent after the abrupt announcement that Jason McCandless intends to leave the district at the end of the school year.
 
Assistant Superintendent Joseph Bergeron told the committee that he would be willing to serve in the capacity and, at the same time, welcomed the prospect of a new permanent superintendent joining the office — likely some time in 2025.
 
"The opportunity to serve the students, staff and the community is something that, as a duty, is something I feel I need to do," Bergeron told the panel. "Doing that to bridge the gap between right now and when this committee is able to hire a permanent superintendent is something I'm willing to do. I'll provide the stability and support and the push for areas where I know we can and should improve.
 
"I do want to say to any potential superintendent out there that I would love to work with you. I'd love to work with you on behalf of this whole district.
 
"So please come."
 
The committee authorized Chair Christina Conry to negotiate a deal with Bergeron to serve in an interim role and to figure out a transition plan to make the change from McCandless, who did not attend Wednesday's virtual meeting.
 
In his absence, most of the School Committee members took the opportunity to thank McCandless for his service and express their shock and disappointment that both he and Williamstown Elementary School Principal Cindy Sheehy announced their departures within four days of one another.
 
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