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First Congregational Church mission ministry members Julie Filkins and Sue Frew, on each side of the sign, with Dickilyn Mackinnon of Louison House, Rich Wilson of the Berkshire Food Project and Lois Daunis of the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry.

First Congregational 'Share The Love' Campaign Increases Donations

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — First Congregational Church's "Share the Love" campaign raised $5,550 that was donated to local food pantries and community services.
 
"Every little bit helps," Rich Wilson of the Berkshire Food Project said. "For the community to come together like this and think of us is a great thing."
 
Through the month of February, the congregation collected donations from the Northern Berkshire community. For every $100 received, the congregation donated $25. 
 
All proceeds were split evenly among the three recipient organizations: the Berkshire Food Project, Louison House, and the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry. 
 
"The money stays right here in North Adams in Northern Berkshire, which is great," missions member Julie Filkins said.
 
Last year, they raised $5,100. So this year they raised $450 more.
 
"It helps with everything," Dickilyn Mackinno of the Louison House said. "It has been a hard year for a lot of people."
 
"It is the same with the food pantry," Lois Daunis of the food pantry said. "We will be able to use the money to provide more food options for our friends who visit the pantry."
 

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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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