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The local Elks chapter donated more than 100 canned goods to the food pantry for veterans at City Hall.

North Adams Elks Donate to Veterans Pantry

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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Tina Samson, administrative assistant for Veterans Services, accepts $1,000 in gift cards for veterans from Anthony Sacco Jr.  
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Members of the North Adams Elks delivered more than 100 canned goods to replenish the Veterans Food Pantry at City Hall.
 
"It is overwhelming, and the Elks are only here to support us," Tina Samson, Veterans Services administrative assistant, said. "If I call them and tell them about a veteran family in need, these guys are right there to help." 
 
Elk Anthony Sacco Jr. said the donations were gathered from one of fraternity's poker tournaments. Participants would get extra chips if they brought in canned goods. 
 
"We had one whole tournament the other day and were able to collect all of this," Sacco said.
 
He also handed over $1,000 in gift cards purchased with funds raised from the tournament. These cards will be placed in holiday gift baskets for veterans.  
 
Samson said donations from the North Adams Elks have been a regular thing over the years 
 
"They are definitely an ongoing contributor to us and they always have been," she said.
 
Samson added they there is a larger need in the community now that the Adams pantry has closed. Also with the winter months approaching, more provisions are needed. 
 
Sacco said the donation aligns with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks' mission to never forget veterans. 
 
"There are a lot of homeless veterans and veterans in need, and we are here to help," Sacco said.
 

Tags: elks club,   veterans services,   

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Windsor Man Promoted to Major in National Guard

WINDSOR, Mass. — Corbin Lounsbury of Windsor was recently promoted to major in the New York Army National Guard.
 
Major Gen. Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
 
Lounsbury, assigned to Cyber Protection Team 173, received a promotion Sept. 5 to the rank of major.
 
Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier's overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism, and future development potential. These promotions recognize the best-qualified soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.
 
There are 20,000 members in New York's Army, Air National Guard, the Naval Militia, and the New York Guard. They are managed by the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, the state's executive agency responsible to the governor.
 
Guardsmen and women are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits, international travel, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance, and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).
 
For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.
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