NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Nearly 80 veterans gathered at American Legion Post 125 over scrambled eggs and pancakes to swap stories and enjoy each other's company before Christmas.
Veterans' Agent Assistant Tina Samson, who organized the event, said she and local chef Chris Bonnivier wanted to do something special for the veterans this holiday season.
"Every year at City Hall the veterans come in, and we give them their check and a gift bag," she said. "This year we thought we should do more. Chris said, 'Why don't we do a breakfast?' This is a great thing, and I think it should happen again."
Veterans tried their luck with various raffles featuring items donated by local businesses. Santa made an appearance to pull the winners' names, but only after mingling with some of the attendees.
Bonnivier, who was busy in the Legion's kitchen, said that as a business owner, it is important to give back.
"We try to be helpful in the community. We want to be part of the solution," Bonnivier said. "As a business, we take from the community. So it is important for us to give back. It's not just about taking...I want to give back, especially around the holidays."
Bonnivier brought in the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to help in the kitchen, noting that all those present were working on their day off. He said that giving back is "contagious" and was thankful for their support.
Later in the morning, local singer-songwriter CJ Field performed after the Legion commander awarded Samson a certificate of appreciation.
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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.
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.
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.
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