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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Healey Makes Berkshire Campaign Swing: 'I Stand With You'
By Tammy Daniels & Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey says she endorses Healey and Kim Driscoll '150 percent' as they pursue a second term as governor and lieutenant governor, respectively.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Maura Healey was in the Berkshires on Monday to rally support for a second four-year term as governor. She spoke at a meet and greet on Main Street, visited small businesses on North Street in Pittsfield, and planned to stop in Great Barrington on Tuesday.
Speaking with dozens of supporters at the new Main & Mill restaurant, the Democrat ticked off successes over her term and challenges ahead in education, energy, healthcare and housing.
"I go around the state and I talk to colleagues around the country. People are hurting. You know, they can't afford gas, groceries, rent. Everything it seems has gotten more expensive," she said. "We got a president who continues to cut and make things more expensive and more difficult for all of us.
"I mean, except for the very rich and the very powerful, it didn't work out really well for a lot of people across this country right now, which is why state leadership I think, is all the more important."
Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who hosted the meet and greet, said Healey "gets what it is to grow a community, and she has supported me for the last 4 1/2 years."
"No matter where you sit or who you represent, you are important to Governor Healey, and I know that firsthand because we talk often about the work that we do, the work we do in the weeds, the work we do at higher end, but Governor Healey gets it," she said, adding at a walkthrough of the Greylock School project later that she supports Healey and her running mate Kim Driscoll "150 percent."
Healey touted her role in being the "first governor in 20 years" to cut taxes, pointing to increases in tax credits for seniors and families, and signing the $5 billion housing act that allows accesory dwelling units by right and offered incentives for converting office space.
Maura Healey was in the Berkshires on Monday to rally support for a second four-year term as governor. She spoke at a meet and greet on Main Street, visited small businesses on North Street in Pittsfield, and planned to stop in Great Barrington on Tuesday. click for more
The new Greylock School hit another milestone on Friday with a traditional "topping out" to celebrate the near completion of its steel skeleton. click for more
The City Council on Tuesday approved four temporary easements to accommodate the $2 million reconstruction of a collapsed section of Walnut Street over the next year. click for more