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Elks Trustee David Sacco, left, North Adams Ocean State store leader Jeff Gammel, and Elks Veterans Officer Tony Sacco Elks with the donation made to the Elks coat program.

Elks, Ocean State Donate 22 Coats to Local Veterans

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Elks Lodge 487 teamed up with Ocean State Job Lots for a second year to provide winter coats to veterans in need. 
 
A total of 44 coats were purchased, with half of those being distributed through the Veterans Services Office at City Hall. 
 
First, the Elks purchased $1,000 worth of coats at the discount store; they were then donated back to the store and sent to a distribution center to be donated to veterans. The store reimbursed the Elks with gift cards worth the same value as the coats, which were then used to buy 22 more coats for local veterans.  
 
This is part of Ocean State's 10th annual "Buy, Give, Get" coats program. Anyone in the Job Lot Insider program who buys a warm winter coat for $45 (retail value $200 or greater) at any of the retail chain's 176 stores and donates it back will get a $45 gift card. 
 
The discount retailer has provided nearly 380,000 coats to people in need, including veterans, since 2016. It anticipates having some 80,000 winter coats for purchase and donation in partnership with more than 50 support organizations and programs.
 
Elks Trustee David Sacco said a woman was at the store when they were getting the coat donations and also purchased a coat to donate and gave the Elks her gift card to purchase another one for a local veteran. 
 
Those donating coats through program can let the cashier know to give the gift card to the Elks, who will then get the coat to City Hall.
 
North Adams Elks 487 are wishing everyone happy holidays.

Tags: donations,   elks club,   ocean state,   veterans,   

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The home prior to renovations.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.

The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.

The house is listed for $359,500.

We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieri and Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.

 

Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.)  The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.  

 

 

What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?

 

Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few.  All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.

 

Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house.  New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house.  New paver patio in the back yard.

 

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

 

Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.

 

Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.

 

 

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

 

Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.

 

Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.

 

Andrews: Built in about 1965.

 

What do the current owners love about this home?

 

Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.

 

Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.

 

 

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

 

Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.  

 

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

 

 

 

 

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