Williamstown Chamber of Commerce Business News February 2003

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Hello Everyone, In this month's newsletter you will find articles on Healthcare by John Cronin, President and CEO of Northern Berkshire Health Systems; helpful tax hints for small businesses and a preview of the 2003 Williamstown Jazz Festival. On February 12, the Chamber will present another compelling program featuring Williams College President Morton O. Schapiro, speaking on the state of Williams College. The venue for this timely update will be Dora's Fine Dining in North Adams. We hope you will attend. Regards, Christine Ross Welcome new Chamber Members Manuel,Lenhoff & Manuel Dora's Fine Dining Dean R. Manuel, Esquire Doris & Andreas Karampatsos P.O. Box 246, North Adams, MA 01247 34 Holden Street, North Adams, MA 01247 Telephone: 413-663-6375 Telephone: 413-664-9449 E-mail: rmanuel@bcn.net Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation Leslie Reed-Evans Box 221, Williamstown, MA 01267 Telephone:413-458-2494 E-mail: ruraland@rnetworx.com Upcoming Events February 1-June 15, 2003 - Williams College Museum of Art Exhibit, Wait Until Dark: Night Photography from the Collection of Jay Richard DiBiaso. Wednesday, February 12, 5:30 PM - Chamber Monthly Dinner Meeting at Dora's Fine Dining, 34 Holden Street, North Adams, featuring Williams College President Morton O. Schapiro. Social hour begins at 5:30 PM followed by dinner and speaker at 6:30 PM. Thursday, February 13, 3:30-6 PM - MASS MoCA Opening Reception for Kidspace, Susan Leopold: Mixed-Up Worlds. Saturday, February 15, 8 PM - "A Postcard from Algiers" Winter Party Celebrate the opening of Renoir and Algeria at the Clark's popular annual winter party. The exotic atmosphere of Algeria will come to life with inspired décor, enchanting entertainment, and enticing activities. Imaginative costumes are encouraged. On the menu are decadent desserts, creative cocktails, and cordials (cash bar). Begin the festivities early at one of the area restaurants offering prix fixe dinner menus. Advance reservations required. Tickets are $30 for members, $40 for non-members. Call 413-458-2303, extension 324. Sunday, March 9, 12:30 PM - Williamstown 250th Kickoff Celebration, Ephraim Williams Birthday Party at the Williams Inn featuring the Silver Grey Militia, Colonel E. Williams re-enactment, proclamations and refreshments, free. Wednesday, March 12, 7:30 AM - Chamber Monthly Breakfast Meeting. Location and speaker to be announced. Thank You to the 126 businesses that have renewed their membership with the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce! Reminder Please send in your membership 2003 renewals as soon as possible to ensure that your business is included in this year's Fact Finder. Maureen Mcguire given Community Service Award by the Chamber The Williamstown Chamber of Commerce recognized former board member Maureen McGuire at the January breakfast for extraordinary service to the community. Ms. McGuire, newly retired after 37 years as an employee of the Williamstown Savings Bank, has served on countless committees and boards in Northern Berkshire County some of which include the Baystate Games, Williamstown's Holiday Walk Weekend, six years on the Chamber's Board of Directors, Northern Berkshire Health Systems and the North Adams Regional Hospital. The Williamstown Chamber of Commerce is deeply indebted to Maureen for her many years on the Chamber Board and committees. She has left an indelible mark on this area through her volunteer work; while she may be retiring from the bank, we know her dedication to making Williamstown a great community will continue. The Chamber Board of Directors wishes Maureen all the best. Business Forum Health Care - A Looming Crisis by John Cronin, President & CEO, Northern Berkshire Health Systems A report in the most recent issue of Health Affairs shows that overall US health care spending grew 8.7% to $5,035 per capita in 2001. This represents a change in the health share of gross domestic product (GDP from 13.3% in 2000 to 14.1% in 2001.) The report indicates that the growth was due less to increases in health spending than to slower economic growth resulting from the recession which began in March 2001.1 On the local level, we have all experienced this as employers with each renewal of our health insurance premiums. Traditionally, we have relied on health care policymakers at the state or federal level to put in place policy changes to "control health care costs." Our 1990s experiment with managed care is the most recent example of "wise policy making." The chart below shows a pattern that is resistive to policy to date. Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Offices of the Actuary, National Health Statistics Group At the ground level there is an even more alarming story to be told about the undermining of the Massachusetts health care system. The system is under tremendous financial stress. Shortages in medical personnel (physicians, nurses, radiology technologists, pharmacists, etc. has begun to impact our capacity as a system to meet emerging needs! One early response which we should all take heart in is a coalition formed under the leadership of the Massachusetts Hospital Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society. The Coalition members include: · Mass Bankers Association · Mass Business Roundtable · Mass High Technology Council · Mass Hospital Association · Mass Medical Society · Mass Organization of Nurse Executives Continued from page three The Coalition has released a White Paper by James M. Howell, et. al. that I urge you to read which outlines health care's role in our economic health, and the critical condition of the Commonwealth's health care system. (Available on the Web at www.whycare.info or call my office at 664-5504.) Trends in U.S. Health Care Spending, 2001, by Katharine Levit, Cynthia Smith, Cathy Cowan, Helen Lazenby, Art Sensenig, and Aaron Catlin; Health Affairs, January/February 2003 Small Business Assistance - accounting for tax purposes From U.S. Chamber of Commerce News, January 17, 2003 Daily Update When it comes to taxes, there's no substitute for keeping good financial records. Keeping good records will help you run your business better. And if you follow the same practices for keeping your accounting and tax records, doing your taxes will be much easier. Some things to consider are whether to use the cash or accrual method of accounting and how to handle depreciation and your treatment of bad debt. To learn about how to set up your financial records to help you at tax time, consult your accountant and go to: http://www.uschamber.com/sb/sbresources.asp?p=P06/P06_1600.asp Visit our website and view the newest innovations Thanks to the efforts of Lenox Softworks, the Chamber's Website continues to evolve. To date: Updateable Home Page: This administrative feature allows the Chamber to post announcements or offer banner advertisements using text and/or images on the Website home page. PDF Monthly Newsletter: Another updateable administrative feature, combined with the Adobe Acrobat program, lets the Chamber easily convert the monthly newsletter to web-ready PDF format and upload the document to the Website. MainStreetMAIL Email List: This program will facilitate the process of sending the Williamstown Chamber Weekly News Flash. It also allows users to subscribe to the News Flash on the Chamber Website. Berkshire Regional Employment Board awards $86,000 in connecting activities to 11 area high schools The Berkshire County Regional Employment Board, Inc. (BCREB) is the entity that facilitates School-to-Career initiatives and activities throughout Berkshire County. The BCREB creates and implements diverse and enriching programs and opportunities that support school to work connections, provides a seamless sequence of school and work based learning opportunities as well as connecting activities aimed at creating a vital link between classroom learning and the real world of work. As part of connecting youth to these opportunities, the BCREB recently announced that $86,000 has been awarded to 11 high schools to arrange internships, implement the work-based learning plan, and to promote teacher externships. The BCREB received a $147,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Education to continue its system-building efforts, and has forwarded this funding to support the local school systems in providing learning-rich work experiences. Internships are provided to any interested youth (ages 14-21) and are coordinated by participating school districts. These schools include Hoosac Valley High School, Drury High School, McCann Vocational High School, Mt. Greylock Regional High School, Wahconah High School, Pittsfield High School, Taconic High School, Lenox High School, Lee High School, Monument Mountain High School and Mt. Everett Regional High School. Teacher Externships are additional opportunities available to strengthen connecting activities. Area educators are provided the opportunity to learn more about Berkshire County employers by participating in an externship and integrating what is learned into their curriculum. Participating teachers are provided a stipend to "intern" at a local place of business and/or to develop work-related curriculum and/or to research labor market information and/ to develop career pathways within the school. The goal of the project is to expose educators and youth to the many opportunities available here in Berkshire County. Interested educators and/or students should contact their principals for more information and/or BCREB Youth Coordinator Krista Lomartire at (413) 442-7277 ext 103. Mark your calendars for Jazz in April 2003 Jazz Festival Preview: Visit www.williamstownjazz.com Kenny Barron and "Canta Brasil" As Well As John Scofield To Headline The Department of Music at Williams College, MASS MoCA, and the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce will once again collaborate to present the northern Berkshire's annual Williamstown Jazz Festival from April 23-26, 2003. Kenny Barron's "Canta Brasil" featuring Romero Lubambo, Nilson Matta, Duduka da Fonseca and Anne Drummond will headline this year's jazz festival, presenting a concert in Chapin Hall at Williams at 9:00 PM Continued from page five on Saturday, April 26. Tickets are $20.00 for adults, $10.00 for students with valid ID. Born in Philadelphia, Kenny started playing piano professionally with Mel Melvin's orchestra. After moving to New York at a young age, he was hired by James Moody, after the tenor saxophonist heard him play at the Five Spot. He joined Dizzy Gillespie's band in 1962, where he developed an appreciation for Latin and Caribbean rhythms. After five years with Dizzy, Barron played with Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine, Milt Jackson, and Buddy Rich. In 1971 he joined Yusef Lateef's band. It is Lateef who Kenny credits as a key influence in his art of improvisation. In 1973 Kenny joined the faculty at Rutgers University as professor of music. He held this position until retiring in 2000, having mentored many of today's young jazz talents including David Sanchez, Terence Blanchard, and Regina Bell. MASS MoCA in North Adams will present Uberjam Dance Party with John Scofield at 8:00 PM on Friday, April 25. Tickets are $16.00 for adults, $10.00 for students, and $8.00 for children. On Thursday, April 24, MASS MoCA will show two jazz films in a double-feature from 8:00 to 10:00 PM - "A Great Day in Harlem" and "Setting the Record Straight." Admission is $5.50 to include both films. Other highlights will include a concert on Wednesday, April 23 by John Blake in the Clark Art Institute's auditorium at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students. Blake has attained the unique position of being one of the premier mainstream jazz violinists in the world. He first drew international attention as a sideman in the ground-breaking group directed by Grover Washington Jr. - the hugely popular "crossover" jazz ensemble of choice in the mid-1970s. Gospel group Rejoiceensemble will perform a free concert at 6:30 PM at St. John's Episcopal Church, Park St., Williamstown, on Friday, April 25. Contact St. John's for more information at 413-458-8144. The annual Collegiate Jazz Festival will occur in Chapin Hall the afternoon of Friday, April 25th from noon to 4:00 PM and on Saturday, April 26 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. College bands from Yale, Smith, Amherst, WPI, Holyoke Comm. College, Vassar and other institutions will perform hourly for adjudication by bassist Paul Brown and saxophonist Keith Fiddmont. There is no admission charge. The Department of Dance at Williams College has scheduled a free Jazz Tap Dance Club by Tap master Dianne Walker on Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. in the rehearsal studio at MASS MoCA. Free Jazz Tap workshops will be given by Ms. Walker on Friday, April 25, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. (Williams location tba); and Saturday, April 26, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM in the Lasell Dance Studio, 22 Spring St. The dance component of the festival will conclude with the presentation of new student works at the Spring Concert of the Williams College Dance Company, on Saturday, April 26 at 7:00 PM in Lasell Dance Studio, 22 Spring St., Williamstown. Admission will be $3.00. Tickets for all concerts may be purchased starting February 1 by calling the MASS MoCA box office at 413-662-2111 or going online at www.massmoca.org. Discounted packages for the Kenny Barron, John Scofield and John Blake concerts cost $45.00 for adults and $25.00 for students. December 2002 Board Meeting Highlights q The Treasurer noted that the Chamber has started receiving 2003 membership dues. q The 2003 new membership campaign and the 2003 sponsorship campaign are underway. q The Marketing Committee Chair presented the recent publicity: a MA Office of Travel and Tourism advertisement appeared in Conde Nast Travel & Tourism mentioning visiting the Berkshires, Ski magazine highlights Jiminy Peak, and a story is forthcoming about the Holiday Walk 2002 in The Springfield Union News. q The Business Development Committee is meeting in the coming days to discuss ideas regarding the Master Plan. q The Programming Committee is working on securing the topic & speaker slated for the January 2003 breakfast membership meeting. q The Holiday Walk Committee informed everyone that the volunteers working the events during the weekend are from the Williamstown Youth Center and the Turner House for Veterans. The trolley from North Adams will be festively adorned with holiday decorations as well as signage from Hoosac Bank who sponsored it. The decoration competition encourages businesses to decorate their storefronts and offices to create more festiveness in town. Five new snowflakes were purchased for Water Street, thanks to Redstone Group, Hobson's Choice and Maureen O'Mara, Farm Family Insurance. Williamstown Chamber of Commerce Bart Reidy, President Christine Ross, Executive Director Amber Braman, Administrative Assistant Elinore Herne, Volunteer Coordinator P.O. Box 357, 7 Denison Park Drive, Williamstown, MA 01267 413-458-9077 Telephone 413-458-2666 Fax info@williamstownchamber.com Williamstown Chamber of Commerce Monthly Membership Dinner Meeting At Dora's Fine Dinng 34 Holden Street, North Adams, MA 01247 Wednesday, February 12, 2003 Social Hour Begins at 5:30 PM Dinner & Speaker Begin at 6:30 PM The program features Williams College President Morton O. Schapiro speaking on the state of Williams College and future plans. Choose an entrée: Prime Rib au jus, Haddock with Crab Meat Stuffing, Andy's Original Chicken Vermont Each entrée includes a house salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, An appropriate starch and vegetable, And dessert and coffee. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for guests. All are encouraged to attend. Reservations are appreciated by calling the Chamber, 458-9077, mailbox number four with name, company name, and meal choice by Noon on Monday, February 10, 2003.
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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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