JoAnn Langlois looks over paperwork at the Greylock Community Club. Langlois lost both her son and daughter in a five-month span and the club is raising money to cover expenses and for her five grandchildren.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — JoAnn Langlois, the bar manager at Greylock Community Club, shuffled around the bar, serving drinks, cashing Keno tickets and making sure everyone has their ham and cheese sandwich for lunch.

 

At the first glance you couldn't tell Langlois experienced a mother's worst nightmare this year — she lost both a 36-year-old son and a 34-year-old daughter in a five-month span.

 

"If I could, I would trade places in a heartbeat, but it didn't work that way," Langlois said.

 

Her daughter, Nichole, died in February from a traffic injury-related issue. Her son, Michael, died in June after a bout with cancer.

 

Money is tight — she's the sole income provider for her and her disabled husband. Memorial services are expensive. Concerns for her five grandchildren, ranging in age from newborn to their teens, are plentiful.

 

But the Greylock Community Club wanted to do its best to allieve Langlois of some of her struggles.

 

When Michael's condition continued to plummet, the club's president Randy Wood decided they couldn't sit and watch and instead "step up to the plate."

 

Greylock Community Club is trying to raise enough money to cover the costs of the services, as well as provide the money needed for the grandchildren to live comfortably. The club moved quickly, organizing a rare summer special meeting to approve this effort. Prior to the first of the three scheduled events this summer the club already raised nearly $2,500.

 

"It's just been amazing how everyone is coming together," Wood said.

 

Trustee Tim Sunn is organizing the efforts and has three events lined up already. The first, scheduled for Friday, July 26, is a benefit picnic that kicks off at 4 p.m. at the club. Admission is $10 and on the side there will be a 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction and bake sale. If you plan on bringing a dish, contact Sunn at 413-346-7025 and leave a message.

 

Then on Saturday, Aug. 10, the club will host the Greylock County Hoedown, kicking off at noon. Tickets are $5 in advance — available at the Greylock Community Club, Eagle Street Music and Unforgettable Cuts —  and $8 at the door. The hoedown features country music, a mechanical bull, raffles, games, prizes, drink specials. Good Times Entertainment will provide the the tunes.

 

The next day, Sunday, Aug. 11, the first annual Mike and Nikki Langlois Memorial Poker Run kicks off at 10:30 a.m. The sign-in session starts at 8:30 and costs $20 per bike with an extra $5 for the poker run. A picnic will follow after the run.

 

In addition to the fundraisers, a Mike and Nikki Langlois Fund has been opened at NBT Bank to assist the family. Donations can be sent to NBT Bank, 331 State Road, North Adams, MA, 01247, Attn: Mike and Nikki Langlois Fund.

 

Langlois said she is thankful for any contribution, whether it's bringing a dish to the picnic or giving someone a ride to the event.

 

"No donation is too small," Sunn said.

 

Sunn said the Memorial Poker Run will be an annual event, with perfect timing coinciding with the children's back-to-school shopping. In addition to the three scheduled fundraisers, more are expected.

 

"This is just getting off the floor," said Bob Upton, a lifelong member of Greylock Community Club.