Election 2009: Marden Running for 12th Council Term

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Eleven-term City Councilor Alan L. Marden formally announced his re-election campaign on Monday, suggesting his longtime slogan "Common Sense — UnCommon Experience" is particularly relevant in this year's campaign. 

"The fiscal challenges facing municipal government alone suggest that experience in that arena merits strong consideration on election day. With the certainty that there will be two new councilors and the likelihood there will be more as there is a strong field of challengers, and the with the possibility of a new mayor, experience on the City Council is more important than ever," Marden said.  

Marden has served 22 consecutive years as a city councilor; seven years, including the current, in which his peers elected him council president.He also has served on all council committees, several as chairman.  

"I humbly suggest that I bring an unique background and record of accomplishment to the voters," he said.

Marden came to North Adams in 1967 as director of the Chamber of Commerce, and subsequently served as director of the North Adams Redevelopment Authority, Berkshire County Development Commission, Berkshire Hills Conference. He then spent 20 years in the private sector becoming president of Light & Power Productions, a small business producing corporate and special events and meetings. He worked for the Berkshire Regional Employment Board on special projects for two years, before joining the Alton & Westall real estate agency, developing its commercial real estate market seven years ago. 


Additionally, he is a longtime member of the North Adams Contributory Retirement Board and is active in the Massachusetts Municipal Association and several local civic organizations.

"“North Adams has been very good to me and my family and I have been very fortunate that the voters have given me the opportunity to give something back. I hope that I might have that opportunity once again," Marden said. "On Nov. 3, I ask that you 'Give One Vote to Al.'"

He and his wife, the former Nancy Bianco, have two daughters, Darcy and Beth, and five grandchildren.

Submitted by Alan Marden
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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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