Officers Erik Thomas, left, with Police Chief Jason Wood and Officer Matthew Meranti on Monday. The department raised money to buy dinners and presents for local residents.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Police department wanted to give a little more this year and decided to deliver Christmas meals to 12 families in need.
"I know what it's like this time of year if you are a young family. Food is not always the top priority," Officer Erik Thomas said. "You want to get your kids some toys to put under the tree."
Thomas said the department reached out to elementary school adjustment counselors and asked for a few families that may need a little help this holiday season.
"We asked them to pick us a few families and we wanted to see what we could come up with for donations from the officers," he said. "The chief offered to match the donations, which we really didn't even need because we had enough through the donations from each individual officer. We covered about 90 percent of it."
Each family got a Butterball "ready to roast" turkey breast, mashed potatoes, rolls, vegetables, gravy, and a pie. Thomas said they also gathered some toys for the younger kids and movie tickets for some of the older kids.
The meals were delivered on Monday afternoon.
Police Chief Jason Wood said he was proud of his officers for stepping up and giving back to the community.
"I think this is great that everyone wants to help ... we need to make sure we grow with the community’s needs," he said. "Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that are in need and if the police can help in a small way we are going to do it."
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North Adams Liquor Store Has New Owner; Vegan Eatery Gets Alcohol License
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The former V&V liquor store is expected to reopen under new management.
The License Board on Tuesday approved two license transfers including one for V&V and a license for a restaurant in the former BrewHaHa on West Main Street.
Tracy Rackauskas and Benjamin Dinsmore, owners of Migration Taco truck, purchased the old West End Market for $253,500 in December. They applied for an-alcohol license for their newest venture.
"We are hoping to have a small vegetable-forward restaurant there that will serve dinner from Thursday through Sunday 5 to 10 p.m.," said Rackauskas. "We're focusing on scratch-made ingredients using seasonal produce. It's going to be vegan, which is sorely missing cuisine here in restaurants."
When asked how having alcohol would complement their fare, she responded that "as vegans if we go out to dinner, we would like to have a beer with our meal.
"And I think, especially with all the natural wine that's happening and the environmentally friendly focus, which is what we're really into. I think it would absolutely enhance our vegan offerings."
The two said they had some experience with alcohol service having worked at breweries. Rackauskas said she was TIPs-certified (Training for Intervention Procedures) and that staff would also be.
The License Board on Tuesday approved two license transfers including one for V&V and a license for a restaurant in the former BrewHaHa on West Main Street.
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Board Chair Peter Mirante thanked the sponsors of the breakfast event at the Berkshire Hills Country Club, including his employer, Adams Community Bank, for allowing him to attend the nonprofit's many events and functions and encouraging his involvement. click for more
The three candidates for Select Board discussed their visions and qualifications last Monday at a forum sponsored by the Council on Aging at the Community Center.
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The Northern Berkshire United Way on Thursday saluted members of the community who have stepped beyond their roles to help and support others. click for more