TriState Pennysaver News by Hersam Acorn

pennysaverNEWS www.tspennysaver.com • FREE • Volume 51 • Number 22 • December 9, 2009

TriState

Winter Sports Inside

your source for community news

Dafé Brudäjo in Concert at the Meetinghouse Café

IN THIS ISSUE: Antiques & Auctions ............ 9 Auto....................................20 Business Proﬁles .................. 3 Classiﬁeds...........................16 Crossword.......................... 17 From my Corner ................... 6 Horoscope............................ 6 Jobs.................................... 22 Mind & Body ........................ 8 Real Estate..........................19 Weather.............................. 16

Dafé Brudäjo, the Williamstown, Massachusetts group that plays an eclectic mix of contemporary folk, jazz and original compositions, will be on stage at the Meetinghouse Café of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bennington on Friday, December 11.

The concert begins at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. Refreshments are available. Dafé Brudäjo features Ferrilyn Sourdiffe on vocals and hand percussion, David Fowle on bass, mandol(Continued on page 2)

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Renee Tassone, General Manager Angie Leonard, Business Manager Linda Devlin, Circulation Manager Donna Burgess, Classiﬁed Manager Susan Coons, Editor Sheryl Gibson, Advertising Sales Brian Maroney, Advertising Sales Sarah Masiero, Advertising Sales Melissa Miller, Art Director Mary A. Garcia, Artist Jen Hathaway, Artist

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The TriState Pennysaver News, a weekly advertising newspaper since 1958, is owned by Hersam Acorn Newspapers, publishing on Wednesday. ■

Editorial Deadline*: Thursday at Noon Classiﬁed Deadline*: Thursday at 5 p.m.

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LETTERS

...bothersome...

My wife and I read, with sadness, the passing of Eunice Schleif, who was obviously passionate and put forth a great amount of effort in founding the Spirit of Sharing. We became Vermont residents fifteen years ago and have supported SOS efforts from the first Christmas we were here. Realizing the problems involved last year, we were nonetheless disappointed that the efforts of the organization had to be scaled down. It is nice to know from your article that the effort is not completely forgotten this year. It is bothersome to us, however, that in the fourteen years we have supported SOS, the only person with whom we have had contact has been Theresa Smith. And yet, articles in the Banner over the past year, and now your article in this week’s edition of Pennysaver News, have not mentioned the effort and dedication Theresa has devoted.

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Submission Guidelines: Those wishing to submit event listings or editorial content may email psnews@hersamacornvt.com. Letters to the Editor word limit is 200. ■

The TriState Pennysaver News is published weekly in Bennington, Vermont. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or news content for any reason. Neither the publisher, the editor, the retail advertiser nor the individual advertiser is responsible for errors contained herein. The publisher retains all distribution rights. ©2008, Hersam Acorn Newspapers. All contents of the TriState Pennysaver News are copyrighted, and any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

As a member of the Quiet Valley Quilt Guild, my wife has enjoyed decorating her annual teddy bear(s) and generally being involved with various aspects of SOS activities. On at least two occasions the Quilt Guild has had speakers at meetings to solicit support for SOS. On each of those occasions the speaker was Theresa Smith. As we adopted children over the years, who did we communicate with? Theresa. Enough said. It seems to us that recognition is due to another person who has given immeasurably to the efforts of the organization. You should know that we are not personal friends of Theresa, that our only contact with her has been through her efforts in promoting this wonderful effort on behalf of the needy families, especially the children, of our area. Sincerely, —Bob and Nancy Holmes, Shaftsbury, Vermont

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Display Deadline*: Thursday at 5 p.m. *Deadlines will change due to Holidays. See special deadline notices published before major holidays.

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Martin Hersam, Chief Operating Ofﬁcer Thomas B. Nash, Publisher

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TriState Pennysaver News

Hoosick Falls Senior Center

Wednesday, December 9: Cards; senior exercise class at 1 p.m.; van transportation to Bennington Rec. Center for swimming, leaves at 9:15 a.m. Thursday, December 10: Cards; bocci, 10 a.m.; bingo, 12:45 p.m.; van transportation available; Good Food Ideas. Friday, December 11: Cards, crafts; Medicare assistance, 12:30-3 p.m. Sign up in office for an appointment. Monday, December 14: Mystery bingo 10 a.m.; senior exercise class, 1 p.m.; special shopping day to the mall, van leaves at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 15: Card party, 10:30 a.m.; van transportation available for local grocery shopping. The Hoosick Falls Senior Center is located at 69 Church St., Hoosick Falls, New York. Dinner is served at noon daily. Please call Director Kathy Bugbee with your reservation at 518-686-7561. _____________________ (Dafé Brudäjo, cont.) in and vocals, Josh Kleederman on electric guitar, Bruce Wheat on guitar, vocals and sax, and David Norman on percussion. Dafé is known for their tight three- and four-part harmonies and eclectic repertoire and has performed in the tri-state area for over twelve years. Caffe Lena in Saratoga reported that “These folks are wonderful. Their entire sound is smooth as silk, their harmonies crisp and their rhythms richly engaging. Ferrilyn’s voice is reminisent of Billy Holiday. A portion of the concert proceeds benefit the Bennington Interfaith Council’s Emergency Food and Fuel Fund. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Further information is available at 802-440-9816; or on the web at www.uubennington.org. December 9, 2009

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BUSINESS PROFILES

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Strawberry Acres Tree Farm

Mackey’s face In passing Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield, you can’t miss the beautiful Blue Spruce that was grown at Strawberry Acres. From Hinsdale take Pittsfield Road, from Dalton it would be Kirchner Road, and from Washington take Blotz Road. If all else fails, call Bob and Holly at 413-655-2672. They are open 9-5 daily to Christmas Eve.

Mackey family celebrates 10th season By Mary Ann White ‘Tis the season! Having already seen many Christmas trees riding by on top of cars or in the back of trucks, my thoughts went to Strawberry Acres Tree Farm in Hinsdale, and what it must be like to run a tree farm. So I got in my Jeep to find out. What a beautiful spot it is with great views and a big old farm house dating back to the 1700s. A storage shed replaces the old barn that once stood there and inside there is an inviting woodstove to welcome tree shoppers who need to warm up. Bob and Holly Mackey purchased Strawberry Acres back in 2000, so with this season they are celebrating their 10th anniversary on the farm that they have come to love. David Clark started Strawberry Acres back in 1956 growing and selling a lot of strawberries, along with the trees. The Mackeys still have some strawberries, more for their own use and a lot of blueberries (pick your own and fresh-picked), starting around August 1.

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�� Both work full-time for the City of Pittsfield, so off-time is spent taking care of the trees and blueberry bushes. Eldest son Silas lives in New York City, but spends weekends helping out, and son Caleb lives at home and works on the family farm also. Bob said that depending on the tree type and weather each one grows about a foot a year, so it takes 7 to 9 years to grow a 7 or 8 foot tree. Nothing is wasted in the Mackey’s business. Some of the big trees are used to make

wreaths and fence posts are made from overgrown Balsam furs. The tree farm opens for the holiday season on Black Friday, so while Holly is preparing the Thanksgiving meal, Bob and the boys are out cutting trees and getting ready for those families who like to get their tree up while the kids are home for the holiday. When someone loves what they are doing, you can always tell by the smile on their face when they are talking about it. That was truly seen on Bob

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Gift Christmas s te ca fi ti er C Music

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B Troop Deployment

B Troop leaves from the Bennington Armory on Thursday, December 10. Once the Troop has completed their Stand Down they will be boarding vehicles and heading to the Vermont Veterans’ Home at approximately 1:45 p.m. Fire trucks will be positioned at lower Washington Avenue. From there the entourage will proceed down Depot Street to the Veterans’ Home, do a loop and then continue north on Route 7 past the Deer Park where other fire equipment will be posted. Bring all your friends, office staff, school classes, etc. and line the route of this entourage of our brave young men and women who will be deployed to Afghanistan. This will be our one big chance to show support for our Hometown Heroes. Bring flags and smiles. This will mean a lot to them at this time of year.

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Suggested donation of $3.00 per meal For reservation or cancellation in Bennington: 802-442-8012 Manchester: 802-362-3714 Wednesday, December 9 Quiche Lorraine, Stewed Tomatoes, Cauliflower with Peas, Bread, Tropical Fruit and Milk. Thursday, December 10 Chicken Alfredo with Peas Over Pasta, Brussels Sprouts, Garlic Bread, Sliced Apples and Milk. Friday, December 11 Breaded Baked Fish, Oven Baked Yam Fries, Green Beans, Vanilla Pudding with Bananas, and Milk. Monday, December 14 Turkey Tetrazzini with Pasta, Spinach, Roll, Salad, Jello with Fruit and Milk. Tuesday, December 15 Vegetable Lasagna with Tomato Sauce, Zucchini, Garlic Bread, Peaches and Milk.

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Meals on Wheels

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December 9, 2009

American Legion Christmas Party

The American Legion Auxillary Unit 40 along with the American Legion Post 40 will hold its annual Christmas party on Sunday December 13, at 1 p.m. at the post on Main Street, Hoosick Falls, New York. All members are invited along with a guest. If you wish to make reservations or get tickets please call Marilyn at 518-686-4703 or Susan at 518-686-0717. ________________________________________________

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Free Christmas Ham Dinner

The North Pownal Congregational Church invites you to join them for a free Christmas Ham Dinner on Saturday, December 12 from 3:00-5:30 p.m. They are a friendly, welcoming church family, and want our guests to feel at home. You are invited to come and experience this Christ and people centered church for yourself. North Pownal Congregational Church is located on Route 346 in North Pownal, Vermont. _________________________________________________

Stephentown Memorial Library Holiday Bake Sale

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DONATE YOUR CAR ��

On December 19 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. the Stephentown Memorial Library, located at 472 State Route 43 in Stephentown, New York, will hold its first annual Holiday Bake Sale. Pies, cookies, breads, and assorted sweet treats will be available. If you would like to preorder pies, please call Pam at 518-733-0456. For more information, or to donate baked goods or baking supplies, please call the Library at 518-733-5750. Let us do your baking! Have a sweet holiday, save time, and support the SML. See you there!

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Dedicated to my Friends at WMAH: ...jack and jill... (e-mail sent to my boss very early in the morning!) rt: I heard Jill whimpering in her sleep, then realized that she was standing by the bed and had to go out. I looked at the clock, 2:20 a.m. I got up and let her out. She did what she had to do, came in the house and we went back to bed. Twenty minutes later it started over again. We went downstairs and I went out with her. She did her “business” but this time she ran around a little afterward and then came in. As soon as she reached the top of the stairs she spied Jack and chased him down the front stairs into my workroom. Chaos ensued. Jack turned around and ran back upstairs with Jill tailing behind. I grabbed her, shoved her into

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From My Corner

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my bedroom and checked on Jack’s well being. He was fine, but I was really aggravated with Jill. I tried to go to sleep, out of breath and with my heart pounding. Jill’s feelings were too hurt to come to bed. Another 20 minutes went by and she had to go out again! OK! We trudged downstairs and I let her out. There is no urgency! This time she picks up a frisbee, stands up by the pool and wants to play! By now it’s a little after 3 a.m.! I’m fuming! Wide awake! She won’t come when I call her! So I left her outside, put a couple of cubes in a glass, filled

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TriState Pennysaver News

December 9, 2009

it half-full with a Manhattan, and decided to share my angst with you, because of your good sense of humor, and I’m wide awake and have nothing to do! CYA, s The subject of my e-mail was “Look at the Time.” She responded before 8 a.m. with the following: Jack and Jill...need to chill Jack and Jill...need a pill Because of them you cannot sleep Strange work hours you need to keep What they will do next, you can’t even think We can’t even go out after work for a drink! Carmody’s we used to go Now you always tell me NO! Jack and Jill...need to chill Jack and Jill...need a pill Because of Jack and Jill Your glass you need to fill Even at 3 in the morn’. —Renee Tassone ____________________

and with the buffet tea table full of delicious cookies, tea sandwiches, holiday goodies, and much more. The traditions of the season will be found in decorations, the bows of the wreaths, table centerpieces, and trees. In addition to the Tea Room, St. Peter’s Christmas Shop will be open in the Guild Room with crafts and homemade goodies for purchase. While waiting for their tables in the Tea Room, guests may be seated in the church to enjoy Christmas carols and other music played by organist Randall Krum or they may browse in the Christmas Shop. As their tables become available, guests will be escorted to the Tea Room by Tea committee members. Further information is available through the church Web site www.stpetersbenningtonvt.org, or by calling St. Peter’s Church office at 802-442-2911.

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St. Peter’s Christmas Tea

The community is cordially invited to St. Peter’s Church Christmas Tea, to be held this year on Saturday, December 12, from 3 to 5:30 p.m., at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant Street, Bennington. Tickets are $6 and may be purchased at the door or reserved through the church office, 802-442-2911. A tradition for more than 50 years, the Christmas Tea has become St. Peter’s Christmas gift to the community, providing a way to welcome in the joy of the Christmas season. The Church’s Parish Hall is transformed into a beautiful and inviting candlelit setting, resplendent with gleaming silver, sparkling crystal, the scent of pine wreaths and trees, December 9, 2009

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Holiday Celebration

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�� Lori Pinsonneault stopped by the TriState Pennysaver News to invite fellow Elks to a Holiday Celebration.

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Elks Members and qualified guests are invited to a Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 12 at the Bennington Elks Club, Washington Avenue, Bennington. Cocktails are at 6 p.m. with the dinner beginning at 7 p.m. Dinner choices are roast pork or chicken marsala. Ticket cost is $15 per person. Please bring a wrapped $10 gift for a Gift Swap! Enjoy dancing with your favorite partner with music provided by DJ Rich Ryder. For further information, please call the Elks Lodge at 802-442-2736.

Council on Aging Developing Area Plan

The Council is holding a “Town Meeting” to gather input for its Area Plan for years 2011-2014. The Bennington County meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 9, at the Bennington Cafe located in the Bennington Senior Center building, 124 Pleasant Street at 1:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Please join in the opportunity to share your perspective on elder needs and how the council can help support older persons in your community.

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TriState Pennysaver News

December 9, 2009

Breakfast with Santa

Enjoy Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 13, at the Hoosick Youth and Community Center. Two seatings are available: 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Tickets are limited. This family-style breakfast will include pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, assorted fruit, muffins and a beverage. Santa will make his appearance at 9 and 11 a.m. accompanied by several elves, who will be collecting donations for the Food Pantry and HFCS Christmas Wish Project. If you are able, please bring a non-perishable food item, personal hygiene products, children’s clothing items hats, mittens and scarves to be collected. Admission is $10 for adults (ages 13+) and $6 for children (3-12). Kids under 3 are free. Tickets are available for sale at the Youth Center or online at www.hoosickyouth.org. ________________________________________________

Chesterﬁeld Historical Society

The Chesterfield Historical society will hold their meeting on Thursday, December 17 at the Chesterfield Senior Center. Program this month is their Christmas Party and Yankee Swap. Please bring in a $10 gift for the Yankee Swap (no alcohol gifts, please). Hors d’ oeuvres will be served at 6 p.m. and will include meatballs and cheese �� and crackers, with hot cider and egg nog for beverages. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. and the menu will include prime rib, mashed potatoes, gravy, string bean casserole, squash and cheesecake �� with coffee for dessert. �� Everyone attending the dinner must confirm their reservations �� with Pete Banister at 413-296�� 4333, by Monday December 14. �� Note: this date is earlier due to the �� dinner planning. ��

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December 9, 2009

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Tag Sale Thursdays on

WBTN AM 1370

Call in to buy or sell (8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Thursdays) 802-422-1010 Sponsored by: TriState Pennysaver News

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MEISSNER’S AUCTION SERVICE

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MAU Winter Sports Schedule Varsity VarsityBoys BoysBasketball Basketball Day Day Date Date

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MAU Winter Sports Schedule

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Winter Sports Season Preview – Pat Morrissey Basketball Season Preview The Mount Anthony Boy’s Basketball team looks to take their team’s recent years success another step forward. The previous two years, MAU has earned a trip to the final four, but has been knocked out both times by the powerful Burlington Seahorses. For the new season, MAU has gained size and experience that could be the missing link in their quest for a State Championship. Stay tuned as the Boy’s open their season on the 8th hosting Windsor High School. The Mount Anthony Girl’s Basketball team is coming into the current season from a new perspective. MAU had a tough year in ’08-‘09 after winning back-to-back State Championships in ‘06-‘07 and ‘07-‘08. After an uncharacteristic 7-14 record last year, Leo Reynolds and the troops look to get back on track for the post-season. The Lady Patriots start their season on the 10th with a game against Mt. Greylock at Kate’s Gym.

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Wrestling Preview The Mount Anthony Wrestling team has no doubt where their eyes are set. Twenty-one and counting. Last year the wrestling team was able to set the national record by capturing their 21st consecutive State Championship. The only difference from this year’s team and the previous is that Mount Anthony returns no State Champions to the team. No reason to panic, Scott Legacy always has the team prepared physically and mentally. The Patriots will have started their season on December 4th against Shaker High.

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Hoosick Falls Winter Sports Schedule Boys Basketball Varsity

*All games will start following the JV game (usually around 7:30) unless otherwise stated.

Care that’s about you. ��

Friday, December 11 - Cambridge Tuesday, December 15 - Mt. Anthony Friday, December 18 - @ Schuylerville Monday, December 28 - Hoosier Holiday Tournament 6:00 Waterford vs Watervliet 7:30 Hoosick Falls vs Berlin Tuesday, December 29 - Hoosier Holiday Tournament 4:30 Consolation Game 7:30 Championship Game Tuesday, January 5 - Tamarac Friday, January 8 - @ Greenwich Tuesday, January 12 - Stillwater Friday, January 15 - @ Granville Tuesday, January 19 - Hoosic Valley Friday, January 22 - @ Cambridge Friday, January 29 - Schuylerville Tuesday, February 2 - @ Tamarac Friday, February 5 - Greenwich Tuesday, February 9 - @ Stillwater Friday, February 12 - Granville Saturday, February 13 - @ Mt. Anthony

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Hoosick Falls Winter Sports Schedule Girls Basketball Varsity *All games will start following the JV game (usually around 7:30) unless otherwise stated. Friday, December 11 - @ Cambridge Friday, December 18 - Schuylerville Monday, December 28 - Hoosier Holiday Tournament 3:00 Monument Mountain vs TBA 4:30 Hoosick Falls vs Berlin Tuesday, December 29 - Hoosier Holiday Tournament 3:00 Consolation Game 6:00 Championship Game Wednesday, January 6 - @ Tamarac Friday, January 8 - Greenwich Wednesday, January 13 - @ Stillwater Friday, January 15 - Granville Wednesday, January 20 - @ Hoosic Valley Friday, January 22 - Cambridge Friday, January 29 - @ Schuylerville Wednesday, February 3 - Tamarac Friday, February 5 - @ Greenwich Wednesday, February 10 - Stillwater Friday, February 12 - @ Granville

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Online Prescription Renewals www.thorpespharmacy.com

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Corner of Church & John Streets Hoosick Falls, New York

518-686-5711

Jim Monahan, Proprietor December 9, 2009

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TriState Pennysaver News

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

Events at Bennington Free Library

Thursday, December 10: Create Holiday Gifts and Ornaments with Adrian Sweeney for children in grades K-2, at the Bennington Free Library, 4 to 5 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Thursday, December 17: Create Holiday Gifts and Ornaments with Adrian Sweeney for children in grades 3-6, Bennington Free Library, 4 to 5 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Call 802-442-9051 or sign up in the Children’s Room for both or either one of these events. _____________________________________________

Overnight Parking Restrictions

The Pittsfield, Massachusetts Police would like to remind vehicle owners and operators that the overnight parking restrictions will be enforced. There will be no parking on any city street, sidewalk, or treeline from the hours of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. The fine for violating this ordinance will be $25. Vehicles can be towed at the owners’ expense if it is obstructing public safety operations. If a snow emergency is declared, vehicles that are obstructing snowplowing operations will be towed at the owners’ expense. In the event of a snow emergency, vehicles may be parked in the three-hour public parking areas of the Summer Street and McKay Street parking garages between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. No vehicle will be permitted to park in any open municipal parking lot between the hours of 12 a.m. and 7 a.m, so that the lots may be properly plowed and sanded.

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