Copyright berkshireeagle
Gov. Maura Healey signed a proclamation recognizing Nov. 3-7 as Veterans and Spouse Small Business Week, according to retired Air Force veteran Lisa Ducharme, executive director of the Massachusetts Veterans Chamber of Commerce. This proclamation noted that nearly one out of every 10 small businesses in the United States is veteran-owned, and celebrates the resilience, discipline and mission-oriented spirit that veteran and spouse business owners bring from their military service to the business world. “Veteran and spouse-owned businesses are the backbone of our communities," Ducharme said. "They create jobs, foster innovation, and model service-driven leadership.” There are a number of veteran or spouse-owned businesses in the Berkshires; consider patronizing their businesses. • Alpine Solar Heat and Hot Water, Stu Besnoff, owner of a solar hot water, solar hot water, photovoltaic systems, and battery storage sales and service business in Windsor; U.S. Navy. 6 years active, 2 years reserve. • Fallen Limbs Designs, Nate Mutti, owner of Fallen Limbs Designs in Springfield, designs cutting/charcuterie boards and other wood products; Air Force, 26 years. • Where'd You Get That!?, owners Ken and Michle Gietz, president and majority female owner, toy and gift store in Williamstown; Ken served 4 years in the Army Security Agency. • Haven Driveways in Pittsfield, Peter Haven, owner of a full-service driveway installation company, focusing on residential driveways offering multiple long-lasting, attractive, affordable driveway solutions, U.S. Navy, 4 years. • Jake's Java, Gold Star Family-owned and run, this coffee shop opened in Lanesborough as a tribute to local hero Staff Sgt. Jacob "Jake" Galliher, who was among seven crewmembers who lost their lives in a V-22 Osprey crash off the coast of Japan during a military exercise in 2023. “Each year on Nov. 11, Americans reflect on the tremendous sacrifices and extraordinary service of our nation’s more than 17 million Veterans,” wrote U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins in a prepared statement. SALES PROMOTIONS AND MILITARY DISCOUNTS Veterans Day sales promotions and military discounts are prevalent. Here are some examples. Where’d You Get That? in Williamstown offers a 10 percent discount to veterans visiting this business. Henry’s Electric in Lee, is running an appliance sale from Nov. 5-30, accoring to sales associate Val Morales. There is a 3 percent military discount, but you must ask for it. Canna Provisions gives veterans 10 percent off purchases every day, according to CEO Meg Sanders. Additionally, the shop will be offering a $1 Smash Hits Pre Roll, an award-winning locally grown cannabis brand, with any purchase on Veterans Day. cannaprovisions.com). Owner and daughter of a veteran, Alexis Montgomery, Hearth & Hound (dog daycare and boarding facility located in Lee) offers a 10 percent military discount off day care, boarding and 15 percent discount purchased Veteran's Day weekend. Military IDs are required. Judy Marzotto, marketing manager Nejaime’s Wine Cellers in Stockbridge and Lenox, announced promotions Nov. 8-11 on 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirits. The shops also will host “Savor the Season Free Tasting and Holiday Sales” on Nov. 8, and burgundy and Beaujolais red and white wines are 20 percent off during the month of November. Jaclyn C. Stevenson, director of marketing and communications at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, said frontline workers and active military personnel are eligible for discounts year-round, including 25 percent off ticket prices with some exclusions. Valid IDs are required. Mass Audubon will be offering free admission at its 60+ wildlife sanctuaries across the state, including Pleasant Valley in Lenox, in honor of Veterans Day, according to Jennifer Dziejma, regional marketing associate, Central/West Mass Audubon. There’s free admission year-round to active-duty military personnel and up to four additional people with a valid military ID card. The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home in Lenox, announced it will have a special concert honoring veterans on Nov. 11, according to Jenne Young, director, marketing and communications. “Ron Ramsay’s Berkshire Music Salon Series” will feature Samantha Talora, and include a cocktail reception. Admission is free for veterans. Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum in Lenox offers 10 percent off to veterans year-round, according to marketing director Linda Rocke. NEWS FOR VETERANS Lee Historical Society it is looking for veterans who lived in Lee, were buried there or attended school in Lee for its ongoing project called The Lee Veterans Wall, according to Ellen Whittaker. Society researcher Karen Norton is looking to add names to this wall and may be reached at knorton2@hotmail.com. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston is looking for veterans to participate in an early cancer detection study. Veterans interested in participating should contact John Noble at 703-407-9416 or johnw_noble@dfci.harvard.edu. RX TIPS FOR SAVINGS: Before making a purchase, ask if there are any military discounts.
