Brandon Pantorno of Great Barrington is the winner of a drawing for 20 gift certificates, each worth $25, for a grand total of $500. The gift certificates were donated by Great Barrington retailers to The Berkshire Edge in support of The Edge’s “Shop Local on Small Business Saturday” promotion.
On November 24, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, shoppers were encouraged to visit at least 10 of the 20 participating stores and get their entry forms validated in order to enter the drawing. Shoppers who visited all 20 shops were entered three times.
When asked why he took part in the promotion, Pantorno answered that he and his wife Sandy truly prefer to shop local. “We want to support our local merchants. A lively retail environment helps the town and makes things more interesting for local residents. It’s a win-win situation.
The Pantornos bought their home in Great Barrington 14 years ago and, after eight years as weekenders, moved here full-time six years ago. Brandon retired from a career in library administration in Port Jefferson Station on Long Island, and Sandy from her position as a high school English teacher in the Sachem, Long Island, school district. Brandon also served on the Chamber of Commerce in Port Jefferson Station. “We bought into the philosophy of always shopping local,” he explained, “And we brought that with us to our life in Great Barrington.”
Brandon and Sandy feel the importance of contributing to the community in other ways, too, which is why they have both joined the board of Music In Common, a non-profit organization based in Sheffield, Mass. Music In Common empowers diverse cultures and faiths to discover common ground through collaborative songwriting, multimedia, and performance.
What will he do with his 20 gift certificates? “We’ll use them to buy gifts for family and friends!” replied Pantorno. “After all, this is the shopping season.”
The Edge also sponsored a successful “Shop Local” promotion in Pittsfield, where 17 shops joined in. While shopping is usually seen as a women’s activity, the winner of that shopping spree was also a man, who preferred to remain anonymous.
The Edge thanks the Great Barrington retail participants:
Berkshire Bike & Board – 29 State Road
Berkshire Cooperative Market – 42 Bridge Street
Carr Hardware – 256 Main Street
Domaney’s Liquors – 66 Main Street
Eagle Shoe & Boot Company – 154 Main Street
Evergreen Contemporary Crafts – 291 Main Street
Jane Iredale Studio – 294 Main Street
JWS Art Supplies – 38 Railroad Street
Lawrence of London – 271 Main Street
Lennox Jewelers – 165 Main Street
Michelle’s Salon & Day Spa – 54 Stockbridge Road
One Mercantile – 8 Castle Street
Robin’s Candy – 288 Main Street
Rustic Works – 316 Main Street
SoCo Creamery – 5 Railroad Street
The Gifted Child – 28 Railroad Street
The Great Barrington Bagel Company – 777 Main Street
Tom’s Toys – 297 Main Street
Vault Gallery – 322 Main Street
Wild Birds Country Store – 783 South Main Street
We thank the retail participants in the Pittsfield promotion:
Berkshire Bike & Board – 502 East Street
Berkshire Fitness and Wellness – 137 North Street
Berkshire General Store – 75 North Street
Bigg Daddy’s Philly Cheese Steak – 137 North Street
Brits R U.S. – 80 North Street
Carr Hardware – 547 North Street
Circa – 436 North Street
Clark Vintage Lighting – 342 North Street
Deidre’s Special Day – 2 South Street
Dory & Ginger on North – 299 North Street
Dottie’s Coffee Lounge – 444 North Street
Hotel on North – 297 North Street
Museum Facsimiles Outlet Store – 31 South Street
Sarah’s Cheesecake – 180 Elm Street
Steven Valenti’s Clothing – 157 North Street
That’s a Wrap – 132 Fenn Street
The Outlet at Pine Cone Hill – 125 Pecks Road
And we thank the 10 shops in Lenox that worked with us to try to organize a similar promotion there:
An American Craftsman – 22 Walker Street
Annie Selke – 36 Main Street
Casablanca – 21 Housatonic Street
Design Menagerie – 26 Housatonic Street
MacKimmie Co. – 67 Church Street
Purple Plume – 35 Church Street
Shooz – 44 Housatonic Street
Steilmann European Fashion – 28 Walker Street
Swtrz – 38 Church Street
The Gifted Child – 72 Church Street