DISCOVER YOUR ROOTS. Need help building your family tree? Experienced family history researcher, based in Lenox, can help you knock down those brick walls and find answers to your long asked questions. Reasonable and flexible rates. Free consultation. Member NGS, NEHGS, NYG&BS, and BFHA. Call Robert at 914-260-2120.
FOR SALE: Hand operated 10 ton hydraulic log splitter, new, still in box, $125. 2 Rigid Chain cast iron pipe cutters, $200. Standard pool wall foam, 24B-1/8" x 42"x125 ft. New, still in box, $20. 518-755-3128, leave message.
KENT'S VACUUM CENTER announcing a huge inventory reduction sale! Prices have never been sharper! All 2024 Miele floor model cordless Triflex vacuums are on sale between 20-25% off. 20% off all SEBO D4 Power Team vacuums. Regular price $1399, save $400! All major credit cards accepted. Kent's Vacuum Center, 2 Stillwell Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. 413- 528-0690. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Closed Tuesdays and weekends.
FARMERS: Complete lineup of haying, tillage and corn planting equipment for sale due to merger with another farm. Trucks and tractors available as well. All of high quality, kept under cover and with regular maintenance with low usage. Many are in "like new" condition and are up to date models and are well under new model prices, which have doubled or more recently. Call 413-626-3770.
FREE BIRD WALK. Saturday May 17, 7:30 AM. Rain or shine. Sponsored by Egremont Land Trust and led by Brian Kane. Brian is an associate professor of commercial arboriculture at UMass Amherst, and he is passionate about bird watching. Meet at parking lot at Jug End State Reservation in Egremont.
THE PEOPLE'S PANTRY is open Mondays 4-5:30pm and Thursdays 10am-12:30-pm, at Saint James Place, corner of Main & Taconic Ave, GB, opposite CVS. Local shoppers may visit once a week to choose from a variety of produce, proteins, canned foods and more. All free. No income or ID requirements. Covid protocols.
A.J. HANDYMAN SPECIALIST. All home repairs. No job too small. Fencing, Remodeling & Restoration, Windows & Doors, Aluminum Trim, Flooring, Painting, Appliances Installed, Lighting/Ceiling Fans, Drywall & Taping, Rotted Wood Replacement, Wind Damage Repair. Fully insured/licensed. 413-464-9033 or 413-637-8487
CLEANING SERVICE: Home, rental, Airbnb, post construction, office cleaning, restaurant cleaning. Berkshire, NY, Canaan, CT, or anywhere. 12 years experience. Fully insured. Text or call 413-645-2332. diamondteam723@ gmail.com
COMPUTER SERVICES: Windows PC tune-ups, repairs, upgrades, Wi-Fi networking, tech support. 413-528-1141 or https:// dellea.biz
ENCLOSE YOUR DECK with a screen and glass enclosure combination. Call Southern Berkshire Builders. Fully insured. 413-4297101.
ESCOBAR'S PAINTING: Professional painter, over 25 years experience, surrounding areas. Interior and exterior painting, pressure washing of houses, decks, and fences. Fully insured, references available. Free estimates. 413-429-6333, 845-518-8609.
FIX-IT AND REPAIR: Services available to help with your repairs, home improvements and projects. Call or text Dan at 413-854-3242.
GB JUNK. 413-329-0092, Jeff Becker. greatbarrington junkremoval.com
GENERAL CONTRACTING. Building, renovations, kitchens, baths, and home inspections. Fully insured. Please call Southern Berkshire Builders. 413-4297101.
GOT DRAFTY WINDOWS?
Save energy! Get new vinyl replacement windows w/low E glass. Call Southern Berkshire Builders for estimate 413-429-7101.
GRAVEL DRIVEWAYS and hardscape. Licensed and insured, free estimates. Strong Oak Landscaping. Your driveway will thank you! 413-644-5164.
HOUSE CLEANING: Weekly, bi-weekly, weekenders welcome. Excellent attention to detail. Honest and reliable. Within 10 mile radius of GB. 4 hour jobs preferred. Excellent references. 413-6445803.
NORBERT'S LOCKSMITH Service: Certified and bonded. Commercial and residential. Locks rekeyed, repaired, installed and sold. Call 413-528-2221.
ORNAMENTAL GARDENING Services: Spring and Fall cleanup, mulching, planting, summer maintenance, pruning and other horticultural services. Fully insured with references available, serving Salisbury, Lakeville, Sharon, and other nearby towns for over 10 years. Contact Aaron of Knickerbocker Landscape and Garden LLC at knicker bockerlag@gmail.com (preferred) or call/ text 860387-8035.
PRESSURE WASHING Plus. Professional pressure washing done at affordable pricing. Homes, walkways, stonework, anything done. 20+ years experience. Negotiable pricing tailored to fit any budget. Call Robert 413-358-7948.
SENIORS: Do you need help with light housekeeping, gardening, companionship, errands, shopping? Call 518- 567-1697.
TAX PREPARATION Services. Personal income tax returns, authorized IRS efile provider. I.T.I.N. 413717-1096, 413-243-3961. Liliana Ortiz-Bermudez. Habla Espanol.
TAX PREPARATION Services: Local service, reasonable rates. Nadine Hawver 413-441-4893.
THE FLOOR SPECIALIST. Sanding, refinishing restoration of old floors, bleaching/white staining. When quality counts call Frank Monda 860-671-0468. thefloorspecialist@verizon.net
WE DO RUBBER roofing for your low pitched roofs. Please call Southern Berkshire Builders 413-429-7101.
A CLEAR PATH:Decluttering, downsizing, moving? Feel overwhelmed, don't even know where to start? Let the Declutter Fairy help you. Call for free consultation. 845366-8111. CANNABIS SEEDS: Grow your own this season. High quality female seeds, many strains available. Glass and Grow- Barcelona Breeders Group. Call or text us at 413-854-3242. 7' CONTRACTOR CAP with ladder rack and tool boxes, $200. 413-243-0675
ANTIQUE GRANDFATHER Clock 1800's, Joseph Gordon dial, 1900's case. Works. Call for info 413-582-2333
ANTIQUE ROLLTOP Hotel Desk. Early 1900s S-Curve. Good condition. Call for info. GB. 413-528-2333.
BUREAU AND DRESSER. Estate Sale. Like new. $575 set obo. Can sell separately. 413-528-2333
THE PEOPLE'S PANTRY abre los lunes de 4-5:30pm y los jueves de 10am-12:30pm. En Saint James Place, esquina de Main St y Taconic Ave, GB, frente a CVS. Los compradores locales puede visitar una vez a la semana a eligen entre una variedad de productos, proteinas, alimentos enlatados y mas. Todo gratis. Sin requisitos de ingresos o identificaion. Protocolos Covid.
WANTED
FURNITURE NEEDED. My 2 boys and I have relocated on short notice to an unfurnished apartment. We need all sorts of furniture, especially beds. We would be grateful if anyone in the community has beds and other furniture they no longer need and feel comfortable giving them to us. Thank you so much. Please call 860-248-1580 (Stacy) if you have furniture that we might have. We can pick up.
I BUY OLD GUITARS, electric or acoustic. Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Guild, and Martin. Also amps, drums, saxophones, ukes. Search attics, basements, closets. 413-528-3321.
WANTED VINTAGE HARLEY bikes/parts. Knucklehead, Panhead, original or Chopper. Call/text 860-671-0676
KAREN SHREEFTER Landscape Design, creating and maintaining captivating landscapes and gardens with my clients in the Monterey area. Call 413-528-1387.
OAK CLAMSHELL TRIM, 150', $300. Atlas belt & disc sander table, $195. 6' York rake w/wheels, $600. Simco saddle 14", $100. ancy 518-325-3527
OVEREATERS Anonymous can help you with your problems involving food. We meet every Friday from 1-2 pm at the Ambulance Garage, behind Fairview Hospital. For more information call Emily 413-329-7224 or go to oa.org
TREE WORK: From trimming to removal. First class climbers previously employed by Asplundh. Exceptional, safe, cost efficient. Licensed and insured. Strong Oak Landscaping 413-644-5164.
YELLOW HOUSE BOOKS is now open every day, from 12-5. We buy books and music. Call 413-528-8227. Email us at yh.book @verizon.net or come by 252 Main St., Great Barrington.
COAT RACK (free standing) w/hat shelf, single sided, aluminum, mobile, 60"H by 38"W, $50 cash/carry p/u Sheffield. 413- 229-0070.
MCDONNELL & MILLER 14-B Blow Down Valve w/Gasket,serviceman provided own for warranty, bought new, sell $50 cash/carry, p/u Sheffield. 413-229-0070.
FOR SALE: 100 plus cassettes. Classic Rock, Blues, Jazz. $50 firm. 413-243-0907. WANT TO KNOW MORE about our Digital Advertising Package? Call: (413)-528-0095.
GENERALLY SPEAKING.... we have what you’re looking for! www.shoppersguideinc.com
Whether you’re a Real Estate Agency, a Salon, a Restaurant, a New Business, or anything in between, we have the coverage you need. Find out more at www.shoppersguideinc.com
Strengthen your business with advertising in the Health & Wellness Weekly Section. Aimed at nutrition,fitness and wellness, it's the ideal place to advertise your related products and services to a targeted audience of more than 18,000+ local homes and businesses in the tri-state area.
PARAKEETS FREE: 2 siblings to stay together. 6 months old, home raised. 413-329-4941.
RESCUE KITTENS, healthy, social, and loving! To adopt please call 518-303-2910. Ancramdale, NY
WE’RE THE ONE FOR ALL! Whether you’re a Real Estate Agency, a Salon, a Restaurant, a New Business, or anything in between, we have the coverage you need with prices you can afford! Find out more at www. shoppersguideinc.com or give us a call at (413)-528-0095.
Poisonous plants are a potentially hidden hazard prospective pet owners must address before bringing a new pet home. Homeowners may know if a plant likes the sun or shade, but they may not realize its potential for toxicity. For those with dogs and cats that will spend time outdoors, it's best to be aware of these potentially toxic plants, courtesy of the ASPCA, Dr. Buzby's and Garden Design.
Autumn crocus: There are various types of crocus plants, but the one most toxic to dogs is autumn crocus. The entire plant is toxic, but the highest concentration of toxic agent is found in the bulbs.
Sago palm: People in warm climates may enjoy the look of palm trees on their properties. Despite its tropical and relaxing appearance, the Sago palm is extremely poisonous if ingested by pets, with the seeds being the most toxic part.
Lily: Lilies are highly toxic to cats in particular. Even grooming pollen off of their fur or drinking water out of a vase where lilies are kept may cause kidney failure.
Tulips and hyacinth: These early bloomers are beautiful flowers, but each contains a similar alkaloid toxin that is mild to moderately toxic to pets. Again, the highest concentration is found in the bulbs, which dogs or cats may dig up while exploring.
Aloe vera: This soothing succulent may be part of an
arid climate landscape. Aloe contains saponin, a toxin with foaming properties that can harm pets if ingested and cause severe dehydration.
Begonia: A popular outdoor and houseplant, begonia has decorative flowers and attractive leaves. However, the plant can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, particularly the underground tubers.
Azalea: This flowering shrub produces flowers in many colors, so it's often present in household landscapes. It's important to note that azaleas can be toxic to dogs and cats.
Yew: American, Canadian and Japanese yew may be found around properties. These shrubs produce small red berries with green centers (almost looking like the reverse of a Spanish olive with pimento). Yew is toxic to cats and dogs.
Dahlia: Dahlia produce flowers in different colors, so they are common in flower beds. However, these plants also are mildly toxic to pets.
Many toxic plants can irritate the gastrointestinal system in pets, potentially resulting in vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy. Those who suspect a pet has ingested a poisonous plant should contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or their local veterinarian to learn about how to respond to possible exposure. PE245902
THE PEOPLE'S PANTRY is open Mondays 4-5:30pm and Thursdays 10am-12:30pm, at Saint James Place, corner of Main & Taconic Ave, GB, opposite CVS. Local shoppers may visit once a week to choose from a variety of produce, proteins, canned foods and more. All free. No income or ID requirements. Covid protocols.
TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE! Shopper’s Guide is available for pick up at over 90+ locations throughout the tri-state area. Don’t miss an issue! www.shoppersguideinc.com
RESULTS
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Main Street Great Barrington, MA 01230 ads@shoppersguideinc.com www.shoppersguideinc.com 413.528.0095
Whether it’s for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, order your next meal from one of these great local eateries!
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buying furniture, workbenches, folk art, advertising, weathervanes, garden items, stoneware crocks, toys, baskets, and more. Fair and friendly. Mike 413717-2561.
BARRINGTON OUTFITTERS is hiring warehouse team members. Assembling/delive ring furniture, must be able to lift minimum of 50lbs. Starting pay at $20/h. Delivery driver wanted as well, same responsibilities as other team members but must also have valid drivers license and pass medical exam. Pay for this job is competitive and based on experience/ability. Please contact Stacy at info @barringtonoutfitters.net or stop in to 289 Main Street in Great Barrington to apply.
COOKS, DISHWASHERS , and food service workers wanted. Lakeville, CT. Email: info@toryhilldining.com
DRIVER EDUCATION Instructor Northern, Central, and/or Southern Berkshire County. A minimum of 20 to 30 hrs per week including one weekend day. Training and vehicle provided. If you are looking to make a difference this a great job to do it. Call Dave's Driving School, Inc at 413-442-0502.
Shopper's Guide
make every effort to see that all advertising copy is neatly presented and is correctly
The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertising, but will gladly reprint, without charge, that part of any advertisement in which an error may occur. Also the pub lish er takes no responsibility for state ments or claims made in any ad ver tise ment. The publisher reserves the right to refuse to publish an advertisement for any reason.
GINO FURIO LLC is looking for Junior and Senior Carpenters. Email: contact @ginofurio.com for more information.
TEAM PLAYER WANTED for local furniture mover; someone who takes pride in their work. Flexible hours. 413-822-0985.
GARDENERS NEEDED for native plant design company. April to December. Part time. Must be physically fit and dependable. Call for interview 347-496-5168. Resume and references needed.
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU! We’ll handle all of your advertising needs! Call o r email us today. The Shopper’s Guide (413)-528-0095. www.shoppersguideinc.com
HELP WANTED: Caregiver for a 65 year old man with Parkinson's disease in Great Barrington. We're in need for every Friday, arrival at 6pm until Saturday at 9am. (15 hours). Must be reliable and consistent. Good pay. Male or Female may apply. Experience would be helpful but will train. Please call or text Lynn at 413-854-4121.
HELP WANTED: Carpenter and carpenter's helper needed. Minimum 5 years experience. Pay based on experience. Must have transportation and tools. Call Ron, RN Construction Co., 413-441-3320.
IF YOU ARE AN experienced, safe, smooth driver and you want to get paid well to share this skill with our passengers please call our office today. Very clean MA driving record required. All shifts available. Part time/Seasonal 413-243-1645 Ask for Becky.
READER-For vibrant 88 year old man with sight impairment who loves listening to articles/books about politics, history, and general interest stories. 2 hours once or twice a week. Competitive hourly rate. Call Lisa 917-373-4307.
PLUMBERS: Want to run your own business and earn a lot more? Have control of your schedule and make advancement in your life? Become a subsidiary of Gino Furio LLC. Looking for master plumbers and journeyman for a unique opportunity. Email contact@ginofurio.com for more information.
THE PEOPLE'S PANTRY is open Mondays 4-5:30pm and Thursdays 10am-12:30pm, at Saint James Place, corner of Main & Taconic Ave, GB, opposite CVS. Local shoppers may visit once a week to choose from a variety of produce, proteins, canned foods and more. All free. No income or ID requirements. Covid protocols.
WANT TO MAKE A Difference in our community? Volunteer with the Literacy Network of South Berkshire (LitNet) and tutor both immigrant and native-born adults in our community. No prior experience necessary. To learn how you can help transform lives through literacy, call LitNet at (413)243-0471. For more info visit www.litnetsb.org
FLEX EV charger max 12 kW (240 Volt 50-amp; must be hardwired by licensed electrician) providing up to 37 miles per hour of charging. J1772 and NACS connector. Never installed. See it at store.char gepoint.com. $400 firm & delivered in Sheffield/Egrem ont/Great Barrington area. 413-429-5361.
2/3 BEDROOM HOUSE with 2 car garage. Available 5/15 or 6/1. Fully furnished and stocked, ready to move in small fenced in yard with privacy fence. 10 minutes to Hudson, Hillsdale and Hawthorne Valley. Wifi included. Tenant pays for heat and utilities. $1800 monthly 1st, last and security required. If interested call or text 518-929-2173.
2 BEDROOM APT for rent in Sheffield. Rent is $1,300 per month + security. Rent includes heat, hw, internet, off street parking, electric and garbage. Come for interview. Make an appointment to see it. Large rooms. 413-7177201.
CAMEL MOVING & Storage: 413-822-0985. Find us on Angie's List. See our testimonials at www.CamelMoving Storage.com
GB JUNK. 413-329-0092, Jeff Becker. greatbarrington junkremoval.com
Home Improvement Expenses to expect upon buying a home
Homeownership is often characterized as a fulfillment of a dream. Indeed, many homeowners feel their ability to buy a home is a reflection of their discipline and commitment to saving money. First-time home buyers may not know what to expect upon buying a home, and since each home is unique, it's impossible for even long-time homeowners to say with certainty exactly how things will unfold once those new to home ownership get the keys to their first house. Various expenses might be the only common variable when it comes to homeownership, and some of those expenses may surprise first-time buyers. With that in mind, the following are some expenses first-time buyers can expect once their offers are accepted.
Down payment: Conventional wisdom long suggested home buyers should submit a down payment of at least 20 percent of the overall purchase price upon buying a home. Buyers who want to follow that advice would need a down payment of $80,000 when buying a $400,000 home. But many home buyers now submit down payments considerably less than 20 percent, particularly in the modern real estate market, which is characterized by high prices and low inventory. The lower the down payment, the higher your monthly mortgage payment will be, so it's best to save as much as possible toward a down payment.
Primary mortgage insurance (PMI): Buyers who cannot come up with a down payment of 20 percent or more will have to pay for primary mortgage insurance, which is typically a set fee that is incorporated into the mortgage payment
FOR RENT: Located in historic downtown S. Egremont. 3BR, 2 bath large 2 level apartment! Cathedral ceilings, wood floors and 2 walk-in storage areas, screened in porch, private outdoor terrace, three parking spots. No pet/smoking. $3300, heat included. References and credit check required. 1st and last month rent and security deposit. Email labonte @mac.com or text to 802-881-6280.
FOR RENT BY THE MONTH. One bedroom fully furnished apartment in Tyringham, MA. $4,500.00 includes all utilities. Tanglewood is 8.6 miles. Contact hopec4654@hotmail .com
SHEFFIELD, for rent: 2 bedroom apartment, private entrance and parking, trash removal and plowing. Surrounded by spacious grounds and beautiful views. No pets, no smoking. $1500 plus utilities. First month's rent, security and references. 413229-3457, please leave message.
HOUSATONIC: 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, fully updated kitchen and bath with washer dryer hook-ups. Rent is $2050 and includes heat, hot water, electric, trash and plowing. There is a sweet little yard and it is close the center of Housatonic. Move in ready. 121frontstreet@gmail.com
FOR RENT: 2 bedroom apartment in Great Barrington. $1,800/month plus utilities. Includes washer, dryer, and dishwasher. Convenient location - just 10 minutes walking distance from Main Street. No pets. No smoking. Call 413-429-5100.
WANTED ROOM TO RENT:
Former Berkshire resident, single woman, artist. GB area or south. Pref w/small fridge in room and kitchen rights. $500 a mo.? For Aug, Sept,Oct only, 2025 and 2026 hopefully. Contact shawn baker111@gmail.com
GENERALLY SPEAKING....we have what you’re looking for!
each month. PMI fees are typically waived once the balance on the mortgage reaches 79 percent or less of the purchase price, though some lenders may waive PMI prior to that if the value of the home increases considerably before the loan balance reaches the predetermined marker.
Closing costs: The amount of closing costs varies widely depending on a host of variables, but Bankrate.com notes it's not uncommon for these costs to come in at somewhere between 2 and 5 percent of the loan principal. Closing costs must be paid no later than when the sale becomes official and buyers sign on the (many) dotted lines. Application and credit fees, title fees, underwriting fees, appraisal fees, and transfer tax are among the various fees that fall under the umbrella of closing costs.
Moving: It's also important that first-time home buyers budget for moving costs. Moving costs vary and may depend on how much buyers already own and how far they're moving. The home renovation experts at Angi estimate that local moves typically cost somewhere between $883 and $2,568, while long-distance moves may run buyers anywhere from $2,700 to $10,000 or more.
These costs are some of the upfront fees aspiring homeowners can expect when buying a home. Long-term costs, including homeowners' insurance (which is separate from PMI), property taxes, homeowners' association fees, and maintenance are some additional expenses buyers can plan for as they try to determine their home buying budgets. TF256911
GREAT BARRINGTON: One bedroom apartment in quiet neighborhood "on the hill". $975 per month plus utilities. References required. 413-329-9156.
NOT TOO LATE! Monterey seasonal rental, lovely and private updated traditional home. Six rooms, three baths. Weekly or monthly. 413-6502016.
GREAT BARRINGTON: One bedroom home "On The Hill", completely renovated, gourmet kitchen, front and back porches, large space upstairs, easy walk to center of town, no pets. $2200/mo plus utilities, references. Phone 413-329-9156 RENTAL IN NORFOLK. Newly painted 4 bedroom, 2 bath, on 5 beautiful acres in town. Looking for a long-term renter. 2,800/month. Call Greg for info: 915-269-0269.
LENOX RENTALS. Now, Summer, Fall. 617-669-6313 text. HAVE YOU GONE DIGITAL with your advertising? We can help with that, too! For more about digital advertising call Cheryl at the Shopper’s Guide (413)-528-0095.
