NEWS RELEASE: Michael's Restaurant starts take-out catering and holiday gift baskets

This news release was supplied by Angela Cardinali (413-458-9053) on behalf of Michael's Restaurant.

MICHAEL'S RESTAURANT LAUNCHES TAKE-OUT CATERING BUSINESS
AND HAND-CRAFTED FOOD BASKETS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Williamstown, Mass. -- Just in time for the start of the holiday season, Michael's Restaurant, known regionally for its authentic hand-crafted Greek and Italian fare, is offering a full catering menu for take-out party orders and hand-crafted holiday baskets for distinctive gifts.

A wide selection of Greek and Italian specialties are available for take-out catering including spanakopita, tiropita, moussaka, pastitsio, taramosalata, lasagna, baked ziti, pesto, tomato and alfredo sauces, and much more. Baklava and galaktoboureko are signature desserts featured for holiday events as well.

"All items on our catering menu are prepared from scratch using locally grown ingredients whenever possible," said Cindy Nikitas, chef-owner. "We have just started to promote the catering arm of our business and are hoping this service will take the stress away from families and businesses hosting holiday parties this season," she added. Michael's catering menu is available online at their new website michaelsofwilliamstown.com in addition to an extensive dinner menu.

Michael's Restaurant is also offering holiday gift baskets featuring traditional Greek specialties such as dolmathes, taramosalata, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes and Cindy's Greek dressing bottled in house. These items are paired with imported pasta and bamboo serving utensils for a festive presentation. Hand- crafted baklava in several party sizes is available for holiday, hostess and employee gifts as well. Baskets are on display and can be ordered direct from the restaurant.

Chef-owned and operated for more than 20 years, Michael's Restaurant serves authentic homemade Greek and Italian cuisine featuring Berkshire-grown products in season. Casual and family- friendly, Michael's Restaurant offers daily specials and a selection of beer and wine. The restaurant serves dinner nightly beginning at 4 p.m. and is closed Mondays. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Located across from the Orchards at 460 Main Street in Williamstown, Mass. Michael's is a member of Berkshire Grown. Reservations are not necessary. For additional information, call 413-458-2114 or visit http://www.michaelsofwilliamstown.com.

An Inconvenient Truth showing in Williamstown

The Al Gore film about climate change, An Inconvenient Truth, is showing this Thursday at St. John's Episcopal Church on Park St. The 6PM showing is free and open to the public. A representative of Interfaith Power and Light, and Mike Tillou, a member of the Williamstown COOL (CO2 Lowering) committee will be on hand to provide information about how to reduce CO2 emissions. Compact fluorescent bulbs will be available for sale, and there will be an opportunity to sign up for green power through the National Grid GreenUp program. For more information, contact Brooke Pickrell, Youth and Campus Minister at St. John's Episcopal Church at brookepickrell@adelphia.net or 458-8144, x13.

State Rep. Bosley urges a NO vote on alcohol-license Question 1

Massachusetts Step. Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, D-North Adams, has emailed friends and supporters urging voters to reject a state ballot initiative which would allow supermarkets and convenience stores in Massachusetts to sell certain alcoholic beverages.

"I want you to know that I have taken a firm stand against Ballot Question ballot this Tuesday," Bosley writes, adding: "Law enforcement officials, legislators and alcohol regulation officers have worked tirelessly to ensure the responsible sale of alcohol in Massachusetts. Currently, Massachusetts has the third lowest drunk driving fatality rate in the country.

Ballot Question One asks voters to create a new type of alcohol license which would expand the sale of wine to more than double thecurrent number of outlets in the state, without additional funds forlaw enforcement, Bosley writes. He says approving the ballot initiative would allow wine to be sold in thousands of convenience stores and hundreds of gas station mini marts across the state.

Bosley calls these locations "inappropriate" for alcohol sales. He says that's why the State Police Association of Massachusetts, the Boston Police Superintendent, police chiefs and sheriffs across the state, and the Massachusetts Medical Foundation all oppose Question One.

More info: http://www.VoteNOonQuestion1.com .