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Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Celebration of life' or calling hours? Hard feelings follow event at Sterling restaurant
STERLING — The death of a Fitchburg man and a subsequent event to honor his life has resulted in a dispute between some of his family and a local restaurant. It also spilled over into social media, where many commenters have weighed in. The epicenter of the disagreement is Barber's Crossing North in Sterling, where the family booked a function room for a 'Celebration of Matthew's Life.' That is how the May 18 event was noted in Matthew Dube's obituary. He died April 30 at 43 after a short illness, leaving behind his father, two brothers, his wife, two stepchildren and other family members. After the event, a Facebook post from Alicia Brown, Dube's stepdaughter, claimed the restaurant overcharged the family by $1,500. 'They did us wrong and it sucks," the post said. Brown told the Telegram & Gazette that it was never about the food or quality of service. It was miscommunication, largely on the part of the restaurant. "They messed up," she said. Aolani Brown, Dube's wife, declined to comment. Matthew Wallace, whose family owns Barber's Crossing North, disputes the narrative from Alicia Brown. Wallace said he 'feels awful that a young father died so suddenly, but I also have a business to run.' Wallace noted that his restaurant has operated for 30 years, and has hosted many luncheons for families after services held at funeral homes. What happened at Barber's Crossing on May 18, said Wallace, was calling hours for a funeral, not a celebration of life. He said he based his determination on how many people showed up at his restaurant. "The swell of people was incredible," he said. The guest count reached 150 — a conservative estimate, said Wallace — for a reservation of 100. The crowd spilled over into other parts of the restaurant, and the guests filled up his parking lot, with Wallace lamenting that spaces were taken up for other customers. As for the bill, Wallace said it was made clear to the family during booking that it was $29.99 per head, plus tax and gratuity, and that those charges would also apply to any guests above 100. Wallace said his staff went over the details and charges with the family several times before May 20. Brown's post noted the family had been in contact with the restaurant for at least a week beforehand to make sure everything was in order. It also mentioned that Barber's Crossing was her mother's and Matthew Dube's favorite date-night Keno spot. The total cost for the 'celebration of life' that was arranged with the restaurant was roughly $3,900, said Brown's post, that included the $29.99 per person charge for 100 people, taxes, tip, and $120 for two cheese plates. While the event ran smoothly for the most part, according to the post, the unexpected happened when the bill came. It was for 150 people, increasing the total amount by $1,500 before taxes. A total of 108 people signed the guest book, said Brown's post, and the family was told by restaurant management that it would be charged for 150 guests. Wallace said the final bill was approximately $6,000, and that it was paid. 'I'm disappointed in barbers,' reads Brown's post, which noted the family has held gatherings at the restaurant over the years. 'The restaurant knew it was a celebration of life. I don't know why they are saying it was calling hours.' Meanwhile, a representative for Dube's father, John Dube, and his brothers, Andrew and Stephen Dube, told the Telegram & Gazette that they side with the restaurant's position that it was calling hours, that the total amount the restaurant charged is appropriate, and that they don't support what the stepdaughter posted on social media. "It's sad to think that," Alicia Brown told the T&G of the position taken by the other side of the family. She explained that her late father never wanted calling hours. "He wanted a celebration of his life, and we tried to get it for him." Going forward, Wallace said, he'll have signed contracts with all parties that clearly spell out all charges and expectations. That's not how Wallace used to do business, he said, as all details and charges were discussed in-person or by email. Brown also mentioned in her post the importance of a contract. "We now know in the future to have a contract written out or pre payment before the event.' Some social media posts were sympathetic to Alicia Brown's accounting of events, while others wondered why the family would hold calling hours at a restaurant. Brown is moving on. "I'm done telling the story over and over," her post said. "Two sides to every story right. Make your own opinion. Just sharing our experiences." Contact Henry Schwan at Follow him on X: @henrytelegram. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Was Barber's Crossing event a celebration of life, or calling hours?

Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Global Coin Unveils Historic 2025 (P) Silver Eagle Featuring First-Ever 'Eagle Privy' Mark
Fitchburg, Wisconsin, United States, May 21, 2025 -- Global Coin, a leader in modern numismatics and premier source for rare and exclusive coinage, proudly announces the release of the groundbreaking 2025 (P) Silver Eagle 'EAGLE PRIVY.' This first-of-its-kind Silver Eagle features a laser-engraved eagle privy mark—a powerful tribute to the series' legacy and a bold leap forward in U.S. Mint history. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint and certified in perfect NGC MS70 condition, the 2025 Eagle Privy represents a monumental evolution in the American Silver Eagle program. The United States Mint has authorized a limited mintage of just 500,000 coins, making it one of the most exclusive Silver Eagles in recent memory. Adding to its desirability, only 50,000 coins received the elite 'One of First 50,000 Issued' designation. Of those, Global Coin has secured an ultra-limited allocation of only 50 coins bearing the Advanced Release designation, certified in NGC's highest grade, and presented in Global Coin Series holders—further authenticated by the hand signature of Anna Cabral, 42nd Treasurer of the United States. 'This release marks a new chapter in the Silver Eagle's journey,' said a spokesperson for Global Coin. 'The eagle privy is not only a design innovation—it's a statement of where numismatics is heading. This coin is more than silver. It's a modern American artifact.' The eagle privy—engraved directly onto the master die using cutting-edge laser technology—sets a new standard in detail and precision, offering collectors a striking emblem of strength and national pride. This release continues the prestigious lineage of V75 and Star privy issues, placing the 2025 Eagle Privy squarely in the conversation as a future key date for modern collectors and serious investors alike. About the company: Global Coin is your trusted destination for rare and valuable coins, combining quality, authenticity, and unparalleled customer service. With a global selection and expert advisors available online or by phone, we guide novice and seasoned collectors to make confident, informed decisions. Visit today. Contact Info: Name: Stephen Pfeil Email: Send Email Organization: Global Coin, LLC Phone: 1-844-595-9599 Website: Release ID: 89158415 If there are any problems, discrepancies, or queries related to the content presented in this press release, we kindly ask that you notify us immediately at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our responsive team will be available round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or support you with press release takedowns. Ensuring accurate and trustworthy information is our unwavering commitment.

Associated Press
07-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Global Coin Unveils Exquisite Royal Tribute from the Crown Jewel Series
Global Coin introduces two elite Royal Canadian Mint releases—the 2025 1 oz Silver Williamson Diamond Brooch and the $200 Gold Coin with Pink Tourmaline & Diamonds, each graded PR70 and hand-signed by Steven Rosati. Exclusive access. Secure yours now. Fitchburg, Wisconsin, United States, May 7, 2025 -- Global Coin is honored to unveil two stunning new additions to our elite portfolio—offered in museum-quality PR70 condition—as part of the Royal Canadian Mint's prestigious Crown Jewels Series: 2025 1 oz Fine Silver Coin – Williamson Diamond Brooch (PR70, Hand-Signed) A tribute to one of Queen Elizabeth II's most iconic jewels, this 99.99% fine silver coin showcases a rhodium-plated jonquil flower with a pink-colored glass stone and crystal embellishments. With a global mintage of just 6,000, it exudes royal charm and refined craftsmanship. Even more exclusive—only 29 coins have been graded PR70, and each one is hand-signed by Royal Canadian Mint Senior Engraver Steven Rosati, enhancing its provenance and collector appeal. 2025 $200 Pure Gold Coin with Pink Tourmaline & Diamonds – Williamson Diamond Brooch (PR70, Hand-Signed) A true modern masterpiece, this 1.93 oz 99.99% pure gold coin is adorned with a 0.50 ct pink tourmaline and 28 round-cut diamonds (0.41 ct total), mounted on a platinum-plated sterling silver recreation of the Queen's brooch. With only 225 coins minted worldwide, this release is the epitome of numismatic luxury. Even more rare: just 5 coins have achieved PR70 status, each with a Steven Rosati hand-signed label, making them some of the most elite gold issues of 2025. Both PR70 coins are now available exclusively through Global Coin. To inquire about pricing, availability, or secure your hand-signed specimen, call our private client team at (888) 782-4406. May Coin Drop Exclusive – One Day Only Offer On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Global Coin's monthly Coin Drop will feature the 2025 1 oz Fine Silver Williamson Diamond Brooch coin in NGC GEM Proof condition. Retail Price: $264 Coin Drop Price: $129 — over 50% off, while supplies last To claim yours, visit at 8:00 AM CST and enter discount code CROWNJEWEL at checkout. Quantities are extremely limited and will sell out fast. About the company: Global Coin is your trusted destination for rare and valuable coins, combining quality, authenticity, and unparalleled customer service. With a global selection and expert advisors available online or by phone, we guide novice and seasoned collectors to make confident, informed decisions. Visit today. Contact Info: Name: Stephen Pfeil Email: Send Email Organization: Global Coin, LLC Phone: 1-844-595-9599 Website: Release ID: 89159439 In case of detection of errors, concerns, or irregularities in the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we strongly encourage you to reach out promptly by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our efficient team will be at your disposal for immediate assistance within 8 hours – resolving identified issues diligently or guiding you through the removal process. We take great pride in delivering reliable and precise information to our valued readers.