SteepleCats Play Chinese Guest Team on Sunday

Editor's Note: The game had to be canceled because of rain and expected thunderstorms.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The SteepleCats will welcome the Chinese Taipei National team for a friendly game Sunday night.

Public Relations Tom Aslip said the game starts at 6:30 pm Sunday at Joe Wolfe Field and will be a “once in a life time opportunity.” Normally Sunday games take place at 4:30 pm, however the time has been shifted for the special event.

"Our guys are really excited, and it definitely something to come see," Aslip said.

Although the game won't count in the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) standings, Aslip said it is an excellent opportunity to see how another culture plays baseball.

"Anyone form another culture coming into to North Adams is exciting, and it is great to meet new people and experience another culture," Aslip said. "To have baseball in common between the two cultures and getting to see the way they play the game against our guys should be a great opportunity and we really excited about it."

General Manager Johno Hinkell said the SteepleCats have played teams from other countries in the past. He said they have played the Chinese Taipei team before. He said international teams often reach out to USA teams when they decide they want to go on a tour.

"It was brought to the NECBL earlier in the year and teams who were interested can pursue it," Hinkell said. "Basically if their tour fits your off days you have a shot to host them."

Hinkell said the SteepleCats in the past would set up activities for the international team, however, this year the team is just making a day trip to North Adams and leaving after the game.

Aslip said international friendly games often take place in the NECBL league. He said the Newport Gulls also faced a Chinese national team and were the only team in the USA they played who were able to defeat them.

Aslip said everyone should come experience the special game and support the 'Cats.

"We are all very excited; this is something that has been in the works for a while and it is an amazing opportunity," he said.

DiLego Jewelry to Close After Nearly 100 Years in Business

By Daniel MatziBerkshires correspondent
05:28AM / Tuesday, May 07, 2024

Sisters Pamela Costine, left, and Cynthia Lamore have been operating the store since their aunts retired in 1987. Both started working in the business as teens.  Lamore's decided it's time to retire. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — DiLego Jewelery Store, the family-owned business that has been a staple of North Adams for nearly a century, will be closing this summer. 

 

The closure was announced on the store's Facebook page late Sunday night, where it immediately drew comments of remembrance and well-wishing.

 

Cindy Lamore, whose great uncle Frank DiLego opened the store on Main Street in the late 1930s, said the shop will cease operations following her retirement, slated for June 30. A 20 percent off Mother's Day sale will begin immediately, with increasing discounts leading up to the closing date.

 

It took Lamore "a couple of years" to reach the decision to close. Witnessing the passing of lifelong friends or their struggles with debilitating illness prompted her to reconsider her priorities, especially considering the extensive time devoted to running a small business. 

 

"You really question what you're waiting for," she reflected.

 

While recognizing that changing consumer habits have led to a decrease in jewelry and watch sales in recent years, Lamore stressed that her decision to close was a personal one. She and her business partner and sister, Pamela Costine, wanted "to do it on our terms," she said.

 

Comments on Facebook praised the store's customer service, and friends, family, and customers alike reminisced about buying jewelry for special occasions, stopping in for watch repairs, and the perennial rite of childhood for many: getting ears pierced.