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Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco cuts the ribbon launching the annual Great Chair Auction bidding with local artists and Youth Center officials.
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Many of the items can be seen in store windows on Park Street. These are at the former Simmons, being turned into work/live space by artist owners William and Francine Riley.

Adams' Fourth Annual Great Chair Auction Open For Bids

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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Mazzucco says a few words before launching the auction. 

ADAMS, Mass. — From comic and cartoon characters to paeans to nature, this year's Great Chair Auction offering up some fantastical seating for enjoying — or just viewing.

The annual fundraiser for Youth Center Inc. commenced after an official ribbon cutting Wednesday at the former Simmons Furniture Store on Park Street.

Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco got to clip the ribbon before joining in on the Artists' Walk along Park Street, where many of the items for auction can be seen on display in store windows.

"This is a great event and I look forward to cutting the ribbon every year," Mazzucco said. "It's a great community event and a great fundraiser for the community."

The Great Chair Auction has been going strong for three years and remains the largest fundraiser for the Adams Youth Center. Now in its fourth year, it has expanded with even more interesting pieces and furniture.  

"We have some great superhero ones, we have one depicting Big Basin Swimming Hole, we have a wine rack, tables and there are even some carved pieces," Executive Director Youth Center Sonia DiSanti said.

The pieces are donated by artists from around the area and community members. Some are as simple as a reupholstered chair for the Bruins lover and others more detailed art pieces, like the Big Basin chair. There's also bookcases, tables and other furniture pieces.

The event brings in between $10,000 and $12,000 annually.

Youth Center Board Member Ed St. John IV said he is impressed every year by what the artists create.

"Quality is always top notch, and the artist's imagination never ceases to amaze us," he said.

The furniture up for auction is displayed in storefront windows throughout the downtown. Potential buyers can window shop before taking to the online auction or the live auction Sunday, Oct. 16, at 1 p.m. at the Bounti-Fare. Keep checking back to the online site as items will be added in the coming days. 


Tags: auction,   fundraiser,   youth center,   

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Adams Sees No Races So Far

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — With less than a week left before nomination papers are due, there are currently no contested seats.
 
Only selectman incumbent John Duval has returned papers. Selectman Howard Rosenberg has decided not to seek re-election. 
 
Rosenberg, who was elected in 2021, said he has chosen not to run again to make room for younger candidates.
 
"I feel strongly, we need younger people running for public office,  as the future of our town lies within the younger  generation. The world is so fundamentally different today and rapidly changing to become even more so. I believe we need people who are less interested in trying to bring back the past, then in paving the way for a promising future. The younger generation can know that they can stay here and have a voice without having to leave for opportunities elsewhere," he said.
 
The only person to return papers so far is former member the board Donald Sommer. Sommer served as a selectman from 2007 to 2010 and before that was a member of the School Committee and the Redevelopment Authority. He ran unsuccessfully for selectman in 2019 and again in 2021 but dropped out of before the election.
 
Incumbent Moderator Myra Wilk and Town Clerk Haley Meczywor have returned papers for their respective positions.
 
Assessor Paula Wheeler has returned papers and incumbents James Loughman and Eugene Michalenko have returned papers for library trustees.
 
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