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Adams to Host an Event-Filled Summer

By Gregory FournieriBerkshires Correspondent
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ADAMS, Mass. — After last year's pandemic summer, "2021 should be labeled as the comeback year."

That was the sentiment of Selectman Richard Blanchard after the board on Wednesday approved a number of proposed events.

On Aug. 3, for instance, the Adams Police Department is hosting National Night Out. This, according to Sgt. Gregory Onorato, will be an "opportunity for the community to get to know their first responders a little better."

The event will take place on Hoosac Street, which will be closed to traffic, and will include an inflatable obstacle course, a car seat station at which parents can get free car seats plus installation, and an outdoor movie for kids.

The Fire Department, Police Department, and Forest Wardens will be there and put on activities for families, as well as provide emergency preparedness packets for residents.

The Select Board also approved the Fall Run, the motorcycle charity event that is being revived by Jeff Snoonian and Mike Steuer, among others. That is taking place on Sept. 19 and will begin and end at Bowe Field. "We're here to revitalize" the Fall Run, said Steuer.

Steuer and Snoonian applied for a one-day wine and malt license, as well as a Sunday entertainment license, to put on the afterparty. The event will be free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5. The board expressed gratitude for the efforts of Snoonian and Steuer, and approved both applications unanimously.

Vice Chairwoman Christine Hoyt also announced the Adams Suffrage Centennial Celebration Committee's planned ceremony on Aug. 21 to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote and the bicentennial of Susan B. Anthony, who campaigned throughout her life.

These events were delayed from last year because of the pandemic and the bronze monument to Anthony, born in Adams in 1820, was dedicated last month at the Town Common

"We thank the committee for their three years of work," Hoyt said.

The celebration will take place from noon to 8 on Park Street, and will include bands, a presentation of the life of Anthony, and fireworks. Residents can learn more about it here.

Finally, the Selectmen approved a request to revive the annual Polish picnic at the Polanka Picnic Grounds on Mill Street. This will take place from noon to 5 on Sept. 12, and will include Polish and American food, soda, beer, and wine, as well as a polka band. Attendees will be required to pay $5 to enter.

In other news:

  • The board held a public hearing on the proposed Cumberland Farms at 95 Commercial St. for an underground storage tank for gasoline. Town Administrator Jay Green said, "I think they've been great partners." Construction will begin in March 2022.
  • The board appointed lifelong Adams resident Jeff Randall to the Conservation Commission. Randall has dual bachelors' degrees in civil and environmental engineering, and has worked in those fields in Berkshire County since he graduated. Selectman Joseph Nowak, who is friendly with Randall, said, "It's ideal to have someone of Jeff's caliber come on board."
  • Green was appointed acting Department of Public Works director. The search for a full replacement is ongoing.

Tags: community event,   

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Adams Community Bank Holds Annual Meeting, Announce Growth

ADAMS, Mass. — The annual meeting of the Community Bancorp of the Berkshires, MHC, the parent company of Adams Community Bank, was held on April 10, 2024, at Charles H. McCann Technical School in North Adams.
 
The meeting included reviewing the 2023 financial statements for the Bank, electing directors and corporators, and highlighting upcoming executive personnel changes.
 
"In 2023, the Bank experienced another year of growth in assets, loans, and deposits, noting the Pittsfield branch reached $26 million in customer deposits from its opening in December of 2022," President and CEO of Adams Community Bank Charles O'Brien said. "Those deposits were loaned out locally during 2023 and helped drive our #1 ranking in both mortgage and commercial real estate lending, according to Banker and Tradesman."
 
At year-end 2023, total assets were $995 million, and O'Brien noted the Bank crossed the $1 billion threshold during the first quarter of 2024.
 
Board chair Jeffrey Grandchamp noted with O'Brien's upcoming retirement, this will be the final annual meeting of the CEO's tenure since he joined the Bank in 1997. He thanked him for his 27 years of dedication to the Bank. He acknowledged the evolution of the Bank as it became the premier community bank in the Berkshires, noting that branches grew from 3 to 10, that employees grew from 40 to 135, and that assets grew from $127 million to $1 billion. 
 
An executive search is underway for O'Brien's replacement.
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