image description — Members of the Adams High class of 1956: front, from left, Richard Aveyard, Fred Martin, Doris Burnett Alibozek, Bernadine Lacy Phillips and Robert Bourdon; back row, Dorene Bush Sadlow, Joan Maznicki, Alice Reeves Liebenow, Norman Gajda, Shirley Bator Papas, Frances Bulsa, Eugene Marcil, Edward Marko, Marie Hayer Ziemlak Dubis, Charlie Leitch, Richard Sokolove and Starr Baker. Missing: Elaine Boichot Durant.

Adams Memorial High Class of 1956 Celebrates 65th Reunion

03:11PM / Thursday, October 07, 2021Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Adams Memorial High School class of 1956 celebrated its 65th class reunion on Sept. 18 at Boston Sea Foods Restaurant.

Thirty class members and their spounses attended with prizes awarded to those traveling the farthest and the first to respond.

Starr Baker gave a special tribute to class adviser Rolland "Duke" Duval, who was unable to attend because of failing health. Duval taught English and French at the former Adams High and was later superintendent of schools for the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District. He attended the 60th reunion.

Eugene Marcil delivered grace and recited the names of deceased class members.

The reunion planning committee included Marie Dubis, Joan Maznicki, Shirley Papas and Baker, who served as master of ceremony.

A great time was had by all, sharing many memories.

Tags: class reunion,

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Adams Fire District Meeting Approves Full-Time Paid Chief

Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
06:55PM / Thursday, February 19, 2026

ADAMS, Mass. — A special meeting of the Fire District overwhelmingly passed making the fire chief and clerk/treasurer appointed positions on Thursday evening.

More than 50 registered voters experienced déjà vu as they rehashed the requests to make the fire engineer and clerk/treasurer positions appointed during a meeting that lasted half and hour.

These votes will have to be confirmed at a future election.

In previous district meetings, changing the fire chief position to a paid, full-time, appointed role was controversial. Article 2 passed with a large majority in favor at the meeting, as it has in the past. However, it's failed narrowly on ballot votes.

Voter Catherine Foster said this change is long overdue, especially now that current Fire Chief John Pansecchi has announced his retirement effective May, after nine years as chief and 40 years with the department.

Following questions from voters, it was explained that the pay scale for the 40-hour position will be based on qualifications and will range between $75,000 to $111,000, not including benefits.

Based on benefits for other town employees, benefits will cost an additional of about $40,000 to $50,000.

Through the stipend, Pansecchi is getting paid roughly $30,000.

Over the past five years, the position's responsibilities and hours have increased significantly, making it nearly a full-time role on top of his existing full-time job.

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