Adams Parks Commission Chairman Resigns

By Brian RhodesiBerkshires Staff
03:44PM / Wednesday, January 12, 2022Print Story | Email Story

ADAMS, Mass. — Parks Commission Chairman Paul Anthony Nowicki resigned before Monday's meeting.

The board now has two openings it is looking to fill. The board voted to make members Jacob Schutz and James Fassell interim co-chairs until vacancies are filled and a new member can be appointed chairman.

"We'd like to thank Paul for his time working with us. I've enjoyed it and we wish him well," Schutz said.

Those interested in filling one of the vacant seats on the board can contact Administrative Assistant Michelle DeRose. Rose said there had not yet been any interest from residents about wanting to fill a vacancy on the board.

Schutz said he hopes the positions can be filled as soon as possible.

"I'm not sure if the Selectmen are going to be advertising at their next meeting, but I know that they've done that in the past," he said.

Despite the shortage of members, the board seemed confident that they could get done any work that is needed of them until vacancies are filled.

"It's gonna be exciting moving forward," Schutz said. "Hopefully, we get some people to join us but we'll take care of business with the three of us until that happens."

Also discussed by the board was the creation of a new shed for Valley Street Field to replace the current one which is in disrepair. Parks Foreman Steve Skrocki said McCann Technical School is willing to help build the structure once he gets a better estimate on their cost.

"They want to build it for us, but I can't put the cart before the horse, so I have to get some prices for material," he said.

Skrocki said the size and scope of the new shed will depend on material costs.

The board also read a letter from Indica LLC about holding a community outreach meeting for its marijuana dispensary. The proposed dispensary, which would be located at 127 Columbia St., is in close proximity to Renfrew Park.

"Not sure it will have much of an impact on the park, but it's nice that they're opening it up to the folks to listen and give their input," Schutz said.

Tags: board vacancies, parks commission, resignation,

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After More Than a Century, Heating Failure Puts Adams Turners' Future at Risk

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:20AM / Sunday, September 27, 2026

ADAMS, Mass. — For more than a century, generations have gathered for dances, community gatherings and bowling at Turn Hall, but that longtime tradition is now in jeopardy after the building's aging heating system failed.

The Adams community is known for rallying behind local people and organizations in times of need, and now Adams Turners is asking for that same support said Gail Burda, the group's financial secretary.

The boiler, referred to as "the Beast" by board members, is as old as the building itself, which was constructed in 1902. It started out burning coal, was later switched to oil and then to gas President Virginia Fuller said.

For several years, the nonprofit social club, a 501(c)7, has struggled with the aging system, with members periodically checking on it throughout the day during the winter to ensure it was still operating, she said.

Now, "the Beast" has reached the end of its life but the Adams Turners don't have the funding to replace it, prompting them to establish a GoFundMe.

At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has raised $1,750 and members have donated more than $2,500 toward the $30,000 needed to secure an additional $25,000 grant and $25,000 loan from American Turners, the national organization under which the club operates.

The nonprofit hopes to hire a contractor to install a multi-zone hydronic system, a project estimated to cost $81,443. The work would include new heating systems for the apartment, bar area, gym and bowling alley, along with new baseboards, gas lines, permits and other necessary fittings.

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