Adams Theater Fundraiser Gains $20K First Week

The stage at the long-closed theater is being expanded and the floor leveled to provide more flexibility in its use. 

ADAMS, Mass. — A fundraiser for the Adams Theater has brought in more than $20,000 in donations and pledges since it began last week, as progress on the theater's renovation continues. 

Contributions to the fundraiser will support costs associated with theater programming for the 2023 season. Yina Moore, founder and executive director of the theater, said she is happy to see so much community support for the theater. 

"I think it was just overwhelmingly positive. It was very touching for me," she said. "Because in the beginning when we started this project, you know, you always have maybe 5 percent of the naysayers or the nonbelievers. But now it's just like 99 percent overwhelmingly positive." 

As of Sept. 1, the theater has raised just under $18,000 of its $80,000 fundraising goal online. Another $5,500 in donations, according to Moore, is arriving via check. 

The fundraiser will end with a benefit concert by the piano group Two Piano Journey on Nov. 11. The mother and son team, Michelle Chen Kuo and Christopher Kuo, is currently touring to raise money for philanthropic and charitable organizations. 

"Chris is just an amazing, entrepreneur-minded person," Moore said. "He's grown their organization much, much bigger. Then he started to have a series of nonprofits that he believes in, and he will fundraise for the same group over and over again." 

The duo has raised $1,456,000 for its partners since 2016. Moore, who knew Christopher Kuo from her previous career, said he has visited Adams several times to learn more about the project, bringing a videographer on one trip to help get footage to promote the event. 

"I was going back and forth about whether we should do it this year or not. But I thought that, since we have this renovation, if we just keep pushing for it and have a goal to work towards, then something will happen." 

In addition to raising money for programming, Moore said she hopes the fundraiser helps community members feel more involved in the advancement of the theater. 

"The intention is to make people feel a part of the progress, and then they have a say in how the theater could be further developed," she said. "Nowadays, everybody can express their opinion. They can come to an event, they can say what they like and don't know what they're inspired to see more. 

Renovation work is still ongoing in both the theater and retail sections. Recently, the marquee at the front of the building was updated with new lettering and lights. 

Workers are extending the stage and flattening the floor of the theater space, as the original flooring was inclined. 

"I think it was [going for] that amphitheater kind of feeling," said George LeMaitre, one of the people working on the theater construction. "... I would have thought it would have just been flat, which would be much easier." 

Once finished, the theater space will be adjustable, allowing the space to be reorganized depending on the event. 

Those interested in learning more about the fundraising campaign can learn more here.

Friday Afternoon Fire Destroys Cheshire Barn

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
04:40PM / Friday, April 03, 2026

 

CHESHIRE, Mass. — A fire on Friday afternoon destroyed a barn at 920 Sand Mill Road.

 

The building is a total loss but firefighters were able to prevent the flames from reaching another nearby barn and the house at Stoney Brook Farm. 

 

Fire Chief Thomas Francesconi said the fire was called in 12:39 p.m. by the homeowners "but it already had a foothold before they noticed it."

 

Responding firefighters found the L-shaped structure fully involved. Adams, Lanesborough, Savoy and Windsor fire companies responded and Williamstown Fire covered the station.

 

The tankers were used to transport water from a nearby brook until a pool could be set up near the scene and water pumped into it. 

 

Northern Berkshire EMS responded and one firefighter was treated at the scene and then taken to Berkshire Medical Center. 

 

Francesconi said there were no other injuries but the owners told him there were 18 chickens in the barn. The structure also had equipment and other materials in it, including a Jeep.