Adams Theater Surpasses $80,000 Fundraising Goal

Yina Moore, founder and director of the Adams Theater, said nearly 300 people attended the concert and the community open house that preceded it earlier in the day. Provided Photo by Greg Nesbit

ADAMS, Mass. — After nearly three months of fundraising and a benefit concert Friday, the Adams Theater has surpassed its $80,000 crowdfunding goal as work on revitalizing the building continues.

The theater had been running the fundraiser since August, reaching a final total of $81,854, including $65,144 donated via online fundraising and $16,710 in offline donations. Yina Moore, founder and director of the Adams Theater, said nearly 300 people attended the concert and the community open house that preceded it earlier in the day. 

"It was heartwarming to see so many people coming together from all over Berkshire County, despite the rain, during a holiday weekend in November," Moore said in a press release. "The downtown parking lots were full, Firehouse Cafe was full, and people were hanging out at Amory Court outside of the theater. I see this as a reinforcing sign that the Adams Theater has the potential to reinvigorate downtown Adams and establish a supportive local audience."

The theater hosted piano group Two Piano Journey for the benefit concert. The mother and son team, Michelle Chen Kuo and Christopher Kuo, is currently touring to raise money for philanthropic and charitable organizations.

"Thank you Two Piano Journey for using your incredible talents and dedication to elevate our work," the theater's Facebook page posted on Sunday, announcing the fundraiser had overtaken the $80,000 goal.

In addition to local interest from the fundraiser, the theater has attracted interest and financial investment from the state. Last month, the theater received an $800,000 grant from the state's Underutilized Properties Program, which will fund several upgrades, including electrical upgrades, HVAC improvements, a new roof and an accessible new floor.

Despite renovation work planned to take up much of next year, Moore has said there are still plans for several events and other programming throughout 2023.

"As we continue work on the theater, I want to provide other opportunities for people to visit and see this project progressing," said Moore. "I want community members to be able to see how their support is helping us reach our goals, and continue to draw people to Adams’ downtown."

Long-awaited Greylock Glen Outdoor Center Opens to Applause

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:27PM / Friday, October 11, 2024

Selectmen Chair John Duval gets a loud reception after reminding the hundreds who attended the opening that it took 50 years to get to Friday. 

ADAMS, Mass. — There's been numerous plans for the Greylock Glen over the past half century — casinos and golf courses, condos and hotels, tramways and ski slopes. 

 

On Friday, the first milestone in the development of the 50-acre parcel was finally realized with the opening of the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center. 

 

"It's taken us 50 years. Good morning everyone! We all did it, right? We did it!" said Selectmen Chair John Duval, encouraging the hundreds of gathered at the center to cheer and applaud on Friday morning. "It's been a long-standing hope that this building will establish Adams as a destination for outdoor recreation. ...

 

"The project is intended to serve as a catalyst for economic growth of Adams and the Northern Berkshires, a community. As a community, we look to build on our strengths, and one of the our greatest strengths is the breadth of outdoor recreation opportunities available."

 

This vision at foot of Mount Greylock began 18 years ago when the town of Adams signed an agreement with state to develop the parcel after numerous private entities had failed. It took years of meetings with local stakeholders to hash out agreements over conservation, recreation and development along with hefty sums of public funding to make it a reality. 

 

Town Administrator Jay Green noted the strong support the project had received from the community, how every request for funding had been approved by the town meeting members.

 

"Today, we are turning over the keys, the metaphorical keys, to achieving the long-held dreams and goals that this building holds inside and represents. The outdoor center belongs to you," he told the gathering. "What stands behind me is a beautiful, modern building, designed and built to complement its magnificent surroundings. It is full of potential, and again, you hold the key to unlock that potential."