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."

Adams Free Library Celebrates Refinished Staircases

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
11:54AM / Sunday, March 19, 2023

The oak and maple staircases had darkened over the years from use and age, and the treads were worn. 

ADAMS, Mass. — Attorney Emil George was sitting in the conference room at Adams Community Bank last year looking out the window at the Free Library, where he'd once studied as a student.

 

He thought to himself, "I'm gonna go across the street and just see if they need anything." And so he did. 

 

The result was the restoration of the elaborate twin staircases in the historic building that hadn't had more than a cleaning in the last 124 years. 

 

"This library's beautiful stairways have seen much foot traffic over the last century and it was time to see them restored," said Library Director Holli Jayko at Saturday morning's ribbon cutting of the refurbished steps. "We are very thankful for benevolent donors and talented people."