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Secret Sun Tanning Salon Opens in Adams

ADAMS, Mass. — Secret Sun Tanning Salon has opened at 96 Summer St., giving residents the opportunity to get tanned year-round. 

Inside the salon are three new tanning beds, which include one lay-down bed and two standing units, as well as several options for lotions and other skin-related products. Salon manager Emily Durant explained that the machines are adjustable, allowing users to change the intensity based on their skin complexion and sensitivity. 

"All of our machines can actually play music through your phone," Durant said. "We have cords that plug right into them, so you can play your own music while you're in there and jam out to whatever suits you." 

Several guests and town officials visited the salon on Friday for a ribbon cutting to celebrate its opening. 

"We just wanted to say thank you very much to you and the Nocher team for your investment here on Summer Street," said Christine Hoyt, vice chair of the Board of Selectmen. "We're very excited about this opening."

Durant said the salon's location should be perfect for Adams residents, who she explained do not have many options for tanning salons nearby. Aside from Secret Sun, the closest tanning salons for residents of Adams are in Pittsfield and Bennington, Vt. 

The salon is part of 1Berkshire's "Pop Up, North Berkshire" program, which gave funds to support opening four pop-up businesses in Adams and North Adams this year. A one-time grant from the state Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development provided the funds the program. 

"We're just excited to see the redevelopment of this whole corridor, and this being another great asset," said Ben Lamb, director of economic development at 1Berkshire, who was also in attendance to celebrate the opening. "Knowing the market is here, there's a need, and you guys are filling it. What you've done, it's a perfect space for it." 

The Adams Incubator, which opened earlier this year, was the first business in town to open as part of the project. Lamb said all four have remained open after the end of the program.

Cheshire Festival of Trees on View Until Dec. 31

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
12:19PM / Thursday, December 18, 2025

Businesses, nonprofits, schools and town departments provided trees for the display that reflected their missions or services. 

CHESHIRE, Mass. — There is still time to experience the festive atmosphere of the Community House. 

 

The moment you step into the town offices, you're greeted by the scent of fresh pine wafting from about 70 beautifully decorated trees on display. 

 

The town's festival of trees will be on display Monday through Thursday from 10 to 4, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 8, and Sunday from 10 to 5 until Dec. 31. The building will be closed Dec. 24 and 25. 

 

The idea started four years ago with Department of Public Works Director Corey McGrath's vision to display a decorated, lighted tree in all 13 windows of the Community House, the former Cheshire School.

 

A large part of it was to bring the community back into the building that was a mess five years ago, he said. 

 

The purpose of the building is in its name — a community pillar housing the town offices and Youth Center Inc., and a community hub featuring activities from dancing, craft fairs, wrestling, and more.  

 

Since its establishment, the display has grown into the festival it is today featuring raffles, a Christmas village, nutcrackers, and, of course, trees.