Adams Historical Society Annual Meeting

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ADAMS, Mass. — Samuel M. Trudel, award-winning graphic designer and family historian, will present "Dr. Samuel M. Jones, the Man Who Transformed the Renfrew Mill into the Arnold Print Works Jones Division," at the Adams Historical Society's annual meeting on Sunday, April 28, at 3 p.m. in Memorial Hall of the Adams Free Library.
 
Trudel, Dr. Jones' grandson, recently published the second of a two-book companion series covering Arnold Print Works history between 1868 and 1942. Arnold Print Works, with divisions in North Adams and Adams, was a leading Berkshire textile manufacturer with offices in New York and Paris. The presentation will focus on the story of the Jones Division in Adams, established by Dr. Jones after Arnold Print Works purchased the Renfrew Manufacturing Company in 1928.
 
Trudel's presentation will include never-before-published photographs of the company's operations, samples of original Jones Division fabrics, and family photographs. Materials from the historical society's collection will also be on display.
 
A brief business meeting for annual elections, reports on recent accomplishments, and discussion of future plans will precede the program. Refreshments will be served following the presentation.
 
All members of the historical society, as well as the general public, are invited to attend. Memorial Hall, on the second floor of the library, is handicap accessible by elevator from the Melrose Street entrance.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Adams Fire District Voters Approve Full-Time Paid Chief

Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — After scarcely failing in years prior, voters overwhelmingly passed making the fire chief and clerk/treasurer appointed positions during the special Fire District meeting on Thursday evening. 
 
More than 50 registered voters experienced déjà vu as they rehashed the requests to make the fire engineer and clerk/treasurer positions appointed during a meeting that lasted half and hour. 
 
In previous district meetings, changing the fire chief position to a paid, full-time, appointed role was controversial. This year, however, Article 2 passed with a large majority in favor.
 
Voter Catherine Foster said this change is long overdue, especially now that current Fire Chief John Panescchi has announced his retirement effective May, after nine years as chief and 40 years with the department. 
 
Following questions from voters, it was explained that the pay scale for the 40-hour position will be based on qualifications and will range between $75,000 to $111,000, not including benefits.
 
Based on benefits for other town employees, benefits will cost an additional of about $40,000 to $50,000.  
 
Through the stipend, Panescchi is getting paid roughly $30,000. 
 
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