BAAMS Receives $10K Donation from Noel Family

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Berkshires' Academy for Advanced Musical Studies Inc. (BAAMS) has recently garnered significant support from the family of the late Edward J. Noel Jr. 

This backing came in the form of a $10,000 donation awarded in April, facilitated by Kirby Noel, son of the late North Adams educator, through NexPoint Philanthropies of Dallas, Texas, an auxiliary of the Dallas Foundation.

"We were thrilled and delighted, and it came as a pleasant shock that the Noel family would choose to donate that level of sponsorship. In the world of nonprofit arts education fundraising, we hear a lot of nos and our requests may even be ignored — so when you have a family take an avid interest in what your organization is doing, and give of their time, attention, they're curious about it, it's a real breath of fresh air," said BAAMS Director of Development and Communications Jane Forrestal.

Forrestal said BAAMS, a nonprofit music educational institution based in Western Gateway Heritage State Park, was not expecting such a donation. She said Noel and his wife, Judy, had attended many BAAMS events and were supporters of the academy.

After Noel passed away in September 2023, the family discussed making a contribution in his honor.

"At the time of Ed's passing, BAAMS was something Judy and Ed saw as a positive for thecCity and region, and had attended some of our events over the years, so they urged mourners to donate to BAAMS in his memory," Forrestal said. "It was astonishing to receive the support we did back then from so many people whose lives were touched by Ed Noel, from as far away as California, Georgia, Texas. We really had no idea they would continue this legacy of giving in this way."

Kirby Noel explained the motivation behind the gift. 

"This gift is made in memory of Ed Noel — always teacher and coach," he said. "He would do anything for anyone, at any time. He just wanted to help kids get better at whatever they were doing — math, baseball, basketball, rabbit care, building doll houses, etc. It didn't matter what it was, he just wanted to help."

Judy Noel added that her husband had a passion for working with young people and this sentiment fit with BAAMS' mission.  

"Eddie loved working with kids of all ages, and always just pushed them a little to get them to work harder towards their goal." she said. "The first time we heard the BAAMS group perform, we were just totally excited and so happy they would be staying in North Adams. We knew we would be back to listen to them often. BAAMS is a wonderful gift to North Adams and our surrounding area."

Kim Noel emphasized her father's dedication to shaping young futures. 

"My dad was at his happiest when he was having a positive impact on a young person's future," she said. "I know that he would be so happy to be a part of supporting BAAMS in its mission."

Richard Boulger, the executive director of BAAMS, expressed pride in the substantial backing received from the Noel family.

"We're proud to announce tremendous support from the family of Edward J. Noel Jr., who became 'Marquee' level supporters during the month of April," said Boulger. "None of these programs offered at BAAMS would be possible without generous support from private donors such as the Noels, and from grant-making organizations and businesses."

Forrestal added that the money will help continue to support BAAMS after-school instruction and monthly workshops. She added that the funding will also support the Summer Jazz Band Day Camp.

North Adams Unveils Hometown Heroes Banners

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
04:30PM / Friday, May 22, 2026

Carol Ethier-Kipp holds up the first aid kit her father used as an Army medic in World War II. See more photos here. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City of North Adams honored its own on Friday afternoon, unveiling 50 downtown street banners representing local veterans who served — and continue to serve — the community and the country.

 

More than 300 residents packed the front lawn of City Hall as the community took a moment to reflect on its "Hometown Heroes" during the morning unveiling ceremony.

 

"In a city like North Adams, service is personal. The men and women we honor today are not strangers to us. They are our neighbors, our classmates, our parents, our grandparents," Mayor Jennifer Macksey told the crowd. "... These banners are far more than names and pictures hanging along our streets. They are visible reminders of the values that define North Adams: courage, sacrifice, humility, duty, resilience, and the love of country. They remind every person who passes by that this community remembers our veterans."

 

The banner program launched exactly a year ago. Veterans Services Agent Kurtis Durocher opened applications in October and spent the next six months working with families to bring the project to Main Street and over the Hadley Overpass. 

 

"We gather to recognize the brave men and women from our community who have served or who are currently serving in the United States armed forces," Durocher said. "These banners are more than images. They bear a tribute to service, sacrifice, courage, and pride, and they remind us that the freedoms we enjoy every day have been protected by our neighbors, family members, friends, and Hometown Heroes."

 

Each banner features a portrait of a veteran alongside their military branch and dates of service.

 

Durocher noted that the program was something residents clearly wanted, pointing to how fast applications flooded his desk. He praised the volunteers who stepped up to get the banners made and displayed — including city firefighters and Mitchell Meranti of Wire & Alarm Department, who were installing them as late as Thursday night.