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Silver Cane Award recipient Evelyn Degen and junior recipient Lucia Socha. They were presented with the canes at this year's annual award ceremony and luncheon at the Millhouses of Adams.
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Maintenance Supervisor Jody Goff, left, Senior Property Manager Danielle Senecal, award recipient Evelyn Degen, junior recipient Lucia Socha, Assistant Property Manager Jennifer Rose, maintenance technician Greg Alexander Sr.

Millhouses of Adams Celebrates Oldest Residents With Silver Canes

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ADAMS, Mass. — The Millhouses of Adams has been recognizing its eldest residents for more than three decades with the presentation of silver canes. 
 
Wingate Companies, the operator of the affordable housing facility, held its 35th annual Silver Cane Award Ceremony on May 22. The ceremony is celebrated every May in conjunction with Older Americans Month and honors residents who are 80 years and older. 
 
The 2025 recipient is Evelyn Degen, 92, and the junior recipient is Lucia Socha, also 92. 
 
Senior Property Manager Danielle Senecal, Assistant Property Manager Jennifer Rose, Maintenance Supervisor Jody Goff, and maintenance technician Greg Alexander Sr. presented flowers to all that attended. 
 
The decorated silver cane was presented to Degen as her proud daughter, Martha Labbee, looked on. The luncheon was catered by Boston Sea Foods and balloon making was provided by Millhouses of Adams very own Walter Timoney.
 
The first silver cane was presented in 1989 to Emma Levesque as the Millhouse Senior Association Award. Levesque, born in 1899, won the cane each year to 1997, when she was 98. 

Tags: recognition event,   senior citizens,   

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Adams Boba Tea & Gift Shop Announces Closure

Staff Reports

ADAMS, Mass. — Owner of 57 Park Street, Lea King, announced she was retiring and clearing out her gift and boba tea shop.

King moved to Berkshire County eight years ago, first renovating and reopening the historic Wigwam in North Adams with her partner, Wayne Gelinas, and then the gift shop in Adams. She saw the boba tea shop as a way to bring some of her culture to the community.

King opened the shop in March 2023 and reopened it in the summertime for people to enjoy drinks and buy local gift items.

"Over the past three seasons I've loved making boba tea and smoothies, teaching people about boba pearls, and chatting with everyone who stopped by. Many customers even became friends, which made this little shop extra special," she wrote. Over the next few weeks I’ll be clearing out the shop, and everything will be priced below cost. If you enjoy a bargain or would like to stop by to say hi and bye, feel free."

King announced on Facebook on Sunday that it is time for her to "fully embrace retirement and focus on family and new adventures."

"Thank you for the conversations, laughs, and friendships," she wrote. "Adams will always hold a special place in my heart."

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