Letter: Macksey Is the Experienced Leader North Adams Needs

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To the Editor:

During this election season, it's important to reflect on the challenges faced both locally and beyond. Municipalities across the state are in need of much to sustain — increased affordable housing, repairs to infrastructure and ADA compliance; the creation, recruitment, or growth of businesses; increased tourism; and so much more. We need a leader who has years of municipal experience, dedication to the City of North Adams, and will unite us.

That experienced leader is Jennifer Macksey.

North Adams may be a small city by population, but it is clearly remarkably spirited. While all residents may not share the same views, it's important to recognize that we share a common vision: respecting the city as it currently stands, while remaining inspired and motivated for improvements to come. Mayor Macksey has the experience and understanding to continue moving our city forward.

Among her accomplishments as mayor, she has ensured grant funding for a host of projects, including crucial repair or replacement of sidewalks and other citywide projects ensuring ADA compliance. As a community oriented leader, Jennifer Macksey has also worked to bring engaging events and celebrations for all ages to our down street — this is in addition to the successfully established and well-loved North Adams Recreation Center. Mayor Macksey has also been exploring alternatives to the current digital network as reliable and affordable internet access is essential for our community.

I personally know Mayor Macksey: she is kind and cordial by nature. She cares about North Adams, and puts in the time and effort to prove it. You will always see her at sporting events, down street festivities, and community gatherings. Mayor Macksey is the experienced candidate we need in the corner office. I encourage you to cast your vote for Jennifer Macksey as continued mayor of North Adams.

Christa Sprague
North Adams, Mass.

 

 

 


Tags: election 2025,   municipal election,   


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FreshGrass Pauses Season, Plans for Next Year

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The annual FreshGrass Festival will be taking a pause on what would have been its 16th year.

Last week, the FreshGrass Foundation posted an update on its website that it will pause their 2026 season to reassess the festival and make next year's "the best one yet."

The annual bluegrass/folk has been held over three days in the fall on the campus of Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. 

According to an email to iBerkshires, the Mass MoCA and FreshGrass made the decision together.

FreshGrass's  Chief Operating Officer Adam Kirr said the festival will still have a presence in North Adams with singular performances at Studio 9, at the Porches Inn.

"FreshGrass remains invested and calls North Adams our home. In fact, we just opened a new facility on the Porches Inn campus called the FreshGrass Annex, which will be used to house artists during our programs hosted by the FreshGrass Institute," he wrote. "FreshGrass will continue to host performances, open mics, workshops, camps, and other events at Studio 9 on the Porches Inn campus as well as work with Mass MoCA and possibly other venues on great performances."

The three-day event has drawn thousands to the North Adams since 2010. A second festival was established in 2021 in Bentonville, Ark., but it concluded its run last year.

The FreshGrass Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit partners "with world-class institutions to bring innovative performing arts experiences to life," according to its website.

The festival is set to return Sept. 24 to 26, 2027, with tickets going on sale this September.

 


The announcement comes a week after Williamstown Theatre Festival announced they will not be staging any events this summer.
 
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