ProAdams announces 2025 Holiday Home Decorating Contest

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ADAMS, Mass.—ProAdams has announced the details for the 2025 Holiday Home Decorating Contest.

All residents within the boundaries of the Town of Adams are eligible to participate. Entry registration is available online and must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. Once all registrations have been received, a map will be created and posted online Wednesday, Dec. 17.

The contest is for exterior decorations only, including decorations in windows that are visible from the exterior. Judging will be done from outside the residence only and from the street; community members are not to enter the property to view back or side yards.

Three prizes will be awarded: one 1st prize ($100 gift card to Bounti-Fare), one 2nd prize ($50 gift card to Bounti-Fare), and one 3rd prize ($25 gift card to Bounti-Fare). The Community Choice Award winner will also receive a $25 gift card to Bounti-Fare.

The community is encouraged to drive around to view all the entries and cast a vote using the online voting form. Judging will be done from 5-8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19-Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. The online form will be open until 8 p.m. on December 21 for community members to cast their votes. A judging panel consisting of ProAdams board members will choose 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. The community will choose the Community Choice winner.

Holiday Home Decorating participants should ensure that all lights, animations, and decorations are in place and activated for the judging periods on all three nights.

Entry is free; there are no costs or fees to apply to participate. ProAdams encourages residents to be creative, festive, fun, and safe this holiday season.

Visit https://forms.gle/4kqPqu1a9wd9cck98 to sign up. Learn more about this event and others on the ProAdams website: ExploreAdams.com.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Adams Fire District Meeting Approves Full-Time Paid Chief

Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — A special meeting of the Fire District overwhelmingly passed making the fire chief and clerk/treasurer appointed positions 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. 
 
These votes will have to be confirmed at a future election.

In previous district meetings, changing the fire chief position to a paid, full-time, appointed role was controversial. Article 2 passed with a large majority in favor at the meeting, as it has in the past. However, it's failed narrowly on ballot votes. 

Voter Catherine Foster said this change is long overdue, especially now that current Fire Chief John Pansecchi 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, Pansecchi is getting paid roughly $30,000. 
 
Over the past five years, the position's responsibilities and hours have increased significantly, making it nearly a full-time role on top of his existing full-time job.
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