image description — Contractor Dan Smith, Veteran Arthur Weeden and Veterans Agent Kurtis Durocher.

Wheelchair Ramp Installed for Adams Veteran Through Donor and Grant Support

Staff Reports 11:27AM / Monday, May 11, 2026Print Story | Email Story

Contributing donors included North Adams Elks 487, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152, American Legion Post 160, American Legion Post 125, and the Dion Banks Foundation.

ADAMS, Mass. — North County organizations came together recently to install a much-needed wheelchair ramp for Adams veteran Arthur Weeden.

"This project is a great example of what can happen when people come together to support a veteran in need," said Kurtis Durocher, District Director of Northern Berkshire Veteran Services, during a visit to Weeden's house on May 7. "Arthur and his wife were facing a very unsafe situation, and thanks to the generosity of multiple donors and grant support, we were able to provide a safe and lasting solution."

Weeden uses a wheelchair, and prior to the ramp installation, his wife had to unsafely maneuver him down three outside stairs whenever he needed to leave the house. Because of this difficult and hazardous situation, Weeden rarely had the opportunity to get outside, which also impacted his ability to attend medical appointments.

The total cost for the ramp and installation was approximately $6,200, all of which was funded through a collaborative effort of donations and grants.

Contributing donors included North Adams Elks 487, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152, American Legion Post 160, American Legion Post 125, and the Dion Banks Foundation.

Durocher specifically thanked contractor Dan Smith, who bid the project well below the standard market rate.

"I am very grateful to Dan Smith, a good friend and an amazing contractor, for stepping up and helping make this happen," Durocher said. "Dan's willingness to bid this job well below market cost made a real difference."

Durocher noted that the completed ramp now allows Weeden to safely leave and return to his home, providing him with greater freedom, safety, and dignity. The installation also eases the burden on Weeden’s wife when assisting him with medical appointments or other important outings.

Tags: donations, veterans,

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After More Than a Century, Heating Failure Puts Adams Turners' Future at Risk

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:20AM / Sunday, September 27, 2026

ADAMS, Mass. — For more than a century, generations have gathered for dances, community gatherings and bowling at Turn Hall, but that longtime tradition is now in jeopardy after the building's aging heating system failed.

The Adams community is known for rallying behind local people and organizations in times of need, and now Adams Turners is asking for that same support said Gail Burda, the group's financial secretary.

The boiler, referred to as "the Beast" by board members, is as old as the building itself, which was constructed in 1902. It started out burning coal, was later switched to oil and then to gas President Virginia Fuller said.

For several years, the nonprofit social club, a 501(c)7, has struggled with the aging system, with members periodically checking on it throughout the day during the winter to ensure it was still operating, she said.

Now, "the Beast" has reached the end of its life but the Adams Turners don't have the funding to replace it, prompting them to establish a GoFundMe.

At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has raised $1,750 and members have donated more than $2,500 toward the $30,000 needed to secure an additional $25,000 grant and $25,000 loan from American Turners, the national organization under which the club operates.

The nonprofit hopes to hire a contractor to install a multi-zone hydronic system, a project estimated to cost $81,443. The work would include new heating systems for the apartment, bar area, gym and bowling alley, along with new baseboards, gas lines, permits and other necessary fittings.

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