Letter: A Standing Ovation for The Adams Theater

To the Editor:

I recently attended the performance of "Selected Shorts" at the Adams Theater, and I left feeling incredibly grateful for what this venue has brought to our community. As I sat listening to Brooke Adams, David Strathairn, and Tony Shalhoub bring short stories to life on stage, I was struck not only by the extraordinary talent before us, but by the vision and dedication that made such an evening possible in the Town of Adams.

In just five years, Yina Moore and her team have transformed the former movie house at 27 Park Street from a vacant building in need of major renovation into a vibrant cultural destination for North Berkshire. Today, the theater offers an impressive range of programming — live music, theater, dance, comedy, spoken word events, and community programs — truly creating something for everyone.

The Adams Theater is more than just a performance venue; it is a testament to what passion, creativity, and investment in community can accomplish. Bravo to Yina Moore, the staff, volunteers, and Board members who continue to make the arts accessible and thriving in our region.

Christine Hoyt
Adams, Mass.

Adams Town Meeting OKs Budget, Nixes Citizens' Petitions

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires.com
07:30PM / Monday, June 22, 2026

The annual town report was dedicated to retired Police Chief Richard Tarsa, above. 

ADAMS, Mass. — Town meeting members approved 23 of the 25 articles on the annual town meeting warrant. 

 

The gymnasium in the Memorial Building was filled with 104 town meeting members who voted to approve the authorization for a number of spending articles making up a budget of approximately $21 million during a meeting that lasted 50 minutes. 

 

Of that, members approved, Article 5, an operations budget of $10,650,057, of which $8,074,370 is made up of personnel and $2,642,107 for operating expenses. 

 

"This is a level of services budget from one year ago," Town Administrator Nicholas Caccamo said. 

 

The amounts budgeted are reflective of what it takes for an organization, pay employees, provide health insurance, and all the ancillary costs, he said. 

 

The town has not yet finalized union contract negotiations with the police and clerical unions and still has open positions. So, there will be a special town meeting in late September or early October to adjust the budget based on the salaries and health insurance.

 

The positions have been conservatively budgeted at previous rates, maintaining each staff member's prior step or grade, as if the roles were filled full time.