Free Gamified Family STEM program at the Adams Free Library

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ADAMS, Mass. — The Adams Free Library is hosting a family STEM activity called Buildwave, the hands-on building program that transforms traditional STEAM education into a high-energy, gameshow-style event.
 
"The program will operate like a video game lead by Buildwave's audiovisual specialist, and each family will participate as their own team," said Emily Brannan, the children's librarian. "After each level, families will be given 'waves' of new materials that require quick thinking to adapt their structures. Families will gain exposure to engineering and physics principles through creative play in a fast-paced, structured environment."
 
This program is part of the Youth Summer Reading Program themed 'Discover New Chapters' and officially launched June 22. Each week offers a free, themed event for families to discover many new things throughout the eight weeks.  As participants attend programs and track minutes of reading, they are awarded incentives and raffle tickets for 11 great family adventures. 
 
Visit www.adamslibraryma.org for more information. 
 
Registration is required. Space is limited.
 
Families are invited to call (413)743-8345 and register for our "Family Stem Night" at the Adams Free Library on Tuesday, July 7, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. An adult must accompany children under 8 years of age. Library events are free and open to the public. Attendance at library programs constitutes consent to be photographed; photos may be used in print or electronic publicity for the Adams Free Library. Questions? Call the Adams Free Library at (413)743-8345 or visit the library's website.
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Adams Marks 250 Years of the Declaration With History, Hope and Look Toward the Future

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

George Washington (Joseph Nowak) addresses the gathering at the Greylock Glen. Look for more photos later. 
ADAMS, Mass. — On July 18, 1776, the first reading of the Declaration of Independence was held in Massachusetts. 
 
Now 250 years later, the reading not only stands as a reminder of the country's history but also serves as a beacon of hope for change. 
 
On Saturday, hundreds of people gathered at the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center, nestled at the base of Mount Greylock, the tallest mountain in all of southern New England. The clouds rolled over and rain came pouring down but that did not dampen the voices of the people. 
 
Dressed as George Washington, Selectman and Adams 250 committee founder Joseph Nowak was handed the Declaration of Independence, by two horsewomen played by Kathy Foley and Donna Digrigoli of Aisling Mountain Farm. 
 
Sections of the Declaration were read by resident Christian Rowe; re-enactor Michael Duncan Smith; retired historian Barry Emery as Thomas Jefferson; and the Stafford Hill Boys, Ken Milman and Ed Chase, who are descendants of Deacon Stephen Carpenter, who fought in the Battle of Bennington.
 
As it was read, history and the present stood together, with reenactors dressed in period clothing alongside Adams American Legion veterans, dressed in modern day regalia — a demonstration of how history and present are forever intertwined. 
 
"We were given the roles of speaking the grievances, and the original writers of the Declaration made it very clear that it was the duty of the people to petition in redress for grievances against the governing authorities," Chase said. 
 
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