State Awards Adams Funding For Middle School Roof

The vacant school is set to receive a new roof.

ADAMS, Mass. — The town was awarded $600,000 from the federal government to begin fixing Adams Memorial Middle School.

On Monday, the state announced the grant through the federal Community Development Block Grant reserved program that will fund the replacement of 34,000 square feet of roof. The town is hoping to fix up the gymnasium, auditorium and administrative office areas of the building and temporally reuse it.

Since the middle school was merged with the renovated Hoosac Valley High School, town officials entered negotiations with saucemaker Ooma Tessoro's and the Youth Center to lease that section of the building. However, the process was slowed for the town to assess the required infrastructure repairs needed for the short-term reuse.

An engineer provided estimates the town was comfortable with but the roof remained a big-ticket item. In the end, town officials hope to renovate at least some of the building and develop a long-term reuse plan; the state's contribution now provides the means to begin renovating the property.

Catering Company Selected as Greylock Glen Food Vendor

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:16AM / Thursday, July 18, 2024

The kitchen at the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center is still under construction.

ADAMS, Mass. — The Selectmen on Wednesday voted to enter negotiations with an Agawam catering company to operate food service at the Greylock Glen's outdoor center. 

 

Chez Hospitality Group LLC submitted the only proposal to run the center's cafe and provisions offerings. 

 

"We are a hospitality group that is rooted in management agreements chiefly with municipalities throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts," said Mark Sparks, general manager and principal. "We've had a lot of enjoyment in working and partnering with municipalities. ...

 

"We're excited to potentially partner and think this is a great opportunity to join in the ground floor, to kind of have a white canvas and see what we can make this."

 

The company's portfolio includes concessionaire work with golf courses and beaches, catering for organizations such as the University of Connecticut and Amazon, and social catering for weddings and corporate events. CHG has catered a number of events in the Berkshires, including at Ski Butternut.

 

Sparks is initially proposing a slow ramp up with grab 'n' go sandwiches, salads, snacks and protein packs and shakes; made-to-order counter items; and preordered packages such as picnics and boxed lunches. There are some future ideas such as theme nights, tastings, catering and specialty events. 

 

CHG would also seek a beer and wine license and, according to its proposal, is willing to discuss the advantage and disadvantages of a full liquor license with the town.