ADAMS, Mass. — The "Banners for Fallen Heroes" project has found a sponsor.
The project, which will honor Adams' servicemen and -women killed while serving the country with a banner hanging from utility poles through downtown, caught the eye of Adams Community Bank and it has stepped up to cover the associated costs.
"This is a no-brainer for our hometown. We know there will be some press obviously but we're not looking for that. This was something that was just right to do," said President and CEO Charlie O'Brien at this week's Fallen Heroes committee meeting. "These people have served our country so well, so nobly. Once we got some of the details everything just fell into place. It was something we had to do. We're happy and honored to be part of this project."
Selectman James Bush is part of the group and had trouble believing what he was hearing when he got the call from Senior Vice President of Lending Maureen Baran.
"It's the best news I've gotten in years! I had to pinch myself to believe it. This is awesome," Bush said.
Baran was surprised at how much the small group had already accomplished in such a short time period. The group was formed in late 2019.
"I was impressed from the first conversation with Jim at how far you guys had come. How much you had got done. You had who would do the banners, estimated cost, locations, Verizon permission. It had just hit iBerkshires when Charlie called me," she said.
The goal is to start production in March and get the banners hung before Memorial Day. The group wants to hold an opening ceremony roughly a week before the Holiday so they don't interfere with the annual Adams Memorial Day parade.
The banners, featuring a photo of the deceased along with their rank and branch in which they served, will be displayed from Memorial Day until Veterans Day. The committee has received just under 10 applications so far. Since there will be a picture of the deceased on the banner, permission in the form of a waiver is needed from the family to get included.
Anyone who is interested in participating can visit or call Adams Town Hall at 413-743-8300, Ext. 100, or the American Legion at 413-743-1469 and ask about the Fallen Heroes project. There is no cutoff date but in order to be part of the initial installation and ceremony, the group recommends getting in touch as soon as possible as the banners will be going into production soon.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Fire at Vacant Adams Mill Under Investigation
Staff Reports
ADAMS, Mass. — Officials from the State Fire Marshal's office reported that the structure fire at the old MacDermid Graphics building remains under investigation.
"The investigation is still open, and given the scope of the damage it may take a while," said Jake Wark from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
A large fire broke out Wednesday morning around 7:30 a.m. at the old MacDermid Graphics building, drawing a massive response from fire companies across the region, forcing school closures and prompting a large firefighting effort to contain the blaze at the vacant mill.
The Adams Fire Department later reported that firefighters fought the blaze for 12 1/2 hours, finally clearing Harmony Street around 6 p.m.
Approximately 22 agencies and 100 responders assisted at the scene after a second alarm was requested.
No firefighters were injured.
During the fire, an alert was sent out cautioning residents with breathing issues to shelter in place due to potentially toxic materials burning in the building. Adams Fire officials reported that the state Hazmat Team did respond.
The deteriorating conditions of the 65-year-old firehouse on Columbia Street was presented during an information session Tuesday night that included discussion of organizational changes in the upcoming election.
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A cold and rainy Saturday didn't stop hundreds of Berkshire residents from making known their feelings about recent actions by the Trump administration. click for more
Hoosac Valley High School students traded textbooks for virtual reality on Monday, when the Air Force brought its Enhanced Cognitive Human Operations, or ECHO, experience to the school. click for more