NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — After a police escort to City Hall, Orella Loretta Robare celebrated a century in the corner office with a proclamation from Mayor Jennifer Macksey.
"It is incredible," Robare said Wednesday during the small gathering. "I am meeting so many people here today. It is wonderful."
Robare, who was born July 6, 1922, walked through city hall with a handful of police officers. City employees gave their best wishes as she passed by making her way to the elevator.
Macksey first joked and asked if Robare was in trouble, surrounded by so many officers.
"Are you in trouble with the city because there are a lot of officers with you," Macksey asked. "...We are going to invite them all in and have a party."
Macksey gave Robare a tour of her office and recalled when members of her own family crossed paths with Robare.
Robare's parents were Mary and Joseph Tatro. She was married to William Robare in 1945. She has two children Donna and Diane, eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Macksey then offered her some birthday cake and presented Robare with a proclamation marking the occasion.
"We are declaring today your day," Macksey said. "Everyone in the city is celebrating your birthday."
Robare settled for a decaf tea (City Hall does not stock Sanka Instant Decaf Coffee) and went on about her roots in the community. She spent time working at the former Sprague Electric, the old Hub and Capitol restaurants and the Tally House. She also volunteered at the Spitzer Center for years.
Robare, who lived in Stamford, Vt., Clarksburg, and North Adams, recalled a much different North Adams pointing out places that used to exist outside the corner office window. She recalled Newberry's, the Boston Store, Florini's Restaurant, Peggy Parker and Risebergs, where she got her first credit card.
"I remember all of those places," she said.
Macksey said her father used to manage the Richmond Hotel where her mother also worked and asked Robare if she ever attended any of the dances held there.
Robare said she did and also recalled dances at the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge and the Sons of Italy
"I used to love to dance," she said. "I would dance all over, but I haven't danced lately."
Someone fired up Robare's favorite song "Release Me" by Engelbert Humperdinck and she took turns dancing with the police officers present.
Robare's granddaughter Denise Dubreuil said dancing may be the key to such a long happy life.
"I think her secret may have been dancing," she said. "She never missed a dance. I think there is a lot we can learn from her."
Macksey said she was happy Robare was able to visit City Hall and said there is a lot that can be learned from Robare.
"Quality of life is so important and your roots are so important. Just to live a good life and contribute to your community," Macksey said. "When she talks about the Council on Aging you can see her eyes light up and that shows the engagement we have in our community. She is just remarkable."
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North Adams Council Sets School Debt Exclusion Vote
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
Council President Bryan Sapienza holds up an application to work as a poll worker for the upcoming elections. The form can be found under 'Becoming an election worker' under city clerk on the city website or in the city clerk's office.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council gave final approval on Tuesday for the mayor to borrow $65,362,859 for a new Greylock School to serve Grades prekindergarten through 2.
This final adoption paves the way for two community forums and a debt exclusion vote scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Elizabeth's Parish Center. Passage of the debt exclusion vote will allow the city to raise funds beyond its levy limit for the life of the loan.
City Clerk Tina Marie Leonesio said the city has about 1,400 requests for mail-in ballots for all elections and that in-person early voting will start the Saturday before.
The first forum is Thursday, Aug. 15, at 6 p.m. at Greylock; officials will provide an overview of the project and tours of the school. Zoom participation is available here. Northern Berkshire Community Television will also record the forums for later broadcast.
The second forum is Thursday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m. at Brayton Elementary School. The Zoom link is the same and those attending in person can also take a tour of the building.
The Massachusetts School Building Authority will pick up about $41,557,218 of the cost, the city about $20 million and the $3 million balance is expected to come from federal energy grants. The 30-year tiered loan for $20 million is expected to have its highest impact in 2029 when it will add $270 to the average tax bill, or about $22.50 a month.
This final adoption paves the way for two community forums and a debt exclusion vote scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Elizabeth's Parish Center.
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This year, the family took on a new challenge, purchasing the historic West End Market building at 437 West Main St. and opening the city's first vegan restaurant, Wish Tree.
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The school received a $64,000 Feigenbaum Foundation grant a couple years ago, but because of supply and shipping delays from the pandemic, the equipment was not delivered until this past winter. click for more
Nearly a dozen residents attended Monday's Conservation Commission meeting to express opposition to a forest management plan that will include logging and the use of herbicides near Notch Reservoir. click for more