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Renovation work is still ongoing in both the theater and retail sections. Recently, the marquee at the front of the building was updated with new lettering and lights.

Adams Theater Fundraiser Gains $20K First Week

By Brian RhodesiBerkshires Staff
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The stage at the long-closed theater is being expanded and the floor leveled to provide more flexibility in its use. 

ADAMS, Mass. — A fundraiser for the Adams Theater has brought in more than $20,000 in donations and pledges since it began last week, as progress on the theater's renovation continues. 

Contributions to the fundraiser will support costs associated with theater programming for the 2023 season. Yina Moore, founder and executive director of the theater, said she is happy to see so much community support for the theater. 

"I think it was just overwhelmingly positive. It was very touching for me," she said. "Because in the beginning when we started this project, you know, you always have maybe 5 percent of the naysayers or the nonbelievers. But now it's just like 99 percent overwhelmingly positive." 

As of Sept. 1, the theater has raised just under $18,000 of its $80,000 fundraising goal online. Another $5,500 in donations, according to Moore, is arriving via check. 

The fundraiser will end with a benefit concert by the piano group Two Piano Journey on Nov. 11. The mother and son team, Michelle Chen Kuo and Christopher Kuo, is currently touring to raise money for philanthropic and charitable organizations. 

"Chris is just an amazing, entrepreneur-minded person," Moore said. "He's grown their organization much, much bigger. Then he started to have a series of nonprofits that he believes in, and he will fundraise for the same group over and over again." 

The duo has raised $1,456,000 for its partners since 2016. Moore, who knew Christopher Kuo from her previous career, said he has visited Adams several times to learn more about the project, bringing a videographer on one trip to help get footage to promote the event. 

"I was going back and forth about whether we should do it this year or not. But I thought that, since we have this renovation, if we just keep pushing for it and have a goal to work towards, then something will happen." 

In addition to raising money for programming, Moore said she hopes the fundraiser helps community members feel more involved in the advancement of the theater. 

"The intention is to make people feel a part of the progress, and then they have a say in how the theater could be further developed," she said. "Nowadays, everybody can express their opinion. They can come to an event, they can say what they like and don't know what they're inspired to see more. 

Renovation work is still ongoing in both the theater and retail sections. Recently, the marquee at the front of the building was updated with new lettering and lights. 

Workers are extending the stage and flattening the floor of the theater space, as the original flooring was inclined. 

"I think it was [going for] that amphitheater kind of feeling," said George LeMaitre, one of the people working on the theater construction. "... I would have thought it would have just been flat, which would be much easier." 

Once finished, the theater space will be adjustable, allowing the space to be reorganized depending on the event. 

Those interested in learning more about the fundraising campaign can learn more here.


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Cardinals Add Koperniak to 40-Man Roster

iBerkshires.com Sports
The St. Louis Cardinals Tuesday picked up the contract of Hoosac Valley alumnus Matt Koperniak and added him to the Major League Baseball team's 40-man roster, according to numerous media outlets.
 
The move came on the eve of MLB's deadline to either sign eligible minor leaguers or leave them eligible to be selected by other organizations in the upcoming "Rule 5 Draft."
 
The Belleville News-Democrat of Belleville, Ill., called Koperniak "arguably Memphis' MVP last season" after he hit 20 home runs with a .309 batting average and .512 slugging percentage for the Triple-A Redbirds.
 
"This fall, Koperniak has been playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic for Leones del Escogito, the team managed by Albert Pujols," Jeff Jones wrote in an article published Tuesday afternoon on the News-Democrat's website. "That exposure and valuable opinion no doubt played some role in the team determining that Koperniak could contribute as a depth offensive player in the majors."
 
Josh Jacobs, on the website "Redbirdrants.com" earlier on Tuesday listed Koperniak as one of, "Three Propsects the Cardinals Need to Protect Before Tonight's Rule 5 Deadline."
 
"The Cardinals have just six outfielders on their 40-man roster right now, and that's including Brendan Donovan, who may find himself playing infield a lot more in 2025," Jacobs wrote. "Adding Koperniak to the roster makes a lot of sense, and while he wouldn't have a clear path to playing time in St. Louis, he'd likely have a shot at some point."
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