image description — Members of the Adams High class of 1956: front, from left, Richard Aveyard, Fred Martin, Doris Burnett Alibozek, Bernadine Lacy Phillips and Robert Bourdon; back row, Dorene Bush Sadlow, Joan Maznicki, Alice Reeves Liebenow, Norman Gajda, Shirley Bator Papas, Frances Bulsa, Eugene Marcil, Edward Marko, Marie Hayer Ziemlak Dubis, Charlie Leitch, Richard Sokolove and Starr Baker. Missing: Elaine Boichot Durant.

Adams Memorial High Class of 1956 Celebrates 65th Reunion

03:11PM / Thursday, October 07, 2021Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Adams Memorial High School class of 1956 celebrated its 65th class reunion on Sept. 18 at Boston Sea Foods Restaurant.

Thirty class members and their spounses attended with prizes awarded to those traveling the farthest and the first to respond.

Starr Baker gave a special tribute to class adviser Rolland "Duke" Duval, who was unable to attend because of failing health. Duval taught English and French at the former Adams High and was later superintendent of schools for the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District. He attended the 60th reunion.

Eugene Marcil delivered grace and recited the names of deceased class members.

The reunion planning committee included Marie Dubis, Joan Maznicki, Shirley Papas and Baker, who served as master of ceremony.

A great time was had by all, sharing many memories.

Tags: class reunion,

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After More Than a Century, Heating Failure Puts Adams Turners' Future at Risk

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:20AM / Sunday, September 27, 2026

ADAMS, Mass. — For more than a century, generations have gathered for dances, community gatherings and bowling at Turn Hall, but that longtime tradition is now in jeopardy after the building's aging heating system failed.

The Adams community is known for rallying behind local people and organizations in times of need, and now Adams Turners is asking for that same support said Gail Burda, the group's financial secretary.

The boiler, referred to as "the Beast" by board members, is as old as the building itself, which was constructed in 1902. It started out burning coal, was later switched to oil and then to gas President Virginia Fuller said.

For several years, the nonprofit social club, a 501(c)7, has struggled with the aging system, with members periodically checking on it throughout the day during the winter to ensure it was still operating, she said.

Now, "the Beast" has reached the end of its life but the Adams Turners don't have the funding to replace it, prompting them to establish a GoFundMe.

At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has raised $1,750 and members have donated more than $2,500 toward the $30,000 needed to secure an additional $25,000 grant and $25,000 loan from American Turners, the national organization under which the club operates.

The nonprofit hopes to hire a contractor to install a multi-zone hydronic system, a project estimated to cost $81,443. The work would include new heating systems for the apartment, bar area, gym and bowling alley, along with new baseboards, gas lines, permits and other necessary fittings.

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