Author To Discuss 'The Gritty Berkshires' at North Adams Public Library

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Public Library, in collaboration with the North Adams Historical Society, will host author Maynard Seider for a discussion of his book, "The Gritty Berkshires: A People's History from the Hoosac Tunnel to MASS MoCA."

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, at 6 p.m. in the library's third-floor community room.

Seider's book focuses on the immigrants and their descendants who dug the Hoosac Tunnel, worked in the textile mills and the shoe factories of North Berkshire, and produced capacitors at Sprague Electric Company.

The presentation will trace this history from the early 19th century to the present, drawing connections between local events and broader changes in the American landscape. The discussion will also highlight the activism of residents, whether it be protesting conditions in an unsafe mill, organizing to form a union, or fighting the closure of a regional hospital.

Copies of "The Gritty Berkshires" will be available for purchase and signing. The North Adams Public Library is located at 74 Church Street.

North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
11:20AM / Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Jenna Thomas has participated in the Special Olympics for more than 20 years, earning numerous medals. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Special Olympian Jenna Thomas was recognized at City Council on Monday for her medal-winning performance at the 2026 games last month in Minnesota.

 

"I think it's so appropriate as I'm about to proclaim Disabilities Pride Month that we recognize and honor Jenna," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who had Thomas join her at the podium."

 

Thomas was one of nearly 3,000 athletes who participated in the 2026 Special Olympics, which brought nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country to celebrate the talents, determinations, and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She won bronze as a member of the Berkshire County Arc Titans bowling team, a fourth in doubles with teammate Katherine Meunier and placed in the top 10 for singles nationally.

 

She's been participating in Special Olympics since her teenage years, competing in cross country skiing, track and field since 2009. Thomas switched to bowling in 2019 and has won gold; she was recognized by the mayor in 2023 for her athletic accomplishments representing Massachusetts and North Adams. 

 

"Look at how beautiful that is — a bronze medal in bowling and placed fourth in the doubles competition, demonstrating her dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship on the national stage," said the mayor. "She also got to meet the governor's partner, Joanna [Lydgate], who we went out with for ice cream. ...

 

"In returning home, she credited her participation to the friendships she's made and the joy of competing ... her accomplishments are a source of pride for the city of North Adams and should serve as an inspiration for the entire community."

 

The mayor also presented $730,741.06 in end-of-year transfers. These transfers are made from accounts with excess funds to accounts that have gone over. Every line with the exception of snow and ice must be balanced for the end of the year.