🌱 How a new police truck and parking apps could reshape downtown

Good morning North Adams! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How a new police truck and parking apps could reshape downtown
• Why North Adams tops the list for retiring on Social Security
• How Pittsfield’s top councilor says North Adams shares its toughest problems

Also on today's calendar: Crescendo's Second Holiday Production: A Tapestry of Traditions: Unraveling the History of Christmas and 1 more event.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Find a T-Mobile store near North Adams.

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: A snow shower; windy, colder, with a high of 29 and low of 14 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
• Friday: Partly sunny, breezy and cold, temps: high: 27, low: 14.
• Saturday: Cloudy, afternoon flurries, with a high of 30 and low of 14 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• North Adams Council OKs Cruiser Purchase, Bids Farewell to Councilors (iberkshires.com) — North Adams city councilors approved using parking meter funds to buy a new Ford F-150 police supervisor vehicle, while debating how to sustainably replace the aging cruiser fleet. Members also floated mobile parking payments to boost revenue, heard updates on school funding concerns and home modification loans, and said goodbye to outgoing councilors Peter Oleskiewicz and Wayne Wilkinson.
   

• These 10 Mass. cities are so affordable you can retire there on Social Security alone (masslive.com) — North Adams stands out as one of Massachusetts’ most affordable cities for retirees, with home prices less than half the state median and access to MASS MoCA and nearby mountains. A new ranking also spotlights other budget-friendly communities like Fitchburg, Springfield, and Pittsfield, all offering lower housing costs, senior discounts, and supportive services for residents on fixed incomes.
   

• After securing fifth term in office, Pittsfield city council Vice President Earl Persip enters 2026 as the top vote getter for the first time (wamc.org) — North Adams gets a brief but important mention as Pittsfield’s council vice president Earl Persip talks about shared regional challenges like substance abuse and mental health that affect both cities. Most of the discussion centers on Pittsfield’s recent election results, school leadership, a controversial camping ban, big-ticket wastewater and park projects, and how Western Massachusetts communities can collaborate and push for more state support.
   

📸 Around North Adams

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🗓 Upcoming Events in North Adams

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Friday December 12

• Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) Application Assistance with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (Heritage Room)
  North Adams Public Library , 74 Church Street , North Adams
  10:00 am

Monday December 15

• Drop-in Grief Support Group
  North Adams Public Library , 74 Church Street , North Adams
  12:00 pm

Saturday December 20

• Green Mtn. Stitcher's study group
  North Adams Public Library , 74 Church Street , North Adams

Sunday December 21

• Crescendo's Second Holiday Production: A Tapestry of Traditions: Unraveling the History of Christmas
  Saint James Place , 352 Main St , Great Barrington
  4:00 pm

📣 North Adams Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Friday December 12

• Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) Application Assistance with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (Heritage Room)
  North Adams Public Library , 74 Church Street , North Adams
  10:00 am
• Fresh Takes: Emerging Art Historians Explore the Clark's Collection
  Clark Art Institute , 225 South St , Williamstown
  12:00 pm

Monday December 15

• Drop-in Grief Support Group
  North Adams Public Library , 74 Church Street , North Adams
  12:00 pm
• West African & Caribbean Drum and Song Classes
  Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center , 1515 Savoy Hollow Rd , Windsor
  5:30 pm

Tuesday December 16

• Mrs. Clause & Holiday Book Sale
  Adams Free Library , 92 Park St , Adams
  6:00 pm

Saturday December 20

• Green Mtn. Stitcher's study group
  North Adams Public Library , 74 Church Street , North Adams

Sunday December 21

• What to wear
  MASS MoCA , 1040 Mass MoCA Way , North Adams
  3:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Library closes at 12 pm
  North Adams Public Library , 74 Church Street , North Adams

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• I keep receiving mail for this person That I have no idea why.
  One was from a car dealership saying final notice and then this package which seems to be a gift from another person which is listed on the picture… (Nextdoor West End North Adams)

• Big Y posted a job opening for Frozen Food/Dairy Clerk in North Adams. Apply here.
• Tractor Supply posted a job opening for Merchandising Sales Associate in North Adams. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near North Adams here.

🗞 Nearby News

Adams

• Adams Selectmen to Interview Police Chief Candidates (iberkshires.com)

Williamstown

• Attorney General OKs Williamstown Ban on Smoking in Apartments (iberkshires.com)
• Pamela Anderson reveals the last time she saw Liam Neeson — and actor's sweet gesture after split (pagesix.com)

Lanesborough

Ok North Adams! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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