Coalition News, an update from nbCC

Greetings!

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our April 2026 newsletter. To read the entire issue and see lots of photos of the Coalition's activities last month, download the PDF here.

Want WEEKLY updates on local events, resources & organizations in the northern Berkshires? Join Our Weekly E-zine (PH-Zine)! Stay up tp date on what's happening in the community with the nbCC and beyond.

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Annual Youth Led Forum: Social Media Literacy

On Thursday, March 12th, the nbCC Youth Health Collaborative students hosted the Annual Youth Forum at Hotel Downstreet in North Adams. This year’s forum focused on social media literacy and helping adults understand social media and how youth see and use it so they can help keep young people safe. 


The forum began with a presentation about different social media platforms available, as well as the dangers of catfishing, the impacts of cyberbullying on youth mental health, and how social media can be used to obtain vapes and substances illegally. The Youth Health Collaborative students added fun activities during the presentation, such as “Real vs. Fake” social media posts for the audience to determine whether the post was made by the person the account claims to be. Some folks in the audience said how this was difficult for them because they all looked convincing – but that is the point! It can be very difficult to determine whether what we see online is real or fake!


The presenters also had the audience participate in a second activity, in which they wrote slang words on sticky notes and posted them on a board at the front of the room. Then, the Youth Health Collaborative students went through each slang word posted and removed the ones which are not cool or relevant anymore (sorry to tell you, but “fetch” and “fo’shizzle” are out!). The students kept the terms that are still used today, and introduced new slang terms to the audience, such as “plug,” “yart,” or my new favorite, “chud.” 


After the presentation, the students led a discussion with the audience about their thoughts on the information and what can be done to help students and families navigate the ever-changing social media landscape. The audience expressed the need for adults (parents, teachers, other trusted adults) to be aware of what is happening on social media, and be available to young people to have conversations about bullying online and any concerns or risky behaviors they are experiencing. Adults also need to role-model appropriate social media use and not participate in cyberbullying. 


The Youth Health Collaborative highlighted the importance of increasing protective factors, such as those mentioned above, to steer students away from engaging in negative behaviors online, and also the need to reduce risk factors, such as reducing the accessibility of substances to youth, and identifying mental health concerns and cyberbullying activity. The discussion ended with one last question: “What can we do to protect the youth?”

-Meredith Starr, Youth Prevention Coordinator

W.o.W. Workshops Return in April with Self-Portrait Drawing

Working on Wellness workshops return to the calendar in April with a creative self-portraiture drawing workshop led by nbCC staff member, Merudjina Normil.


This is a two-hour drawing class where members of the community can learn technical skills while observing their own features.



Participants with no drawing or some drawing backgrounds are encouraged to join. Materials will be provided, but if you wish to bring your own, please bring a pencil, a sketchbook, and a mirror. The class will begin with blind contour drawings to train the eye and ease any drawing anxiety. Attendees will learn to admire and draw themselves. The workshop will take place on Monday, April 20th, from 4-6pm at the UNO Center. To learn more or register, please contact us: 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org

Drop-in Art Club is Back!

The popular Drop-in Art Club at the UNO Center will return in just a few weeks! The first session will take place on Wednesday, April 29th, from 3:30-4:30pm and will continue to run on a weekly basis through the end of August.


The first few weeks will be led by nbCC staff members, Gabby Glasier and Sara Keagle, before our program partners, MASS MoCA and the Clark Art Institute, take the lead for the remaining months.


Drop-in Art Club is designed for ages 8 to 19 years, and is free to attend with all supplies and snacks provided. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. 

Families should be aware that the facilitators of this program are not responsible for managing participating children. If your child is older than 8 years old, but requires close supervision, you will need to attend with your child.  

DETAILS


Start Date: Wednesday April 29

Repeats: Weekly through August

Time: 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Ages: 8 - 19 years old

Location: UNO Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

More info: 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org


Blast from the Past! In celebration of our 40th year, here’s what the Coalition was up to... (1987)

Thanks, Friends! You’ve Made a Positive Impact Right in Your Own Community!

Since its inception, nbCC has been a crucial link between those in need and those who can help. With your assistance, we can continue to provide Northern Berkshire residents with the tools needed to improve their lives and their neighborhoods. We understand that not everyone is able to make a financial contribution to the Coalition, but we want you to know that no amount is too small to be helpful. Thanks for all you do to support nbCC!


The 2025-26 Friends of the Coalition (as of 3/18/2026)

CHAMPION

Ellen Bernstein

Gene Carlson


LEADER

William & Katharine Schmidt

Bill & Adrienne Wootters 


GUARDIAN

Becks Printing 

Juliet Flynt 

Robert & Darlene Rodowicz

Steve Simon & Maud Mandel

Brad Svrluga & Julia Bowen


BENEFACTOR

Rob Abel

Osmin & Monica Alvarez

BFAIR

Jack Chen & Erin Chen

Matthew Crowley

Joe & Tracy Finnegan

Mark Gold & Ellen Kennedy

Ruby Lerner

Barbara Malkas

Jennifer & Jeff Meehan

Joshua Mendel & the Mendel Family 

Larry & Lisa Smallwood

Charles & Katherine Swabey

Curt Wells & Sarah Jacobson


BOOSTER

Susan Abrams

Al Bashevkin & Nancy Pearlman

James Bechtel

Thomas & Jennifer Bernard

Daniel Bird & Christina Kaczmarczyk

Susan Birns

Kevin Boisjolie & Fran Berasi

Roger & Julia Bolton

Ronald & Cynthia Bosley

Tim Callahan

George & Nancy Canales

Larry & Penny Choquette

Michael & Licia Conforti

AJ Cote

BOOSTER (cont.)

James & Bonnie Cunningham

Marge Currier

Robert Dean

Ronald & Marjorie Durning

David & Martha Elpern

Michele Ethier

Paul Gitterman

Marion Grillon

Robert Hertzig 

Kevin Kennefick & Susan Killam

Roberta Lamb

Fred & Cyndi Langworthy

Henry & Maureen Lee

Jeff Levanos

MacFarlane Office Products

Barbara Mahony

Peter Murphy & Audrey Thier

Congressman Richard Neal 

William & Gail Oberst

Judy Reichert

Anthony & Margaret Siracusa

Samuel & Elizabeth Smith

Susan Smith

James Stakenas & Paula Cardinal

Jonathan Swartz

Richard Taskin

Liana Toscanini

Francis & Corinne Viens

Sue Walker


ASSOCIATE

Anthony & Maryann Abuisi

Dick Alcombright

Jerome & Maureen Baran

Craig Bard

Edward & Lorie Birch  

Linda Biros 

William & Lisa Blackmer

Ann Cain

Anne Crider

Keith Davis

Richard Davis

McCaela Donovan

Mary Edgerton

Brice George

Martin Greenstein & Natalie Jacobson

ASSOCIATE (cont.)

Ellen Joffe-Halpern

Linda Maloney

Bo & Katherine PeabodyErin Shea

Matthew Silliman & Sharon Wyrrick

Donald & Anne Singleton

Judith Summers

Judith Weber

Mark & Debbie Windover

David Woods

Ruth Zappula

Thomas & Nancy Zappula


SUPPORTER

Leslie Appleget

Joseph & Kathy Arabia

Frances Buckley

Mark & Karen Daigle

David & Suzanne Dewey

Blair & Jessica Dils

Paul & Doris Hutchinson

Dan & Kathi Lampron

John & Kathleen Lanoue

Jeanne Moulthrop

Michael Murphy

Richard Netherwood

Michael & Patricia Nuvallie

Carolyn Ouimet

Roberta Patten  

Lawrence & Judith Raab

Franklin Risatti 

Joseph & Janet Rogge

Emily Schiavoni

Patrick & Dawn Schoorlemmer

David & Melissa Tarjick

James Wolfe

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR TO THE COALITION?


Contributions can be made online or mailed to:

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

  61 Main Street, Suite 218

  North Adams, MA 01247

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

First Fridays North Adams: Earthworks

Friday, April 3, 5:00-9:00 PM, Downtown, North Adams

Join in the First Friday Fun! Visit downtown businesses for specials, sales and check out the gallery exhibitions


North Adams Easter Festival & Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 4, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, North Adams Rec. Center, 22 Brickyard Ct., North Adams

All are welcome! The day starts with the Easter Festival from 10am to 12:30pm.

  • Take photos with the Easter Bunny
  • face painting & Balloon animals
  • Arts, crafts & games 

Then the Egg Hunt begins at 1pm. Children will be divided by ages. The egg hunt will take place outside, weather permitting, or inside the gym if the weather is bad. 

The Easter Festival is hosted by North Adams Tourism, Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, and First Baptist Church. The Egg Hunt is hosted by North Adams Public Safety Departmnet. 


Parenting Journey in Recovery

Starting Tuesday, April 7, 5:30 - 7:30 PM, at the Have Hope Peer Recovery Center, 37 Main Street, Suite 201, North Adams

Substance use disorders are complicated and difficult to overcome. Parents and caregivers living with addiction face the additional challenge of building strong, positive relationships with their children while maintaining their recovery, which can be both rewarding and daunting.

Parenting Journey in Recovery provides a valuable source of fellowship and support and enhances awareness of potential triggers that may escalate re-occurrence. 

In a safe and caring setting, you will explore past and present patterns of emotional regulation and thoughts and behaviors related to addiction that influence your choices. 

With hard work and honesty, you will create a new path that strengthens recovery, accountability, and positive actions, while facing the daily challenges of living with addiction.

More Info: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org


Monthly Community Forum

Thursday, April 9, 4:00 - 6:00 PM, at the common room at Hotel Downstreet, 40 Main Street, North Adams

FREE & open to the public. All are welcome! The forum will begin with a round of introductions and an opportunity for announcements before the topic discussion begins. Light refreshments served. FREE & open to the public. Forum will be held in the community space at Hotel DownStreet.

More Info: 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org


Learn Through Play: 5 Little Ducks

Saturday, April 11, 10:00 - 11:00 AM, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

In collaboration with Child Care of the Berkshires. Activities and circle time with sensory activities. Best for ages 0-5 years. No registration required, but we appreciate RSVPs. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 


FREE CPR Training Course

Monday, April 13, 6:00 PM, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

An adult, child, and infant CPR class for parents and youth aged 16+. This course is presented by Emergency Response Consulting. Space is limited. Registration is required. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 


W.o.W. Workshop: For the Love of Self-portraiture

Monday, April 20, 4:00 - 6:00 PM, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

This is a two hour drawing class where members of the community can learn technical skills while observing their own features.

Participants with no drawing or some drawing backgrounds are encouraged to join. Materials will be provided, but if you wish to bring your own, please bring a pencil, a sketchbook, and a mirror.

We will start with blind contours to train the eye and ease any drawing anxiety. Then we will learn to admire

 and draw ourselves. REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org


FREE Family Bowling!

Thursday, April 23, 10:00AM - 12:00 PM, King Pins/G.O.A.T. 41 Roberts Drive, North Adams

Join us for some family fun during spring break at the King Pins Bowling Alley (formerly Greylock Bowl) part of the G.O.A.T. Sports Bar building. We will provide popcorn and water, other food available for purchase at the G.O.A.T. NO OUTSIDE FOOD PERMITTED. This event will fill quickly. Registration is required:  413-663-7588 or emailing nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 


STARTING 4/29 - Drop-In Art Club Returns!

Wednesdays, 3:30 - 4:30 PM, UNO Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

Join us at the UNO Center (157 River Street, North Adams) for this FREE weekly drop-in program facilitated by MASS MoCA and The Clark.

3:30-4:30PM on Wednesdays (thru August)

Snacks and supplies provided!

Children under 8yrs MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Program facilitators are not responsible for child care. MORE INFO: 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org 


nbCC Community Panel Discussions: Parents & Youth 

Thursday, April 30, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, at UNO Community Center, 157 River Street

All are welcome! Join us for this community panel discussion. This month the topic will be resources for parents and youth. This panel discussion features local representatives from Child Care of the Berkshires, Berkshire County Headstart, nbCC Family Resource Center, and ROOTs Teen Center.

The presentation will be preceded with a round of introductions and end with Q & A.Space is limited. Please register. For questions or to register for the event, give us a call at 413-663-7588 / info@nbccoalition.org 



WEEKLY EVENTS & PROGRAMS


nbCC Youth Empowerment Program

Mondays, 5:00 - 6:30 PM, 61 Main Street, #218, North Adams

Free and open to youth, 6-8th grade, who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. A weekly group to talk about school, emotions, navigating teen years, making friends and more. Snacks provided; transportation available. Register: call 413-663-7588


Youth Leadership Program

Tuesdays, 5:00 - 7:00PM, 61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams

Free and open to youth ages 14-19 who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. Young people are changing the world and you can too. Make a positive change in yourself and the world around you. Develop leadership skills, discuss what drives you, meet other young leaders and plan projects in your community. Snacks provided; transportation available. Register: call 413-663-7588


FRC Parenting Together Group * NEW TIMES 

 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 10AM - 12PM, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams 

A peer-driven/peer-supported group in a judgment-free, confidential space. Snacks provided. Children welcome.


Teen Writing Workshop

Wednesdays, 5:00 - 7:00 PM, held at nbCC, 61 Main St., Suite 218, North Adams

Free and open to youth ages 13-19 who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. Aspiring writers and poets! Join this incredibly supportive group and get 1-on-1 help with your writing and performance style. Opportunities to perform and be published. Snacks and supplies provided; transportation available. Register: 413-663-7588


Youth Health Collaborative

Thursdays, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, 61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams. 

(14-19 Yrs. Old) This program is intended to engage young people in supporting the health of their peers in the region. This program aims to benefit the community by directly engaging young people in the act of bettering their environments. This is the only program with a limit on attendance, as there are only ten spots available! 

Participants will receive a stipend for completing this program. Please call or email to apply: 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org


*NEW LOCATIONS: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Coffee Time

1st Friday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Adams COA, 3 Hoosac St., Adams

3rd Friday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. North Adams COA/Spitzer Center, 116 Ashland St., North Adams

 This is a group for grandparents who are actively parenting their grandchildren, giving them a safe and confidential space to share similar experiences with other grandparents. Coffee and snacks provided. 

Here are a few other upcoming and recurring events happening at the UNO Center at no, or low cost to participants:



  • Every Wed: 6:30-10:30 PM | Berkshire Gamers - Board Game Night (No Admission fee. Open to the Public)


  • Every Sun: 2:00-6:00 pm | RPG Game Night - $2 Admission Fee. A collaborative storytelling game where one person plays the narrator and supporting cast to the ensemble played by the other players. Open to the public to drop in, learn how to play and connect with the community of gamers.
 
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