Coalition News, an update from nbCC

Dear Northern Berkshire,

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our August 2024 newsletter. To read the entire issue and see lots of photos of what the Coalition was up to 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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nbCC Celebrates 38 Years in the Northern Berkshire Community

Did you know that during this last fiscal year, nbCC has engaged with over 10,000 community members in the north Berkshire community? This includes families who attended parenting workshops, groups and other events through the Family Resource Center, students via internships and youth programs, and the community at large through free events like the annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat or the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge. As a way of acknowledging these accomplishments and more from the year, the coalition hosted its 38th annual meeting at the end of June. This year, the festivities were held for the first time in Adams at the Adams Theater. 


The event kicked off as Adams Town Administrator Jay Green spoke, highlighting nbCC’s ability to bring together stakeholders and leaders from throughout the county. He thanked the coalition for their service to the communities of Northern Berkshire, noting they provide a number of services that the municipalities cannot feasibly provide on their own. 


Amber Besaw, Coalition Executive Director and Ben Lamb, nbCC’s board president, took time during the meeting for a moment of remembrance for people in the community who have passed in the last year. Beverly Goodell, Chip Joffe-Halpern, Shirley Davis, Steve Green, Steven Sheppard, Thomas Hyde and Virginia Jarett were honored for their dedication and efforts to make the Northern Berkshires a better place for everyone.


Stephen Green was also recognized with the 2024 Northern Berkshire Hero Award. It is given every year to a community member or group for their contribution to the community, and Green is the first person to receive the award twice. Besaw and Lamb both shared words about Green and the impact he had, on the coalition, them personally, and the community as a whole. Green was nbCC’s longest standing board member, a founding member of the organization, and a lifelong champion of nbCC’s work and “Giving a damn.” Green’s daughters Caroline Green Christopoulos and Julie Green, as well as his wife, Susanne Walker, were in attendance to accept the award; they talked about how much the Berkshires, and the people who call the region home, meant to him. 


The keynote speaker this year was Yina Moore, the owner and founder of the Adams Theater. A relative newcomer to the area, she spoke at length about the necessity of collaboration within rural communities, especially for emerging businesses like the theater. 


The venue has hosted numerous shows and events since 2021, despite being under construction throughout that time. Yina mentioned several partnerships developed between the theater and community organizations, including the Adams Events Committee, BART Charter School, Great Barrington Public Theater, the Berkshire Academy for Advanced Music, among several others. She also talked about the work that goes into keeping a space like the Adams Theater economically viable. 


Like the Adams Theater, nbCC is in the midst of its own plan to revitalize a building in the Northern Berkshires. Due to lack of space, many of nbCC’s programs like the Bike Collective or the Community Outreach Volunteer program are held in other spaces. The coalition’s soon-to-be new home, at 192 State Street in North Adams, is in the planning stages of renovation. Once complete, the $8 million project will transform the building into community space that’s able to host the coalition and its programming. 


To end the meeting, all those in attendance got to participate in a team-building exercise. Each group was given a kit containing two flags, marshmallows and uncooked pasta. Using these as tools, attendees were tasked with creating a building; a metaphor for the building project the coalition is undertaking right now. Each team was more than up for the challenge, with some coming up with rough designs on paper before actually constructing their building. The judges, Willoughby and Otto Lamb, picked the building created by the North Adams Public Schools as the winner. 


While it is important to take time to reflect and recognize accomplishments, there is always more work to be done. The coalition has already planned out and scheduled programming for the upcoming year, so there is plenty in store for Northern Berkshires in the days, weeks and months ahead. Please keep an eye out for events the coalition has planned. We hope to see you throughout the community in the year to come, starting with the annual Community Needs Forum, Friday, September 13th, 10:00 - 12:00 at Terra Nova in North Adams! 


~ Brian Rhodes, Program Administrative Specialist


Become a Community Catalyst!

We’re excited to introduce the Community Catalyst Workshop — a new opportunity through the Coalition designed to empower motivated residents of Northern Berkshire County who are passionate about making a difference through community service projects.

Proposed and facilitated by Hilary Sweeney, a graduate of nbCC’s Community Outreach Volunteer Training (COV), this program aims to guide participants through a structured planning process. Whether you have a clear project idea or are still shaping it, this 5 week series of workshops will provide essential tools and resources to help you turn your vision into reality.



Program Details

Dates: Thursdays, September 5 to October 3

Time: 5:30-7:00 pm

Location: UNO Community Center, North Adams

By the end of these workshops, participants will prepare and submit a project proposal. One proposal will be selected to receive funding for one year. Please note that human service projects will not be considered.

Join us in becoming a catalyst for positive change in Northern Berkshire County.

If you are interested in this program or if you have any questions, please contact Gabby Glasier at gglasier@nbccoalition.org or call (413) 663-7588


Youth Summer Programs at nbCC are in Full Swing. 

Basketball, Baking Contests, Bikes and More!

July kicked off the start of Coalition’s summer youth programming and so far it has been non-stop with youth activities running three to four days a week. This year there are 75 youth between the ages 8-19 participating in one of the programs run by nbCC which include, Summer Session, Teen Writing Workshop, and Summer Neighborhood Basketball League.



Participants have enjoyed activities like baking contests, messy art projects, trips to parks and more. This year the Bike Collective also got involved, hosting the ROOTS Teen Center’s youth, on Wednesdays which has been very successful and received great reviews from the youth participating.  

Here Comes Summer!

nbCC Summer Programs & Events...All programs & events are FREE. Most provide snacks. Some provide transportation when requested. To learn more details about or register for an nbCC summer program: 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org


  • Every Tues. thru Aug 27 | 3:30-4:30PM | Drop-In Art CLub! @ UNO Center, 157 River St.
  • Every Wednesday | 4-6PM | Bike Collective @ the North Adams Armory
  • Every Wednesday | 5:30-7:30PM | Parenting Together Group @ nbCC
  • 1st & 3rd Fridays | 10AM-12PM | Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group @ UNO Center, 157 River St.
  • Aug. 2 | 6PM | Downtown Bike Around during First Fridays
  • Aug. 10 | Dusk | Family Movies Under the Stars @Noel Field
  • July 2 to Aug. 13 | Tuesdays 2-4PM |Summer Session -Registration required. For youth 14-19.
  • July 8 to Aug. 6 | Mon. & Wed. 5PM | Summer Neighborhood Basketball League - Registration required. For youth 9-13.
  • Aug. 8 | 10:30AM -12:30PM | Teen Writing Workshop @ nbCC
  • Aug. 2 | 6- 7:30PM | Bike Rodeo on Eagle Street at First Friday
  • Aug. 6 | 4-7PM | National Night Out
  • Aug. 13 | 5PM | Backpacked for Success @ Florida Elementary - Registration required.
  • Aug. 15 | 1PM | Backpacked for Success @ Terra Nova - Registration required.


Other Free Summer Events!

  • Tues & Thurs | 2:30-7PM | ROOTS Teen Center Drop-in (13-19yrs) @ 51 Ashland St., North Adams
  • Fridays | 7:30-9AM | Eagle Street Coffee Date, North Adams
  • Every 3 Thursdays | 7:30-9AM | Coffee in the Courtyard Adams
  • Aug. 2 | 5-9PM | FIRST Fridays @ downtown North Adams
  • Saturdays
  • 9AM-1PM | North Adams Farmers Market & Makers on Main @ Main St.
  • 9AM-1PM | Williamstown Farmers Market @ Spring St.
  • 9:30-11AM | Growing Healthy Gardens Group @ UNO park
  • Wednesdays | 6:30-8PM | Concerts at the Lake @ Windsor Lake, N. Adams
  • 1st & 3rd Fridays of Aug. | 6:30PM | Free Family Movies @ Adams Theater
  • Tuesdays starting July 11 | 6:30-8PM | Free Concerts on the Commons @ Adams Visitors Center
  • Tues. Aug. 6 | 4-8PM | National Night Out - Check your town for time and location
  • Wednesdays in Aug. | Dusk | Free Outdoor Movies @ the Clark
  • Wed. Aug. 14th | 5:30–8PM | Downtown Celebration @ North Adams
  • Sun. August 25th | 9 AM – 3 PM | Motorama Car Show @ Downtown North Adams

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

August DIY Craft: Jellyfish

All month long

Open to kids of all ages and their families. Share your finished craft on our Facebook page for a chance to win a prize! Call our office to register for your FREE craft kit: 413-663-7588 


First Fridays North Adams: Bike Rodeo!

Friday, Aug 2, 6:00-7:30 PM, Eagle Street, North Adams

Join in the First Friday Fun! Bring your bicycle downtown this FIRST Friday and join the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and MassBike for an evening of mega-fun bicycle activities!

Get bike safety tips in the Kids Bike Rodeo

Learn about the NBCC’s bike program 


Downtown Bike Around  

Friday August 2, 7:30 PM, Meeting on EAGLE Street, North Adams (check FB for weather cancellations)

Join us for the return of the Downtown Bike Around, a free, monthly, community group bike ride, suitable for adults and experienced riders. In coordination with First Fridays. More info: 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org


Men’s Embroidery Circle for Fathers with Artist Quique Lee

Saturday August 3, 9AM - 12 PM, nbCC 61 Main St., Suite 218, North Adams

A workshop to discuss masculinity while participating in a collaborative hand embroidery. Artworks created will be integrated into an expanding art piece.LIMITED SPACE. REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

National Night OUt!

Tuesday, Aug. 6 

4-7pm - Williamstown at the Spruces

5-7pm -Adams at the Visitors Center parking lot

5-7:30pm - North Adams at Noel Field


Nurturing Families

Wednesdays, 10:00AM - 12:00 PM, Adams Free Library, 92 Park, Adams

 We will be presenting the Nurturing Families Series in Adams this summer. Families, caregivers, parents are welcome to attend all, or take individual topics. 

August 7th – Understanding Feelings

August 14th – Morals, Values, and Family Rules

August 21st – Praising Children & Their Behavior

August 28th – Dealing with Stress & Anger

For more information or to register, contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org


Incredible Years: Helping Preschool Children with Autism  

Thursdays July 11 thru Aug. 29, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, nbCC 61 Main St., Suite 218, North Adams

This program provides parents and teachers of children on the autism spectrum (aged 2-5 years) with strategies for promoting children’s optimal social, emotional, language, and academic competence. It includes verbal and nonverbal strategies to help caregivers to enter in children’s attention spotlight and expand their interest and joy in relationships with others. More info/registration: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org


Teen Writing Workshop Summer Session!

Thursday Aug. 8 | 10:30AM-12:30PM, nbCC, 61 Main Street, 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. 

Snacks and supplies provided. Transportation provided if needed.

.Registration is limited! Register soon! Call us at 413-663-7588 or email csacherski@nbccoalition.org for more information. 


nbCC Hosts NAMAzing Coffee Date 

Friday, August 9, 7:30-9 AM, Eagle Street Parklet (Rain location Terra Nova, 85 Main St.) North Adams

Join us for free coffee, snacks & nbCC swag! 


Learn Through Play: We All Scream for Ice Cream

Saturday, Aug. 10, 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. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 


Family Movie in Noel Field 

Saturday, August 10, at dusk (approx. 8:30PM) Noel Field, 310 State Street, North Adams

Bring the family and meet us in Noel Field by the playground and splash pad for a summer movie. Movie to be announced. Free! Call us at 413-663-7588 or email gglasier@nbccoalition.org for more information.


Back-Packed for Success! 

8/13 -FLORIDA & SAVOY FAMILIES 5-6PM @ GABRIEL ABBOTT SCHOOL

8/15 -ADAMS, CHESHIRE, CLARKSBURG, NORTH ADAMS, WILLIAMSTOWN FAMILIES -1-3PM @ TERRA NOVA

Registration is required. Registration closes Aug. 2nd. For more information: 413-663-7588 or email nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 


W.o.W. Workshop: DIY Healthy Popsicles

Friday August 16, 6:00- 7:30 PM, First Baptist Church, 131 Main Street, North Adams

Join the nbCC Health & Wellness Coordinator, Jessi, for a Working on Wellness (W.o.W.) workshop teaching you how to make your very own popsicles the healthy way!. To register or for more info: 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org


nbCC Call-in Show! 

Thursday, August 22, 6:00-8:00 PM, Channel 1301

The Coalition wants to hear from you! Tune into Northern Berkshire Community Television channel 1301 and give us a call to let us know what’s on your mind, what your concerns are, and what you’d like to see happening in your community. 413-664-4408.


Summer Session!  

Tuesdays thru Aug. 13 5, 2:00- 4:00 PM, 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. Transportation available. snacks provided. A space for young people to hang out, meet others, go on adventures & have fun! For questions or to register: Give us a call us at 413-663-7588, email Carrisa at csacherski@nbccoalition.org 



WEEKLY EVENTS/PROGRAMS


Drop-in Art Club

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

A weekly after school drop-in Art Club, for youth, ages 8-19. Supplies and snacks provided. No registration required. Caregivers do not need to attend, but the program facilitators are not responsible for child care. Facilitated by MASS MoCA and The Clark. Call us at 413-663-7588 or email gglasier@nbccoalition.org for more information.


Family Resource Center: Parenting Together Group

Wednesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 PM, nbCC 61 Main Street, Ste. 218, North Adams

A peer-driven/peer-supported group in a judgement-free, confidential space. Snacks provided. Children welcome. 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org


nbCC Bike Collective Open Hours

Wednesdays, 4 - 6 PM, The Armory, 206 Ashland St., North Adams 

Bring your own bike or work on a bike at the bike collective. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from other community members on basic bike fixes, or team up with more experienced bike mechanics to rebuild a bike. Tools and stands are provided. All NB residents are welcome! For more info, call us at 413-663-7588.


Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Coffee Time Group

1st & 3rd Fridays, 10 AM - 12 PM. UNO Center, 157 River Street, 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 light snacks provided. Please register: 413-663-7588 or email dsenecal@nbccoalition.org. 

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.

Click here to see what's going on at nbCC in AUGUST!

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