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Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group is on the Move

Meet Some New Members of the Team!

Family Partner - Tammy Martin-Bartlett

1- What do you want the community to know about you?

I was born and raised in Berkshire County, North Adams native. I have spent the past 23 years of my career trying to better the lives of others, from being a medical professional (13 years) to working in the social work field for the past 10 years. 

2- What is your favorite thing about living in this area?

The Berkshires are a beautiful place to live. I love the mountains all around us and the small town feel of community.

3- What most excites you about the work you do? 

I am able to take my experiences in life to help others, turning my traumas into something positive. Creating a positive sense of community for others, keeping them connected, and helping them grow through what they are going through.

nbCC Board Member - AJ Cote

1- What do you want the community to know about you? 

Born and raised in the Northern Berkshires, I’ve always had a passion for helping people. At age four, I had cancer, and the good that came from that included witnessing a tremendous outpouring of support from our community. This experience inspired my mission to help people, and I’ve been fortunate in my roles to have made a positive impact on our community and beyond, at least that’s my hope. Through volunteering, working, or joining the occasional nbCC meeting, I’ve always felt connected to humanity in general and the North Berkshires in particular. It’s a great honor to join nbCC and give whatever I can to unifying and improving life for all families living in North County.

2 - What is your favorite thing about living in the Berkshires?

My favorite thing about the Berkshires has to be the people. From an early age I’ve witnessed people taking care of each other, neighbors looking out for neighborhood kids, people saying hi when passing on the street. Despite all the real issues we know exist here there’s hardly ever a shortage of good people willing to roll up their sleeves and put in the work to make this a better place, one smile at a time.

3 - What are you most interested in about the work the Coalition does?

nbCC’s focus on families and youth leadership is what drew me in. Families are the bedrock of society - they taught this in the sociology department - but more real to me was seeing what a family can do to set individuals up for success and how, without family, everything seems to be an uphill battle. Youth are our future. The problems of today will be solved by the youth of Tomorrow. It’s up to all community members to be their trusted advisors and encourage them to learn the world, how they can find their place in it, and what tools are available to make the difference each of us were sent to make.

In all, I’m so happy to be part of the nbCC team and looking forward to meeting and working with everyone in the North Berkshires who is ready to make a difference.

nbCC Board Member - Erin Shea

1- What do you want the community to know about you?

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Elms College and am a Licensed Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting elders, individuals with disabilities, and their families. Currently, I serve as the Vice President of Quality Assurance at BFAIR, where I ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements while consulting on Human Rights matters. I’m committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I actively support BFAIR’s Self-Advocacy Group and Family Advisory Committee in advocating for the rights and abilities of those we serve.

Outside of work, I find fulfillment in spending time with family, actively participating in my daughters’ sporting events, hosting dinners with friends, and soaking up the sunshine during warmer months.

2 - What is your favorite thing about living in the Berkshires?

It’s really a mix of things. As a native of the area, it’s easy to take for granted just how beautiful the Berkshires are. Life here moves at a slower pace, but there’s still so much to experience and enjoy. What I love most is that it’s a small but mighty community. What stands out most to me is how people truly show up for one another—whether it’s for a community event or when someone’s in need, there’s always a strong sense of support and connection

3 - What are you most interested in about the work the Coalition does?

I’m most interested in the Coalition’s role as a true connector and resource for the Northern Berkshire community. I’ve always appreciated how nbCC brings people and organizations together to support those in need, meeting people where they are and working together with community partners to make a difference. I personally have participated in some of their program events in the past when my children were younger. I really value their mission of supporting the whole community, and I’m inspired by how they put that mission into action every day.

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

National Night Out!

Tuesday, Aug. 5, (various locations listed below)

The annual celebration of community and building better relationships between law enforcement and first responders happens on the first Tuesday of August. Join the fun in the northern Berkshire community closeset to you! It’s free, family-friendly fun. 

4-7pm - Williamstown at the Spruces

4-7pm - Cheshire at the Cheshire Community House

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

5-7:30pm - North Adams at Noel Field 

Learn Through Play: We All Scream for Ice Cream

Saturday, August 9, 10:00 - 11:00 AM, UNO 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. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 

Back-Packed for Success! 

8/12 -FLORIDA & SAVOY FAMILIES 5-6PM @ GABRIEL ABBOTT SCHOOL

8/14 -ADAMS, CHESHIRE, CLARKSBURG, NORTH ADAMS, WILLIAMSTOWN FAMILIES -1-3PM @ North Adams Armory, 206 Ashland Street

Registration is required. Our annual free backpack and school supplies event is open to all northern Berkshire school-age children entering Pre-k through 12th grade. For more information: 413-663-7588 or email nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 

Family Movie in Noel Field 

Friday, August 22, at dusk (approx. 8PM) 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 on our FB page. Free! Call us at 413-663-7588 or email gglasier@nbccoalition.org for more information. 

W.o.W. Workshop: Create Better Health - Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping Tips

Thursday, August 21, 11:30AM-12:30PM, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, in partnership with SNAP-Ed, offers free nutrition education programs to our member agencies. Explore MyPlate healthy eating guidelines, tips to add more exercise into your day, and learn to make a budget-friendly meals! Jo-Ann Ault, 413-663-7588. Reservations requested, not required.

nbCC Call-in Show! 

Thursday, August 28, 5:00-7:00 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.

WEEKLY EVENTS/PROGRAMS

Youth Summer Session 

Tuesdays, 2:00-4:00 PM, nbCC, 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams

FREE and open to youth ages 14-19. a space for young people to hang out, meet others, go on adventures & have fun! July 1 -Aug 19. Registration is limited! Register soon! Transportation available. Snacks provided. For questions or to register: Give us a call us at 413-663-7588, email Carrisa at csacherski@nbccoalition.org 

nbCC Bike Collective Hours 

*Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30 PM, The Armory, 206 Ashland St., North Adams 

1st Tuesdays - OPEN HOURS

2nd & 3rd Tuesdays BY APPT.

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. 

Teen Writing Workshop Summer Session!

Wednesdays August 6 & 20 | 11:00AM-1:00PM, 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 will be provided if needed.

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

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. Snacks and supplies provided!

Children under 8 years MUST be accompanied by an adult.

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

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.

*NEW LOCATION: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Coffee Time

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

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