nbCC July 2026 Newsletter: Coalition News

Greetings!

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our July 2026 newsletter.

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2026 Northern Berkshire Hero, Jonathan Swartz

As the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition turns 40, I have taken the time to reflect on the past 40 years of my own life and how I arrived at this point. I was born in Livingston, NJ, and grew up in your typical suburban house in Sparkill, NY. I grew up not far from where Toni Morrison had a house, where the sculptor Grace Knowlton established an artist colony, where Judy Blume set her books, and from historical landmarks that laid the groundwork for independence. About 40 years ago, I started to become active in my community and learn what it meant to give back. I learned then it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose, but it’s the impact on the community that will last forever. Fast forward to 28 years ago, when I received the community service award from my alma mater, Tappan Zee High School in Orangeburg, NY, I reflected on where I came from and wondered where I was going from there. At graduation, Dr. Sandra Kolk, the superintendent of the South Orangetown Central School District at the time challenged our class to take a walk with her and emphasized that our class could play a major role in the future of our society.

While I might not have invented the next big thing (yet), I have fulfilled her wish to make an impact on the community I live in. I came to the Berkshires to go to the former Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, and learned about community and why having peers, mentors, and community support is so important. After I graduated from Simon’s Rock, I spent some time reflecting and wondering how I could get involved in the community. I then discovered that the best thing to do was to show up and get noticed. I started to find things in the community that interested me and began to show up. I started to go to the opera, the theater, film and music festivals, and other events. I learned that we are all interconnected and that one thing would lead to another.

In these challenging times, I learned why my work is so important and to take a stand for what I believe is the right thing to do. I also thought that I had more to offer, after my summer job as a page at the Orangeburg Library in Orangeburg, NY 31 years ago. So I decided to go to library school, and ended up at the library in North Adams. I have met many people from all walks of life in my 28 years in the Berkshires and have learned a lot from them. I gladly accept this award and thank my friends and family, and dedicate it to the mentors that paved the way for me who are no longer with us including Stan Shelofsky, Diana Orenstein, Ed Clark, Gail Cariddi, and Colleen Quinn. I will cherish my time with them and will never forget what they instilled in me. In these challenging times, I always take time to remember my roots that were planted in a community so close, yet so far away, and carry what my teachers and mentors taught me to this day. My story continues, and new and exciting things are ahead. As my friend former Orangetown, NY supervisor Thom Kleiner would say, onward!

~Jonathan Swartz

nbCC Celebrates 40 Years with Dinner, Dancing & a Million Dollar Milestone in Capital Campaign for a Community Center

The Coalition held its first dinner gala this June to celebrate forty years of support and services in our region and to officially launch its first capital campaign, One Community - One Coalition, raising funds to rehabilitate the existing structure at 192 State Street into a new community center, as well as the Coalition’s permanent home.

The celebration was attended by about two hundred community members, including MA State Representative John Barrett III and Sheriff Thomas Bowler, among other community leaders, and included dinner, dessert, dancing, raffles, and auctions.

Attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner provided by Bounti-Fare while Jonathan Swartz was awarded the annual Northern Berkshire Hero Award by Executive Director Amber Besaw, and a citation of recognition by Representative Barrett.

Following the NB Hero award presentation, Margae Diamond, the newly hired Development Director, took the stage to offer more information about the newly launched capital campaign, including a timeline announcing a completion goal of 2030, and the exciting news that the ten-million-dollar campaign had just reached the million-dollar milestone, thanks to a generous anonymous donation that pushed the launch just over the million-dollar mark.

The evening ended with decadent dessert, lots of dancing, raffle winners, and some competitive silent auction bidding wars. The event was enjoyed by all! Thank you to everyone who joined us in supporting this effort.

“$40K for 40 Years”: nbCC Honors Milestone Anniversary by Investing Back in the Northern Berkshires

In celebration of its 40th Anniversary, the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC) is proud to announce a special “$40K for 40 Years” initiative, investing $40,000 back into the community through summer camp scholarships and support for end-of-year school celebrations across Northern Berkshire. Funded through the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) Family Resource Center program, which supports families with children ages 0–18 throughout the Northern Berkshire region, the nbCC initiative includes scholarships for local youth attending programs at the Berkshire Family YMCA, Williamstown Youth Center, and Youth Center Inc., helping ensure children have access to enriching summer experiences regardless of financial circumstances. Additional funds were provided to several Northern Berkshire schools to enhance year-end celebrations, recognizing students’ achievements and creating memorable experiences for families. This anniversary initiative reflects nbCC’s longstanding commitment to strengthening families, supporting youth, and building a vibrant community for all.

“The best way we could think of to celebrate the support our community has given nbCC over the past 40 years was to give back directly to the people and families we serve,” said nbCC Executive Director, Amber Besaw. “Our work at nbCC is not to solve every problem our community faces. Our role is to create opportunities, share resources, and connect people to the support they need. Most importantly, our work is about caring for one another. Through these scholarships and school celebrations, we’re investing in joy, connection, and experiences that help children and families thrive. That’s what community is all about, and that’s what we’ve been committed to for the last 40 years.”

nbCC Distributes Emergency Hygiene Kits, Pet First Aid Kits, and the 2026-28 Edition of the Community Resource Guide

The Coalition has been busy this month packing and distributing supplies for the community. Staff and volunteers packaged four hundred emergency hygiene kits and over one hundred pet first aid kits to distribute to key locations throughout the community.

The hygiene kits include many basic supplies packed into a “wet” bag, a waterproof bag that is easily transported or packed into a backpack. Supplies include full-sized toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo/body wash, deodorant, a rain poncho, earplugs, antiseptic wipes, band-aids, Shout wipes, and more. They were delivered to various locations serving community members in need or most at-risk, like the Louison House, Berkshire Food Project, Remedy Hall, and local police departments.

The pet first aid kits are compact and also easy to carry in a backpack or glove box, and include tick tools, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment, as well as collapsible travel food/water bowls. Kits have been distributed to local animal shelters like No Paws Left Behind and Berkshire Humane Society.

The newest edition of the Community Resource Guide is available this month and will be mailed to all northern Berkshire residents. They are also available through the nbCC office, where they can be picked up, or local agencies and businesses can request the quantity they need for their location, and staff will put together a package to be picked up. The 2026-2028 edition is also available online through the nbCC website, where it can be viewed in PDF format or downloaded to print. The updated Spanish version is currently being translated and will be distributed as needed once complete.

If you are interested in learning more about the kits or CRGs, please reach out to our office at 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org

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

Cooperative Parenting Workshop Series

Tuesdays, July7 - Aug. 25, 2:00 - 4:00PM, 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams

FREE PARENTING SERIES -The overall emphasis of Cooperative Parenting is to offer children the opportunity to grow in a home environment free from being caught in the middle of their parents’ hostility.

The goals of this program are to:

-Assist parents in shifting their role from former spouses to co-parents

-Educate parents regarding the impact of parental conflict on their child’s development

-Help parents identify their contribution to conflict while increasing impulse control

-Teach parents anger management, communication and conflict-resolution skills

-Educate parents about children’s issues in divorce. Transportation & child care are available with at least 24 hours notice. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. REGISTER OR MORE INFO: 413-663-7588 OR NKENNEDY@NBCCOALITION.ORG

First Fridays North Adams: Celebrate Independence

Friday, July 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

Summer Fun Support Groups

Starting, July 8, various days, 11:00 AM -1:00 PM, Various locations in North Adams and Adams

Parents are you looking for some free fun in the sun activities to do this summer? nbCC invites you to join us!

Parenting Together Summer Fun: 11 AM - 1 PM

Build-Your-Own Sandwich supplies, snacks and water included. Registration is required. Transportation is available upon request to and from nbCC office. In case of rain, we regretfully will cancel.

7/8 - Parenting Together at Windsor Lake

7/16 - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren at Margaret Lindley Park

7/29 - Parenting Together at Margaret Lindley Park

8/7 - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren at Windsor Lake

8/12 - Parenting Together at North Adams Splash Pad

8/21 - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren at Greylock Glen

Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen! REGISTER: 413-663-7588 or tmartinbartlett@nbccoalition.org

Movie and a Craft at the Milne

Friday, July 10, 2:00 PM, Milne Public Library, 1095 Main Street, Williamstown

Join us for free family fun at the Milne Public Library, where we’ll enjoy a movie and craft project. Supplies provided. Let us know you’re coming! 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

Learn Through Play: Ocean Explorers

Saturday, July 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

W.o.W. Workshop: Intro to Pickleball

Monday, July 20, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Noel Field Pickleball Courts, 310 State Street

We will have equipment for folks to use if they are new, or YOU can bring your own. This is a safe space for beginners to learn and grow their skills.

Participants should dress for the court (sneakers) and bring water! No rain date set… wet court cancels. Space is Limited. Registration Required.

413-663-7588 or tkuzia@nbccoalition.org

Community Picnic with nbCC & NAPL

Friday, July 24, 12:00 - 2:00 PM, Noel Field, 310 State Street, North Adams

Join us for a free community picnic. Bring your own lunch or grab a free one from the schools free lunch at the splash pad. Games, stories, free play and fun await you!

BINGO at the Library

Tuesday, July 28, 6:00 - 7:30 PM, Adams Free Library, 92 Park Street, Adams

Join us for family friendly BINGO event at the library! We’ll bring all the supplies. Let us know you are coming. Give us a call: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

WEEKLY EVENTS & PROGRAMS

nbCC Bike Collective

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

Monthly Bike Collective Schedule:

First Tuesday of the Month:

Open Hours to accept bike donations or conduct orientations for the earn-a-bike program.

Second & Third Tuesdays of the Month:

Appointment-only slots for scheduled participants to work on their bikes alongside volunteer mechanics.

Fourth Tuesday of the Month:

Public Workshops such as Fix-a-flat, General Bike Maintenance, or Brakes Basics. See our calendar for details.

If there is a fifth Tuesday in the month, the bike collective will be closed. MORE INFO: 413-663-7588 or INFO@NBCCOALITION.ORG

UNO Drop-In Art Club

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

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.