nbCC July Newsletter: Coalition News

Dear Northern Berkshire,

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our July 2025 newsletter. To read the entire issue and see lots of photos of what the Coalition was up to last month, download the PDF here.

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Letter from the Director’s Desk

As we turn the page to July, we also kick off our new fiscal year—and with it, a fresh chapter of energy, ideas, and connection at nbCC.

Our calendar is already buzzing with exciting events and programs. From engaging youth opportunities throughout the summer to our beloved community celebrations like National Night Out in August and Downtown Trick-or-Treat this fall (plus a spooky Haunted House in the works!), there’s something for everyone. And of course we always look forward to our annual MLK Day of Service in January—a meaningful day that brings people together to give back and reflect.

We’re also thrilled to share that our Bike Collective is back in action, with new energy and fresh wheels. Community members can earn a bike by volunteering their time—a win-win that supports both mobility and connection.

At nbCC, we believe in building community through every season, every age group, and every opportunity to show up for one another. We can’t wait to see what this year brings, and we’re so glad you’re with us for the ride.

With gratitude,

Amber

nbCC Celebrated Our 39th Year Building Community

On Friday, June 13th, over one hundred community friends and partners joined us for our annual “meeting” luncheon, where we marked our 39th year as a community organization. This year’s theme focused on our community connections with neighbors, friends, family and everything special that bind us together.

The keynote speaker was actually four speakers! This year we invited community members Kristen Tool, Nick Mantello, Lucian Keagle and Hilary Sweeney to speak, reflecting on what community means to them, and sharing stories about how the Coalition has impacted their lives.

The speakers offered unique perspectives, but all shared a common thread of finding a sense of belonging and community by participating in programs and events hosted by the coalition. Kristen Tool was inspired by attending the annual Neighborlies Awards and now makes sure to submit her own nominations each year, ensuring the people she sees making positive impact in their community know their work is seen and appreciated.

Hilary Sweeney spoke about the impact participating in the Community Outreach Volunteer Program had on her life and how it was the first experience that made her feel like she really belonged and had found a home here in the northern Berkshires. She ended by saying while the impact of the program might not lead the participants to immediately jump into more active roles in their community she was sure each graduate would be making a meaningful positive impact in the future.

Nick Mantello, a local well known for his photography documenting large local events spoke about the joy he feels capturing these moments of community and how the nbCC was involved in so many of the events.

The final speaker was Teen Writing Workshop participant Lucian Keagle, a newcomer to the area whose family has recently relocated from Texas. They spoke to the crowd about how finding the Coalition and the Teen Writing Workshop turned a new place into a home for them. Lucian said, “They show me, by example, how to become the safe person I always looked up to... They are a small team with a big impact. They turn cities into homes.”

This year’s Northern Berkshire Hero recipients were the North Adams & Williamstown Farmers Markets. Representatives from each markets’ volunteer committees were present to accept the awards on behalf of their markets. The markets received a very special surprise when they were also presented with Senate Citations from the office of Senator Paul Mark, presented by his Director of Constituent Services, Casey Pease. While presenting the citation Pease shared with the crowd that he was also a graduate of the Community Outreach Volunteer Program that speaker Hilary Sweeney had highlighted.

The markets were honored for their role as a community hub, connector, incubator for fledgling businesses and their collective work making healthy local food options more accessible to all residents through their incentive programs like Market Match.

Market Match is a SNAP doubling program that matches SNAP benefits spent at the market 1:1 up to $30 per market, per SNAP customer. In just the past year, the Market Match program has supported the purchase of over $60,0000.00 worth of fresh, healthy local foods at the markets, by customers using their SNAP benefits.

Our annual meeting wouldn’t be complete without some kind of game or brain teaser and this year was no different. In celebration of connection and community each table was given a large puzzle piece to decorate with images and words that reflect what they think of when they think of this community. The pieces were joined to together to form a large 4’x8’ nbCC puzzle that we hope to hang in our new building once it is completed in a few years.

As we closed out our 39th year together, Executive Director Amber Besaw shared reflections that acknowledged how hard it can be to find the right words in difficult times. She spoke about the temptation to focus on what’s broken, but instead invited us to turn our attention to what we can build, and to hope. To honor the young writers in our Teen Writing Workshop, she read a poem she had written about hope—describing it as something active and discoverable, something that flourishes in light and survives in darkness. Her words reminded us that hope can be found in the laughter of a child, in a helping hand, in the feeling of belonging. “Hope is alive, hope is shelter, hope is community,” she said. And in that moment, with over a hundred neighbors gathered to celebrate connection, her words rang true.

To see photos of the event check out our FB page!

Congratulations, 2025 COV Graduates!

It was a hot June evening on Monday, June 23rd when the 2025 Community Outreach Volunteers (COVs) gathered with family and friends at the UNO Center for the last time after six long months of training. The group of five participants all completed the entire course, meeting every Monday evening for three hours to learn leadership skills and all about the resources in the community, in preparation to be better advocates and community leaders. Running since 2010, the Community Outreach Volunteer Training has successfully trained over 100 individuals within the community, fostering their roles as neighbors, volunteers, and leaders.

It was a bittersweet occasion for the group who were proud of their accomplishment, but said they weren’t quite ready to stop their weekly meet-up. Co-facilitator and nbCC Community Connections Coordinator, Gabby Glasier, noted that this group had become particularly close and were very loyal to each other. It was clear that everyone was going to miss each other.

Lead facilitator, Annie Rodgers welcomed North Adams Mayor Macksey to address the graduates. The mayor let the graduates know how proud she was of their commitment to themselves and the community. She pointed out that while she may be the mayor, she could not succeed in the work she does without the commitment, support and love for community, that people like the Community Outreach Volunteers provide.

Each year, graduation includes two guest speakers, a former COV graduate and a community leader, this year both speakers were former graduates of the program. Rebecca Dodge, Program Director for the Have Hope Peer Recovery Center, offered words of wisdom as the recent COV program graduate, and Jessica Sweeney, founder of Common Folk Artist Collective, local business owner and executive director of the ROOTS Teen Center presented the keynote speech. Both delivered inspiring words of encouragement that left the room close to tears.

The celebration was concluded with the presentation of the diplomas, celebratory photos and plenty of sweet and savory treats. That was the end of another year of COV training, but we’re sure the group is going to find excuses to get together again soon!

What’s new for next year? nbCC plans to restructure the Community Outreach Volunteer Training program, previously a six-month, weekly program featuring presentations from external organizations and service providers. It will now be condensed into a 10-week curriculum. This shorter training will be supplemented by monthly, open-to-the-community panel discussions. These discussions will feature relevant organizations and service providers, focusing on the following key areas:Local Government, Food Access, Housing/Homelessness, Substance Use/Mental Health, Employment/Education, Parenthood/Youth, Emergency/Crisis Services, and Healthcare.

The panels will serve as an opportunity for the community to gain knowledge about available resources and services in Northern Berkshire County. The core training, however, will concentrate on cultivating leadership skills essential for community outreach. This training is rooted in asset-based community development principles, which leverage the inherent strengths and assets of individuals and communities to address their own needs.

If you would like to be a part of the Community Outreach Volunteer Training, please reach out to Gabby Glasier at gglasier@nbccoalition.org or call the nbCC office at (413) 663-7588.

The Fitness Challenge Returns! All Month Long.

Are you ready? This year the fitness challenge looks a little different. You’ll still be counting up points, but suggested activities won’t necessarily be on a specific day at a specific time and activities are throughout the north Berkshire area. This isn’t just a North Adams challenge anymore. All north Berkshire residents are welcome! As usual there will be points, winners and prizes, but the real point is to make a conscious effort to be a bit healthier in our choices, spend more time outdoors enjoying all the beauty our Berkshire home has to offer, and hopefully, enjoying these moments with teammates and friends.

This year you can still earn points if you love attending the farmers markets, outdoor community concerts, and the Bike Collective’s open hours, but Jo-Ann has collected a whole bingo card worth of suggested locations throughout the northern Berkshire towns where you can, hike, walk, swim and sightsee at your leisure throughout the month.

It’s easy to participate. Register as an individual or gather a team of friends, family, even co-workers to make the challenge even more fun. Participants can register at nbCC during office hours on Monday, June 30 (1-6pm) or Tuesday, July 1 (10am-3pm). Don’t worry if you can’t get here. You can also register by calling us, or emailing Jo-Ann, our new Health & Wellness Coordinator.

Once you are registered you’ll receive a t-shirt (while supplies last) and a tracker to track your points. Keep track of your activities and nutrition throughout the month, then turn in your tracker on July 31- Aug1. There will be a celebration to wrap the event up and announce the winners. Those details TBA. Winners will be announced in both Individual and Team categories, and prizes will be awarded.

If you have any questions about events and activities or are interested in joining the fun, reach out! We’d love to have you join us this year. For more info, call us at 413-663-7588 or email 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

Northern Berkshire Fitness Challenge

ALL MONTH LONG! JULY 1 - 31

SIGN-UP: JUNE 30 1-6PM in front of Ramuntos & JULY 1, 10:00AM - 3:00PM, nbCC 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams

This year the fitness challenge looks a little different. You’ll still be counting up points, but suggested activities won’t necessarily be on a specific day at a specific time AND activities are throughout the north Berkshire area! This isn’t just a North Adams challenge anymore! All NB residents are welcome! For more info, call us at 413-663-7588 or email info@nbccoalition.org

Nurturing Hope Parenting Series (7/1 - 9/16)

Tuesdays starting July 1, 10:00 - 12:00 PM, nbCC 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams

Nurturing hope is designed to help families with children with special needs:

explore their hopes and fears, develop effective parenting skills, enhance communication, develop strategies for facing challenges, recognize opportunities for celebration.

The goal is to develop a foundation of cooperation that will carry families through challenging times and create opportunities for growth and celebration. Registration required. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

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

Summer Neighborhood Basketball League

Mondays & Wednesdays, starting July 7, 5:00 - 6:00 PM, Location rotates through community basketball courts in North Adams (Your family will get a schedule when you register)

Open to all northern Berkshire youth, ages 9 - 13. 1 game & 1 or more Practices each week, July 7 - August 5. There’s still time to register: 413-663-7588 | info@nbccoalition.org

Active Parenting of Teens Parenting Series (7/7 - 8/11)

Mondays starting July 7, 10:00 - 12:00 PM, nbCC 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams

This program provides the guidance and support you need to turn the challenges of raising a teenager into opportunities for growth. You’ll learn:

Methods of respectful discipline

Skills for clear, honest communication

Concrete strategies to prevent risky behavior

How to be an encouraging parent.

Registration required. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

Teen Writing Workshop Summer Session!

Wednesdays July 9 & 23 | 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 provided if needed.

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

North Adams Route 2 Overpass Study: Input Session #3

Thursday, July 10, 5:00-7:00PM Courtyard A on the Mass MoCA campus, North Adams

The North Adams Route 2 Overpass Study (R2OS) will host its third community engagement event on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 5pm-7pm. The community is invited to join the study team for a presentation of project updates and design concepts, and to share their thoughts and questions. This is the final opportunity for the public to give comments before the study team provides recommendations. Participants are encouraged to visit the online project platform for further information at https://www.rt2overpass.info/.

For those unable to attend the Community Visioning Session, interactive activities and opportunities for input can be found on the project website. The study is funded through a federal grant under the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Project.

Learn Through Play: Ocean

Saturday, July 12, 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

Family Movie in Noel Field

Friday, July 25, 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 on our FB page. Free! Call us at 413-663-7588 or email gglasier@nbccoalition.org for more information.

WEEKLY EVENTS/PROGRAMS

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.

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 Aug. 27)

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

Family Resource Center: Parenting Together Group

2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 10 AM - 12 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

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 nkennedy@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 JULY