nbCC June 2026 Newsletter: Coalition News

Greetings!

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

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Extra! Extra! nbCC Turns 40. Join the Celebration!

How it all began...

By all indications, the Northern Berkshire area saw its most difficult economic times during the 1980s. Large retail establishments (Ames, England Brothers Department Store, Heritage Supermarket) had closed their doors to business. Early in 1984, the Adams Print Works announced its permanent closing, and later in the year, Sprague Electric Company, the region’s largest employer, announced a major reduction in its workforce, relocating its headquarters to metropolitan Boston. Other factories were to follow and by 1990, fourteen manufacturing plants had closed. All told, some 5,000 Northern Berkshire jobs were lost. According to studies by the local workers’ assistance center, more than three quarters of those who lost their jobs were unwilling to relocate. They were either going to find a new job locally or remain unemployed. Driving around Northern Berkshire, we saw empty factories and empty storefronts. The picture was bleak and the future uncertain.

By 1986, the economic downturn was on everyone’s mind. Something had to be done. What would happen to the dislocated workers once unemployment benefits ran out? How were the local agencies communicating with one another about how to help? Enter the Northern Berkshire Health and Human Services Coalition (NBHHSC). Understanding the Northern Berkshire spirit and with a commitment by local agencies to work and meet together, the Coalition saw its beginnings. Among those first involved with the original Coalition steering committee were Dan Allen, Ann Awad, Maggie Bittman, Dan Bosley, Frank Dorsky, Cathy Dudley, Ann Edmunds, Thorman Hulse, Theresa Louison, Fred Nicholaev, Neil Novik, Tony Nuvallie, Warner Smith and Myles Whitney. Monthly gatherings at the North Adams American Legion Hall began with some skepticism, yet everyone continued the process for fear they would be left out. Slowly, the Coalition began to find its way. It was further motivated by the successful advocacy that brought an office of Berkshire Council on Alcohol and Addictions to Northern Berkshire and that continued the local workers’ assistance center beyond its end date. The Coalition found funding for Helpline, Inc. and established the Family Life Support Center and Louison House. The need for a local health and human services coalition became clearer to all.

Excerpt from Celebrating 25 Years -written by founding ED, Al Bashevkin

Where do we go from here?

As we celebrate everything we have accomplished together over the past forty years, our vision is focused entirely on the decades ahead. Many things have changed since our humble beginnings. Yet, with the exception of the COVID pandemic, the core challenges facing our community remain predictably consistent: housing, healthcare, and transportation, to name a few.

Thankfully, our support system of collaborators has grown into a robust network of partnerships—we collaborated with well over one hundred agencies in just the past year. Today, nbCC serves thousands of residents annually with a staff that remains small but mighty. We have always done the most with the resources available, but we are now bursting at the seams. Now, it is time to dream bigger.

We are taking a leap of faith and asking you to help us build a permanent home. The 18,000 sq. ft. space at 192 State Street in North Adams is ready to be transformed into a vibrant community center for all our northern Berkshire neighbors. Architectural plans are set, initial funding is taking root, and our first-ever Capital Campaign is officially underway. Join us on our journey into the next forty years of serving and growing support here in North Berkshire County. One community - One coalition.

The 40th Anniversary Gala & Capital Campaign Kickoff

In place of our usual luncheon, we are throwing a celebration to remember!

When: Thursday, June 18th | 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Where: GreylockWORKS, 508 State Rd.

The Night:

5 PM | VIP Reception

6 PM | Dinner & 2026 Northern Berkshire Hero Award (honoring Jonathan Swartz)

7:30-10 PM | Dessert & Dance Party!

Dress your best, bring your dancing shoes, and help us launch the next forty years of community impact.

RSVP & Ticket prices: online, 413-663-7588 or email info@nbccoalition.org.

Meet Our Newest Team Members

Margae Diamond | Development Director

1. What would you like the community to know about you?

I was born and raised in Bennington, VT — so this region has always been home. I spent 30 years in the San Francisco Bay Area working in the nonprofit sector and running business development for Charles Schwab’s philanthropy division. I returned in 2020 and spent the last three years leading a recovery nonprofit in Bennington. It’s great to be back!

2. What are you most excited about working on as part of the nbCC team?

I am most excited about our upcoming capital campaign, One Community-One Coalition. nbCC is an anchor organization in this community and has so much to be proud of. My goal is to help build a development program that powers our work for the next 40 years!

3. What is one of your favorite things about the North Berkshires?

The people — and I mean that specifically. This is a community where neighbors still show up for each other and genuinely care.

Tiffany Kuzia | Health & Wellness Coordinator

1- What would you like the community to know about you?

My name is Tiffany. I am a lifelong North Adams resident, a mother, gardener, creatrix, and lifelong learner. I am passionate about a “whole person” approach to wellness and have a B.S. degree in Holistic Health with a focus on Mindfulness, Meditation, Herbalism, and Shinrin-yoku. I am also a level 2 Usui Ryoho Reiki practitioner and am completing additional studies toward becoming a clinical herbalist.

2- What are you most excited about working on as part of the nbCC team?

With the understanding that true health is shaped by our environment, social connections, life circumstances, and daily choices for wellbeing- in addition to clinical care- I think the work that nbCC does in the community is a vital part of wellness for North Berkshire residents, and I am thrilled to join (or re-join!) the team at nbCC as a Community Health Worker. I was fortunate to be able to intern here when I completed my A.S. degree in Human Services at BCC, and it has been great to be able to return to a position I see as having so much to offer the community. I look forward to working with residents to navigate the healthcare system, overcome barriers to basic needs, and empower our community members to thrive, while also learning from community members willing to share their special interests or talents related to wellness.

3- What is one of your favorite things about the North Berkshires?

One of my favorite things about the North Berkshires is the beauty of the natural world and the seasons we experience here. I enjoy family time at the Greylock Glen, hiking the Cascades, or exploring Natural Bridge. It’s been wonderful knowing my daughter has grown up walking these trails and has learned to love and respect nature because of that, but I also love that it’s a place we can feel peaceful and connected to each other as she continues to grow.

The return of summer means the return of the annual fitness challenge! We’ve got a packed calendar of events this June, as well as the usual points for eating healthy and taking care of your body and mind. You can register to participate as an individual or as part of a team by calling our office at 413-663-7588, or registering online.

The calendar below shows all of the events for the challenge, but visiting the fitness challenge webpage on our website is the best place to track upcoming events, event locations, bonus points and more. You can use the QR code above or find it linked under our Health & Wellness page on nbccoalition.org.

The challenge will conclude with a wrap party at Windsor Lake in North Adams, during their weekly Concerts at the Lake Series. Everyone is welcome to join us to celebrate everyone’s progress and accomplishments. Prizes will be given to the top-scoring individual and the top-scoring team.

Questions? We’d love to answer them. Call us at 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org

Here Comes Summer!

Summer break is just around the corner, and we’re gearing up for a season filled with a lot of outdoor activities and groups. Whether you are looking to sign your children up for some free summer fun or hoping to connect with fellow caregivers, we’ve got something going on this summer that will take you out into the fresh air for a dose of Vitamin D.

It all starts in July when we’ll be moving our regularly scheduled Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Parenting Together groups outside to various locations. Times and locations will vary, but in general, these groups will be taking place at either Windsor Lake or Margaret Lindley Pond, and will be starting a little bit later in the day, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

There are a lot of FREE or low-cost activities for youth, too. Our summer neighborhood basketball league is free and open to youth aged 9 to 13 years old, and our Summer Session is open to youth 13 to 19 years old. Contact our office to register for either of these programs. This year, 18 Degrees is hosting a basketball league for high school ages 14 to 18 years, and young adults 18 to 25 years old. Spots are limited! To register for the 18 Degrees program, email dashmoore4@gmail.com.

Youth 13 - 20 years old are also welcome at the ROOTS Teen Center during open hours located at 51 Ashland Street in North Adams. They are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can learn more by reaching out to the center at 413-203-9744

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

nbCC Bike Collective RE-OPENS

Tuesdays, starting June 2, 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

W.o.W. Workshop: Understanding Hoarding Disorder

Thursday, June 4, 5:30 PM, at UNO Community Center, 157 River Street

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org

Are you or someone you know struggling with clutter, disorganization, or hoarding behaviors? Experts agree that home safety is a public health concern, but many Berkshire residents are unaware of what hoarding behavior entails.

Join the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission’s public health nurse, Sophie Jannen, to learn how to identify hoarding behaviors and what we do to help those afflicted by this disorder.

First Fridays North Adams: Celebrate Pride

Friday, June 5, 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

nbCC Host NAMAzing Coffee Date

Friday, June 12, 7:30 AM - 9 AM, at the Eagle Street Parklet, North Adams

Join us on Friday June 12th fo a fantastic gathering for friends and community!

The summer is just getting started, and it’s time to enjoy some morning community building! Join us as our host Northern Berkshire Community Coalition welcomes one and all to again come together, enjoy each other’s company, and kick off your Fridays right, in the heart of our wonderful downtown! These events are FREE and open to the public, so come on by, and bring a friend!

Learn Through Play: Caps for Sale and Other Interactive Tales

Saturday, June 13, 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

Community Kickball Tournament

Saturday, June 13, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, DiSanti Field, North Adams

FREE & open to the public. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 29TH. Call nbCC to register. Co-presented by 18 Degrees of Western MA, Berkshire Family YMCA, NAPD, SRO Mirante, City of North Adams, and nbCC.

Food will be provided. There will also be activities for youth 15 and under to participate in, since the tournament will be 16+. MORE INFO: 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org

nbCC’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

Thursday, June 18, 5:00 - 10:00 PM, at GreylockWORKS, 508 State Road, North Adams

2026 marks the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition’s 40th year serving our community, and we are ready to celebrate all the growth and successes we have accomplished with you through the years!

Please join us on Thursday, June 18th, for our Ruby Jubilee celebratory dinner & dancing at GreylockWORKS. Dinner will be followed by dessert and dancing to tunes through the decades with Rebel Beat Sound System. Cash bar. Soft drinks included.

Schedule:

5-6 PM | VIP cocktail & hors d’oeuvres (includes 2 complimentary cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a special 40th anniversary gift)

6-7:30 PM | Celebratory Dinner

7:30-10 PM | Dessert & Dancing

Ticket Options: (Also available by the table)

$175 - VIP ticket includes: cocktail & hors d’oeuvres hour and special gift, plus dinner, dessert & dancing

$100 - Dinner & Dancing ticket includes: dinner, dessert table & dancing

$35 - Dessert & Dancing ticket includes: dessert table & dancing

We can’t wait to see you there! Questions? Give us a call at 413-663-7588 or email info@nbccoalition.org

UNO Annual Block Party!

Saturday, June 20, 4:00 - 6:00 PM, UNO Community Center & UNO. Park, 157 River Street, North Adams

The UNO Steering Committee invites you to celebrate the beginning of summer with a block party. Join us at the park adjacent to the UNO Center for an afternoon of food, fun, face painting and more! For more information contact us at 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org

Summer Basketball League Kick-off & Sign-ups!

Saturday, June 20, 4:30 - 6:00 PM, UNO Community Center & UNO. Park, 157 River Street, North Adams

FREE & open to northern Berkshire families with children ages 9-13. Join us for our kick-off event to sign up your child/ren for this season’s neighborhood basketball league. Come hungry! We’ll have lots of food!

We’ll play some pick-up games and enjoy some free food & dessert! 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org

nbCC Community Panel Discussions: Crisis Response

Thursday, June 25, 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 local resources for crisis response. This panel discussion features representatives from local crisis response agencies.

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

FRC Parenting Together Group

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.

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

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.