nbCC November Newsletter: Coalition News

Greetings!

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our November 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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October Community Forum: Leaders Share Updates for Ongoing Projects Throughout the Community

The Coalition invited numerous community leaders to October’s forum to report updates on important ongoing projects, as well as some projects the general public may not have been paying attention to. Updates were offered by Mayor Macksey, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Hoosac River Revival, North Adams Public Schools, the North Adams Partnership, MASS MoCA, and the City’s Administrative Officer.

State Rep. Barrett stopped by briefly to share his most pressing concerns for the coming months amidst the federal shutdown and policy changes. We look forward to a follow-up from him in the coming months.

North Adams Mayor, Jennifer Macksey, followed Barrett with municipal updates, including news that the Brown Street bridge repair is about 2 months behind schedule. Additionally, CDBG funds will be used towards street and sidewalk projects, including replacing fire hydrants, an engineering study will assess how to better direct water coming out of Clarksburg so it has less negative impact, $800k grant to evaluate dams in the city (a step towards funding for construction), and a State paving project on the main thoroughfares throughout the city. Community Development Director Marya Kozik announced that the Route 2 Overpass Study, now complete, is moving into the review phase. We look forward to a “restitch” report that will explain different scenarios on how traffic could successfully be reconfigured through that area. She stressed that this is just a report, not a final decision.

Newly appointed North Adams Public Schools Superintendent, Tim Callahan, brought renderings of the new Greylock School Project, which is moving forward on schedule and under budget. He was also happy to report that the first year of grade span school configuration is already paying off. Incoming 7th graders are doing better and are more prepared, and scores coming out of Colegrove Park Elementary School are already improving.

Jenny Wright of the North Adams Partnership challenged everyone to “invest in North Adams” with three simple actions: Leave a 5-star Google review on a business you love, move a meeting off Zoom and to a downtown location, and visit a business you haven’t been to before. She also highlighted an AARP grant-funded ADU design competition the partnership is hosting. The ADU Design Challenge invites students, designers, builders, and creative professionals to submit small, efficient, and code-compliant ADU concepts that address the unique needs of older residents. Be on the lookout for winner announcements in November.

BRPC talked about the safe removal of the Beaver Mill dam and an ongoing “Grey to Green” Initiative that is currently activating residents in conducting walking audits of their neighborhoods to assess issues like safety and accessibility. They also touched on the progress on the plans to finally connect the bike trails in Williamstown and Adams to a route through North Adams.

Morgan Everett of MASS MoCA, also involved in the bike trail efforts, asked us to think of the project differently. What is the economic impact of not building the path? Studies estimate there is $75k a day in economic opportunities not being captured due to the lack of this connection. Morgan also quelled some community concerns about MASS MoCA’s plans to rehab the former Sullivan school. He assured everyone that this project would bring the community a dynamic space offering a residential community for artists and others with creative development space, while preserving the public access to the surrounding grounds and trails. Spread the word!

In other updates, Hoosic River Revival continues its series of River Walks, each taking curious residents and nature lovers on walks of different sections of the river. Group founder, Judy Grinnell, reminded attendees that the Hoosic River is so much more than just what you see contained by the flood chutes downtown. The proposed paths stretch well beyond the confines of the downtown area. They encourage the public to take advantage of the information and resources on their website.

Finally, Joshua Mendel, MCLA Chief of Staff, spoke about recent news from the college. He thanked the community at large for the warm welcome the students were given as they began their year. He said the students who participated in the annual Fall Foliage Parade spoke to the positive impact that the event had on them, making them feel immediately like part of the community. Many want to stay beyond graduation, so the college is looking to expand its career opportunities. Joshua highlighted the college’s partnership with Berkshire Health Systems for their nursing and radiology programs. This Pathways program allows students to earn college credits while earning income working and learning at BHS facilities.

At the time of this forum, they were about to break ground on the Campagna Kleefeld Center for Creativity in the Arts. The center’s construction is funded by Carolyn Kleefeld, a California-based artist and self-help author, and the center's namesake. Her donation will also support three years of operation.

We covered so much ground during the forum; two hours really wasn’t enough time to fit it all in. To learn more about any of the updates, please use the following resources:

North Adams Public Schools: napsk12.org / tcalahan@napsk12.org

North Adams Partnership: northadamspartnership.org / jenny@northadamspartnership.org

Hoosic River Revival: hoosicriverrevival.org / info@hoosicriverrevival.org

MASS MoCA: massmoca.org / info@massmoca.org

MCLA: mcla.edu /

City of North Adams: northadams-ma.gov / mkozik@northadams-ma.gov

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission: https://berkshireplanning.org/

Representative John Barrett III: https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/J_B1 / john.barrett@mahouse.gov

Snapshots from the 6th Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat

Friday, October 24th marked nbCC’s 6th Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat event, a coordinated effort organized by nbCC with local organizations and downtown businesses. This year, over 1,200 people participated in the event, despite a slow start due to some rain showers. Thank you to all the businesses and organizations that helped create another successful year of spooky fun! We can’t wait to do it again next year.

The City’s haunted house at the Mohawk Theater was even bigger and better for its second year. Volunteers from Drury High School, nbCC, the NAPD, NAFD, DPW, and more spent weeks getting ready to open this spooky big top experience to the public. The line for the event stretched halfway down Eagle Street, but everyone who waited made it in this year. The City even arranged for some fun carnival games to keep the kids entertained while they waited.

Calling all Teens!

The Youth Leadership Program is an awesome opportunity to get your young people connected with youth from other North Berkshire schools, as well as engaging directly in the community and working on leadership and social skills. There will be group games, snacks, and exciting conversations on how they can be change makers in their communities!!

~Carrisa Sacherski, Youth Support Worker

To register for this program or learn more: csacherski@nbccoalition.org or 413-663-7588

MEET US AT THE NEIGHBORLIES!

Whether you submitted someone to receive an award, are receiving an award, or just want to support and celebrate your friends and neighbors, we encourage you to join us on Wednesday, November 19th, for this year’s Neighborlies!

The event is free to attend and we welcome everyone. The Neighborlies are held at MCLA’s Church Street Center, located on Church Street and Elmwood Ave, North Adams. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. and the ceremony will begin around 5:30 p.m.

There are roughly 150 individuals receiving awards this year. We hope you are able to join us to celebrate the many ways they have made a positive impact on their community. Bring your family and friends! Light refreshments will be served.

For more information about the Neighborlies give us a call at 413-663-7488 or email us at info@nbccoalition.org

Fill out a Neighborly here: https://bit.ly/the_nbcc_neighborlies

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

Learn Through Play: Construction

Saturday, Nov. 8, 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

Community Summit: Information, Resources & Updates

Friday, Nov. 14, 9:00 AM-11:00AM, at MCLA Church Street Center, lower level, 375 Church Street, N. Adams

Williamstown Community Chest, Northern Berkshire United Way, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Northern Berkshire Community Coalition invite the community to learn more about how local resources are being affected by the shutdown and funding cuts, as well as what is being done about it and how we can best support each other.

Light refreshments will be served.FREE & open to the public. Please, RSVP at 413-663-7588. https://bit.ly/3LokXoI

nbCC’s Annual Neighborly Awards Celebration

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 5:00 -7:00 PM, MCLA Church Street Center, North Adams.

Celebrate someone who has made a positive impact in your life or community! Celebrate someone today with a Neighborly Award and be sure to join us on Wednesday, November 19th, at the MCLA Church Street Center to honor all of our local heroes! 5-7PM. Free to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

https://bit.ly/the_nbcc_neighborlies

Submission deadline is November 7, 2025. More info: 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org

nbCC Community Panel Discussions: Housing

Thursday, Nov. 20, 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 housing. The Housing Panel discussion will have representatives from Upside 413, the Louison House, the North Adams Community Housing Organization (NACHO), and Hearthway! Please join us!

The presentation will be preceded by a round of introductions and an opportunity for everyone to share announcements. Space is limited. Please register. For questions or to register for the event, give us a call at 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org

WEEKLY EVENTS & PROGRAMS

nbCC Youth Empowerment Program

Mondays, 5:00-6:30 PM, 61 Main Street, #218, North Adams

STARTING OCT. 20: Free and open to youth, 6-8th grade, who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. A weekly group to talk about school, emotions, navigating teen years, making friends and more. Snacks provided; transportation available. Register: call 413-663-7588

Youth Leadership Program

Tuesdays, 5:00 - 7:00PM, 61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams

STARTING OCT. 21:Free and open to youth ages 14-19 who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. Young people are changing the world and you can too. Make a positive change in yourself and the world around you. Develop leadership skills, discuss what drives you, meet other young leaders and plan projects in your community. Snacks provided; transportation available. Register: call 413-663-7588

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.

Teen Writing Workshop

Wednesdays, 5:00 - 7:00 PM, held at 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. Aspiring writers and poets! Join this incredibly supportive group and get 1-on-1 help with your writing and performance style. Opportunities to perform and be published. Snacks and supplies provided; transportation available. Register: 413-663-7588

Youth Health Collaborative

Thursdays, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, 61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams.

(14-19 Yrs. Old) This program is intended to engage young people in supporting the health of their peers in the region. The aim of this program is to benefit the community by directly engaging young people in the act of bettering their environments. This is the only program with a limit on attendance, as there are only ten spots available!

Participants will receive a stipend for completing this program. Please call or email to apply: 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org

*NEW LOCATIONS: 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.

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