Coalition News, an update from nbCC

Dear Northern Berkshire,

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our November 2024 newsletter. To read the entire issue and see lots of photos of what the Coalition was up to last month, download the PDF here.

Want WEEKLY updates on local events, resources & organizations in the northern Berkshires? Join Our Weekly E-zine (PH-Zine)! Stay up tp date on what's happening in the community with the nbCC and beyond.

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Progress Update: One Year Later, What’s Happening Now?

During October’s forum, the Coalition invited several community leaders to speak briefly about the status of ongoing projects in northern Berkshire County. Each is in a different stage of development, but all of them are crucial to the future of the region. While each project has its own focus, they all share a common goal: improving infrastructure, connectivity and resilience within the community.


Nancy Bullet spoke on behalf of the Hoosic River Revival, which seeks to revitalize the river, enhance its climate resilience, and create both recreational and educational spaces with the river in downtown and other parts of North Adams. The group has spent much of the last year working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a feasibility study that is assessing the flood chutes and flood control system in North Adams. Bullet highlighted five concrete walls along the river that are failing, saying the urgency to do this work has never been greater. “We all see what climate change is doing. We need to do this now,” she said. Bullet also spoke about a placemaking work group, which is looking into where and how the river could be best used by the community. She said community feedback the group has received from outreach sessions and other places is shaping the direction of the project. While exact details have not been decided, Hoosic River Revival is planning to do another outreach session towards the end of November. 


Laurie Lamarre of Berkshire Health Systems was invited to discuss the North Adams Regional Hospital. Lamarre is the vice president of the hospital, which reopened for inpatient care on March 28 a decade after its original closure. The hospital also received a special federal designation as a Critical Access Hospital, which recognizes it as providing healthcare services to a rural community. The designation, Lamarre said, is crucial to the hospital’s financial sustainability because it improves the reimbursement rate for services it provides. In addition to inpatient services, the hospital also operates a pharmacy with delivery services, clinics, post-surgical care, and more. 


Marya Kozik, the administrative officer for the City of North Adams, spoke about the Route 2 Overpass, for which the city received a $750,000 federal grant in 2023 to do a feasibility study. Kozik said the study’s main goal is to increase connectivity with the downtown area. The bridge is also considered by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to be structurally deficient. “What we need is awareness of the project and feedback,” Kozik said. “We’re getting options with this.” She outlined those options to attendees: do nothing beyond needed structural repairs, rehabilitate the bridge in some way, or remove the overpass entirely. The city is working with the Coalition and others to gather feedback, hoping to engage the community and ensure they play a role in deciding what happens to the overpass. 


North Adams Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Malkas came to discuss the new Greylock School and brought a diorama of the proposed building. North Adams recently voted in favor of the project, which is expected to cost about $65 million, of which the state will cover over $42 million. Malkas thanked everyone who engaged and made the effort to vote, even if they voted against the school. She explained the new facility is being designed with community access in mind, noting the district and the building committee worked with police and emergency services to make this possible. Several of the spaces, including the gymnasium and athletic fields, will be open for community use. Malkas also outlined the next steps for the project, which includes demolition of the current Greylock School building and an expected ground-breaking in the next two years. The goal is to have the new Greylock School open in September of 2027.


Morgan Everett, head of public initiatives and real estate at MASS MoCA, spoke about the North Adams Adventure Trail. The 3.3 mile trail, once complete, will be a multi-use bike path and will connect with Williamstown’s Mohican Recreational Path. Everett said he thinks the trail will be an asset to the community once funded. He explained that a bike path of this nature has been discussed in some form or another for about a century, referencing an article in the now defunct North Adams Transcript from the 1890s. He said he hopes, eventually, the trail can also connect to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Adams, which runs through much of southern Berkshire County and beyond. “North Adams is the gap in the middle,” he said. “We need to work on filling that gap.” The trail is currently in the engineering and design phase, as stakeholders decide how the trail will interact with the MASS MoCA campus and other ongoing projects in North Adams. The timeline for the project, Everett said, will ultimately be decided by when it is put on MassDOT’s state Transportation Improvement Program list. 


Please join us from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on November 8 for our next community forum, which will discuss workforce and local economies. We look forward to seeing you there! 

~Brian Rhodes, Program Admin. Specialist


UNO Steering Committee Host Spooky Fun at the Fall Open House

In mid-October, the UNO Steering Committee hosted a lively open house that brought together about 40 local residents for an afternoon filled with fun, creativity, and connection. Attendees enjoyed various activities, including games, coloring sessions, and pumpkin painting. Some even wore costumes, ranging from butterflies to the Wolverine!


The Fall open house is one of several events organized by the UNO Steering Committee throughout the year. This committee, dedicated to fostering community engagement, meets monthly to plan events and discuss programming meant to enrich the Neighborhood. From open houses to afterschool programs, there is something for everyone.


As the fall season progresses, the UNO Steering Committee is already planning exciting events for the upcoming months. Keep an eye out for future events and gatherings. We look forward to seeing more neighbors at the next event!


If you’re interested in learning more about the UNO Center or becoming involved with the committee, please reach out to Gabby Glasier at gglasier@nbccoalition.org. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make a positive impact!

~ Gabby Glasier, Community Connections Coordinator

Donna’s Corner for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Did you know that the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren can be found not only online at www.massgrg.com, but on Facebook and Twitter? For Facebook just search magrgcommission and you can follow them on Twitter@massachusettsgrg. Learn about upcoming events,support groups, tips on financial resources and workshops.  


Click Here to Visit our Facebook Page to See Photos from Downtown Trick-or-Treat!

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

First Fridays North Adams: Dia De Los Muertos

Friday, Nov. 1, 5:00-9:00 PM, Downtown, North Adams

Join in the First Friday Fun! Kick-off the weekend by supporting the downtown businesses! Buskers, specials, gallery openings and more!



Downtown Bike Around  

Friday Nov. 1, 6:00 PM, Meeting on the corner of Eagle & Main Street, North Adams (check FB for weather cancellations)

Join us for the Downtown Bike Around, a free, monthly, community group bike ride, suitable for adults and experienced riders. In coordination with First Fridays. More info: 413-663-7588 or brhodes@nbccoalition.org


nbCC Monthly Forum: Local Economies & Workforce

Friday, November 8, 10:00AM-12:00PM, at Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams

All are welcome! Join us this month for a roundtable discussion & Q/A about our local economies and workforce. Industry representatives from education, healthcare, hospitality, human services and more will be present. 

The forum will begin with a round of introductions and opportunity for announcements before the presentation begins. Light refreshments served.

FREE & open to the public. More info: 413-663-7588


Learn Through Play: Construction Site

Saturday, Nov. 9, 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 


Parents’ Cafe: Portrait of a Graduate

Wednesday, November 13, 6:00-8:00PM, at Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams

Parents/caregivers of youth in NAPS or HVSD are encouraged to attend this special presentation & discussion about the Portrait of a Graduate grant and how it will affect your child/ren’s education. This event is free to attend, but registration is REQUIRED. Complimentary dinner will be served and child care is available with at least 24 hour notice. To register: 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org


IEP Binder Drop-in & Calming Fidget Crafts Workshops

Saturday, Nov. 16, 11:30AM - 12:30PM, nbCC, North Adams Public Library, 74 Church Street, North Adams  

FREE & open to all north Berkshire families with children with an IEP or 504, or looking to request evaluation for special education services.

3rd Floor: Build your own binder and learn to keep everything you need organized. 

2nd Floor: Calming Fidget Creations: FREE & open to youth in grades K-12. Join Youth Services and learn to craft your own calming fidget toys! Supplies provided. 

Registration preferred, but not required: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org or hdix@northadams-ma.gov


nbCC’s Annual Neighborly Awards Celebration

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 5:00-7:00 PM, 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 20th, 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 8, 2024. More info: 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. 28: 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. 22: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


nbCC Bike Collective Open Hours - * WINTER HOURS*

1st Wednesday of the month ONLY, 4 - 6 PM, The Armory, 206 Ashland St., North Adams 

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

Wednesdays, 5:00 - 7:00 PM, held at nbCC, 61 Main St., Suite 218, North Adams

STARTING OCT. 23: 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


Family Resource Center: Parenting Together Group

Wednesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 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


Youth Health Collaborative

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

STARTING OCT. 24:(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 bmccarthy@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 dsenecal@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 NOVEMBER!

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