nbCC October Newsletter: Coalition News

Dear Northern Berkshire,

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our October 2023 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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September Starts a New Season & Style of Monthly Forum

September marks the end of summer and the beginning of a new season of monthly community forums. For decades now, the Coalition has presented monthly forums where our north Berkshire friends, neighbors, businesses, community partners, faith communities and municipal representatives come together to discuss the pressing issues and needs of our area. Often these needs are recurring issues, year after year, as they persist and continue to affect the quality of life in our region, hindering growth and our ability to thrive.

We are taking a different approach to the forums this season and will spend our time together focused on how we are communicating and interacting with each other. The challenges we usually come together to discuss are still incredibly important and will continue to be addressed in the work of our fellow agencies serving this region. While that work continues, it is important that we are able to communicate, resolve conflicts and collaborate effectively among ourselves.

Our post pandemic world is different. We all feel it. The stress, fear, divisiveness and isolation we collectively experienced has impacted us in so many ways. Some good and some bad. Many of us learned how to set healthier boundaries or the importance of self-care. But many of us also lost our ability to connect with each other, gather in groups, hear from and be heard by individuals and groups different from ourselves. We got comfortable in our silos and echo-chambers. Those habits may feel comfortable to many of us, but they aren’t helpful in the work we do together to better our communities and our lives.

Therefore we are excited to welcome Kayla Allen from Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority to facilitate most of this season’s forums. If we really want to tackle institutional issues we need to re-learn how to have hard conversations with opposing values and opinions, without “picking up our toys and leaving the sandbox.”

A group of about forty people gathered together for September’s conversation, brainstorming about conflict resolution. Kayla helped us navigate the nuance between “high conflict” and “good conflict”, root causes of conflict, effective strategies for resolution and examples of successful resolution, and finally evaluating successful resolution.

What is the difference between “high conflict” and “good conflict”? Good conflict is the hard, but important conversations we have where both sides are engaged, respectful and working through the conflict with the shared desire for a resolution. High conflict was best explained as situations where the conflict is the destination. The act of arguing and being in conflict is the goal. There is no desire for resolution. This includes a simplistic “I’m good and you’re bad” mentality.

Once we distinguished between those types of conflict we discussed common root causes of conflict, like politics, history, and prejudices. And how factors like communication breakdown, different values, and power imbalances contribute to conflict by creating misconceptions and assumptions, different goals, defensiveness, ignorance and many other factors that make successful resolution more difficult to achieve.

The conversation moved from what causes conflict into strategies for conflict resolution within communities. Some of the strategies identified included assuming positive intent, knowing our own biases and privileges, acknowledging that there even is a problem, being accountable and hold others accountable, and looking for common ground within the conflict. The group also chose humility, the willingness to compromise, and being able to embrace failure as important for successfully resolving conflicts.

Next the attendees were challenged with offering examples of successful community-based conflict resolution initiatives. The forums were brought up as an example. Several other examples were initiatives by area police departments like Coffee with Cops, the Pittsfield Copsicle, and Running with the Law. Also mentioned was the growth of affinity groups in the area.

Lisa Dent, Director of Public Programs at MASS MoCA, shared a recent incident, where a visiting artist of color was discriminated against by a local restaurant employee. When the incident was brought to the owner’s attention, they responded by having all of their employees take an anti-racism training as a step towards resolving the issue.

The forum was wrapped up with a discussion on how we can evaluate and measure the success of the conflict resolution process. We’ve included the brainstorming notes from this forum in the pdf. of this month's newsletter. We are looking forward to welcoming Kayla back this month for our next forum, focused on Active Listening. We hope you can join us!

COMMUNITY FORUM SCHEDULE

Oct. 13, 2023 | 10am-12pm | Terra Nova Topic: “Active Listening” Session

Nov. 17, 2023 | 10am-12pm | Terra Nova Topic: Community Update on Big Projects

Dec. 8, 2023 | 10am-12pm | 1st. Congo. (Williamstown) Topic: “Reframing” Session

Jan. 15, 2024 | 9am-2pm | MCLA MLK Jr. Day of Service

Feb. 8, 2024 | 4-6pm | Terra Nova Topic: Youth Led Forum

March 14, 2024 | 4-6pm | Terra Nova Topic: “Promoting Emotional Intelligence & Self Awareness” Session

April 11, 2024 | 4-6pm | Terra Nova Topic: “Identity in Conflict” Session

MAY 9, 2024 | 4-6pm | Terra Nova Topic: “ Problem Solving & Negotiation” Session

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

Remembering Steve Green

We are devastated at the loss of our dear friend, long time board member and supporter, Steve Green. There are so many things we could say about Steve, but his family said it all so beautifully in his obituary that we are sharing their words instead.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Stephen A. Green died on September 12, 2023, in his beloved home of North Adams, MA. While no one could quite believe it, he was 85 years old and by all appearances healthy, though his heart had other ideas. We, his family, like to think that he gave so much of his heart to others that he simply ran out.

Steve was born on August 27, 1938, in New York, NY, the son of Alan Green and Gladys Blun Green. He grew up in New York, NY and in Westport, CT, the middle of three sons. While his brothers were star students and went on to become academics at major universities, Steve would not mind us sharing that he was a struggling student who failed out of college in his first two attempts. At a loss for what to do, he enrolled in the Army and went into basic training in Louisiana which was the fodder for many funny stories. Following his discharge, he ended up in New York City as a manager at Gimbels department store. In a chance encounter with an old friend, he was hired for a job doing coding on a sociological study and he realized that he found his calling. The leader of that project encouraged him to get a degree in sociology from City College of NY. He landed his dream job teaching at North Adams State College in 1973 and received his PhD in sociology from City University of NY in 1978.

Steve met his wife, Sue, through a friend. As his mother said, “We knew when we met her that she was it.” They were married in his parents’ backyard in Westport, CT in 1971.

Over the course of his 36-year career at NASC (now Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts), Steve served as professor of sociology, chair of the sociology department, and in various administrative roles, ultimately serving as Vice President of Academic Affairs under the leadership of Mary Grant, his former student and dear friend. Owing to his own life’s journey as a struggling student who returned to college as an adult, his passion was always for the college’s many non-traditional students, for whom he was a friend, mentor, cheerleader, and advocate. Steve was also a huge fan of MCLA athletics, and he could often be found on the sidelines cheering on his beloved Trailblazers.

Steve’s study of sociology piqued his interest in how communities could thrive and led to a collaboration with Al Bashevkin, who had a vision to build a coalition of community agencies. Thus was born Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, of which Steve was a board member for many years. Over the years, he received many awards for his work in the community. Never one to toot his own horn, Steve would not want them enumerated in his obituary. One of the most fun and meaningful ways he engaged with the community was when he co-chaired the pledge campaign for Northern Berkshire United Way with his wife, Sue, over two successive years. In retirement, Steve enjoyed volunteering with the Al Nelson Food Pantry in North Adams.

Steve was so many things to so many people. A partner, a dad, a grandpa, a brother, a fan, a friend. He loved people and always saw the good in everyone. He was a faithful correspondent, and the chief thank-you note writer for every community enterprise in which he engaged; when he died, he left behind his ever-present stack of thank-you notes and a list of those to whom he wished to thank.

Steve leaves his wife and life partner of 52 years, Susanne Walker; his two daughters, Julie Green (Bill Murray) of Amherst, MA and Caroline Green Christopoulos (Ezekiel) of Asheville, NC and New York, NY; his three granddaughters, Lianne Murray, Corinne Murray, and Cosima Green Christopoulos; his much loved former foster granddaughter Khamille; two brothers, Christopher Green of B’aie d’Urfe, Quebec and Thomas Green of Oberlin, OH. He also leaves behind his “son” Charlie the shih tzu whom he spoiled mercilessly.

FUNERAL NOTICE: In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Al Nelson Food Pantry or the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. The family in conjunction with MCLA will hold a celebration of Steve’s life on Saturday, December 2 at 1pm at the Amsler Gymnasium on the MCLA campus.

Game Nights Coming to the UNO Center!

The UNO Center is located at 157 River Street, North Adams.

Berkshire Gamers - Board Game Night

6:30 PM to 10:30 PM, WEDNESDAYS.

No Admission fee. Open to the Public.

STARTING IN SEPTEMBER: Learn new board games from around the world! Taught by our friendly welcoming table leaders! We also circle back to favorites like Catan, Ticket to Ride, Wingspan, Splendor, Azul, Just One, 7 Wonders, Sushi Go! and more!

Expect a theme every other week!- in the past we’ve done evenings on Trains, Dogs, Auctions, City Building, Ancient Egypt & Greece, Space, game of the year winners, Roll & Writes, cooperative games, games of famous authors, plants & flowers, Cats, bees & pollen, food, racing, Art and Galleries, movies & plays....and more.

After School Games

WEDNESDAY, October 18 from 3 PM to 5 PM

Learn Backgammon, Crokinole and Texas-5 Dominoes! (Reinforces basic arithmetic skills and Crokinole is a 19th Century Canadian flicking game that’s a hoot.)

Please give us a call if you’d like to learn more: 413-663-7588 or email gglasier@nbccoalition.org

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

October DIY Craft:

All month long

Open to kids of all ages and their families. Share your finished craft on our Facebook page for a chance to win a prize! Call our office to register for your FREE craft kit: 413-663-7588

Parenting Journey (8 Week Parenting Series)

Starts Oct. 4th. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 pm, Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams

This is an 8 week program. Its mission is to create safer, more resilient families by supporting them in developing their inner strengths, life skills, and network of resources they need to succeed. Parents who have found value in the program are parents who struggle to manage personal and professional obligations, come from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds, have experienced violence or childhood trauma, in recovery, experience mental health issues, or are working to regain custody of their children.

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

First Fridays North Adams: Friday Night Lights

Friday, Oct. 6, 5:00-8:00 pm, Eagle Street, North Adams

Join in the First Friday Fun! Pack a picnic dinner or grab take out from your favorite local restaurant and find a spot at one of the tables that will be set up down the middle of Eagle Street during the event. This is a great time to connect with your neighbors and enjoy what your local shops have to offer.

Downtown Bike Around

1st Friday of the month, 6:00- 6:30 pm, Meeting on Eagle Street, North Adams (check FB for weather cancellations)

Join us for the return of the Downtown Bike Around, a free, monthly, community group bike ride, suitable for all ages. Meeting on Eagle Street during First Friday. Weather permitting. Bikes available if needed. Call us at 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

nbCC Monthly Forum: Active Listening

Friday Oct. 13, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, at Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams

We’re doing it a bit differently this year and the first forum will focus on community brainstorming around better ways and best practices regarding how we work together and communicate with each other. This month we'll learn about and discuss "Active Listening". No registration required. All are welcome. Time for announcements and introductions during the first portion of the forum. Questions? 413-663-7588.

Learn Through Play: Fall Fun: Pumpkins, Apples, Hayrides -Oh My!

Saturday, Oct. 14, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

In collaboration with Child Care of the Berkshires. Activities and circle time will focus on fall fun. Best for ages 0-5 years. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

Game Night at Brayton Elementary School

Date TBD , 5:00-7:00 pm, Brayton Elementary School, North Adams.

This event is only for families with children currently enrolled in Brayton Elementary School. Join the nbCC for an evening of games and fun! Snacks provided.

IEP Binder Drop-in

Saturday, Oct. 14, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, nbCC, 61 Main Street, Suite 218, 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.

Build your own binder and learn to keep everything you need organized.

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

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Coffee Time

Friday, Oct. 20, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. UNO Cener, 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 snacks provided. Please let us know if you are coming. 663-7588 or email dsenecal@nbccoalition.org.

W.o.W. Workshop: A Natural Defense

Saturday, Oct. 21, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm,UNO Center, 157 River St., North Adams

Learn to make Fire Cider from Jessi Byrne and Molly Racette! In this 2 hour workshop, you will learn:

- [ ] about the immune system

- [ ] what foods are great in cold and flu and why

- [ ] How to make Fire Cider, the original cold and flu remedy

- [ ] About various teas, herbs and remedies that boost your natural defense system. Bring a notebook, questions and a willingness to get hands on with nature! To Register: 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

nbCC’s 4th Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat!

Friday, Oct. 27, 4:30-6:00 pm, North Adams.

It’s time for the annual downtown Trick-or-Treat in North Adams! This year a portion of Main Street will be closed off to traffic and we’re hoping even more businesses can join us downtown in the fun holiday celebration! To register your business to participate please contact us at 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org

WEEKLY EVENTS/PROGRAMS

FRC Parenting Workshop: Active Parenting (NO program on Oct. 9)

Mondays, 4:00pm - 6:00pm. nbCC , 61 Main St., Suite 213, North Adams

You will learn:

-Why children misbehave and how to redirect them

-Nonviolent discipline that really works

-How to build courage and character in your child

-Opening up the lines of communication with your children

-How to prevent problems with drugs, alcohol, violence, and sex

-How to stop scolding and start smiling with your kid again

Please register: 413-663-7588 or email nkennedy@nbccoalition.org.

nbCC Youth Empowerment Program

Mondays, 5:00-6:30 pm, 61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams.

STARTING OCT. 16 - 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

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 4:00pm - 6:00pm. nbCC’s FRC living room, 61 Main St., Suite 212, 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. Free pizza and childcare are provided, but you must register beforehand.663-7588 or email dsenecal@nbccoalition.org.

Family Resource Center: Parenting Together Group

2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9:30 -10:30 am, UNO Center, 157 River Street, 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 Leadership Program

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

STARTING OCT. 10- 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

Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00pm, 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. 11 - 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: call 413-663-7588

Youth Health Collaborative

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

STARTING OCT. 12 -(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 csacherski@nbccoalition.org

UNO Community Center Coffee Time

Fridays, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 157 River St., North Adams

Come on over and join the UNO neighbors for coffee and conversation. All are welcome.

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