Coalition News, an update from nbCC

Dear Northern Berkshire,

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our October 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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Forum Season Kicks Off with Community Needs Assessment

September 13th marked the beginning of a new season of nbCC community forums. For this first one, the Coalition hosted a community assessment forum, hoping to gather feedback about what people think are the most pressing issues to discuss or try and address. Attendees included community stakeholders, the press, members of local organizations, and regular people who want to have their voices heard. Much like in past years, the things discussed during this session will help to decide topics in the months to come. During the forum, people brought up a number of overarching themes: communication, civic engagement, community empowerment, youth participation, among others. Many of the conversations had related to all of these in one way or another. 


The first thing mentioned during the discussion was social media and some of its negative consequences, including the spread of rumors and misinformation. These problems can be particularly troublesome in rural communities like Berkshire County, where social media platforms like Facebook are often used by local leaders to communicate with and inform the public. While social media can provide more accessibility, several people felt it also makes it harder to have a consistent message that includes everyone. Some said there are better ways to make your voice heard than social media. 


One related topic that is at front of mind for many in the community, both on and off social media, is the new Greylock School building project. Tim Callahan and Emily Schiavoni attended as representatives of the North Adams Public School District. They suggested those looking for accurate and up-to-date information on the project should visit the district website, www.napsk12.org, or contact the school district directly. 


Callahan and others also expressed a desire to spend more time discussing and acknowledging successes and positive things happening, both in the schools and throughout the community, instead of focusing too much on negatives. He briefly touched on a positive initiative in North Adams and other local school districts, Portrait of a Graduate, which aims to teach high schoolers traits colleges are looking for in prospective students, like critical thinking, responsibility, communication and lifelong learning. Others expressed the necessity of building hope within the community rather than pessimism. 


Several people spoke to the importance of empowering the young people of Berkshire County and how to encourage local high school and college graduates to stay in the area. André Lynch, vice provost for institutional equity and belonging at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, spoke about incidents of racism and hateful rhetoric experienced by young people he’s worked with. He asked everyone to consider ways to bring the people together and promote positive discourse. Many agreed that community-wide meetings and discussions are crucial to this. One suggestion was to get more young people participating in community conversations, while also ensuring that their voices are heard and considered instead of just being ignored by adults.


The group also broadly discussed politics, voting and civic engagement, or lack thereof, in the Berkshires and throughout the country at large. While the focus for many is usually on national politics and elections, it is often local races and ballot questions where individuals have the most significant impact. Furthermore, a number of candidates running in local elections are running unopposed. Community member Corinne Case said she thinks, given the upcoming election in November, there is no better time to promote civic engagement and thoughtful dialogue. She said people of all ages struggle to understand our political system and the importance of civic duty.


Next month’s forum is slated for October 11th and will provide information about several ongoing local projects. It will include updates on work being done on the Route 2 Overpass and the Hoosic River, the Greylock School project, and North Adams Regional Hospital, which earlier this year reopened after closing a decade before. We look forward to seeing you there! 


Annual Community Needs Assessment Survey. What do you want to talk about this year? 

Help us decide what our monthly forum topics will be from now through May 2025. Below are the top 10 topics gleaned from the September forum. Please take a moment to review the choices and pick your top 5.

1. Healthcare

2. Civic Engagement & Information Sharing

3. Local Economies & Workforce

4. Aging in North Berkshire

5. Community Conversation on Race Relations in Northern Berkshire

6. Portrait of a Graduate Framework in Local Education 

7. Hope

8. Status of Parents in North Berkshire; Parental Mental Health

9. Walkability in North Berkshire

10. Creating a Welcoming Community


We will take submissions up to October 11th. There are several ways to let us know your top 5 topics. 

Please share this information with your friends and neighbors! We want to hear from as many people as possible! Thank you for helping us shape community conversations for the next year.


Donna’s Corner for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

The Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren will be presenting the following workshops VIA ZOOM on October 15th, 22nd and the 29th from 9:30-11:30 am. From Shame to Resilience: Healing Pathways in Kinship Caregiving. 

Many caregivers grapple with the challenge of holding boundaries and addressing trauma related behaviors, while simultaneously striving to avoid re-traumatizing the children in their care. This series explores the profound impact of internalized shame on behavior, relationships, self esteem, and burnout.

Participants will gain insights on how to cultivate authenticity and compassion towards the children in their care while maintaining healthy and safe relationships.

If interested you can contact Colleen Pritoni at 617-748-2454 or email her at colleen.pritoni@mass.gov.

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

24/7 Dads Parenting Group 

Starting OCT. 3, Thursdays 5:30 - 7:30 PM, 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams.

 A parenting workshop group for dads. Children need their fathers. Fathers need their children. Discuss difficult issues and develop more effective coping techniques. No registration required. 


First Fridays North Adams: Berk Du Soleil

Friday, Oct. 4, 5:00-9:00 PM, Downtown, North Adams

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


Downtown Bike Around  

Friday Oct. 4, 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


Active Parenting (8 Week Parenting Series)

Starts Oct. 7th. Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00 PM, nbCC 61 Main Street, #218, North Adam

 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


Parenting Journey (11 Week Parenting Series)

Starts Oct. 8th. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 PM, nbCC 61 Main Street, #218, North Adams

This is an 11 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.

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


nbCC Monthly Forum: Project Updates

Friday, October 11, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, at Terra Nova, 85 Main Street

All are welcome! Join us this month to learn about and offer feedback on community projects, including the flood chutes, the Route 2 Overpass, bike trail, NARH and the North Adams Public Schools. 

Representatives working in collaboration with the City of North Adams will make brief presentations on the status of these projects, before opening the floor to a community discussion and listening session. 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.


Learn Through Play: Fall Harvest

Saturday, Oct. 12, 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 


Emergency Preparedness Workshop

Thursday, Oct. 17, 5:30 - 7:00 PM, Community Room at the Town Hall, 83 N. Main Street, Lanesborough

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. A disaster supply kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in an emergency. Join us to start building your kit! Contact us at 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org 


UNO Fall Open House

Friday, Oct. 18, 4:30 - 6:00 PM, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

There will be Fall and Halloween-inspired food, music, and games, including pumpkin decorating. All are welcome! FREE! Costumes encouraged! Family-friendly! Contact us at 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org


Youth Hiking Program with the Y

Saturday Oct. 19 & 26, 10:00AM-12:00 PM, Greylock Glen, Adams 

These FREE, weekend hikes will be open to youth enrolled in grades 4-6 and will take place at the Greylock Glen in Adams. Transportation will be provided for free to those who need it.  Youth are welcome to attend as many of the hikes as they are interested in & are not required to register for all. 

Parent/guardian permission is required. Contact: 413-663-7588, 413-822-6463 or 413-663-6529 x 210 bmccarthy@nbccoalition.org or lbaker@bfymca.org


W.o.W. Workshop: Learn to Bake Bread

Saturday Oct. 19, 1:00-5:00 PM, First Baptist Church, 131 Main Street, North Adams

Bread tastes best fresh from your oven, and it’s easier than you think to make it from scratch! Learn how to make your own bread, no special equipment needed. We will make 2 loaves for you to take home: a basic sandwich bread and an artisan loaf. All ingredients will be provided.To register or for more info: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org


nbCC’s 5th Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat!

Friday, Oct. 25, 4:30-6:00 PM, North Adams.  (City Haunted House 6-9PM)

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


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


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


WEEKLY EVENTS/PROGRAMS


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


nbCC Bike Collective Open Hours

Wednesdays, 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.


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 OCTOBER!

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