Coalition News, an update from nbCC

Dear Northern Berkshire,

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our September 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.

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Saying “Goodbye” to the Dog Days of Summer! 

It’s always bittersweet to see summer end for another year, but the month of August does not disappoint in making the most of the dog days of summer. The Coalition spent a jam-packed month out in the community, enjoying many of the August events marking the final month before school vacations end and we prepare to settle back into a regular schedule in anticipation of Fall.

The temperamental weather ruined a few plans, like kickball games with the Williamstown Police Department and our monthly family movie in the park, but despite the rain we managed to have plenty of fun. We celebrated the end of the Summer Neighborhood Basketball League with a tournament at the Noel Field courts, ran all over north County for National Night Out, built and fixed bikes with the Bike Collective and ROOTS Teen Center, talked about why we love our community at the Downtown Celebration, and gave away hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies to K-12 students.

The nbCC team was able to fit all that fun in on top of the usual weekly support groups, parenting and wellness workshops, one-to-one services, and youth programs. Thank you to everyone who joined us for these events! Enjoy some of the moments we captured. Download the PDF of the newsletter for more photos! 

nbCC Teams Up with ‘Y Without Walls’ for Fall Youth Hiking Series

This fall, nbCC Youth Development is excited to be partnering with the northern Berkshire branch of the YMCA to bring four hiking opportunities to area youth. These free, weekend hikes will be open to youth enrolled in grades 4-6 and will take place at the Greylock Glen in Adams, at the base of Mount Greylock. 


The collaboration is part of the creative programming plans for the new “Y Without Walls” model of service that the northern Berkshire branch of the YMCA is implementing throughout north Berkshire communities, now that they no longer occupy the recreation center connected to the Brayton Elementary School.


Participants will spend selected Saturday mornings exploring the scenic trails around the glen whil connecting with their peers and enjoying the vibrant colors of fall in the Berkshires. Youth are welcome to attend as many of the hikes as they are interested in and are not required to register for all four. Parent/guardian permission is required. Transportation will be provided for free to those who need it.

 Greylock Glen Hikes Details

Who: 4th, 5th, & 6th grade students

Dates: September 21st & 28th, and October 19th & 26th

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where: Greylock Glen hiking trails, Adams MA

Contact: bmccarthy@nbccoalition.org or lbaker@bfymca.org

Transportation is available. Pick-up time will depend on your location. 


Men’s Embroidery Circle with Artist Quique Lee

[Vea el texto en español abajo] On August 3rd, 2024, I hosted an Embroidery Circle for Men in collaboration with the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition in North Adams, Massachusetts. The Coalition works with fathers and parents to strengthen communication and support in parenting, promoting a healthier and more collaborative family environment in the community. It was really interesting to know about their programs and share their previous insights on masculinity for selecting the phrases used during the activity. This circle is a part of a continuous exploration on how masculinity is taught and passed down through generations. I have a deep admiration for this organization and its staff, and I’m so grateful for their support. This event took place during my residency at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art @massmoca @assets4artists. Thanks to all participants and hopefully we’ll meet again in a couple of years.


A inicios de este mes de agosto 2024, el día 3, realicé un Círculo de Bordado para Hombres en colaboración con Northern Berkshire Community Coalition en North Adams, Massachusetts. @nbcommunitycoalition trabaja con padres de familia para fortalecer la comunicación y apoyo en la crianza, promoviendo un entorno familiar más saludable y colaborativo en la comunidad. Fue muy interesante descubrir en sus programas y planes de lección temas de masculinidad, así como compartir sus hallazgos previos para diseñar las frases que se incluyeron en la reflexión. La idea de este grupo fue continuar con la exploración de la manera en que la masculinidad de enseña y hereda a través de las generaciones. Me llevo una admiración completa por el trabajo de esta organización y su staff, a quienes agradezco mucho su apoyo. Esta actividad se llevó a cabo durante mi residencia en los estudios del Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Masachussetts @massmoca @assets4artists . Muchas gracias a los participantes y nos vemos dentro de un par de años


 José Enrique Martínez (Quique Lee)


ABOUT THE ARTIST : Quique Lee (Guatemala) was born in Antigua Sacatepéquez in 1977 and currently resides and works in Ciudad de Guatemala.


Become a Community Catalyst!

We’re excited to introduce the Community Catalyst Workshop — a new opportunity through the Coalition designed to empower motivated residents of Northern Berkshire County who are passionate about making a difference through community service projects.

Proposed and facilitated by Hilary Sweeney, a graduate of nbCC’s Community Outreach Volunteer Training (COV), this program aims to guide participants through a structured planning process. Whether you have a clear project idea or are still shaping it, this 5 week series of workshops will provide essential tools and resources to help you turn your vision into reality.



Program Details

Dates: Thursdays, September 5 to October 3

Time: 5:30-7:00 pm

Location: UNO Community Center, North Adams

By the end of these workshops, participants will prepare and submit a project proposal. One proposal will be selected to receive funding for one year. Please note that human service projects will not be considered.

Join us in becoming a catalyst for positive change in Northern Berkshire County.

If you are interested in this program or if you have any questions, please contact Gabby Glasier at gglasier@nbccoalition.org or call (413) 663-7588


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

September 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 


First Fridays North Adams: Bike Rodeo!

Friday, Sept. 6, 5:00-6:30 PM, Holden Street, North Adams

Join in the First Friday Fun! Bring your bicycle downtown this FIRST Friday and join the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and MassBike for an evening of mega-fun bicycle activities!

Get bike safety tips in the Kids Bike Rodeo

Learn about the NBCC’s bike program 


Downtown Bike Around  

Friday Sept. 6, 6:30 PM, Meeting on Holden 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: Community Needs Assessment 

Friday, September 13, 10:00AM - 12:00PM, at Terra Nova, 85 Main Street

All are welcome! All are welcome! Join us for our September forum and share your thoughts on what needs are most urgent in your community, and what you’ve seen happening that has improved. We’ll compile everyone’s thoughts and ideas and vote on the topics for this year’s monthly forums. Please join us!


The presentation will be preceded with a round of introductions, and opportunity for everyone to share announcements. For questions or more information give us a call at 413-663-7588.


Learn Through Play: Apples

Saturday, Sept. 14, 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 


Mobile Bike Clinic

Saturday, Sept. 14, 10:00 - 1:00 PM, Brayton Hill Park, North Adams

Stop by the park below Brayton Elementary School and join us for a mobile bike clinic. Bring your bike! We can help you fix it or show you new skills in bike maintenance. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or brhodes@nbccoalition.org


Emergency Preparedness Workshop

Thursday, Sept. 19, 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Florida COA

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 


W.o.W. Workshop: Unstressing Moves 

Friday, Sept. 26, 10:00 AM, Spitzer Center/COA, 116 Ashland Street, North Adams

Join the nbCC for a Working on Wellness (W.o.W.) workshop teaching you how to dance and move your body into a less stressful space. To register or for more info: 413-663-7588 or brhodes@nbccoalition.org


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.


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 SEPTEMBER!

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