Dear Northern Berkshire,

The weekly e-zine offers updates about our upcoming programming, local events of interest, and area agencies and resources

IN THIS EDITION

1. Events for today through next Wednesday
2. Save the Date: Upcoming Events
3. Food Access & Distribution Sites
4. Additional resources and resource updates

For a more comprehensive guide to ongoing area resources, please download the nbCC's Community Resource Guide.

Do you have an event or resource you'd like to see included? Send an email to phzine@nbccoalition.org.

Want to read this email in your browser? View this as a web page.

Thank you and stay healthy,

The Staff at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

NOTE: Remember to click on the "[Message clipped]  View entire message" link at the bottom of the page to read the entire newsletter.

nbCC's Community Resource Guide is out now in English 2022 Edition and Spanish 2022 Edition is available for download below.

It's a FREE, comprehensive, 44-page booklet that can help you find the right community resource to help yourself or your neighbor, whether it's food access, legal services, elder services, veterans services, immigrant support services, health care, substance use, or youth programming (just to name a few).

Call us at 413-663-7588 to pick up a copy (or multiple copies), or download the PDF of the English version here, and the Spanish version here.

7:30-9AM | Coffee in the Court  | Everyone Please join us for a hot coffee and a tasty breakfast treat as we continue our second season of early morning community networking events. Free of charge and open to the public, Coffee in the Court takes place in Armory Court on Park Street in Downtown Adams. Sponsored by Northern Berkshire United Way, this is a great forum to celebrate all of the good things that are happening in Adams while enjoying a bite to eat and sipping on a hot coffee or tea. The event goes from 7:30am to 9:00am

9AM - 4PM | Friends of the NA Public Library Book Sale | Everyone

The Book Sale is back! Support the Friends of the North Adams Public Library at the first Book Sale since 2019. Sale items include books, games, DVDs, and more that have been donated by the North Adams community, as well as delicious baked goods. All proceeds go to the Friends of the North Adams Public Library, a non-profit organization that funds NAPL programming for the public and leads library-related projects.

Friday, Sept 16th and Saturday, Sept 17th

9am-4pm

St. Elizabeth's Parish Hall

70 Marshall St

North Adams, MA 01247

 8AM | Williamstown Community Chest's 14th Fun Run 

The Fun Run races, sponsored by MountainOne, are open to everyone, veteran or first-time runners, as well as daily or occasional walkers. Families with pets and strollers are also welcome to join the fun. Both race events begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at the Williamstown Youth Center, 66 School Street.

The cost for the 5K race is $15.00 per runner and for the 1 mile Walk/Run $5.00 per participant; children age 5 and under may participate at no charge. The first 75 paid registrants will receive a WCC t-shirt. Scholarships are available. MORE INFO.

9AM - 4PM | Friends of the NA Public Library Book Sale | Everyone

The Book Sale is back! Support the Friends of the North Adams Public Library at the first Book Sale since 2019. Sale items include books, games, DVDs, and more that have been donated by the North Adams community, as well as delicious baked goods. All proceeds go to the Friends of the North Adams Public Library, a non-profit organization that funds NAPL programming for the public and leads library-related projects.

Friday, Sept 16th and Saturday, Sept 17th

9am-4pm

St. Elizabeth's Parish Hall

70 Marshall St

North Adams, MA 01247

11AM - 1PM | Family Bike Program on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

Our September BIKE SAFETY DAY event will now MEET AT RUSSELL FIELD TRAILHEAD, 45 Harmony Street, Adams, MA. JOIN US for Bike safety checks / Free kids’ helmets / Safe cycling tips / and Take a ride on the "Cycling Without Age" adaptive bike! This event is free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Berkshire Bike Path Council, Mass in Motion, and Berkshire Outfitters. FREE for all ages. Children under the age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your bike and water; wear a helmet, and clothing appropriate for the weather.

For more information Call (413) 499-4262. Please visit mass.gov/dcr and find us on Facebook.

Co-sponsored by the Berkshire Bike Path Council.

11AM -7PM | Adams Fall Run |  Adams Aggie Fairgrounds

The annual fall run to raise funds for veterans. Music and fun. Held. at Adams Aggie Fairgrounds. More info. Schedule: 

10am Gates Open

12:30 Opening Ceremony

1:00 KSU! (kick stands up)

3:00 Games, Food

4:30 Music!

10AM - 12PM | Family Hike to Sunset Rock | Everyone

Join Berkshire Family Hikes for a morning of exploration and an interactive activity about trees and fall colors. We’ll enjoy a child-led walk to the expansive view at Sunset Rock!

Email taylor@berkshirefamilyhikes.com to register or with questions. Rain date: Sunday, September 25

Directions: From Pittsfield: Take Route 8 North, at the Cumberland Farms in North Adams, take a right onto 8A. Then take a right, heading east on Route 2. The trailhead parking is on the right after the Wigwam Cabins.

11AM-6PM | Revel in Recovery Event | Pittsfield Commons

 Join LIVING IN RECOVERY during national recovery month to celebrate all that life offers us in this journey of recovery - our own sense of creativity, purpose, meaning and of course FUN FUN FUN

Lots of activities, food trucks, speakers, live musical performances by some of the area's best and brightest! Check out the awesome array of recovery services and also creative art work of people in recovery. MORE INFO.

2-6PM | Free Carseats Installed by NB EMS | Berk. County & S. VT residents

APPOINTMENT REQUIRED: 413-662-8034 . Installs include education on installing, use, and general vehicle safety.  Location: NB EMS, 10 Harris Street, North Adams

Start With Hello Week!   September 19-23

Schedule for Elementary Schools:

Monday, 9/19: Wear Green Day

Tuesday, 9/20: Nobody Eats Alone Day

Wednesday, 9/21: Walk to School Day

Thursday, 9/22: Compliment Day

Friday, 9/23: Community Welcome Day

10-11AM | The CCB Family Center's Drop-In Playgroup at Broad Brook Playground on Harrison Ave, Williamstown. For families with children ages 1 to 5 years. Call 413-664-4821.

3:30-5:30 PM | The nbCC Bike Collective, located at the North Adams Armory, 206 Ashland St., North Adams. Look for the garage in the back; outside weather permitting. If you are in need of a bike, we have bikes to sell or that can be earned. If you are looking to fix, maintain or tune your bike, we can help with that too. We accept bike donations. All residents from Northern Berkshire are welcome!

5:30-6:00 PM | nbCC Downtown Bike Around | Everyone Meet at the North Adams Armory, 206 Ashland St., North Adams. Look for the garage in the back; weather permitting. If you are in need of a bike, we have bikes to borrow. Safety gear highly encouraged. Join us for this all ages community bike ride in downtown North Adams.

5:30 PM | Rise Together Walk (North Adams) | Everyone

Elizabeth Freeman Center "Rise Together" Walk Fundraiser. Walks start this week and we are 74% to our goal of $125,000. WAHOO!!  That means we need to raise $31,976 in the next 2.5weeks. Can you help us meet our goal?

Donate today and don’t forget to register! Our first walk is this Wednesday! https://p2p.onecause.com/risetogether

4-6PM | Bike Trail Ride with nbCC | Everyone Meeting at the Adams Visitors Center, 3 Hoosac St., Adams. Come on a ride with us! Need a bike? Contact us at least 3 days prior to the ride and we'll arrange for you to borrow a bike. 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

4:30PM | Lots of LEGOs | CCB at Cheshire library | Families

A steam event with Child Care of the Berkshires. Free and open to the public. More Info.

7:50-8:30AM | Walk to School Day | North Adams Public Schools

For more information and walking maps for the Elementary Schools go here.

10:30AM | Balls, Beads, Blocks & Books | Ages 1-5yrs. CCB Family Center

4PM | CCB Family Center Parents' Night Craft (via zoom) |  Caregivers with children under 8yrs old

All supplies provided. Zoom link available after registering. Must Register 413-664-4821

Sept 24 - 9AM-12PM | Northern Berkshire Community Electronic Recycling & Paper Shredding

Sept 24 - 10-11AM | Learn Thru Play | Ages 0-5 at UNO center. Reg. Requierd: 413-663-7588

Sept 25 - 6-7PM | Lots of LEGOs | CCB at Lanesborough library

Sept 26 - (2nd &4th Wednesdays) 3:30-4:30PM | LEGOs at the Library | NA Public Library | Ages 6+

Sept 27 - 4:30PM | Virtual Playgroup "Being You" - More info.

Sept 27 - 11AM | Apple Picking with the Family Center | Register : 413-664-4821

Sept 30 - 10AM-12PM | nbCC Bike Trail Ride

Sept 30  - 5:30PM | Fall Foliage Children's Parade: Holidays On Parade! 

Oct 1 - 10AM - Noon | Fall Foliage Children's Races & Family Fair 

Oct 2 - 1PM - 66th Annual Fall Foliage Parade: Holidays on Parade

"Level UP" Workshop Series for NONPROFITS ( Sept 13- Dec. 13)Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires and BRPC have dozens of upcoming workshops in their "Level Up" Series for nonprofits. Some are in-person and some are wbinars that take place on zoom. For a full list of upcoming workshops or to register: https://npcberkshires.org

DTA: EBT Benefit Theft: EBT card users are being encouraged to re-PIN their cards to prevent benefit theft. More info here and here.

The Veterans Office/Pantry at North Adams City Hall is in need of donations of the following items:Toiletries needed for the Veterans' Food Pantry: Toothbrushes, Shampoos, Chapstick, Dental Floss, Hand Soap, Combs, Hairspray, Foot Powder, Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Conditioners, Body Wash, Bar Soaps, Shave Cream, Body Washes, Dish Soap, Shave Cream, Q-Tips, Brushes, Mousse, Band aids, Body Lotions, Denture Adhesive, Toilet Paper. For more info Contact Tina:413-662-3040

tina.samson@northadams-ma.gov

Berkshire Nursing Families SEEKS new Ex. Director - More information and application

Goodwill Industries: Every Tuesday and Thursday, a Senior Mission Services Coordinator will be at the North Adams Career Center for walk-in services. She will help with job search, resume writing, registering for workshops, vouchers and other questions related to job training. Basic Computer skills sessions will also be available. Address: 166 State St, North Adams, MA 01247. Phone Number: 413-442-0061 x 25 Mon, Tues, Friday

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at Berkshire Food Project. Food Prep, Dishwashing, Cleaning Helpers Needed The Berkshire Food Project has various jobs for volunteers to fill. Among the most needed are for dishwashers, food preparers, and cleaners. Contact Mark: 413-329-4960 or director@berkshirefoodproject.org

BCAC 2022 ELF/Warm Clothing Program Applications are Available! DEADLINE TO APPLY: SEPT. 30, 2022 Download Application

BCAC is seeking volunteer van drivers! For those interest in learning more of applying please contact Michelle Sylvester at (413) 418-3675 or email: msylvester@bcacinc.org

They are also seeking volunteer to help “KEEP OUR KIDS, BERKSHIRE WARM!!”

2022 ELF/Warm Clothing Program (Pittsfield office only)

Milton Hershey School is one of the world’s best private schools, where qualifying students in pre-K through 12th grade live on campus. Students receive an exceptional educational experience, nurturing home life, college and career readiness support, and comprehensive health and wellness care, including medical and dental services, food, and clothing—with all costs covered. For more information, visit mhskids.org.

FOOD PANTRIES & MEAL SITES

Download a PDF of county-wide food pantry and meal site resources here. (Updated Sept 12, 2022)

ADAMS

• 2nd & 4th TUESDAYS, 10-11 AM: The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Mobile Food Bank PANTRY, Adams: Adams Council on Aging/Adams Visitors’ Center, 3 Hoosac Street 413-247-9738, ext. 121; No proof of eligibility required. Must be Berkshire County resident. One distribution per household.
• WEDNESDAYS, 11AM - 1PM: St. John Paul II Charity Center PANTRY, Rte. 8 across from Walgreens, Adams, 413-743-0577. Assistance to residents of Adams, Cheshire, and Savoy.
• MON. - THURS. Congregate meals MEAL SITE at 11:30AM. FRI. GRAB & GO MEALS: Adams COA, 3 Hoosac Street, Adams 413-743-8333. Mondays thru Fridays. Congregate meals available for grab & go. Must call Adams COA 24 hours prior.

CHESHIRE

• 1st SATURDAYS, 11AM-Noon: Cheshire Food PANTRY at the Cheshire Community Center, 119 School Street, Cheshire 413-743-9719. Available to all Cheshire residents with proof of residency. Emergency food is also available.
• MON. thru FRI., 10:15AM-Noon: GRAB & GO MEAL SITE: Cheshire COA Cheshire Community Center, 119 School Street, Cheshire 413-743-9719. Congregate meals available for grab & go. Must call Cheshire COA.

NORTH ADAMS

• TUESDAY, Noon-3 PM for In-Person / (*WEDNESDAYS, Noon-2 PM for delivery) | PANTRY The Salvation Army Gateway New Life Center 393 River Street, North Adams. For Emergency Pantry please call 413-663-7987. Deliveries on Wednesdays.*Call 413-663-7987 on Tuesdays 10:00am-noon to schedule a delivery. For North County residents only.
• WEDNESDAYS, 10 AM - 2 PM for In-Person / *THURSDAYS, 9:30AM -Noon for Delivery | PANTRY Al Nelson Friendship Center 45 Eagle Street, North Adams, 413-664-0123. Go to the First Baptist Church (Eagles St. entrance) for intake and menu completion. *Those who cannot physically come to the pantry may call 413-664-0123 on Wednesday from 9:30am-2:00pm to set up a delivery for Thursday between 9:30am-Noon. Boxes are pre-packaged based on household size for Thursday deliveries. Please specify cans or no cans. Due to COVID rates we can no longer offer rides home. We will post updates on FACEBOOK. IF UNVACCINATED, PLEASE WEAR A MASK.
• 4th WEDNESDAYS, 5 - 6:30 PM (multiple locations) | PANTRY Berkshire Dream Center Mobile Food 413-522-3495. North Adams Locations: Mohawk Forest at 5:00pm, Brayton Hill at 5:45pm, Greylock at 6:30pm. No requirements.
• 1st & 3rd FRIDAYS, 10-11 AM | PANTRY The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Mobile Food Bank Brien Center Lot, 124 American Legion Drive, North Adams 413-247-9738, ext. 121; No proof of eligibility required. One distribution per household.
• Berkshire Food Project GRAB & GO MEAL SITE | MON./WED./FRI. 11:30 AM - 1 PM: First Congregational Church of N. Adams, 134 Main Street, North Adams 413-664-7378.
• First Baptist Church Community Soup Kitchen MEAL SITE | SATURDAY, 11 AM - 12:30 PM: Eagle Street Entrance, 131 Main St., North Adams, 413-652-7619.
• North Adams COA Brown Bag distribution will be at the Harper Center, 118 Church St. in Williamstown on 4th Fridays from 12:30-1:30PM..

WILLIAMSTOWN

• Williamstown Food PANTRY | 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAYS, 9AM-Noon: at St. Patrick & St. Raphael Parish, 53 Southworth Street, Williamstown, 413-458-4946, x11 or 413-458-3149. Drive or walk-thru. Assistance to residents of Hancock, New Ashford, Williamstown, and Pownal, VT.
• Community Bible Church PANTRY. 3rd WEDNESDAYS, Noon-2 PM: 160 Bridges Road, Williamstown, 413-458-5556. Must be a Mass. residents.

OTHER FOOD PROGRAMS

Brown Bag Program: Supplemental monthly food program for eligible 55+ yr. olds, free or for a small donation. For income eligibility requirements or more information, call your Council on Aging.

Elder Services’ Elder Nutrition Program: Noontime meals for those 60+ years of age at several senior centers throughout the County.Call Elder Services of Berkshire County for details and locations at 413-499-0524 or 1-800-981-5201.

Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels Program: Nutritious, hot noontime meals offered Monday - Friday to homebound Berkshire seniors, 60 years of age or older. A suggested donation of $2.00 is requested to help cover the cost of food preparation and delivery. There are eligibility requirements. Please call Elder Services of Berkshire County at 413-499-0524 to make a referral for yourself, family member or friend.

Take and Eat Program: For homebound individuals 60+ years of age, unable to prepare meals, shop, or get out. Meals are delivered on Sundays and are provided for weekends and three-day holiday weekends. More info.: Kathleen Ryan at 413-672-1404 or 413-664-1041

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

• The Ecu-Health Care office doors are open. Due to our office being in a medical complex, masks are required when you enter the building. If you or someone you know is looking for public health insurance options such as coverage through MassHealth of Massachusetts Health Connector we may be able to help. MassHealth not only provides health insurance coverage but may also provide “Premium Assistance” to qualifying individuals who are enrolled in employer plans. Ecu-Health Care provides a free public service and is available to assist with applications, annual reviews and renewals, plan selection and enrollment, submission of requests for information or just general information. Give us a call at 663-8711 to schedule an appointment with one of our Health Coverage Counselors. The Ecu-Health Care staff wishes you and your families all the best during this difficult time.”
• MassHealth has expanded eligibility and coverage in response to COVID19. See the MassHealth website for more information. 
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Berkshire County Warm Line, 413-445-1136 Call center accepts calls until 8PM. If operators are not available, callers will receive a callback within 24 hrs. Information is confidential.
• SafeLink is Massachusetts's statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline. Confidential and anonymous. 1-877-785-2020. For more resources, visit here.
• Elizabeth Freeman Domestic Violence Prevention Center: (866) 401-2425; website
• Department of Children and Families: (413) 236-1800; website
• Al-Anon meetings are being held virtually. Visit the Berkshire Al-Anon website .
• The Massachusetts Smokers' Helpline Receive up to $50(total) of gift cards for completing coaching call series. More info. or call 1-800-Quit-Now to enroll.
• For more info. on nicotine addiction email Joyce Brewer jbrewer@berkshireahec.org. 
• MA residents who believe they are victims of fraud or other criminal activity related to the pandemic should contact the United States Attorney's Office at USAMA.victimassistance@usdoj.gov or 888-221-6023. Members of the public can also contact the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting www.IC3.gov The Consumer Protection Hotline: (617) 727-8400
• Wheels for Wellness - 413-395-0109 Free rides for the elderly, prioritizing health-related activities. For more info., visit the website or call 413-395-0109.
• UPDATED COVID-19 Guidelines: The CDC Community Levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 based on the COVID-19 Community Level in your area. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html.
• Funds available for funeral expenses for COVID-19 related deaths. Applications for the benefit begin by calling FEMA's hotline.
• Digital Vaccination Records: Check out MyVaxRecords.Mass.Gov.
• The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone. Register yourself or your child at maimmunizations.org. Download this list of vaccination locations and opportunities.
• CDC COVID Data Tracker: Visit the CDC website for national-, state-, and county-level data on COVID-19.
• Need free transportation to get a vaccine? AdLib, Inc. and County Rainbow Taxi (CRT), offer no-cost transportation to vaccine appointments for Berk. County residents with disabilities. If interested, please call AdLib at 413-442-7047 and leave a message.

FOOD ACCESS

• The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is issuing emergency SNAP (food stamp) supplements to many SNAP households to help buy food during the pandemic crisis. Click here to see if you will get extra SNAP benefits.
• If you are in need of or would like to check on your eligibility for SNAP, please call 413-992-6204. Visit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts website for more information.
• Lower Cost CSA Shares Available - High quality, fresh produce grown locally available now through a CSA. Shares are usually for 20 weeks (June-October). ​Lower Cost Shares Available based on income through Hoosac Harvest at local farms. Contact Hoosac Harvest via kathykeeser@gmail.com for more information on lower cost shares.  Some farms accept SNAP/HIP for share payments.