Coalition News, an update from nbCC

Dear Northern Berkshire,

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our September 2022 newsletter. To read the entire issue, download the PDF here.

National Night Out (NNO) Returns with Three Events and Over 500 Participants in North Berkshire County 

Over 500 residents participated in this year’s NNO in the communities of Adams, North Adams, and Williamstown. The police departments of Adams, North Adams and Williamstown, along with representatives of other safety services, met monthly with the Coalition throughout the year to prepare for the event on August 2, 2022. Activities ranged from games and activities, face painting, Touch-a-Truck, petting zoos, dunk tanks, safety presentations, field games, and more. Dozens of additional local agencies helped to organize all of these activities including; DCF- Foster Care, HeadStart, Ecu-Health Care, NAPS, Child Care of the Berkshires, The Elizabeth Freeman Center, NB Adult Education, NB EMS, Free Masons, Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires, Berkshire Family YMCA, 18 Degrees, AYJ Fund, Kids Place, NB Community Action Council, Berkshire Food Project, Al Nelson Friendship Food Pantry, NB United Way and more.


For 20 years, nbCC has participated in National Night Out (NNO) throughout northern Berkshire communities, but this national event has been happening for almost 40 years. National Night Out was established in 1984 with over 400 communities participating over 23 states. Today the event involves over 16,000 communities each year. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.


We can’t wait to build upon this local effort for next year’s NNO on August 1, 2023. We hope to see you there!



~Suzy Helme, Communications Coordinator

Youth Development Prepares for a New Year of Programming.

Fall is the time when the youth development staff kicks into high gear, and prepares for the upcoming year of programming. We’re once again offering 4 programs for young people this year. We are excited to get back into the schools and spread the word about our upcoming offerings! Keep an eye out for us in your lunchroom, advisory, or homeroom! 


The first is Teen Writing Workshop (TWW), open to young people between the ages of 12-19. TWW is a very simple program, but it quickly becomes unique and impactful for those who attend. The group will gather weekly, on Wednesday evenings from 5:00-7:00 to create and share works of poetry, fiction, and whatever else the creative minds in the room choose to conjure! Participants can expect to share their work in two community showcases, as well as have an opportunity to publish pieces in this year’s version of Somewhere Between: A Journal of Teen Writing


The other program returning to the fold this year is the Youth Leadership Program. This program brings together young people to explore various leadership skills. This program is for young people between the ages of 13-19. Participants will take the lead in discussions and activities designed to promote a wide range of skill building. The group will help plan a forum for the community, and engage in a variety of community service opportunities. This group will meet every Tuesday evening from 5:00-7:00. 


Returning to the fold this year are two of our newer programs. The first is called the Youth Empowerment Program, and it is designed for young people in middle school (grades 6-8). The program is similar to the Youth Leadership Program, but tailored to a slightly younger audience. This program will meet on Monday evenings from 5:00-6:30. 


Lastly, we are once again running the Youth Health Collaborative. This program is intended to engage young people between the ages of 14-19 in supporting the health of young people 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 program will meet every Thursday, from 5:00-7:00. 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. 


All of our programs are free of charge! They will all take place in person at nbCC, 61 Main Street in North Adams. Transportation is available to and from each program. For more information, contact Tim Shiebler at tshiebler@nbccoalition.org, or give him a call at 413-663-7588.


Register online at bit.ly/nbCCyouth2022


 ~Tim Shiebler, Youth Development Coordinator.

Goodbye and Good Luck, Stephanie!

As we wrapped up another busy summer of events and programming, we also said goodbye to our friend and colleague, Stephanie Puc. Stephanie leaves the team after serving as our Family Support and Neighborhood Coordinator for the past five years.

Stephanie is moving on to Berkshire Health Systems, accepting a position as a Practice Manager Apprentice. She’s excited about this new role and we wish her the best!


Every year we invite the community to come together to recognize and celebrate our many unsung community heroes that go above and beyond for their community. 


You can recognize someone for any of the following categories:  

Businesses & Groups Pulling Together - These agencies/businesses and groups have contributed to help a neighborhood or the wider community, working together for the benefit of others.


Youth Taking the Lead - These young people are making a positive difference in their community.


Family Support - This category celebrates those that have advocated and/or supported family units in a variety of ways.


Community Health and Wellness - This category celebrates those who have helped to make their community a healthier place to live.


Neighborly Acts - These neighbors go above and beyond for their community; helping others out in lots of different ways


SUBMISSIONS CAN BE MADE BY:


Calling the office at 413-663-7588

or

Filling the online google form at http://bit.ly/nbcc_2022_neighborlies

or

Stop by during office hours to fill out a form.

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

Wednesday, Sept. 7, 5-6:30 pm | Bike Rodeo at Greylock Elementary School

Greylock Elementary School, 100 Phelps Ave., North Adams

ALL northern Berkshire K-8 students welcome! Learn bike & helmet fitting, skills to bike safely, basic bike maintenance and more! Students need to bring their bike and a helmet. Free bike helmets available to those who need a helmet. Please register your student ahead of time. This event is co-sponsored by the North Adams Public Schools and Safe Routes To School. To learn more call us: 413-663-7588 or register online: https://bit.ly/greylockbike


Friday, Sept. 9, 10:00 am-12:00 pm Monthly Forum: Annual Needs Assessment 

Friday, Sept. 9, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, 85 Main Street, North Adams.

Join us for our monthly forum where we compile the list of community issues that YOU want to see be topics for discussion at the monthly forums this year. No registration required.


Saturday, Sept. 10 , 10:00 - 11:30 am | FRC Budgeting 101 Workshop

nbCC Conf. Rm, 61 Main St., Suite 213, North Adams. 

Join us for FREE workshop presented in coordination with Adams Community Bank. Be in control and reach your goals! Learn the importance of budgeting. Create a budget that best suits your family. Play “The Bean Game” and learn the priorities of budgeting. Childcare and transportation available with at least 24hrs notice. To Register, contact: (413) 663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org


Monday, Sept. 12,19, & 26. 10:00 am - 11:30 am | FRC Parenting Workshop Series: Magic 1,2,3 (3 Part Series)

nbCC’s Family Resource Center Living Room, 61 Main Street, Suite 212, North Adams

An easy-to-learn, evidence-based parenting program for 2-12 year olds.Learn how to discipline without arguing, yelling, or physical discipline. Manage troublesome behavior with reason, patience, and compassion. Encourage and respect children’s growing independence. Learn strategies for growing self-esteem.

Snacks Provided! Transportation & child care available with at least 24hrs notice. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 


Wednesday, Sept. 14, 8:00-9:30 am | Coffee with the Coalition in Adams!

At the Adams Visitors Center, 3 Hoosac Street, Adams.

Join us for free coffee, treats and nbCC swag! We can’t wait to connect and talk about what great stuff is going on in Adams and what issues are important to you. No registration needed.


Saturday, Sept. 24, 10:00 am - 11:00 am | Learn Through Play: Little Blue & Little Yellow

UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

In collaboration with Child Care of the Berkshires. Activities and circle time relate to the book Little Blue and Little Yellow. Blue & Yellow theme activites. Best for ages 0-5 years. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 


Community Rail Trail Rides! 

Days and times vary from week to week: THURS 9/8 , 9-11AM; WED. 9/14, 8:30-10:30AM; TUES 9/20, 4-6PM; FRI. 9/30, 10AM-12PM

 Are you looking to get more comfortable riding your bike? Want to ride the Rail Trail, but not sure where to start? Want to take advantage of a midweek adventure? Beginning July 7th to October 28th, Jessi Byrne will be leading weekly Rail Trail group rides. We will meet at the Adams Visitor Center and ride the trail together as a group. Bring your bike and safety gear. Don’t have a bike? Stop by the Bike Collective on Mondays 3:30-5:30 to get fitted with the perfect bike for you and the whole family. For more info: 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org


WEEKLY EVENTS/PROGRAMS

* There will be no programming on Monday, September 5th. Our offices will be CLOSED in observation of Labor Day.

nbCC Bike Collective Open Hours

Mondays, 3:30-5:30pm, 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.


Downtown Bike Around 

Mondays, 5:30 pm- 6:00 pm, Meeting at the Armory, 206 Ashland Street, North Adams (check FB for weather cancelations)

Join us for the return of the Downtown Bike Around, a free, weekly, community group bike ride, suitable for all ages. Meeting at the Armory garage lot. Weather permitting. Bikes available if needed. Call us at 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org


Drop-in Art Club

Tuesdays, 3:30 pm-4:30 pm, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

This will be a weekly after school drop-in Art Club, for youth, ages 8-19. Supplies and snacks provided. No registration required. Caregivers do not need to attend, but the program facilitators are not responsible for child care. Call us at 413-663-7588 for more information.


Family Resource Center Peer Parenting Group:  

Thursdays, 10:00 am -11:00 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


Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 4:00pm - 6:00pm. nbCC’s Conf. Room, 61 Main St., Suite 213, 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. 


UNO Community Center Coffee Time

Fridays, 1:00pm - 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 September!

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