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.

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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.

10AM | Sensory Palooza: Trash to Treasure | Ages 0-5

At Windsor Lake. All you need is an old can of coffee, oatmeal, formula, or any other can with a lid. We will be using items from nature to decorate our drums, as well. One natural item we will be using are leaves! As we decorate our drums we will talk about the magic that is inside of leaves and how they can turn into soil and help grow more plant life!

Registration is required: https://www.missemileeece.com/parentchild

Cost is $18 per family.

6-8 PM | Kids' Night Out at the Y | Ages  7-12

Give yourself some TLC while your kids enjoy time socializing with peers. Drop-off your 7-12yr olds at the Northern Berkshire YMCA to enjoy activities like games, pool time, crafts, and pizza while you take a couple of hours to yourself. Free to BFYMCA members/ $5 for non-members. For more information: 413-663-6529 or brousseau@bfymca.org

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

In the Steeple City Parking Lot by the All Saints Church in North Adams.Annual Event open to all residents, businesses and schools in North Adams and surrounding communities. Paper shredding, suggested donation, $5 per box in support of The Northern Berkshire United Way. Disposal fees for electronics in support of All Saints. 

10-11AM | Learn Thru Play:Little Blue Little Yellow | Ages 0-5

UNO Community Center. Activities will be focused around the book Little Blue, Little Yellow. Reg. Required: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org. Presented by Miss Emilee ECE and in partnership with Child Care of the Berkshires

11AM-5:30PM | Pumpkin Fest - Whitney's Farm Stand | Everyone

Join us for the festivities and fun: ~u pick pumpkins: thousands to choose from ~haunted corn maze ~free hay rides ~giant slide ~pony rides ~pumpkin bouncer ~games and prizes ~weekly events ~Uncle Pete's dairy bar ~free petting zoo ~free playground. ~glitter tattoos

We will have some special events on a number of weekends. we will post them on our facebook page when we have firm dates. Can't wait for the fun to begin!

7PM | The Abortion Monologues _ A Staged Reading by Mill City Productions | Everyone

at the Adams Incubator in Adams. Mill City Productions presents a staged reading of "The Abortion Monologues", by Jane Cawthorne

11AM-5:30PM | Pumpkin Fest - Whitney's Farm Stand | Everyone

Join us for the festivities and fun: ~u pick pumpkins: thousands to choose from ~haunted corn maze ~free hay rides ~giant slide ~pony rides ~pumpkin bouncer ~games and prizes ~weekly events ~Uncle Pete's dairy bar ~free petting zoo ~free playground. ~glitter tattoos

We will have some special events on a number of weekends. we will post them on our facebook page when we have firm dates. Can't wait for the fun to begin!

4PM | Sensory Palooza | Families

At Windsor Lake. Come learn with your kids through sensory play with Miss Emilee ECE on Sundays at 4:00pm: https://www.missemileeece.com/parentchild

Outdoor Sensory Palooza is back in North Adams this fall. Enjoy the messy play without the hassle of clean up. These classes are child led with multiple activity stations that can be mixed. Activities are curated and developmentally appropriate for children registered.

This month we will add in a gross motor station with a climbing triangle, stepping stone and wobble board. There will also be a mindful activity to help us get ready for the week ahead.

Cost is $18 per family

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.

3:30-4:30PM | LEGOs at the Library | NA Public Library | Ages 6+

Legos are back at the library! Join your fellow Lego lovers in the Youth Services department every other Wednesday in September and October for some drop-in free play! 

5-6PM | Lots of LEGOs | CCB at the Lanesborough Library | Families

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

11AM | Apple Picking with the Family Center | Families with kids 8 and under

At Jaeschke's Orchard in Adams. Space is Limited. Call to Register : 413-664-4821

4:30PM | Virtual Playgroup "Being You" 

Families will receive the book and a kit with materials to complete the craft. to register contact Bethany Prince  bprince@ccberkshire.org

6:30-7:30PM | North Berkshire Stand Out for Recovery | Everyone

Join NB residents and providers to support and honor those in recovery and those seeking recovery. Berkshire Harm Reduction Mobile Van will be there. North Adams City Hall.

6:30 Stand out, 6:40 Pastor Dave Anderson: prayer of remembrance and thanks, 6:45 Be a LARGE and LOUD presence, 7:20PM Move into city hall to hear proclamation. Wear Purple

Sept 29 - 5:30PM | Elizabeth Freeman Center's Rise Together for Safety & Justice North Adams City Hall

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

Sept 30 - 12PM | Elizabeth Freeman Center's Rise Together for Safety & Justice in Williamstown

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

MCLA Community Day of Service (10/15) Seeking service sites. We are going to be serving lunch and having opening statements from 12:00 - 12:30 and then transportation to site for a 1:00 (ish) - 4:00 pm service project. If you have a site you would be able to supervise and provide the materials for please contact Christopher Hantman:  christopher.hantman@mcla.edu

"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. 

DTA North Adams Satellite Office located at 45 Main Street in North Adams. Effective October 1, the North Adams Satellite Office will be open for business on Tuesdays from 8:45am – 5:00pm; the office will no longer be open on Thursdays, after October 1. The agency will have signs on the door to notify clients and will be updating the mass.gov website.Clients can continue to use the DTA Assistance line 877-382-2363, DTA Connect mobile app and DTAConnect.com for their DTA needs.

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)

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

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

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

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.