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Thanks Friends! You’ve Made a Positive Impact Right in Your Own Community!

Since its inception, nbCC has been a crucial link between those in need and those who can help. With your assistance, we can continue to provide 

Northern Berkshire residents the tools needed to improve their lives and their neighborhoods. We understand that not everyone is able to make a financial contribution to the Coalition, but we want you to know that no    amount is too small to be helpful. Thanks for all you do to support nbCC!

   The 2022-23 Friends of the Coalition (as of March 24, 2023)

CHAMPIONS

Ellen Bernstein

Gene & Justyna Carlson

Jack & Susy Wadsworth

LEADERS

Steve Green & Sue Walker

GUARDIANS

Becks Printing 

Carolyn Behr

Kathleen Morris & Robert Kraus

Stephen Pagnotta

Robert & Darlene Rodowicz

Hachette Book Group

BENEFACTORS

Jerome & Maureen Baran

Gabe & Amber Besaw

Juliet Flynt 

Sara LaLumia

Peter & Laurie Lamarre

Jennifer & Jeff Meehan

Joshua Mendel & The

Mendel Family 

Charles & Katherine Swabey

John Thoman & Lee Venolia

BOOSTERS

Kate Annichiarico

BFAIR

Daniel Bird & Christina Kaczmarczyk

Roger & Julia Bolton

Ronald & Cynthia Bosley

Jerry Caprio & Jeanne Marklin

Mary Jo Carpenter

Larry & Penny Choquette

Craig & Heather Clemow

Michael & Licia Conforti

Daniel & Sally Connerton 

Andrew Danyluk

Chris & Eleanor Dirby-Kilfoyle

Michele Ethier

Shirley Finkelstein

Anna Flynn & Scott Doerle

Brice George

Paul Gitterman

Marion Grillon

Cynthia & Ed Grosso

Roberta Lamb

Ben Lamb & Emily Schiavoni

Fred & Cyndi Langworthy

John MacFarlane

Peter Mehlin

Brian Miksic & Suzy Helme

Spencer Moser

Peter Murphy & Audrey Thier

Thomas & Fern Murtagh

Congressman & Mrs. Richard Neal

John & Joanne Notsley

Christopher Nye

Gerald O’Neil

Bo & Katherine Peabody

Ann Scott

Maynard Seider

Bernice Shainman

Bruce Shepley & Patricia Conroy-Shepley

Anthony & Margaret Siracusa

Samuel Smith

Susan Smith

Stephen & Elizabeth St. Clair

Win & Jane Stuebner

Jonathan Swartz

Curt Wells & Sarah Jacobson

Herb Wilkinson

Bill & Adrienne Wootters

ASSOCIATES

John & Jane Allen

Alfred Bedini Jr.

Thomas & Jennifer Bernard

Linda Biros

Ralph Bradburn & Zelda Stern

Anne Crider

Mary Ellen Czerniak

Richard Davis

Gerald & Mary Jane Desmarais

Mary Katherine Eade

David & Martha Elpern

Robert Fachini

Amy & Alan Giroux

Howard Itzkowitz

Sander & Marybeth Kelman

James & Alison Kolesar

Tiku Majumder & Susan Abrams

Linda Maloney

Nancy Nylen

Deb Rosselli

Marcia Sarrouf

Cindy Sault 

Judith Summers

Richard Taskin

Francis & Corinne Viens

Patricia Willette

K. Scott Wong & Carrie Waara

Sharon Wyrrick

SUPPORTERS

Ken & Chris Banville

Rena Bua

Mark & Karen Daigle

Keith Davis

Marilyn DeRosa

Carl & Jane Jenkins

Paul & Lisa Jennings

John & Sarah Kline

 Kathi & Daniel Lampron

John & Kathleen Lanoue

Jim & Debra Lipa

Vicki Moncecchi

Robert & Janice Moresi

Raymond & Jeanne Moulthrop

Richard Netherwood

Michael & Patricia Nuvallie

Carolyn Ouimet

Roberta Patten 

Jane Peth

Joseph & Patricia Prenguber

Franklin Risatti 

Joseph & Janet Rogge

Patrick & Dawn Schoorlemmer

Enid Shields

Veronica Silvia

Susan Spooner

Gary & Sandra Tatro

Kurt Tauber

Gracie Vincent

Douglas & Dorothy Wandrei

James Wolfe

Marcia Wright

Susan Zoltek

IN MEMORY OF

Steve Green & Sue Walker in memory of John Olver

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

Food Access Collaborative Updates 

Parenting Journey in Recovery

At Parenting Journey, we believe that all parents and caregivers want to be strong, positive role models. First and foremost, we believe that the best way to raise hope and build stronger family relationships is to start by identifying your strengths and build from there.

In Parenting Journey in Recovery, a small group of parents and caregivers meet for 2 hours a week for 12 weeks. The program includes activities, discussions, a family-style meal, and complimentary childcare.

Substance use disorders are complicated and difficult to overcome. Parents and caregivers living with addiction face the additional challenge of building strong, positive relationships with their children while maintaining their recovery, which can be both rewarding and daunting. Parenting Journey in Recovery provides a valuable source of fellowship and support and enhances awareness of potential triggers that may escalate re-occurrence.

 In a safe and caring setting, you will explore past and present patterns of emotional regulation and thoughts and behaviors related to addiction that influence your choices. With hard work and honesty, you will create a new path that strengthens recovery, accountability, and positive actions, while facing the daily challenges of living with addiction.

 Parenting Journey in Recovery is open to anyone who has at least 30 days in recovery. Each group typically is limited to 14-16 people. All Massachusetts residents, no matter where you are from, no matter what your background, you are welcome at Parenting Journey. We work with mothers, fathers, and caregivers from all walks of life, raising children of all ages. 

For more information or to register for this program, please reach out to our office by calling 413-663-7588 or by emailing Nancy Kennedy at nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 

Women’s Money Matters

The second workshop series we want to highlight is a partnership between the Coalition and the nonprofit, Women’s Money Matters. Women’s Money Matters helps women regain control of their finances, reduce financial anxiety, increase economic self-sufficiency and transform their lives by teaching core money management skills.

This twelve week series is targeted specifically to women with a series of weekly workshops starting April 26th. Workshops will take place every Wednesday Evening from 6:00 to approximately 7:30pm at the UNO Community Center. The actual workshop lesson plan runs for one hour each week.

Each participant is matched with their own personal volunteer coach! Matches are based on application data & info shared at the introduction meeting with the Program Leader. Coaches and participants attend workshops together, and coaches and participants also plan a time to meet in between workshops to work on the participants personal financial goals. The workshops are interactive and include guest presenters.

This program uses community based learning where all participants are encouraged to share ideas and experiences. There will be interactive exercises with both small group and paired breakouts, plus guest presenters from financial institutions to answer tough questions from the group. No two workshops are alike. 

For more information or to register for this program, please reach out to our office by calling 413-663-7588 or by emailing Nancy Kennedy at nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

April DIY Craft: Bunny

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

Easter Festival 

Saturday, April 1, 11:00am - 1:00pm, North Adams Armory, 206 Ashland Street, North Adams

Join the City of North Adams, the nbCC and the Easter Bunny for some FREE Easter FUN!

Schedule:

11-1 PM: Photos with the Easter Bunny

11-12:30 PM: Games and Arts and Crafts

12 PM: Storytime with Mayor Macksey

12:30-1:00 PM: Cottontail Obstacle Races  

For more information gglasier@nbccoalition.org or by phone at 413.663.7588

Parenting Journey in Recovery (12 WEEKS)

Starting Monday, April 3, 4:00-6:00 pm, nbCC, 61 Main Street, Ste. 218, North Adams

This parent education program is FREE, but space is limited. Substance use disorders are complicated and difficult to overcome. Parents and caregivers living with addiction face the additional challenge of building strong, positive relationships with their children while maintaining their recovery, which can be both rewarding and daunting. Parenting Journey in Recovery provides a valuable source of fellowship and support and enhances awareness of potential triggers that may escalate re-occurrence. In a safe and caring setting, you will explore past and present patterns of emotional regulation and thoughts and behaviors related to addiction that influence your choices. With hard work and honesty, you will create a new path that strengthens recovery, accountability, and positive actions, while facing the daily challenges of living with addiction. Snacks are provided. Transportation and child care available upon request.Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

Active Parenting of Teens (5 WEEKS)

Starting Friday, April 7, 10:00am-12:00pm, nbCC, 61 Main Street, Ste. 218, North Adams

This program provides the guidance and support you need to turn the challenges of raising a teenager into opportunities for growth. You’ll learn:

Methods of respectful discipline

Skills for clear, honest communication

Concrete strategies to prevent risky behavior

How to be an encouraging parent

Snacks are provided. Transportation and child care available upon request.Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

Learn Through Play: POND LIFE

Saturday, April 8, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

In collaboration with Child Care of the Berkshires. Activities and circle time will focus on pond animals and environments. Best for ages 0-5 years. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 

Cheshire Meet & Greet BINGO!

Wednesday, April 12, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Youth Center Inc., 191 Church Street, Cheshire

Join the nbCC for a fun evening of food and bingo! Learn more about what the Coalition does and help us learn more about you! Prizes for bingo winner, plus food will be provided. For more information contact us: 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org

April Forum: Online Safety & Social Media Literacy

Thursday, April 13, 4:00-6:00 pm, Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams

All are welcome! A presentation & discussion led by Operation250: Trends of unsafe online behavior in adults and youth. Identifying misinformation and the risks of fake online information. The realities of risks online and ways they are different from expectations. Massachusetts-specific trends with online risks, particularly online and offline hate. The psychological changes caused by the internet and their relation to risk

W.o.W. Workshop:Celtic Fest 

Thursday, April 20, 4:00 - 6:00 pm, Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams 

Join Barb Malkas and Jessi Byrne for a FREE two hour workshop with a Celtic twist. The workshop will begin with an hour long yoga class, modified with chairs and assists, provided for those comfortable. In the second half of the evening, we will share Celtic recipes, light refreshments and nutrition of traditional Celtic foods. Bonus points for wearing green! Please bring a mat as nbCC has a limited number to share. To Register, contact: (413) 663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

Look for the Lorax Earth Day Scavenger Hunt!

Saturday, April 22, 12:00pm-2:00pm, starts at Williamstown Community Chest, 84 Spring Street, Williamstown 

Join us for this FREE comunity scavenger hunt around downtown Williamstown. Search for the Lorax hidden in local businesses to get stamps to fill your card for a prize once it’s completed. More information: 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org

W.o.W. Workshop:Bike Skills Clinic 

Tuesday, April 25, 4:00pm-6:00pm, UNiTY Skate Park, State Street, North Adams

All levels skills clinic lead by Josh Fridette from Gravity Sleighaz Youth Mountain Bike Team. Learn skills from how to ride a bike, maintaining balance to ramps, jumps and more with professional instructors. Get safety gear for recreational rides, your commute to work or the store. We will be giving out helmets, reflectors, bike lights and quick how to maintenance to get you safely from point A to B. If you do not have a bike, let us know and we can outfit you with a bike from the nbCC Bike Collective before the clinic. Contact/ Register: 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

Women’s Money Matters Workshop (12 Weeks)

Starts Wednesday, April 26, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams 

Women’s Money Matters helps women regain control of their finances, reduce financial anxiety, increase economic self-sufficiency and transform their lives by teaching core money management skills. Every Wednesday Evening from 6:00 to approximately 7:30pm. Each participant is matched with their own personal volunteer coach! Coaches and participants attend workshops together, and coaches and participants also plan a time to meet in between workshops to work on the participants personal financial goals. The workshops are interactive and include guest presenters. Snacks are provided. Transportation and child care available upon request. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

W.o.W. Workshop: Spring Gardening

Friday, April 28, 10:00 - 12:00 pm, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams 

Wondering how to start a garden? Are you looking to learn more about growing herbs, vegetables or flowers? Are you looking to get involved in the Community Gardens? Join Jenn Munoz at the UNO Community Center from 1-3 to learn more about starting a garden whether in a pot or garden bed. Bring your questions for the Q+A, and dress for the weather as we will be gardening come rain or shine! RSVP at 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

WEEKLY EVENTS/PROGRAMS

nbCC Bike Collective Open Hours*

NEW WINTER HOURS

*1st & 2nd 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.

nbCC Youth Empowerment Program

Mondays, 5:00-6:30 PM, 61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams. 

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

Drop-in Art Club (It’s BACK!)

Starting Feb. 7: Tuesdays, 3:30 pm-4:30 pm, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

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 or email gglasier@nbccoalition.org for more information.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 4:00pm - 6:00pm. nbCC’s FRC living room, 61 Main St., Suite 212, 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. 

Youth Leadership Program

Tuesdays, 5:00pm - 7:00pm. nbCC’s Conf. Room, 61 Main St., Suite 213, North Adams

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 with 24 hrs. notice.

Teen Writing Workshop

Wednesdays, 5:00pm - 7:00pm, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams. 

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 from a professional with your writing and performance style. Opportunities to perform and be published. Snacks and supplies provided; transportation available.

NEW DAY & TIME Family Resource Center Peer Parenting Group

2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 3:30 pm -4:30 pm, 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

UNO Community Center Coffee Time

Fridays, 1:00 pm - 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 April!