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Become a Community Outreach Volunteer! Classes Start in 2023

The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition is seeking community-minded individuals to take part in the 2023 Community Outreach Volunteer Training. This training is geared towards any northern Berkshire residents interested in exploring or expanding their community leadership skills. The training provides information regarding different social service and community organizations that make up our helping network, as well as multiple leadership skill development workshops. Participants will walk away from this training with hands-on experience and a plan to broaden their scope of community involvement and leadership. 

There are three ways to register: 

•  Call our office at 413-663-7588
•  Email Gabby Glasier at gglasier@nbccoalition.org
•  Apply online at: https://bit.ly/2023COVapp

After a two year break, due to COVID and volunteer recruitment issues, we are so excited to announce the return of the annual MLK Day of Service.

The Martin Luther King Day Committee welcomes everyone to join them on Monday, January 16th, as the Northern Berkshire community celebrates the life, principles, and ideals of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by participating in a “Day of Service”. A celebratory luncheon will follow.

The celebration begins at 8:30am at MCLA’s Venable Gym (located at the MCLA Quad.) with coffee and pastries. Participants will choose from more than ten sites to provide service to the community, including: Louison House, YMCA, weatherization for homes, food collection sites, and projects onsite at the MCLA Venable Gym. There will be projects suitable for all ages and abilities.

Participants will return to the MCLA Venable Gym at 12:30pm to share a free luncheon and community celebration, enjoy local entertainment and hear uplifting words in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. The annual Peacemaker Award will be presented during the lunchtime celebration.

We hope you can join us for this “day on, not off!” For more information please call us at 413-663-7588 or email lboland@nbccoalition.org

December Update from Youth Development

The first few months of youth programming are wrapping up as we approach the new year and get ready to take on another northern Berkshire winter. Since October, our four youth programs have been rolling along, with lots of new faces and returning participants. I thought this would be a great opportunity to reflect on the fall, and share some of the highlights from our programs. 

The Youth Health Collaborative has gotten off to a fast start this year, with many returning faces joined by a few newcomers. The team has come together quickly, and each night I’m privileged to watch them support, encourage, and challenge each other. This group has an incredible ability to disagree with each other and ask probing questions, all while maintaining a level of respect and civility that frankly is lacking in many adult spaces. 

The collaborative is currently engaged in planning the youth-led forum, which will take place in March. On Thursday the 8th, the group was joined by Carrisa, who facilitated a focus group on the topic of sex education and reproductive health. The depth and thoughtfulness of that group was on full display, as they took time to answer questions, and share their experiences.

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the youth development team hosted a pre-feast-potluck at the UNO Center. Because it fell during what would normally be a Teen Writing Workshop session, many of the 17 young people in attendance were from that group. What made this year’s potluck special, though, was that some folks from the Youth Leadership and Youth Health Collaborative groups also attended, and folks got a chance to meet peers from the other programs. The Youth Leadership group took time the night before to cook up some dishes for the potluck, and we started off the Thanksgiving season in style.

So far, the Youth Empowerment Program and Youth Leadership Program have been delving into activities and discussions covering a wide range of topics. From the importance of lateral thinking, to where our values come from, there have been few dull moments in the nbCC conference room on Monday and Tuesday nights. Both groups recently participated in a spaghetti tower building activity, where creativity and teamwork were put to the test. 

These are just a snippet of the awesome things that Carrisa and I have been privileged to take part in with our groups. The year has really only just begun, and as the groups continue to gel and get to know each other, we will undoubtedly have lots of more fun updates for you! 

 ~Tim Shiebler, Youth Development Coordinator 

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

Nurturing Families (16 Week Workshop)

Thursdays, Jan. 5 - Apr. 20, 1:00-3:00 pm, nbCC Conf. Room 61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams. 

The Nurturing Parenting programs bring parents and children together for structured weekly sessions. Each session of the program is designed to reinforce one or more of the 5 nurturing parenting constructs:

Appropriate expectations of children. Empathy for children’s feelings & needs. Discipline with dignity. Appropriate family roles. Developing power& independence in parents and children.Registration is required. Contact 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

Strengthening Families (10 Week Workshop)

Mondays, Jan. 9 - March 13, 5:00-6:00 pm, nbCC Conf. Room 61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams. 

This is a 10 lessons program for parents of kids ages 7-17. You will learn skills to help you have:

-A happy family

-Healthy brains

-Alcohol & drug-free kids

Registration is required. Contact 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

W.o.W. Workshop: Everything in Balance

Wednesday, Jan. 11, 12:00 - 2:00 pm, Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams 

The New Year is here and you overindulged again. Feeling sluggish, getting colds easily, or feeling down? Join Jessi for an hour of easy stretching and balancing exercises before diving into a nutrition discussion and how to keep everything in balance for yourself. Learn the warning signs your body gives when you are falling out of balance and how to shift back with ease. To Register, contact: (413) 663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

Learn Through Play: The Mitten

Saturday, January 14, 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 be based off of the book, The Mitten. Best for ages 0-5 years. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 

MLK Jr. Day of Service

Monday, Jan 16, 8:30 am-2:00 pm, Venable Gym at MCLA on Church Street, North Adams

All are welcome! Please join us to honor Dr. King’s legacy through volunteer community service projects.Everyone is welcome! There are appropriate projects for all ages and ability levels. 

SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY

8:30AM: Registration & light refreshments

9:00AM - Noon: Volunteer service at assigned sites

(Some projects are on-site at the gym. Other locations include Berkshire Food Project,Louison House, Goodwill Industries, Habitat for Humanity and more.)

12:30PM: Lunch with entertainment and the presentation of the Annual Peacemaker Award

For more information, contact us: 413-663-7588 or lboland@nbccoalition.org

WoW Workshop: House plants 

Friday, January 20th, 6:00pm - 7:00pm, Plant Connector, 73 Main Street, North Adams

FREE! All ages welcome. Registration required - 20 max. Join Emilee Yawn and Jessi Byrne at the Plant Connector to learn the amazing benefits of indoor plants. Learn how to care for your plants in the winter, what brown and yellow leaves mean, how to spot when your plant needs a little extra care. As you care for your plants, they care for you and your family to keep your air clean and so much more. To Register, contact: (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

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.

Family Resource Center Peer Parenting Group

2nd & 4th Thursdays, 9:30 am -10:30 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

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 January!