nbCC February Newsletter: Coalition News

Dear Northern Berkshire,

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our February 2023 newsletter. To read the entire issue and see lots of photos of what the Coalition was up to last month, download the PDF here.

Want WEEKLY updates on local events, resources & organizations in the northern Berkshires? Join Our Weekly E-zine (PH-Zine)! Stay up tp date on what's happening in the community with the nbCC and beyond.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

WE'RE HIRING! JOIN THE NBCC TEAM. APPLY TODAY!

MLK Day of Service Returns with a Strong Community Turnout

For the first time since 2020, community members from throughout the state gathered early in the morning of Monday, January 16, 2023 to register for projects for the MLK Day of Service. Roughly 200 volunteers packed into MCLA’s Venable Gym for this annual “Day On, Not Off”, honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Long time MLK Day Committee organizer, Kathy Keeser, greeted the crowd before handing the mic over to MCLA President, James Birge. Dr. Birge warmly welcomed everyone and expressed his gratitude for their choice to dedicate the day to community service, carrying on the spirit of the life and work of Dr. King. With that, the groups gathered supplies and headed out to project sites throughout the northern Berkshire community, or settled into their chosen on-site projects.

On site projects, appropriate for all ages and abilities, included mitten and blanket making, and creating Valentines Day and Get Well cards for veterans, seniors, and hospital bound children. Off site projects included Goodwill Industries, the Louison House, Wreaths Across America, ROOTs Teen Center, the UNO Community Center, and winter weatherizing for homes. By noon, most projects were completed and the groups once again gathered in the gym for a celebratory lunch, spirited performance by the Williams College Gospel Choir, and the presentation of the 2023 Peacemaker Award.

Alex Daugherty, also a long time member of the MLK Day of Service Committee, welcomed the volunteers back to the gym before welcoming State Rep. John Barrett III to the podium. The State Rep. addressed the crowd before presenting the Peacemaker Award to this year’s recipient, Mary Lou Accetta. There were numerous nominations for this year’s Peacemaker Award and all were worthy of the acknowledgement, but this year Mary Lou was selected by the MLK Committee for her lifelong commitment to community service and advocacy for the under-served and under-privileged.

The following is the letter submitted with her nomination.

“Mary Lou Accetta has been a tireless advocate for all residents of Berkshire County since her first days as a volunteer at Mary Jezyk Sunshine Park in North Adams at the age of 13! Throughout the years, Mary Lou has been a voice for the underserved and underprivileged, the abused and neglected. She has always stood up for what is right and just - using her voice to represent those who have no voice or those whose voice quavers and those who fear to speak out for themselves. Mary Lou - who has been a foster parent for over a dozen children over the years - has served on a number of boards and commissions. These include the following: Board of Directors for Northern Berkshire United Way (4 years); North Adams School Committee (10 years); Board of Directors BFAIR (4 years). In 1991, she received The Citizens Against Child Abuse of Berkshire Country Advocate of the Year Award.

Currently, Mary Lou serves on the North Adams Fair Housing Commission and the Commission on Disabilities. She is also an active CASA of Berkshire County volunteer through 18 Degrees. As important and noteworthy as these contributions are, one of Mary Lou’s most impressive accomplishments began 20 years ago when she had an idea to create an “intentional, inclusive community” on her street in North Adams. From that idea, Brooklyn Street Neighbors was born. Mary Lou is President of Brooklyn Street Neighbors - a community of privately owned homes that encourage people of diverse ages, abilities, incomes and backgrounds to live in the area, support one another and join in communal activities and celebrations. Its mission is to create a sustainable, multigenerational, life-sharing community within North Adams that includes persons with disabilities, families and friends. For more information on the Brooklyn Street Neighbors, I’ve included a link to their website: www.brooklynstreetna.org.

As the Brooklyn Street Neighbors idea grew and developed, Mary Lou looked for ways to bring resources to her “”intentional neighborhood community””. Habitat for Humanity has adopted the street and helps residents retrofit houses for the disabled or those struggling financially. Mary Lou also reached out to Nonotuck Resources Associates, a non-profit organization which offers people with a wide range of disabilities the environments, support and resources needed to live full and vibrant lives. Nonotuck partnered to support Brooklyn Street Neighbors, purchased a house on the street which is available to the community for its use. Mary Lou now serves as Chairperson of Nonotuck’s Resource Associates Board of Directors. I’ve included a link to Nonotuck’s website for further information: www.nonotuck.com.

The above is just a snapshot of all the good work that Mary Lou has done and continues to do to provide for greater tolerance, understanding and caring in our community, I hope it clearly shows how how very worthy she is of the 2023 Peacemaker’s Award. She embodies all that it represents.

If you have any questions or need further information, please reach out to me, Thank you.

Sincerely, Toni Diamond”

Mary Lou accepted the award with humble gratitude, noting that everyone in the room deserved the award. She also shared words of wisdom from her grandmother that have been a lifetime inspiration to her. “No one leaves this house hungry or lonely.”

The presentation of the Peacemaker Award concluded the day of service, which we consider to be a successful return to this beloved annual celebration. We can’t wait to see even more community members join us next year on January 15, 2024.

~Suzy Helme, Communications Coordinator

Food Access Collaborative Updates

Extra COVID Food Funds for Families Ending March 2

Extra COVID Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, known as SNAP Emergency Allotments, were created during the pandemic to help individuals and families buy food. These extra COVID benefits are the difference between a household’s normal benefit amount and the maximum amount for their household size, with a minimum amount of $95 a month. The benefits have been put on EBT cards at the beginning of each month. Since March 2020, Massachusetts has elected to utilize this temporary benefit program that was made available under the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act.

Recent action by the federal government (through the Congressional Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023) ends the extra COVID SNAP benefits as of February 2023. This means that Massachusetts households will receive their last extra COVID SNAP payment on March 2, 2023.

The state has launched a new website: Mass.gov/ExtraCOVIDSNAP to help residents plan for the end of these temporary federal benefits. Over the next several months, individuals and families should explore any optional expenses that may increase their normal SNAP benefits.

Help spread the word about the end of these extra COVID SNAP benefits:

Encourage households to visit Mass.gov/ExtraCOVIDSNAP to learn how they can get the most out of their SNAP benefits, save some of it to help after March 2, and be connected with other resources

MCLA interns working with Anne Goodwin are making progress on reworking the Community Food Assessment. Letters have distributed to meal sites and food pantries with a short survey, along with updates on the information nutrition cards (which are getting a revamp) and cookbooks (limited number for distribution) which can now both be located on the nbCC webpage under theHealth and Wellness area of work. As always, if anyone knows of a need, please send it along to be addressed at our next meeting in March, 16th, 2023. Location TBD. If you would like to attend contact Jessi: 413-663-7588

SATURDAY FEB. 4

9AM -1PM

North Adams Farmers Market

85 Main Street, North Adams

DOUBLE SNAP up to $30!

HIP Vendor: Full Well Farm

New Year, New Members Join Our nbCC Team!

Andrew Roseburg

SCHOOL LIAISON

1. Tell us a little background about yourself. Anything you’d like the community to know.

My name is Andrew Rosenburg and I was born and raised in North Adams. I have lived most of my life in the Berkshires and currently live in North Adams with my beautiful wife, Zorelly, and our dog, Walter.

2. What did you do before joining the Coalition team?

Before joining the Coalition, I was at Crane Currency in Dalton and before that I was a music teacher at Brayton Elementary.

3. What interests you most about the work you do/will be doing at the Coalition?

Now that I’m at the Coalition I’m very excited to be working with and in the community that I love.

4. What is your favorite thing about living in the Berkshires/northern Berkshires?

In my free time I’m a freelance tuba player performing mostly with the Valley Winds in the Pioneer Valley region.

Catherine Record

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER

1. Tell us a little background about yourself. Anything you’d like the community to know.

I grew up in North Adams and have been working in Berkshire County for 5 years now.

2. What did you do before joining the Coalition team?

I previously worked for a MassHealth Community Partners Program based out of West Springfield, servicing the Berkshire area.

3. What interests you most about the work you do/will be doing at the Coalition?

I am most interested in working with the families in the Family Resource Center, and contributing/attending all of the different community events that nbCC is a part of!

4. What is your favorite thing about living in the Berkshires/northern Berkshires?

My favorite thing about the Berkshires is all of the hiking trails we have! I especially like that so many of the trails have scenic routes or lookouts.

Bonnie Clements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAM SPECIALIST

1. Tell us a little background about yourself. Anything you’d like the community to know.

I was born in North Adams but grew up in Florida. In 2016 I moved back to the Berkshires with my family to raise my family in the area I love.

2. What did you do before joining the Coalition team?

For the past 7 years I have worked for North Adams Public Schools.

3. What interests you most about the work you do/will be doing at the Coalition?

I enjoy working with the community and am excited to join the nbCC team.

4. What is your favorite thing about living in the Berkshires/northern Berkshires?

I love beauty the Berkshires and being a part of an amazing caring community.

Lindzie White

YOUTH PREVENTION COORDINATOR

1. Tell us a little background about yourself. Anything you’d like the community to know.

I successfully amended Mass General Law Section 15 A in 2021 to ensure that our students across the Commonwealth have equal opportunities to run for Student Trustee.

2. What did you do before joining the Coalition team?

Previous to nbCC I was a full time student at MCLA who spent last summer in Washington D.C delivering subpoenas on the Hill. I just graduated in December 22’ with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.

3. What interests you most about the work you do/will be doing at the Coalition?

I have always been an advocate at heart and the work at nbCC as Youth Prevention Coordinator gives me an opportunity to continue my advocacy work in our neighboring communities.

4. What is your favorite thing about living in the Berkshires/northern Berkshires?

There are two things I love the most in the Berkshires, James Taylor and the ability to explore the mountain trails with my dog Sonya. I cannot wait for summer!

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

February DIY Craft: Silly Valentines Heart

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

Cooperative Parenting and Divorce (8 Week Workshop)

Wednesdays, Feb. 1 - March 22, 5:30-7:30 pm, The overall emphasis of Cooperative Parenting and Divorce is to offer children of divorce the opportunity to grow in a home environment free from being caught in the middle of their parents’ hostility. The goals of this program are to:

-Assist parents in shifting their role from former spouses to co-parents

-Educate parents regarding the impact of parental conflict on their child’s development

-Help parents identify their contribution to conflict while increasing impulse control

-Teach parents anger management, communication and conflict-resolution skills

-Educate parents about children’s issues in divorce.

Transportation & Child Care available with at least 24 hours notice.

TO REGISTER for this FREE series: 413-663-7588 or email nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

Strengthening Families (10 Week Workshop)

Mondays through 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

Monthly Forum: Housing

Friday, Feb. 10, 10:00am-12:00 pm, Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams

All are welcome! Join us for this month’s forum where we’ll learn more about housing and have an opportunity to ask local experts your questions. For more information, contact us: 413-663-7588 or lboland@nbccoalition.org

Learn Through Play: We are Special, We are Kind

Saturday, Feb. 11, 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 theme of friendship. Best for ages 0-5 years. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

W.o.W. Heart Health/Blood Pressure Screening

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm, Williamstown COA, 118 Church St, Williamstown

We’ll be at the Williamstown COA assisting with blood pressure screenings and talking about how to keep your heart healthy this Valentines Day! To Register, contact: (413) 663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

Teen Writing SHOWCASE

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 5:00pm - 7:00pm, at Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams

Free and open to the public.. Come and hear the original works that this year’s

nbCC Teen Writing Workshop participants have been

working on each week! *All are welcome. *We feel strongly that participants should deliver unfiltered,

unchanged works. For this reason, some content

may be unsuitable for children under 14.

W.o.W. Workshop: Everything in Balance

Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6:00 - 7:00 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

Family Fun Skate Day

Thursday, Feb. 23, from 11:00am-1:00pm at the North Adams Skating Rink.

Free rentals, light snacks and hot chocolate. Transportation with at least 24hrs notice. No need to register! Questions? Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

Surviving Your Adolescent

Thursday, Feb. 23, from 4:30pm-5:30pm, nbCC, 61 Main St., Suite 218, North Adams.

This parent education program is FREE, but space is limited. What is typical teen behavior? What’s your biggest challenge as a parent? Join us to learn tips and tricks for parenting their teens! Snacks are provided. Transportation and child care available upon request.Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@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.

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 February!