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Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

  61 Main Street, Suite 218

  North Adams, MA 01247

The end of summer was marked once again with one of our favorite annual events, Back-packed for Success! 2023 marked the 12th year of the event which offers free backpacks and school supplies to K-12th grade students enrolled in any of the northern Berkshire schools.

The event is organized by the Coalition with funding support from Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC). This year it was supported by volunteers from Child Care of the Berkshires(CCB), Berkshire Community Action Council, North Adams Public Schools(NAPS) and the North Adams Public Library(NAPL).

This year, a total of two hundred fifty three backpacks were distributed to local students. What makes this event really special and sets it apart from other back-to-school giveaway events is that participating students get to choose, not only their own backpack, but also the supplies they will need for the school year. This ability to choose a favorite color or a preferred pattern adds to the excitement of the day, and hopefully some enthusiasm for the return to school.

Over the past twelve years this program has distributed over 1,500 backpacks full of supplies to area families. We hope the return to classrooms and learning is a positive experience for our young people, and that by removing concerns about affording backpacks and supplies, their families can also enjoy this transition.

Once again the North Adams Public Library was able to join us with a table filled with free books so that each child could choose a book to take home with them as a final treat once they had filled their bags. Thank you again to our friends at BCAC, CCB, NAPS and NAPL for their help to ensure the event ran smoothly. We hope everyone is excited and ready to get back to school!

Summer Recap: Youth Summer Sessions

At nbCC, our summer youth programming has been expanding every year since it began. This year, in addition to our Summer Session program, we added some summer Teen Writing Workshop(TWW) days, at the request of the TWW group from the prior school year. This summer has seen the most participants we’ve had in the Summer Session Program, with 22 individuals attending at one time or another. It has been a very fun summer (and not just for the participants…), and we thought we’d take a moment to share some highlights. 

The Summer Session program started as a way to get young people back together in a safe environment in the summer of 2020. It has evolved into its current form, where young people gather weekly to take part in different events and programs around the area, and connect with local artists, makers, and community members. 

This year’s program has involved the support and involvement of a variety of individuals and organizations. The group met with artist Alison Pebworth, who is a relatively recent addition to the community. Alison let the group know about a project that she has done in the past, and plans to recreate here in North Adams, that involves community members painting messages on colorful pieces of scrap wood. The Summer Session group got the opportunity to participate in painting the pieces of wood, and helping to plan the community sign making event. 

The groups have also traveled outside of North Adams this year, with the Teen Writing group traveling to Sheep Hill for a day of writing and creating in the sunny fields and pastures that the Rural Land Trust operates. The Summer Session group also visited Williamstown, where education staff from the Clark Art Institute led the group on a tour of the Edvard Munch exhibit, and created space for reflection and creation. This group also traveled outside of Berkshire County, making our return trip to the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in Deerfield. 

Other endeavors this year were a little closer to home, with the group visiting nbCC’s Bike Collective in North Adams, and learning from Health and Wellness Coordinator Jessi Byrne about the goings on there, and how to get involved. Speaking of bikes, the group also visited MASS MoCA this summer to help prepare and paint some bike collective bikes that will be used throughout North Adams in the future. 

Overall, it has once again been a summer with lots of new and returning faces, and many opportunities to connect with and learn about the many offerings in our area. The Teen Writing group will meet once more in August, before our regularly scheduled programming kicks off in October.

~ Tim Shiebler, Youth Development Coordinator

Game Nights Coming to the UNO Center!

The UNO Center is located at 157 River Street, North Adams.

Berkshire Gamers - Board Game Night

 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM, WEDNESDAYS. 

No Admission fee. Open to the Public.

STARTING IN SEPTEMBER: Learn new board games from around the world! Taught by our friendly welcoming table leaders! We also circle back to favorites like Catan, Ticket to Ride, Wingspan, Splendor, Azul, Just One, 7 Wonders, Sushi Go! and more!

Expect a theme every other week!- in the past we’ve done evenings on Trains, Dogs, Auctions, City Building, Ancient Egypt & Greece, Space, game of the year winners, Roll & Writes, cooperative games, games of famous authors, plants & flowers, Cats, bees & pollen, food, racing, Art and Galleries, movies & plays....and more.

FRIDAY NIGHT MAGIC

1ST EDITION

FRIDAYS: 9/8, 9/22, and 9/29. Doors open at 6:15 PM; Draft starts at 6:30 PM

A collaborative storytelling game where one person plays the narrator and supporting cast to the ensemble played by the other players. Open to the public to drop in, learn how to play and connect with the community of gamers. 

RPG Game Night

SUNDAYS: 9/17, 9/24, and 10/1 from 2:00-6:00 pm

$2 Admission Fee

A collaborative storytelling game where one person plays the narrator and supporting cast to the ensemble played by the other players. Open to the public to drop in, learn how to play and connect with the community of gamers. 

Games for School Age Kids

WEDNESDAY, September 20 from 3 PM to 5 PM

Learn Take It Easy (Bingo-like puzzle game that reinforces basic arithmetic while being fun) and Just One (Clue giving cooperative party game)

After School Games

WEDNESDAY, October 18 from 3 PM to 5 PM

Learn Backgammon, Crokinole and Texas-5 Dominoes! (Reinforces basic arithmetic skills and Crokinole is a 19th Century Canadian flicking game that’s a hoot.)

Please give us a call if you’d like to learn more: 413-663-7588 or email gglasier@nbccoalition.org

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

September DIY Craft:

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 

Nurturing Families Parenting Workshops

Tuesdays, 10:00-11:00 am, UNO Center, 157 River Street, North Adams.

9/5 - Positive Discipline

9/12 - Dealing with Stress

Registration required. Workshops can be taken separately or consecutively. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

First Fridays North Adams: Community Picnic

Friday, Sept. 1, 5:00-8:00pm, Eagle Street, North Adams

Join in the First Friday Fun! Pack a picnic dinner or grab take out from your favorite local restaurant and find a spot at one of the tables that will be set up down the middle of Eagle Street during the event. This is a great time to connect with your neighbors and enjoy what your local shops have to offer.

Downtown Bike Around

1st Friday of the month, 6:00- 6:30 pm, Meeting on Eagle Street, North Adams (check FB for weather cancellations)

Join us for the return of the Downtown Bike Around, a free, monthly, community group bike ride, suitable for all ages. Meeting on Eagle Street during First Friday. Weather permitting. Bikes available if needed. Call us at 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

nbCC Monthly Forum: Community Brainstorming Session 

Friday Sept. 8, 10:00am - 12:00pm, at Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams

We’re doing it a bit differently this year and the first forum will focus on community brainstorming around better ways and best practices regarding how we work together and communicate with each other. No registration required. All are welcome. Time for announcements and introductions during the first portion of the forum. Questions? 413-663-7588.

Learn Through Play: Little Blue & Little Yellow

Saturday, Sept. 9, 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 color mixing and the children's book, Little Blue & Little Yellow. Best for ages 0-5 years. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 

FRC Parenting Workshop: Active Parenting 

Mondays, Sept 11 & 18, 4:00pm - 6:00pm. nbCC , 61 Main St., Suite 213, North Adams

You will learn:

-Why children misbehave and how to redirect them

-Nonviolent discipline that really works

-How to build courage and character in your child

-Opening up the lines of communication with your children

-How to prevent problems with drugs, alcohol, violence, and sex

-How to stop scolding and start smiling with your kid again

Please register: 413-663-7588 or email nkennedy@nbccoalition.org. 

Parents’ Cafe -Single Parents/Guardians

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams 

For individuals who are parenting a child or children, alone. A guided conversation where peers will share their experiences and learn from each other. This is a free event where dinner will be provided as well as childcare by a DCF approved caretaker. Registration required: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

Game Night and Pop-up Bike Collective  

Wednesday, Sept. 13 , 5:00-7:00 pm, Greylock Elementary School, North Adams.

This event is only for families with children currently enrolled in Greylock Elementary School. Join the nbCC for an evening of games and fun! Snacks provided. Plus, the Bike Collective will pop-up outside at this event for families to learn more about the Bike Collective and what it has to offer.

IEP Binder Drop-in

Wednesday, Sept 20, 5:00 - 7:00 pm, NA Public Library, 74 Church Street, North Adams 

Wednesday, Sept 27, 5:00 - 7:00 pm, nbCC, 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams  

FREE & open to all north Berkshire families with children with an IEP or 504, or looking to request evaluation for special education services.

Build your own binder and learn to keep everything you need organized.

Registration preferred, but not required: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

WEEKLY EVENTS/PROGRAMS

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

*NO GROUP on SEPT. 5*

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. 

Family Resource Center: Parenting Together Group

2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9:30 -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

nbCC Bike Collective Open Hours

* 9/13 Bike Collective will be at Greylock Elementary School*

Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00pm, 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.

24/7 Dads Parenting Group 

Thursdays, 10:00am - 12:00pm, UNO Center, 157 River Street, North Adams.

 A support group for dads. Children need their fathers. Fathers need their children. Discuss difficult issues and develop more effective coping techniques.

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 SEPTEMBER!