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Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

  61 Main Street, Suite 218

  North Adams, MA 01247

It’s Time for the Annual Neighborly Awards Celebration!

While having good neighbors is important, the work of sharing the positive impact they have on individuals and the wider community is also crucial. Small gestures of kindness or selflessness by a neighbor can go far in building strong relationships, but those actions can often go unnoticed or unrecognized by people they affect the most. 

But a chance to honor and show appreciation for our neighbors is right around the corner. Starting at 5 p.m. on November 15th, the MCLA Church Street Center will play host to this year’s annual Neighborly Awards Ceremony. The event gives the community an opportunity to acknowledge the lasting effect of neighbors across the Northern Berkshires. Neighbors, community volunteer groups, companies and others from all over the region will be in attendance to support those who have contributed their free time and abilities to the betterment of others. 

Nearly 100 neighbors have received nominations for an award so far for this year’s festivities. Among them are businesses which have supported the area for years or even decades, volunteers who contribute throughout the county, organizations that offer health and family support, as well as youth and municipal leaders who try to make the place in which they work or live better. Many of the nominees, however, are just regular neighbors who have made the extra effort, through their neighborly acts, to help others or to give back. 

The ceremony is free and open to everyone interested in attending and celebrating the achievements of neighbors and the positivity their actions bring to everyone. Don’t pass on the chance to show appreciation to your neighbors for all of the things they do to improve the community. Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

It is still not too late to recognize a neighbor who has gone beyond what is necessary to benefit others. All recognitions, regardless of how big or small, are welcome. If a neighborly act has had a lasting effect on you or others you know, submit a neighborly nomination in-person, via phone or online before November 4th so everyone can celebrate it! 

~Brian Rhodes, Program Administrative Specialist

Spooky Good Time at UNO Open House

Last month the members of the UNO Steering Committee welcomed their neighbors into the center for the fall Open House. Committee members Mary Jirkovsky and Sarah Kline chose to mix the themes of ‘fall’ and ‘Halloween’, planning spooky and fall themed activities and food, and encouraging attendees to wear costumes to the event.

Close to forty friends and neighbors joined in the fun for the evening. Many of the children gladly complied with the request to wear costumes.There were plenty of superheroes, characters and creatures in attendance. Even a few adults dressed the theme wearing Halloween and fall themed shirts and accessories.

Everyone enjoyed munching on themed treats and drinking delicious fall beverages prepared by the committee. Activities included painting mini pumpkins from Big Y and a skeleton scavenger hunt. For the scavenger hunt Ms. J hid the individual pieces of mini skeletons all around the UNO Center to be found and connected together to form mini skeletons. This was a huge hit among the children. 

Overall, a wonderful time was had by all! The UNO Steering Committee enjoys creating special opportunities like this to welcome the neighborhood into the center, a space created to be welcoming and safe for the neighborhood to enjoy.

Here are a few other upcoming and recurring events happening at the UNO Center at no, or low cost to participants:

• Every Wed: 6:30-10:30 PM | Berkshire Gamers - Board Game Night (No Admission fee. Open to the Public)
• Every 2nd & 4th Wed: 9:30-10:30 AM | FRC Parenting Together Support Group (No Admission fee. Open to the Public)
• Wed. Nov. 15th: 3-5:30PM | Afterschool Board Games (No Admission fee. Open to the Public)
• Every Thurs: 10AM-12PM | 24/7 Dads Support Group (No Admission fee. Open to school age youth)
• Every Thurs: 4PM | Mary J’s Afterschool Help

(No Admission fee. Open to school age youth)

• Every Fri: 1:00-4:00PM | Community Coffee Time (No Admission fee. Open to the Public)
• Every Sun: 2:00-6:00 pm | RPG Game Night - $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.

What to Expect at the November 17th Community Forum

Our November forum will be an opportunity for the public to hear about three community projects going on in coordination with the City of North Adams. The projects are in various stages of development and representatives working on each will take this time to offer an overview and update on their project before the forum ends in a Q&A and discussion with attendees.

Early this year the city was awarded a $750,000 federal grant for a feasibility study to study the traffic and flow of pedestrians and traffic in the area of the Route 2 overpass. The overpass was constructed during a period of Urban Renewal’ when hundreds of downtown buildings were demolished, now the sites of strip malls and parking lots. At present the overpass divides MASS MoCA from the majority of the downtown area. This is one of 45 projects receiving grant funds from the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program, an initiative supporting projects that reconnect neighborhoods affected by transportation barriers, like the overpass. Mayor Macksey has been clear in statements that this does not necessarily mean the overpass will be removed, though that will be one of numerous options explored with this funding. Jenny Wright, Head Researcher for Civic Infrastructure and Community Engagement at MASS MoCA will present an overview.

Last fall the North Adams City Council approved the appropriation of $500,000 to be used toward a feasibility study of the Hoosic River flood control chutes. The funding is the city’s share of the estimated $3 million study being done by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The flood control chutes were constructed in the 1940s and 1950s and are in various stages of deterioration. Over the past decade or so five of the 20ft panels have collapsed into the river. Judy Grinnell of Hoosic River Revival will present on the status of this project and offer additional opportunities to engage in community discussions regarding the flood control chutes.

 The final project update will come from Eric Kerns of TOURISTS, presenting on the North Adams Adventure Trail. The Adventure Trail, a privately led project, is a 3.4-mile pedestrian/bike trail from the Williamstown line to downtown North Adams that would connect the existing Williamstown bike path with downtown North Adams. The project aims to succeed where decades long attempts by local and regional public entities have failed, for one reason or another.

The November forum will take place on Friday, November 17th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Terra Nova, located at 85 Main Street in North Adams. The forums are free to attend and open to the public. Each forum begins with a round of introductions and opportunity for attendees to offer community annoucements. This is followed by a brief break for refreshments and networking before the presentation of the monthly forum topic. This month’s presentations will begin at approximately 10:45 a.m.



For any questions or additional information on the event please contact the Coalition at 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Adds New Opportunity for Connection

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) support group has been meeting twice a month on first and third Tuesday evenings, offering that time and space for grandparents raising their grandchildren to share their stories, their struggles, and their accomplishments. It gives them a chance to get connected and learn they are not alone on this unexpected journey. These groups offer a free light dinner and, if needed, childcare and transportation. For child care or transportation 24 hours notice is required.

Life is busy. Especially with school age children, afterschool sports, activities, and events. This is why the GRG group has added an another monthly opportunity for connection. The group now holds a free monthly coffee time, meeting on third Fridays, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the UNO Community Center. The group hopes that this additional time will allow grandparent caregivers to connect while children are in school. 

Additionally, if you, or someone you know, are raising grandchildren and could benefit from this support, but are unable to make these meetings, please feel free to reach out to our FRC staff Donna Senecal at 413.663.7588 or dsenecal@nbccoalition.org to connect with any additional support that may be available. 

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

First Fridays North Adams: Gather

Friday, Nov. 3, 5:00-9:00 pm, Downtown, North Adams

Featuring the second annual Pumpkin Smash, art openings, live music, shop specials, food trucks, and more. Connect with neighbors while staying warm around the crackling fire pit.

Meet North Adams Candidates! Several candidates for elected offices such as City Council, School Committee, and Mayor will be present on downtown sidewalks so voters will have a chance to meet them and better understand their platforms before the Tuesday, November 7th election. 5-9:00 p.m.

PUMPKIN SMASH! Bring your unbleached and unpainted halloween pumpkins downtown to SMASH into the Second Chance Composting truck! Learn about composting and have fun! All ages welcome. Hosted by Hotel Downstreet, 5-8:00 p.m. | 40 Main Street

Learn Through Play: Can We Build It?

Saturday, Nov. 11. 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 focus on construction and building. Best for ages 0-5 years. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 

Active Parenting- The First Five Years (4 Week Parenting Series)

Starts Nov. 13. Mondays, 4:00-6:00pm, nbCC , 61 Main St., Suite 213, North Adams

In this 4 week program YOU WILL LEARN:

-What a baby’s cry means & Your child’s growing brain

 -Preventing tantrums and other problems

 -Building a loving bond

 -Caring for your child at different ages & stages

 -Using mindfulness to keep your cool

 -6 ways to prepare your child for school success.

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

Game Night at Colegrove Park Elementary School  

Wednesday, Nov. 14, 5:00 pm -7:00 pm, Colegrove Park Elementary School

For families attending Colegrove Park Elementary School ONLY. Join the nbCC as we bring an evening of fun and games to your school! For more information: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 

nbCC’s Annual Neighborly Awards Celebration

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 5:00-7:00 PM, MCLA Church Street Center, 375 Church St., North Adams. 

Celebrate someone who has made a positive impact in your life or community! Celebrate someone today with a Neighborly Award and be sure to join us on Wednesday, November 15th, at the MCLA Church Street Center to honor all of our local heroes! 5-7PM. Free to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

bit.ly/2023Neighborlies

Submission deadline is November 4, 2023. More info: 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org

nbCC Monthly Forum: Community Project Updates

Friday, Nov. 17, 10:00am-12:00pm, at Terra Nova, 85 Main Street

Join us this month to learn about and offer feedback on community projects, including the flood chutes, the Route 2 Overpass and the bike trail. Representatives working in collaboration with the City of North Adams will make brief presentations on the status of these projects, before opening the floor to a community discussion and listening session.

The forum will begin with a round of introductions and opportunity for announcements before the presentation begins. Light refreshments served.

FREE & open to the public.No registration required. All are welcome. Time for announcements and introductions during the first portion of the forum. Questions? 413-663-7588.

Northern Berkshire Health & Wellness Expo

Saturday, Nov. 18, 10:00am - 12:00 pm, First Baptist Church, 131 Main St., North Adams

Free and open to the public, the Expo will feature a variety of exhibitors offering interactive health-focused activities, handouts, and giveaways. Presenters throughout the duration of the event will also share their expertise on topics such as stress reduction. No registration is required and community members of all ages are encouraged to attend. No reg. required. 

WEEKLY EVENTS/PROGRAMS

Active Parenting- The First Five Years (4 Week Parenting Series)

Starts Nov. 13th. Mondays, 4:00-6:00pm, nbCC , 61 Main St., Suite 213, North Adams

In this 4 week program YOU WILL LEARN:

-What a baby’s cry means & Your child’s growing brain

 -Preventing tantrums and other problems

 -Building a loving bond

 -Caring for your child at different ages & stages

 -Using mindfulness to keep your cool

 -6 ways to prepare your child for school success.

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

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 Group

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. 

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Coffee Time

Friday, Nov. 17, 10:00am - 12:00pm. UNO Center, 157 River Street, 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. Coffee and snacks provided. Please let us know if you are coming. 663-7588 or email dsenecal@nbccoalition.org. 

Youth Leadership Program

Tuesdays, 5:00pm - 7:00pm, 61 Main Street, Rm. 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. Register: call 413-663-7588

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

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.

Teen Writing Workshop

Wednesdays, 5:00 - 7:00 pm, held at nbCC, 61 Main St., Suite 218, 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 with your writing and performance style. Opportunities to perform and be published. Snacks and supplies provided; transportation available. Register: call 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. No registration required. For more information: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 

Youth Health Collaborative

Thursdays, 5:00 - 7:00 pm, 61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams. 

STARTING OCT. 12 -(14-19 Yrs. Old) This program is intended to engage young people in supporting the health of their peers in the region. The aim of this program is to benefit the community by directly engaging young people in the act of bettering their environments. This is the only program with a limit on attendance, as there are only ten spots available! 

Participants will receive a stipend for completing this program. Please call or email to apply: 413-663-7588 or csacherski@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. 

NB Health & Wellness Expo

11/18 | 8AM - 3PM

Free and open to the public, the Expo will feature a variety of exhibitors offering interactive health-focused activities, handouts, and giveaways. Presenters throughout the duration of the event will also share their expertise on topics such as stress reduction. No registration is required and community members of all ages are encouraged to attend. No reg. required. 131 Main St. (NA First Baptist Church)

Click here to see what's going on at nbCC in NOVEMBER!