Greetings!
Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our March 2022 newsletter. To read the entire issue, download the PDF here. |
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Our March Community Forum - Join us from 5PM - 7PM at 85 Main Street, North Adams, to hear directly from young people in your community about the topics and challenges that are relevant to them. Members of the 2021 and 2022 Youth Health Collaborative will present a brief documentary film about the experiences of being a young person in Northern Berkshire County, as well as a presentation about the most recent Prevention Needs Assessment Data.
We look to community members from all walks of life for this important Coalition meeting. The first half of the forum will be devoted to introductions and announcements and please bring your flyers for distribution. For more info about this forum, contact Amber Besaw or Bri Hantman at nbCC, (413) 663-7588.
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February Forum Reveals Ample Opportunities & Resources for Job Seekers in the Berkshires |
On Friday, February 11th, roughly 40 members of the Northern Berkshire Community came together, virtually and in person, to attend a community forum on the topic of Workforce Development. The morning started with introductions and announcements, in the typical nbCC Forum style, followed by a networking break before moving on to the main topic, Workforce Development!
It should come as no surprise that the labor shortage that is being reported nationally, is also affecting the Berkshires. Many organizations and businesses confirmed that they are facing staffing challenges and discussed some of the tactics they are using to attract new candidates. Some of these tactics include flexible scheduling, student loan payment assistance, child care assistance, and retention bonuses.
Additionally, Paul Mattingly from Berkshire Community College presented on workforce training opportunities available through BCC. These trainings and certifications are free to engage in and fall under three categories: Healthcare; Hospitality and Tourism; and Advanced Manufacturing. Under the Healthcare umbrella are long-term training programs like a Phlebotomy program, a CNA training program, and Community Health Worker certification, or short term programs like Foundations for Mental Health.
Under the Hospitality and Tourism track there are certificate programs in Hospitality Core Skills, Hospitality Supervision, Beverage Service, and Culinary Skills. Lastly, under the Advanced Manufacturing area, participants get over 100 hours of in-person, hands-on manufacturing experience. In this program, participants will also get their OSHA Card. Additionally, participants will work on their resume writing and interviewing skills, which makes this program ideal for someone who is looking for an entry level position in manufacturing. Again, these trainings are free to anyone who wishes to participate.
To sign up for a certification course or training, please contact
Paul at pmattingly@berkshirecc.edu or call 413-236-2121
~ Bri Hantman, Office Coordinator
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Q & A with Our Newest Board Members... |
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Maureen Baran, Adams Community Bank
Q: Why did you decide to join the nbCC board?
A: I have watched nbCC do great work in the community since I moved to North Adams in 1992. Having the opportunity to work with Amber and the nbCC team at the Northern Berkshire Vaccine Clinics opened my eyes to how dedicated they are to serving our community. They are consistently the first to step up to help those in need. What hooked me was that they have fun getting the work done.
Q: Are there other organizations of local efforts that you are involved in and passionate about? If so, what are they?
A: I have served on many boards throughout the county. I currently volunteer, with many from nbCC, at the North Adams Mobile Food Truck.
Q: Is there anything else you would like the community to know about you?
A: In my leisure time, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and gardening.
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Michael Murphy, The Caleb Group
Q: Why did you decide to join the nbCC board?
A: I have worked in human services for over 45 years. For the last 3+ years I have worked at Mohawk Forest Apartments in North Adams. I am well aware of the long history of nbCC from their grass roots beginnings many years ago to their current operations. I have always admired and respected the dedication of leadership and staff to provide programs and services to a diverse community. When approached to join the BoD I was honored to be asked and very happy to serve. I understand the need for volunteers from the community to serve in a leadership capacity.
Q: Are there other organizations of local efforts that you are involved in and passionate about? If so, what are they?
A: Worked as health and safety services director at the local Red Cross in Pittsfield for over 20 years until chapter was closed several years ago. Currently, a select board member in Lanesborough. Approaching two years of a three year term. Many challenges facing cities and towns throughout the Berkshires, the state, and the country. Have always been dedicated to public service and giving back to the community.
Q: Is there anything else you would like the community to know about you?
A: Born in Troy, NY but moved to the Berkshires as a toddler. Raised in Pittsfield and have lived in Lanesborough for almost 30 years. Married my high school sweetheart (43 years in April). We have two grown children—a son and a daughter—they make us extremely proud each and every day for the adults they have become. Also worked as a mobile DJ for over 35 yrs. Have been involved in local theater since the early 70s and have acted in, directed, and produced shows on several local stages including the Robert Boland theater at Berkshire Community College and the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield.
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TWW Showcase: Growing our Creative Youth Community
On Wednesday, February 16th, the Teen Writing Workshop held its first showcase of the year. This group began meeting in October of 2021 to grow as writers and creators, find a supportive and shared space to learn different writing styles, try new story ideas, and share their passion for creativity with others. The group does two public showcases a year, one in the winter and one in the spring. One of the components of the group itself is supporting the young people in learning how to share their writing with others both in the group as well as the community through practice and encouragement that can build confidence!
This February's showcase was extra exciting because a lot of the young people sharing their work are brand new to the Teen Writing Workshop program and this was their first time sharing their writing and art publicly. There were different kinds of creativity shared that night, some young people brought digital art to show, some had traditional art sketched on paper. For the writers, there were poems about growth and heartache and fiction stories about medieval quests and pirate ships! It is always so exciting and rewarding to hear the young people read the writing they worked so hard on, and to see the final artwork after weeks of sketching and creating. February’s showcase had more than 20 guests that came to support the group and cheer them on. It is always moving to see and meet members of the participants’ families and friends that were there to support their young creators!
The spring Teen Writing Workshop showcase will be on May 18th and will be the last before we break for the summer! We are so excited to see how much the teens continue to grow and build their skills in the oncoming months.
~ Carrisa Sacherski, Youth Support Associate
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Family Support Comes in all Shapes & Sizes
Parenting is part nurturing and part learned. Here at nbCC’s Family Resource Center, staff provide parenting classes to all families. The center has a multitude of parent education classes to fit a variety of needs with a focus on positive discipline. Staff believe in teaching parents to be the best parents they can be. Here are some examples of classes that the FRC has to offer: How to care for your newborn babies, Happy Mealtimes, Healthy Kids, Safety Starts at Home, and Surviving your Adolescents.
Each class is done with staff of the Family Resource Center. Classes can be on a weekly basis or as needed. Staff work closely with parents/caregivers to ensure the classes are tailored to their needs. The majority of the classes have a “homework” component to expand upon the skills taught in class. Some of the classes are offered in a one-on-one setting where others are a group setting. A group setting is important as parents can learn and hear from other parents. Staff also host a variety of workshops to teach “life-skills”. These life-skills workshops range from basic sewing skills to financial literacy.
If you have any questions or want more information, please reach out to Stephanie Puc at 413-663-7588 or spuc@nbccoalition.org.
~Stephanie Puc, Family Support & Neighborhood Coordinator
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Celebrate St. Patty’s with Health & Wellness! |
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Join Barb Malkas and Jessi Byrne on Monday, March 14th, for a free , two hour workshop with a Celtic twist, on the Monday before St. Patrick’s Day. This free workshop will begin with an hour long yoga class, modified with chairs and assists, provided for those comfortable.
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 a limited number will be provided. This event will be held at the Terra Nova Community Space at 85 Main Street, North Adams.
~Jessi Byrne, Health & Wellness Coordinator
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Save the Date! nbCC's 2022 Annual Meeting is Friday, June 17th from 11:30AM - 1:30PM |
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Click here to see what's going on at nbCC in March!
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