Coalition News, an update from nbCC

Dear Northern Berkshire,

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our April 2024 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.

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COMMUNITY FORUM SCHEDULE

April 11, 2024 | 4-6pm | Terra Nova | Topic: “Promoting Emotional Intelligence & Self Awareness” Session

MAY 9, 2024 | 4-6pm | Terra Nova | Topic: “ Problem Solving & Negotiation” Session

June 28, 2024 | 11:30AM-1:30PM | 38th Annual Meeting

Exploring Identity in Conflict at March’s Forum

This year’s forums have focused on communication, conflict, and how to have difficult conversations within a community. Something often not thought of as part of this is the concept of identity and how it can affect all the people within a discussion. Past topics have touched on aspects of identity and self-reflection, they have mostly focused on related, but different, issues. Kayla Allen, director of the Dispute Resolution Center at Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority, again facilitated the discussion to talk about how identity can impact both individuals and wider discourse.  

  

Kayla opened the discussion by asking attendees to define what identity means to them. To start, she shared with the group a quote which likened keeping negative information out of difficult conversations to swimming without getting wet. It continues on to say, “If we are going to engage in difficult conversations, or in life for that matter, we’re going to come up against information about ourselves that we find unpleasant.” In other words, identity is often a crucial part of difficult conversations, and part of that can be understanding one’s own identity in context.


Someone’s identity is a combination of their choices, hobbies, beliefs, and how they portray themselves, internally and to others. A person’s identity, Kayla explained, can change and develop over the course of their life and is often shaped by things out of their control, like where they were born or how they were raised. Moreover, Kayla said that while much of a person’s identity is public-facing, like clothing and appearance, other parts, like someone’s beliefs, family history, sexuality, culture, and group affiliations, might be deeply personal or private for some.


Everyone in the group received a worksheet to map out their identity based on five categories: societal roles, group affiliations, cherished values, things that one believes themselves to excel in, and other traits including class, race, culture, ethnicity and geography. The goal of the activity was to encourage attendees to think about what makes up who they are and how they want others to see them. When discussing, several people said the things they wrote down, like hobbies, jobs, and life experiences, played a large role in defining who they are. One attendee mentioned their outward identity can shift based on context; how they interact with friends or family is slightly different from how they interact with coworkers and others in professional settings.


The next concept Kayla introduced was the idea of an identity quake, also called an emotional takeover. An identity quake is a conversation, or a part of one, that in some way can disrupt one’s sense of self. One example used during the forum was someone who believes they are a good listener, so much so that it is a core part of their identity, being told by a friend that they are actually a terrible listener. 


As part of the discussion, the audience was asked to pair up and discuss with each other their own identity quakes, how it made them feel, and how they reacted. An identity quake can elicit an intense physical or emotional response in someone. It’s as if your identity is being called into question, but it can also be a good opportunity for self-reflection. Thinking about why something someone said or did caused such a reaction is an opportunity to try and learn about yourself, others, and the wider situation.


Kayla encouraged attendees to try and determine their own sensitivities and develop a self-awareness when engaging in difficult conversations. Several strategies were suggested, including scanning, which is recognizing the body language, feelings, tone and other characteristics of yourself and others. Kayla also mentioned “voices” or self-talk, which she said can have a significant influence on your behavior. Knowing how you think about yourself and what triggers certain reactions can limit the impact extreme negative and positive voices have on your behavior.


Please join us for next month’s forum on April 11, when we will continue this more self-focused exploration by diving into emotional intelligence and self-awareness. April’s forum is intended to build upon many of the skills and conversations that were a part of this forum. We hope to see you there!


~Brian Rhodes, Program Administrative Specialist


Thanks Friends! You’ve Made a Positive Impact Right in Your Own Community!

Since its inception, nbCC has been a crucial link between those in need and those who can help. With your assistance, we can continue to provide Northern Berkshire residents the tools needed to improve their lives and their neighborhoods. We understand that not everyone is able to make a financial contribution to the Coalition, but we want you to know that no amount is too small to be helpful. Thanks for all you do to support nbCC!

The 2023-24 Friends of the Coalition (as of March 18, 2024)


CHAMPION

Ellen Bernstein

Gene Carlson


ADVOCATE

Gregory & Joann Phelan


LEADER

Studio BOTH/AND


GUARDIAN

Osmin & Monica Alvarez

Becks Printing 

Carolyn Behr

Gabe & Amber Besaw

Lynette Bond

Sumi Colligan

Sara LaLumia

Kathleen Morris & Robert Kraus

Robert & Darlene Rodowicz


BENEFACTOR

Jerome & Maureen Baran

BFAIR

Juliet Flynt 

Mark Gold & Ellen Kennedy

Anne Goodwin

Main Street Hospitality

Jennifer & Jeff Meehan

Joshua Mendel & the Mendel Family 

Rental Housing Association of Berkshire County

Charles & Katherine Swabey


BOOSTER

Kate Annichiarico

Craig Bard

Al Bashevkin & Nancy Pearlman

Thomas & Jennifer Bernard

Susan Birns

Lisa Blackmer

Kevin Boisjolie & Fran Berasi

Roger & Julia Bolton

Ronald & Cynthia Bosley

Duncan & Susan Brown

Jerry Caprio & Jeanne Marklin

David & Wende Carver

Larry & Penny Choquette

Michael & Licia Conforti

James & Bonnie Cunningham

Marge Currier

Chris & Eleanor DerbyKilfoyle

David & Martha Elpern

Michele Ethier

Anna Flynn & Scott Doerle

Paul Gitterman

Hugh & Laurie Glover

Marion Grillon

Kenna Hoellerich

Hulda Hardman Jowett

Kathy Keeser

Kevin Kennefick & Susan Killam

Kotzian-Donalies Family Charitable Fund

Roberta Lamb

Fred & Cyndi Langworthy

Rajni Sood Laurent

John MacFarlane

Tiku Majumder & Susan Abrams

Melissa Mandato

Peter Mehlin

Brian Miksic & Suzy Helme

Spencer Moser & Valerie Carrigan

Peter Murphy & Audrey Thier

Congressman Richard Neal 

John & Joanne Notsley

Bo & Katherine Peabody

Kimberly Pelland

Dorothy Ransford

Ann Scott

Maynard Seider

Paul & Karen Shiebler

Anthony & Margaret Siracusa

Samuel Smith

Susan Smith

Jonathan Swartz

Richard Taskin

Colleen Taylor

Sue Walker

Curt Wells & Sarah Jacobson

Bill & Adrienne Wootters


ASSOCIATE

John & Jane Allen

Elizabeth Ash

Liz Boland

Ralph Bradburd & Zelda Stern

Adriana Brown

Maralyn Brown 

Andrew & Sue Budz

Ann Cain

Richard Davis

Mary Katherine Eade

Keith & Andrea Farrow

Amy Hall

Thomas & Antoinette Hawke

Robert Hertzig 

Howard Itzkowitz

Michael & Mary Jane Jachimczyk

Jo LaForest

Peter & Susan Landry

Paul & Sharon LeSage 

Richard Lescarbeau & Mary Sugden

Barbara Mahony

Linda Maloney

Louis & Alice Manica

Mark & Susan Merullo

Anthony & Augusta Nicastro

Donald & Nancy Pecor

Donald & Anne Singleton

Edward Stapleton

Francis & Corinne Viens

Patricia Willette

Bodil Wilson

K. Scott Wong & Carrie Waara

Sharon Wyrrick


SUPPORTER

Edmond & Alice Beaudreau

Fred & Margaret Bozek

Mark & Karen Daigle

Keith Davis

 John Franzoni & Ellen Sutherland

John Hebert & Gail Rondeau Hebert

Paul & Doris Hutchinson

Jim & Debra Lipa

Mark & Kathleen Mancini

Sandy McNay & Lucy Green

Sharron Mirke

Vicki Moncecchi

Jeanne Moulthrop

Michael Murphy

David & Denise Nagle

Richard Netherwood

Michael & Patricia Nuvallie

Carolyn Ouimet

Roberta Patten 

Jane Peth

Richard & Dianna Pikul

Joseph & Janet Rogge

Patrick & Dawn Schoorlemmer

Enid Shields

Kurt Tauber

Norma Tomkowicz

Michelle Van Orman

Gracie Vincent

James Wolfe

Julia Wolfrum

Susan Zoltek


WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR TO THE COALITION?


Contributions can be made online or mailed to:

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

  61 Main Street, Suite 218

  North Adams, MA 01247

Guess What? We Launched A Webstore!

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new online store, where you can purchase Coalition merchandise, make donations, and purchase tickets to our annual meetings. Your support has never looked better. All products listed on the site are in stock and available for purchase at our office. We can accept checks and credit card payments only. 


We will continue to “tweak” the site and add products as they become available. Also, if there is product information you want to know, but don’t see on the site, please reach out to us. We can get you the information you’re seeking and make sure it gets added to the site. Purchasing products is a way to support nbCC, not only financially, but by getting our logo out and seen in the community and where ever you travel! Plus, you’ll look good doing it.


A link to the webstore can be found on the main menu of our site, nbccoalition.org, or directly at https://northern-berkshire-community-coalition.square.site/


Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Tips from Donna

If you are a grandparent age 55 or older, you should contact your local Elder Service Agency and ask about their different programs and about their Respite care grants program. Through this program there may be funds available to help with summer camp for your child. For Berkshire County Residents, call 413-499-0524/ Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm EST

Elder Services

877 South Street, Suite 4E

Pittsfield, MA 01201

~Donna Senecal, Family Partner


Questions? Give us a call at 413-663-7588 or email dsenecal@nbccoalition.org

W.o.W. Workshops Traveling to C.O.A.s in April!


This month Jessi, our Health & Wellness Coordinator is taking the Working on Wellness (W.o.W.) workshops on the road and will be presenting two workshops focused on the healing power of foods to the Councils on Aging in Florida Mass. and North Adams.


First up, on Thursday, April 4th, Jessi will present a workshop on Fire Cider from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 pm. at the Florida Public Library, located at 56 N County Road, Florida, MA. Attendees will learn why Fire Cider is a highly recommended immune booster, what the ingredients are and why they are used, and will be making their own batch of Fire Cider to take home! All the supplies and learning materials will be provided and the workshop is absolutely free to attend. However, registration is required and can be secured by contacting Heidi at the Florida Library at director@floridafreelibrary.com or 413-664-0153 ext 14.


Two weeks later, on Thursday, April 18th, Jessi will be presenting “Food As Medicine” at the North Adams C.O.A. beginning at 10:00 a.m. The center, also known as the Spitzer Center, is located at 116 Ashland Street. Again, this workshop is free to attend, but those interested in attending should reach out to register. 


Jessi will teach the group how the food we put into our bodies affects not just our physical health, but also our mental and spiritual health. Attendees will learn to read food labels, discover what herbs might be found in your own backyard, and why it’s important to know where the food you eat is coming from. Space is limited. Please reach out to Jessi to register: 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org 


Questions? Give us a call at 413-663-7588 or email jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

W.o.W. Workshop: Fire Cider

Thursday, April 4, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Florida Council On Aging, 56 N County Road, Florida, MA ( REGISTRATION REQUIRED)

Learn why Fire Cider is a highly recommended immune booster/cold & flu remedy. Learn which ingredients are used and why. Make your own to take home! Discuss other natural medicines & remedies best to combat common illnesses. (All Supplies Provided) Register with Heidi at Florida Library director@floridafreelibrary.com 


Monthly Forum: Promoting Emotional Intelligence & Self Awareness

Thursday, April 11, 4 - 6 PM, Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams

The past forums have focused on techniques to enhance communication when having difficult conversations. This forum will focus more inward, looking at self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. 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: Rain, Rain, Go Away! Weather Exploration

Saturday, April 13, 10 - 11 AM, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

In collaboration with Child Care of the Berkshires. Activities and circle time will focus on types of weather. Best for ages 0-5 years. Registration suggested. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 


NEW! Baby Group

Saturday, April 13, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

Miss Emilee is piloting a new baby group to follow the Learn Through Play Group. This event is best for infants. Siblings welcome. Registration suggested. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 


W.o.W. Workshop: Food As Medicine

Thursday, April 18, 10:00 AM, Mary Spitzer Center, 116 Ashland Street, North Adams, MA

Join Jessi, Health and Wellness Coordinator from nbCC, for a workshop on food as medicine. We are what we eat and what we put into our bodies affects our physical, mental and spiritual health. From herbs found in your backyard, to knowing how to read a label at the store, to even shaking the hand of the farmer, this workshop will cover the importance of knowing what is in your food, where your food is coming from and how you can use this knowledge to work for you. Space is limited. To register or for more info: 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org


Free Family Bowling!

Thursday April 18, 11AM-1PM, AT VALLEY PARK LANES, 1274 CURRAN HWY, North Adams

Join our Family Resource Center staff for an afternoon of free family fun! Families will enjoy FREE bowling shoes rentals and a limited # of games.We will also provide light snacks and beverages. REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org


Parenting Journey 2

Thursdays Starting April 25, 5:30-7:30PM, nbCC, 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams

This is a 12 week program. In order to do Parenting Journey 2, parents need to have completed Parenting Journey 1 or Parenting Journey in Recovery. Child care and transportation are available upon request with at least 24hrs. notice.

In a supportive setting, we will work with you to uncover your inner strengths and help you achieve your goals.

Identify your strengths and increase your resiliency.

Make choices that will keep you headed in the direction you want to go.

Set goals for yourself and develop a concrete action plan to get you there.

Learn how to work as a family to create and achieve goals.

Create balance in your life with practical tips, tools, and the support of parents like you.

Become more confident and optimistic about achieving personal goals.

Build new possibilities for yourself and your children.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org


Spring Scavenger Hunt in Williamstown!

Saturday April 27, 11:30 AM -1:30 PM, Starts at Williamstown Community Chest, 84 Spring Street

Let’s have some SPRING fun! The first clue to this scavenger hunt will be located at Williamstown Community Chest. Follow the clues from there! More Info: 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org


WEEKLY EVENTS/PROGRAMS


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


Youth Leadership Program

Tuesdays, 5 PM - 7 PM, nbCC 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

Wednesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 PM, nbCC 61 Main Street, Ste. 218, 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*

WINTER HOURS

(4/3 & 4/10) 1st & 2nd Wednesdays, 4 - 6 PM, 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 - 7 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


Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Coffee Time Group

(2/2 & 2/16) 1st & 3rd Fridays, 10 AM - 12 PM. 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 light snacks provided. Please register: 413-663-7588 or email dsenecal@nbccoalition.org. 


UNO Community Center Coffee Time

Fridays, 1 PM - 4 PM, 157 River St., North Adams 

 Come on over and join the UNO neighbors for coffee and conversation. All are welcome. 

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 Thurs: 4PM | Mary J’s Afterschool Help

(No Admission fee. Open to school age youth)


  • 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.

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

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