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Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

  61 Main Street, Suite 218

  North Adams, MA 01247

On April 11th, the Berkshire Youth Development Project (BYDP) hosted the 413 Youth Conference at MASS MoCA in North Adams. This conference was the first under this name, having been called the 411 in the 413 in years past. This was a particularly special event in a variety of ways. It was the first time that the event was held in North County, and the first at MASS MoCA. This year’s event also marked a return to the full day conference that young people had experienced prior to the COVID19 pandemic, which caused the cancellation of two years of the program, and the reduction of the scale of the conference after that. Overall, it was a powerful and inspiring day, bringing together over 70 young people from all across the county, representing 9 different Berkshire high schools. 

This year’s conference, like those in years past, was influenced and shaped greatly from the efforts of three Berkshire County young people acting as interns for the three BYDP partners. The interns worked alongside their BYDP counterparts representing North, South, and Central counties. Their efforts and insights helped to shape the scope of the day, in ways both big and small. Their involvement did not end once the conference began, however. Two of the interns, Bhumi and Liza, led the young people in attendance in a variety of ice breaker activities, as a way to encourage interaction amongst the assembled students. Harley, our North County youth intern, was unfortunately unable to attend due to illness, but left his mark on the conference in a variety of ways. 

One of the most important roles the interns played throughout the process was helping to identify workshop topics that they felt would be engaging and relevant to their peers. This year’s conference once again featured a wide range of workshops from local community members. From “Blackout Poetry” to “How to Take Control of Your Online Life”, workshops provided participants with a wide swathe of topics, skills, and creative outlets to engage in for the day. This year’s workshop slate even included a workshop from Urban Bush Women, a dance group in residence at MASS MoCA during the conference. 

The planning team is still debriefing and reaching out to conference goers for feedback, but the initial returns suggest that those in attendance enjoyed the conference, and found it to be a unique and engaging experience. One conference goer found the experience to be “ a great opportunity for students to share their minds, ideas, and allow them to express themselves”. Many of the respondents enjoyed meeting their peers from across the county, and having an opportunity to make new friends. Another young person who attended the conference summed it up this way: “The conference today was honestly a great experience, and allowed me to express myself in an environment I was comfortable in. It is scary to willingly express myself in school and with that it gave me a break from school and it made my day!” 

This conference would not have been possible without the efforts of the MASS MoCA staff, our partners within the schools, and all of the workshop facilitators who offered their time and services. Above all else, the event would have fallen well short of the experience that it was without the time, energy, and insights of our youth interns. We couldn’t have done it without them! 

For more information about the internship, or ways to get involved with the conference next year, contact Tim at nbCC. tshiebler@nbccoalition.org.

~Tim Shiebler, Youth Development Coordinator

Coming up on 5/11/23 : May Forum

Prevention Needs Assessment Report & Discussion

For the past 37 years, nbCC’s mission has been to empower the Northern Berkshire region by enhancing the quality of life through the efforts of connecting, convening and supporting all facets of the community. More specifically, in regards to prevention, nbCC has been funded since 2002 to focus on the prevention of early initiation with substances and has continued to do this work over the last two decades. nbCC’s Prevention Needs Assessment indicates that youth misuse rates of alcohol are above the national norm, while marijuana and cigarette use is on a downward trend, and e-cigarette/vaping use is at an all time high. Are you concerned? Would you like more information? If so, then please join us on May 11th 4:00 PM at the Terra Nova Church. Tim Schiebler and Lindzie White will be presenting on the Prevention Needs Assessment Survey. 

~Lindzie White, Youth Prevention Coordinator

Food Access Collaborative Updates 

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

May DIY Craft: Butterfly

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

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12

Starting Thursday, May 4, 2:00pm-4:00pm, nbCC, 61 Main Street, Ste. 218, North Adams

 An easy-to-learn, evidence-based parenting program for 2-12 year olds.

 Learn how to discipline without arguing, yelling, or physical discipline. Manage troublesome behavior with reason, patience, and compassion. Encourage and respect children’s growing independence. Learn strategies for growing self-esteem.

Snacks are provided. Transportation and child care available upon request.Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

Rail Trail Rides! 

Friday May 5, 11:00am-1:00pm; Thurs. May 25, 8:00-10:00 am. (Days and times vary from week to week, Meet at the Adams Visitors Center.)

 Are you looking to get more comfortable riding your bike? Want to ride the Rail Trail, but not sure where to start? Want to take advantage of a midweek adventure? Beginning May 5th, Jessi Byrne will be leading many Rail Trail group rides. We will meet at the Adams Visitor Center and ride the trail together as a group. Bring your bike and safety gear. Don’t have a bike? Stop by the Bike Collective on Mondays 3:30-5:30 to get fitted with the perfect bike for you and the whole family. For more info: 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org 

May Forum:Prevention Needs Assessment Presentation 

Thursday, May 11, 4:00-6:00 pm, Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams

All are welcome! A presentation & discussion led by nbCC staff members, Tim Shiebler and Lindzie White. They will be presenting data from the most recent Prevention Needs Assessment, discussing its relevance, and listening to feedback from forum attendees about the information learned about our youths risk factors and prevention needs. The presentation will be preceded with a round of introductions, and opportunity for everyone to share announcements. For questions or more information give us a call at 413-663-7588. 

Learn Through Play: Things That Roll

Saturday, May 13, 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 cars and building things like ramps. Best for ages 0-5 years. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 

All Babies Cry

Thursday, May 25, 10:00am-11:30am, nbCC, 61 Main Street, Ste. 218, North Adams

 Learn what babies are communicating when they 

cry. Strategies to calm & comfort babies

Ways to calm yourself when your baby is fussy        

Signs of colic & other issues that cause distress.        

Registration is FREE, but space is limited Snacks are provided. Transportation and child care available upon request. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

More 1-2-3 Magic: Encouraging Good Behavior, Independence, and Self-Esteem

Starting Thursday, May 25, 2:00pm-4:00pm, nbCC, 61 Main Street, Ste. 218, North Adams

 A continuation of this easy-to-learn, evidence-based parenting program for 2-12 year olds.

In addition to controlling difficult behavior, parents need to know how to encourage good behavior so they can enjoy their children and relate to them with warmth and affection. In More 1,2,3, Magic, Dr. Phelan explains how to get your children to do the good things you want them to do, such as getting up and out in the morning, eating, going to bed, and picking up after themselves. You will also learn practical, down-to-earth strategies for encouraging your children’s growing independence and for promoting reasonable, healthy self-esteem.

Snacks are provided. Transportation and child care available upon request. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

W.o.W. Workshop: Backyard Foraging

Wednesday May 31, 2:00 - 3:00 pm, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams 

Meet Molly Racette from Molly & Herbs and Jessi Byrne of nbCC at the UNO center lawn for backyard foraging May 31st, 2-3pm. The group will walk around the gardens and parks hunting for plants. Learn about the plants growing around us that are great for medicinal uses, topical healing and many more!  

Bring a notebook and pen for notes. Dress for the weather as this is an outdoor activity. Questions? 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

WEEKLY EVENTS/PROGRAMS

nbCC Bike Collective Open Hours

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.

Downtown Bike Around 

Mondays, 5:30 pm- 6:00 pm, Meeting at the Armory, 206 Ashland Street, North Adams (check FB for weather closures)

Join us for the return of the Downtown Bike Around, a free, weekly, community group bike ride, suitable for all ages. Meeting at the Armory garage lot. Weather permitting. Bikes available if needed. Call us at 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@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

Drop-in Art Club

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 Wednesdays, 3:30 pm -4:30 pm, 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, 1:00 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 MAY!