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Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

  61 Main Street, Suite 218

  North Adams, MA 01247

On Wednesday, May 17th, the Teen Writing Workshop celebrated the end of the programming year with their final showcase. It also marked the release of the annual journal of teen writing, Somewhere Between. This year’s journal marks the 25th volume of the publication, and features incredible original works of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and art.

For the first time, the Teen Writing Workshop will be offering a summer program starting on July 12th at the Coalition offices. The summer writing workshop will occur twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, alternating between 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. and 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. The program is open to any young people between the ages of 13-19. For more information, you can visit our website, call nbcc at 413-663-7588, or email csacherski@nbccoalition.org

nbCC Hosts its 37th Annual Meeting Honoring George & Nancy Canales with NB Hero Award 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC) will hold its annual meeting at Greylock WORKS on Friday, June 16th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This marks its 37th year as a community organization. This year’s keynote speaker will be State Senator Paul Mark, and the Coalition will honor George and Nancy Canales with the Northern Berkshire Hero Award for their decades of community involvement, including their volunteer efforts with the LaFesta Baseball Exchange, the SteepleCats baseball team and the North Adams visitors booth.

The theme of this year’s meeting,“Telling Your Story”, will include memories captured in photographs of the past 37 years of work the Coalition has done in the community. Some photographs will be enlarged and displayed throughout the event space and thousands of photographs will be available for attendees to search through and take home. The Coalition recently digitally archived their collection of photographs and welcomes the community to take home any photographs they would like to keep. Most of the photographs available are from 1998 through 2002.

Tickets for the event are $25/person. Scholarships are available for community residents who would like to attend. Buffet lunch, coffee and dessert will be provided by M & J’s Taste of Home Catering. Registration is available online or by calling the Coalition at 413-663-7588. Registration link: https://conta.cc/40HKN9l

What We Learned About Our Youth at the May Forum

In May, nbCC’s coordinators Tim Shiebler and Lindzie White presented the most recent 2023 Prevention Needs Assessment (PNA) data. The presentation was held at the community forum at Terra Nova Church (85 Main st in North Adams). The presentation aimed to inform the community of how youth substance misuse trends are measured, the factors that put youth at risk and how bonding protective factors in the community, family, school and on an individual/peer level, can positively impact the youth in our region. For those who could not attend the forum here is a brief synopsis, (there is no recording available).

The Berkshire Youth Development Project (BYDP), is a county wide partnership which consists of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC), Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Tritown Health, 18 Degrees, the Gladys Allen Brigham Center and the Railroad Street Youth Project. BYDP coordinates with schools to administer the Prevention Needs Assessment (PNA) survey to 13-18 year olds who are enrolled in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade across Berkshire county every two years. The survey is designed to measure 19 risk-factors and 10 protective-factors, 6 problem-behaviors and 8 antisocial behaviors on an individual/peer, school, family and community level. nbCC has tracked risk and protective factors in northern Berkshire County since 2006. Risk factors include the characteristics of school, community, family and of students and their peer groups, known to predict increased likelihood of drug use, delinquency rates, school dropouts and violent behaviors among youth. Protective factors exert a positive influence and buffer against the negative influence of risk factors, therefore reducing the likelihood that adolescents will engage in problem behaviors. To give more context, here are some answers regarding two of the highlighted questions that were asked by engaged community members during the discussion:

How are the questions asked about depression rates and why are our youth so different?

Rising depression among youth is a national concern. When speaking about northern Berkshire county youth we are seeing 59% of them reporting depression symptoms, which is 18.2 points above the national norm. The PNA scales depression by asking students to indicate a yes or no answer on language like, “sometimes I think that life is not worth it, at times I think I am no good at all, all in all I am inclined to think that I am a failure” and “in the past year, have you felt depressed or sad MOST days, even if you felt OK sometimes?” 

Depression in northern Berkshire County has been trending upward for the last two decades. Some youth are disproportionately affected; rural, justice involved, and LGBTQ youth. Qualitatively we know that these youth have enhanced risk factors and low protective factors. An example of this for rural youth is the diminished protective factor of “opportunities for pro social involvement”. In communities with less than 1700 residents, youth can face real or perceived barriers to accessing transportation, comprehensive health services, positive youth development programs, as well as low to no cost learning and social opportunities. These real or perceived barriers present with low engagement rates of youth from these communities and an enhanced risk of depression and substance use. 

How does northern Berkshire county compare to the rest of Berkshire county?

The percentage of youth who use alcohol, tobacco (nicotine) and other drugs in northern Berkshire County during their lifetimes has been trending downward over the last decade. However, in the most current data, the percentage of students reporting they used alcohol, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes during the past 30 days, regionally and county-wide, is above the national norm. What does that mean? Well, it means that of the students who reported first time use, they not only used the substance but did so in excess. It is noteworthy that Massachusetts youth under 21, rank 6th in the country for the prevalence of drinking and binge-drinking in the past 30 days. So this isn’t just a Berkshire County issue, it’s a state issue as well. 

To answer this question further, Table 1 (below) gives a deeper comparison of the total percentages of risk and protective factors as reported in PNA results from northern Berkshire County, Berkshire County, and compared to the national norms. The risk and protective factors outlined below were chosen from the much longer list within the PNA due to the intersection with the identified subpopulations previously mentioned. 

 ~Lindzie White, Youth Prevention Coordinator

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

MAYOR'S FITNESS CHALLENGE! ALL MONTH LONG (Daily schedule is at the end fo the newsletter)

Learn Through Play: Summer Fun!

Saturday, June 10, 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 

Rail Trail Rides! 

Wednesday June 14, 10:00am-12:00pm; Thurs. June 22, 8:00-10:00 am; Fri. June 30, 10:00am-12:00pm (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 

nbCC 37th Annual Meeting 

Friday, June 16, 11:30am-1:30pm, Greylock WORKS, 508 State Road, North Adams

Join us! The nbCC Annual Meeting is coming up quickly and we hope you’ll be there to celebrate 37 years of community with us. Register here: https://conta.cc/40HKN9l

This year we’ll be honoring George and Nancy Canales as our Northern Berkshire Heroes for their decades of selfless community service and engagement. An extra special treat this year... We’ve digitized our extensive photo collection from the early years of the coalition and we want to give them back to the community. Attendees will be able to look through our old photos and take any they want to keep. Tickets are $25/person, but scholarships are available. Buffet lunch will be provided by M & J’s Taste of Home Catering.For questions or to register by phone: 413-663-7588

Sidewalk Chalk Decorating Day in Adams

Saturday, June 17, 10:00 -11:30 am, Adams Visitors Center, 3 Hoosac St., Adams

Enjoy a morning out with nbCC staff. Come outside and enjoy the fun with FRC staff, decorating sidewalks! Sidewalk chalk will be provide as well as snacks! No registration required. To learn more call us: 413-663-7588

C.O.V. Graduation!

Monday June 19, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

 All are welcome to join us in celebrating this year’s Community Outreach Volunteer program graduates. This group dedicated their Monday evenings for 6 months to learning more about their community and the resources available so they can better serve their friends and neighbors. Light refreshments will be served. For more information contact us at 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org

Parents’ Cafe -Foster & Adoptive Parents

Tuesday June 20, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams 

For foster and adoptive parents who are parenting children with trauma. 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 

UNO Annual Block Party!

Friday June 30, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, UNO Community Center & Houghton St. Park, 157 River Street, North Adams

 The UNO Steering Committee invites you to celebrate the beginning of summer with a block party. Join us at the park adjacent to the UNO Center for an afternoon of food, fun, face painting and more! For more information contact us at 413-663-7588 or gglasier@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

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. 

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. 

2023 MFC Schedule 

Week 1 | June 1-3 |Registration & Kick-off 

6/1 | 8:30a.m. - 6p.m. | nbCC Office, 61 Main Street, North Adams - Register teams/individuals & pick up your MFC packets and t-shirts

6/2 | 7:30 - 9:00a.m. | Eagle St. - Register during the Eagle Street Coffee Date kick-off sponsored by Mayor Macksey and the City.

5:00-8:00 p.m. | Eagle St. - Register during First Friday and enjoy MFC kick-off events and activities!

6/3 | 9a.m.-1p.m. | Shop at the North Adams Farmers Market.

9:30-11a.m. | Help the River St. Community Gardening Group 

11:30a.m. | Walk w/ Mayor Macksey at Natural Bridge (Transportation available)

*2:00p.m. | ROOTs Teen Center/nbCC Bike Collective Build a Bike Workshop | 206 Ashland St. *This is is a two day event over two Saturdays. Participants must sign up for both.

Week 2 | June 4 - 10th

6/4 - 11:30a.m. | Basketball games (Adults 11:30/kids 12:30) | Noel Field Courts, 310 State St.

7:15p.m. | Relaxation Yoga | North Adams Yoga, 26 Holden St.

6/5 - 3:30-5:30p.m. | Bike Collective Workshop hours | 206 Ashland St.

5:30p.m. | Downtown Bike Around | 206 Ashland St.

6/6 - 12:00-1:00p.m. | BHS: Top 10 Most Powerful Lifestyle Interventions | UNO Center, 157 River St.

5:00p.m. | Tick Talk w/ CHP | UNO Center, 157 River St.

6:00p.m. | Foundations of Movement

6/7 - 5:30p.m. | Evening at Windsor Lake: Intro to Disk Golf, live music, pack a picnic | Windsor Lake, Kemp Ave & Bradley St.

6/8 - 4:15p.m. | Free Yoga w/ Barb Malkas | Colegrove Park

6/9 - 7:30 - 9:00a.m. | Eagle Street Coffee Date | Eagle Street Parklet

5:30 p.m. | Bocce Ball | UNO Center, 157 River St.

6/10 - 9a.m. - 1p.m. | Shop at the North Adams Farmers Market.

9:30-11a.m. | Help the River St. Community Gardening Group 

11:30a.m. | Walk w/ Mayor Macksey at Cascades Trail (Transportation available)

*2:00p.m. | ROOTs Teen Center/nbCC Bike Collective Build a Bike Workshop | 206 Ashland St. This is is a two day event over two Saturdays. Participants must sign up for both.

Week 3 | June 11 - 17th

6/11 - 11:30a.m. | Basketball games (Adults 11:30/kids 12:30) | Noel Field Courts, 310 State St.

6/12 - 3:30-5:30p.m. | Bike Collective Workshop hours | 206 Ashland St.

5:30p.m. | Downtown Bike Around | 206 Ashland St.

6/13 - 6:00-8:00p.m. | Appalachian Train (Overlook) Hike w/ Jeff K. | DCR trail head just past Wigwam Western Summit

6/14 - 5:30p.m. | Evening at Windsor Lake: Lawn Games, live music, pack a picnic | Windsor Lake, Kemp Ave & Bradley St.

6/15 - 4:30p.m. | Relay Races | Downtown & at MASS MoCA

6/16 - 7:30 - 9:00a.m. | Eagle Street Coffee Date | Eagle Street Parklet

6:00 p.m. | Self Defense with Gail Grandchamp | UBG Park

6/17 - 9a.m. - 1p.m. | Shop at the North Adams Farmers Market.

9:30-11a.m. | Help the River St. Community Gardening Group 

11:30a.m. | Walk w/ Mayor Macksey at Tannery Falls (Transportation available)

Week 4 | June 18 - 24th

6/18 - 10:00a.m. | Basketball games (Adults 10/kids 11) | Noel Field Courts, 310 State St.

6/19 - 3:30-5:30p.m. | Bike Collective Workshop hours | 206 Ashland St.

  5:30p.m. | Downtown Bike Around | 206 Ashland St.

6/20 - 12:00p.m. | Lunch time stroll with nbCC | Meet at 61 Main St.

  6:00p.m. | Conversation on Alzheimer’s & Dementia | NA Public Library, 74 Church St.

6/21 - 5:30p.m. | Evening at Windsor Lake: Nature Walk live music, pack a picnic | Windsor Lake, Kemp Ave & Bradley St.

6/22 - 4:15p.m. | Free Yoga w/ Barb Malkas | Colegrove Park

6/23 - 7:30 - 9:00a.m. | Eagle Street Coffee Date | Eagle Street Parklet

12:00 - 12:30 p.m. | BHS:Stretch & Strength | UNO Center, 157 River St.

6:00-8:00 p.m. | Ice Skating Party! | 1267 S. Church St.

6/24 - 9a.m. - 1p.m. | Shop at the North Adams Farmers Market.

9:30-11a.m. | Help the River St. Community Gardening Group 

11:30a.m. | Downtown Dog Walk w/ Mayor Macksey

Week 5 | June 25 - 28th

6/25 - 10:00a.m. | Basketball games (Adults 10/kids 11) | Noel Field Courts, 310 State St.

6/26 - 3:30-5:30p.m. | Bike Collective Workshop hours | 206 Ashland St.

 5:30p.m. | Downtown Bike Around | 206 Ashland St.

 6:00p.m. | DEADLINE TO TURN IN TRACKERS | 61 Main Street, Suite 218

6/28 - 5:30p.m. MFC Wrap Party! Winners announced, live music, games and celebration! | Windsor Lake, Kemp Ave & Bradley St.

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