nbCC June Newsletter: Coalition News

Dear Northern Berkshire,

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our June 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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Forum Season Wraps with a Final Presentation on Negotiation

Anyone attending one of the last several forums has learned ways to confront conflict and have difficult conversations in the community. But many of the ideas we have been discussing are easier said than done. Often, the hardest part of learning is actually putting skills and techniques into practice in real time. Much of May’s forum dealt with exactly that, focusing on Problem Solving and Negotiation.

Kayla Allen, director of the Dispute Resolution Center at Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority, had people participate in a group roleplay exercise, where everyone had to practice skills learned from previous forums with a mock scenario. She said negotiations, by nature, are about getting what you want, which often leads to an adversarial way of thinking about the other side. To avoid this, it is better to focus on the problem itself, rather than the people involved, and try to settle on something everyone can agree on.

To summarize, the mock scenario went like this: A small town has been overrun by small animals called “Wockets”. While the Wockets have sparked an increase in tourism to the area, they are causing problems for the farmers in town. The Wockets eat the farmers crops, and their abundance threatens the farmers’ way of life. Because the Wockets were once endangered, it is illegal to kill them or control the population. Representatives of both the tourism committee and the farmers are to meet with a representative of the city council, but want to meet informally first to discuss.

The room was split into four roleplay groups and each was asked to analyze the scenario, figure out the root of the problem and the interests their side has in the negotiation, and ultimately come up with solutions that benefit everyone. Two sides in a negotiation will almost certainly not share the same interests, and Kayla suggested looking for common interests and thinking about the other side’s needs or wants in the negotiation. She also asked everyone to think of the best and worst case alternatives to having negotiations.

The four groups merged into two, with one side in each representing the farmers and the other representing the tourism committee. When negotiating, the groups brainstormed and came up with a number of potential solutions for the problem. Some suggested simple fixes like better fencing, scarecrows or other animal controls. Others said the town or even the tourism committee itself could provide economic relief for the farmers to make up for crop loss. A few even suggested the farmers could set aside crops for the Wockets or even create a sanctuary to direct them to somewhere other than farmland.

The way in which the two groups negotiated was very different. Even how the groups arranged themselves was different; one group sat one side versus the other, while the other group mixed people together and arranged in a circle. Something both groups agreed on, however, was they felt heard by people on the other side of the negotiation. This would be an example of what Kayla called principled negotiation, which is simply tackling an issue in a collaborative way, one that tries to be fair and meet the needs of everyone involved. Multiple people said the roleplay exercise was both fun and a helpful way for them to practice what they had learned.

May was Kayla’s last month acting as the facilitator for our monthly forums; we appreciate all of the thoughtful conversations and insight she brought every month! Instead of our normal forum next month, please join us on June 28 in Adams for our 38th annual meeting. It will be held at the Adams Theatre, and we plan to discuss a number of updates related to the Coalition, including our building project. Tickets cost $30 and can be purchase online, at the door on the day of the event, or by contacting our office. Scholarship options available for those who would be unable to pay. Please spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

~ Brian Rhodes, Program Administrative Specialist

Here Comes Summer!

nbCC Summer Programs & Events...All programs & events are FREE. Most provide snacks. Some provide transportation when requested. To learn more details about or register for an nbCC summer program: 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org

June 1-26 | Mayor’s Fitness challenge -open to everyone! Check facebook for daily events and challenges or stop by our office for calendar & tracker
Every Tues. thru Aug 27 | 3:30-4:30PM | Drop-In Art CLub! @ UNO Center, 157 River St.
Every Wednesday | 4-6PM | Bike Collective @ the North Adams Armory
Every Wednesday | 5:30-7:30PM | Parenting Together Group @ nbCC
1st & 3rd Fridays | 10AM-12PM | Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group @ UNO Center, 157 River St.
June 7/ July 5/ Aug. 2 | 6PM | Downtown Bike Around during First Fridays
June 14 | 5-7PM | UNO Block Party!
June 15/July 20/ Aug. 10 | Dusk | Family Movies Under the Stars @Noel Field
Mondays in July | 10AM-12PM | Middle Schoolers Group @ UNO
July 2 to Aug. 13 | Tuesdays 2-4PM |Summer Session -Registration required. For youth 14-19.
July 8 to Aug. 6 | Mon. & Wed. 5PM | Summer Neighborhood Basketball League - Registration required. For youth 9-13.
July 11 & Aug. 8 | 10:30AM -12:30PM | Teen Writing Workshop @ nbCC
July 25 | 10:30AM -12:30PM | Teen Writing Workshop @ nbCC
July 15 | 4-5PM | Kickball with Williamstown PD
Aug. 2 | 6- 7:30PM | Bike Rodeo on Eagle Street at First Friday
Aug. 6 | 4-7PM | National Night Out
Aug. 13 | 5PM | Backpacked for Success @ Florida Elementary - Registration required.
Aug. 15 | 1PM | Backpacked for Success @ Terra Nova - Registration required.

Other Free Summer Events!

Tues & Thurs | 2:30-7PM | ROOTS Teen Center Drop-in (13-19yrs) @ 51 Ashland St., North Adams
Fridays | 7:30-9AM | Eagle Street Coffee Date, North Adams
Every 3 Thursdays | 7:30-9AM | Coffee in the Courtyard Adams
June 21 | 5-9PM | NA Pride Celebration @ MASS MoCA Courtyard
June 7/July 5/Aug. 2 | 5-9PM | FIRST Fridays @ downtown North Adams
Saturdays
9AM-1PM | North Adams Farmers Market & Makers on Main Market @ Main St.
9AM-1PM | Williamstown Farmers Market @ Spring St.
9:30-11AM | Growing Healthy Gardens Group @ UNO park
Wednesdays | 6:30-8PM | Concerts at the Lake @ Windsor Lake, N. Adams
June 9 & 23 | 5-6:30PM | Live Music on the Terrace @ the Clark
Wednesdays in July | 6-8PM | Musics on the lawn @ the Clark
North Adams July 4th Fireworks - July 4th after the SteepleCats game (rain date July 5th )
Williamstown Independence Day Parade - July 4th @ Spring St.
1st & 3rd Fridays of July/Aug. | Dusk | Movies Under the Stars @ Adams Visitors Center *These have not been announced yet and are based on last year's schedule
Tuesdays starting July 11 | 6:30-8PM | Free Concerts on the Lawn @ Adams Visitors Center*These have not been announced yet and are based on last year's schedule
July 14 | 11AM-4PM | Community Day @ the Clark
July 14 | 12-6PM | Adams Street Fair @ Adams Visitors Center
Sat. July 27 | 3:30 -10PM | Eagle St Beach Party @ North Adams

Tues. Aug. 6 | 4-8PM | National Night Out - Check your town for time and location
Wednesdays in Aug. | Dusk | Free Outdoor Movies @ the Clark
Wed. Aug. 14th | 5:30–8PM | Downtown Celebration @ North Adams
Sun. August 25th | 9 AM – 3 PM | Motorama Car Show @ Downtown North Adams

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

Mayor’s Fitness Challenge 2024

Are you ready? The annual Mayor’s Fitness Challenge is back for the month of June and our Health & Wellness Coordinator, Jessi, has planned a month of activities offering a healthy dose of fun, fitness, nutrition and camaraderie!

It’s easy to participate. Register as an individual or gather a team of friends, family, even co-workers to make the challenge even more fun. Participants can register by calling us, stopping by the office, or emailing Jessi. All contact information is shown at the bottom right corner of the calendar shown here.

Once you are registered you’ll receive a t-shirt (while supplies last) and a tracker to track your points. Keep track of your activities and nutrition throughout the month, then turn in your tracker on June 24th. We’ll add up all the points and announce the winners at the Concert at Windsor Lake on Wednesday, June 26th, between 6-8pm. Winners will be announced in both Individual and Team categories, and prizes will be awarded.

If you have any questions about events and activities or are interested in joining the fun, reach out! We’d love to have you join us this year. For additional information, please contact our office at (413) 663-7588 or email Jessi Byrne at jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

2024 MFC Schedule

Week 1 | May 28 - June 1 |Registration & Kick-off

6/1 - 9:00a.m. - 1p.m. | KICK-OFF at the North Adams Farmers Market! - Main Street, North Adams - Register teams/individuals & pick up your MFC packets and t-shirts. Get points for being at the market!

-9:00 a.m. | Walk for MS | Noel Field ($25 fee)

-9:30-11a.m. | Help the River St. Community Gardening Group | UNO Community Center, 157 River St.

Week 2 | June 2 - 8

6/2 - 10:00a.m. | Basketball games | Noel Field Courts, 310 State St. (Registration required: This event is run by the City. To register please contact Lindsay Randall: 413-664-6180 or lrandall@northadams-ma.gov)

6/3 - 7:30 a.m. | Free Yoga w/ Barb Malkas | UNO Community Center, 157 River St.

6/4 - 12:00p.m. | Lunch time stroll with nbCC | Meet at 61 Main St. ( dog-friendly)

6/5 - 4:00-6:00p.m. | Bike Collective Workshop hours | 206 Ashland St.

- 6:00-8:00p.m. | Evening at Windsor Lake: live music, pack a picnic | Windsor Lake, Kemp Ave & Bradley St.

6/6 - 6:00p.m. | Weekly Walking Group | Meeting at MASS MoCA

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

- 5:30 p.m. | Boxing & badminton | UBG Park at State St. & Christopher Columbus Dr.

- 6:00 p.m. | Downtown Bike Around during FIRST Friday | Meet on Eagle & Main

6/8 - 9:00a.m. - 1:00p.m. | Shop at the North Adams Farmers Market.

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

- 9:00 a.m. | FREE Zumba Class | Creative Soul, 37 Main St. Suite 211

Week 3 | June 9 - 15th

6/9 - 10:00a.m. | Basketball games | Noel Field Courts, 310 State St. (registration required)

6/11 - 12:00p.m. | Lunch time stroll with nbCC | Meet at 61 Main St. ( dog-friendly)

6/12 - 4:00-6:00p.m. | Bike Collective Workshop hours | 206 Ashland St.

- 6:00-8:00p.m. | Evening at Windsor Lake: live music, pack a picnic | Windsor Lake, Kemp Ave & Bradley St.

6/13 - 10:00 a.m. | FREE Pilates | Creative Soul, 37 Main St. Suite 211

- 6:00p.m. | Weekly Walking Group | South Branch of the Hoosic River

6/14 - 7:30 - 9:00a.m. | Eagle Street Coffee Date | Eagle Street Parklet

6/15 - 9:00a.m. - 1:00p.m. | Shop at the North Adams Farmers Market | Main St.

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

- 11:00 a.m. | Hike Tannery Falls | Meet at City Hall to carpool

Week 4 | June 16 - 22th

6/16 - 10:00a.m. | Basketball games | Noel Field Courts, 310 State St. (registration required)

6/17 - 7:30 a.m. | FREE Yoga w/ Barb Malkas | UNO Community Center, 157 River St.

6/18

12:00p.m. | Lunch time stroll with nbCC | Meet at 61 Main St. ( dog-friendly)

- 5:30 p.m. | FREE InvigoRush Class | Creative Soul, 37 Main St. Suite 211

6/19 - 4:00-6:00p.m. | Bike Collective Workshop hours | 206 Ashland St.

- 6:00-8:00p.m. | Evening at Windsor Lake: live music, pack a picnic | Windsor Lake, Kemp Ave & Bradley St.

- 6:00p.m. | Walking Group at Windsor Lake Trails

6/21 - 7:30 - 9:00a.m. | Eagle Street Coffee Date | Eagle Street Parklet

- 6:00p.m. | W.o.W. Workshop: Stir Fry | First Baptist Church, 131 Main St.

6/22 - 9:00a.m. - 1:00p.m. | Shop at the North Adams Farmers Market | Main St.

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

- 10:00 a.m. | FREE Barre | Creative Soul, 37 Main St. Suite 211

Week 5 | June 23 - 26th

6/23 - 10:00a.m. | Basketball games | Noel Field Courts, 310 State St.

6/24 - 6:00p.m. | DEADLINE TO TURN IN TRACKERS | 61 Main Street, Suite 218

6/26 - MFC Wrap Party! Winners announced, live music, games and celebration! | Windsor Lake, Kemp Ave & Bradley St.

How to TRIPLE Your SNAP/EBT Benefits at the Farmers Market!

Did you know you can TRIPLE your SNAP/EBT benefits by shopping at your local farmers market? It’s true! Between SNAP matching incentives, like Market Match and Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) you can turn $1 of benefits into $3 at the farmers market. Here’s how:

STEP 1: Use your HIP benefits first for fresh veggies/fruit with a HIP vendor at the Market (Ex: Full Well Farm) . Those benefits will be credited back on your card instantly! (READ BELOW for more info. on how HIP works)

STEP 2: Visit the farmers market manager station to run your EBT card for EBT tokens. The North Adams & Williamstown markets will DOUBLE what you swipe, up to $30 per week. Ex: You swipe your card for $30 of EBT benefits and the market will give you $60 of EBT tokens to spend. Tokens can be spent on ANY SNAP eligible food product.

It’s that easy! You just received $3 worth of fresh local food for each $1 of EBT used.

How do I sign up for HIP?

There is no special sign-up for HIP. If you live in Massachusetts and get SNAP benefits, your household is automatically able to participate in HIP.

What do I need to know before I use HIP?

Make sure you have SNAP benefits left on your EBT card. If your SNAP balance is zero, you will not be able to use HIP until you have SNAP benefits available again.

HIP will put the SNAP dollars you spend on HIP produce back onto your EBT card instantly. Once the money has been put back on your EBT card, you can spend it at any SNAP retailer like always.

*Traditional grocery stores or convenience stores do not participate in HIP.

You can use HIP at participating:

- Farmers’ markets: North Adams & Williamstown

- Farm stands

- Mobile markets

- Community supported agriculture (CSA) farm share programs

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Tips from Donna

Kinship navigator is another resource for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Kinship Navigators staff can assist with:

Options for legal arrangements
Referral to Court Service Centers
TAFDC(cash benefits)/Social Security death benefits
MassHealth/Authorized Rep Designer form
Support Groups, Workshops and Trainings

You can find the Kinship Navigator by going to mass.gov/kinship-navigator or calling 1-844-924-4546.

~Donna Senecal, Family Partner

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

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

June DIY Craft: Popsicle

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

Mayor’s Fitness Challenge!

All month long

Open to everyone See the full schedule of events on page 4. To get a tracker and participate call our office at 413-663-7588, or email us at jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

Downtown Bike Around

1st Friday of the month, 6:00- 6:30 PM, Meeting on EAGLE Street, North Adams (check FB for weather cancellations)

Join us for the return of the Downtown Bike Around, a free, monthly, community group bike ride, suitable for all ages. Meeting on Eagle Street during First Friday. Weather permitting. Bikes available if needed. Call us at 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

Learn Through Play: Pond Life: Summer Time

Saturday, June 8, 10:00 - 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 ice cream, picnics and sun 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, June 8, 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

Parents’ Cafe - Grandparents

Tuesday, June 11, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Terra Nova, 85 Main Street, North Adams

For grandparents who are parenting a grandchild or grandchildren. 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 14, 5:00 - 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

Family Movie in Noel Field

Saturday, June 15, at dusk (approx. 8:30PM) Noel Field, 310 State Street, North Adams

Bring the family and meet us in Noel Field by the playground and splash pad for a summer movie. Movie to be announced. Free! Call us at 413-663-7588 or email gglasier@nbccoalition.org for more information.

C.O.V. Graduation!

Monday June 17, 5:30 - 7:00 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

nbCC 38th Annual Meeting

Friday, June 28, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM, Adams Theater, Park Street, Adams

Join us! The nbCC Annual Meeting is coming up quickly and we hope you’ll be there to celebrate 38 years of community with us. Tickets are $30/person, but scholarships are available. Buffet lunch will be provided. For questions or to register by phone: 413-663-7588

WEEKLY EVENTS/PROGRAMS

Drop-in Art Club

Tuesdays, 3:30 - 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. Facilitated by MASS MoCA and The Clark. Call us at 413-663-7588 or email gglasier@nbccoalition.org for more information.

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

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.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Coffee Time Group

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.

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 JUNE!