North Adams Farmers Market Expands This Season

The North Adams Farmers Market returns this summer with more vendors and activities.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Farmers Market expands this year with more vendors and activities for children.

Director of Community Events Suzy Helme said this season's farmers market, which kicked off last weekend, is hosting nearly 30 vendors.

"It is a nice downtown space where everyone can gather, visit, and see each other but also support local businesses," Helme said. "You are supporting your local community farmers, you are eating healthier, and you are supporting a healthier environment."

Helme said Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art intern Emily Edwards will be the market manager and will help bring in new vendors and activities, such as craft programs for children and exercise programs sponsored by Mass In Motion.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' Berkshire Cultural Resource Center will also provide programs for children.

Each market will have some sort of live entertainment and there will be a vendor at this weekend's market who will offer free bike tune-ups.

Along with veteran sponsors such as Adams Community Bank, Helme said Berkshire Health Systems also came aboard and will provide free health screenings.

Vendors such as Square Roots Farm, Many Forks Farm, Wildstone Farm, and Mountain Girl Farm will return to the market. Bakers including Wild Flour Bakery, Clarksburg Bread Co., and North Yeast Bakery also signed on, along with Cloud 9 Body and Skin.

"I don't think we have room for any more venders, and it is a pretty packed market," Helme said. "Going forward next season, we will have to look into expanding the space."

She said the market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, Women, Infants & Children (WIC) vouchers or coupons, Elder coupons, food stamps, and Electronic Benefit Transfers.

The farmers' market takes place every Saturday from 9 to 1 in the St. Anthony Municipal Parking Lot.

"It has great music, it is free to visit, we have events going on for the kids, and there is stuff for everybody," she said. "And eating healthy and locally is a great reason to be there."

Northern Berkshire Celebrates Spirit of Caring Award Recipients

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
06:22PM / Friday, May 10, 2024

NBUW Executive Director Patti Messina recognizes two 'dynamic' women retiring this year: Janice Broderick and Christine MacBeth. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire United Way on Thursday saluted members of the community who have stepped beyond their roles to help and support others. 

 

Among them was state Rep. John Barrett III, former longtime mayor of North Adams, who was recognized not only for his efforts on behalf of the city for so many years but a "softer side" not always apparent. 

 

The celebration was NBUW's sixth annual Spirit of Caring Awards, held at Norad Mill and attended by its member agencies, sponsors and community members. The room was packed at 3 West for the presentations of the Spirit of the Future Award to Officer Stephanie Mirante, the newly named Steve Green Spirit of Community Award to Wild Oats and the Al Nelson Spirit of Caring Award to Barrett. Also recognized was Adams Heating & Plumbing for campaign of the year. Barrett also provided a proclamation from the House to his fellow recipients. 

 

Executive Director Patti Messina first wanted to recognize two women who are retiring after years of serving the community: Janice Broderick of the Elizabeth Freeman Center and Christine Macbeth, president and CEO of the Brien Center. 

 

"They leave behind a legacy of dedication, commitment and hard work to this community," she said. "We salute you and thank you for your accomplishments."

 

Sharon DeMyer-Nemser and Ellen Sutherland, both members of the board of directors, presented Barrett, elected to the House in 2017, with the award. 

 

"Although John really needs no introduction, we would like to take a moment to review John's past and storied history in our community," said DeMyer-Nemser, ticking off accomplishments including fighting for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and convincing political leaders that arts and culture are vital components in building a strong creative economy in the Berkshires during his 26 years as mayor and representing North Berkshire on Beacon Hill.