Northern Berkshire Neighborlies Awarded

North Adams Police personnel were recognized for saving the life of woman who's airway was completely block by administering the Heimlich maneuver. See more photos here.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire Neighbors program of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition held its Spring Neighborlies Community Recognition Award Ceremony at Congregation Beth Israel on Wednesday, May 13.

Friends, family and many supporters gathered to honor and congratulate individuals and groups in the Northern Berkshire communities whose acts of kindness and volunteer efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of their neighbors and the community.

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition staff and Mayor Richard Alcombright presented Neighborlies to the following recipients:

Business/Agency Support: Bethany Dixon, BHS/BMC, Robert Campanile, Tammy Daniels, Berkshire Eagle, WUPE FM, Mike Garland, Jason and Elizabeth from Parlor Cafe, Tommy Rotolo, Dolores St. Pierre, Florida Baptist Church, Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, Walmart, Big Y, Stop and Shop, Wild Oats Market, Price Chopper, 1st Baptist Church, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, New Hope United Methodist Church, Mary Spitzer Center, Wild Stone Farm, Many Forks Farm, St. Johns Episcopal Church, Storey Publishing.

Community Health and Wellness: Officer Ben Austin, Nancy Bullett, Mike Deep, Wendy Dubis, MCLA Facilities Department, Jennifer Kimball, Mary Ann King, Gail Lacosse, Edward Lacosse, Jeremy Levesque, Paul Markland, Jen Munoz, Steve Rondeau, David Sacco, Jessica Sweeney, Colleen Taylor, Pat Tremblay, Jack and Susy Wadsworth, Bigs Waterman, Sergeant Jason Wood.

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.