Alcombright Hopes to Share Trendsetter Award With Community

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — City Hall is looking to share the love when it comes to the city's recent Berkshire Trendsetters award.

Mayor Richard Alcombright said last week that he and Suzy Helme, the city's event coordinator, are considering ways that local businesses and organizations might host the award.

North Adams was presented this year's "Comprehensive Marketing Campaign" award on Sept. 15, beating out The Berkshire Eagle, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Miss Hall's School and SoCo Creamery.

"There were four others that were really good, good organizations, but to  get the award in front of such a community of business leaders at Tanglewood, that was very, very gratifying, very humbling," said Mayor Richard Alcombright. "It was great exposure for the city and the region."

The awards are presented by 1Berkshires to recognize outstanding local efforts within the county. Finalists are chosen from an open nomination process and winners were named at annual Celebrate the Berkshires event, held this year in Lenox.

The city's new branding campaign kicked off this past spring with the installation of welcome signs at the city's three main entrances paid for by private contributions through the Partnership for North Adams. The new blue and green logo was based on input from the community last year and will be eventually be rolled out throughout the city on signage and other materials.

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.