The city has been putting out collection boxes in the schools and city departments each fall since the food pantry opened seven years ago.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — North Adams city employees and community members have donated a record-breaking 1,044 pounds of non-perishable food and personal care items this year.
The drive benefited the Al Nelson Friendship Center's food pantry, located at 43 Eagle St.
The city's been doing the annual collection since the Northern Berkshire Interfaith Action Initiative opened the pantry, in cooperation with Berkshire Community Action Council and the Western Massachusetts Food Bank, seven years ago.
"Together, the members of the North Adams community contributed over a half ton of food –- a record for this drive — to the center," said Mayor Thomas Bernard in a statement. "The generosity of city staff and our friends and neighbors will help support the Al Nelson Friendship Center's mission of 'working with others of goodwill to find ways to serve our community.' Thank you to everyone who contributed!"
Bernard, with the assistance of Superintendent of Schools Barbara Malkas as well as city and Friendship Center volunteers, delivered the collected items to the food pantry. The season's first snowstorm last week offered an extra day for the drive and postponed the delivery from the original Friday date.
The drive ran from Nov. 5 to Nov. 16. Collection boxes decorated by students were available in all the schools and at the School Department's Central Office, at City Hall, the library, the Mary Spitzer Center and the Police and Fire departments.
The Friendship Center, recently renamed for one of its founders, the late Arlon "Al" Nelson, serves up to 150 families every Wednesday. The food drive had been run by Ellen Sutherland, former assistant to the superintendent who retired this year, with assistance from City Hall. It's been taken up by Michelle Ells, the mayor's administrative assistant.
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Northern Berkshire Celebrates Spirit of Caring Award Recipients
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
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.
The Northern Berkshire United Way on Thursday saluted members of the community who have stepped beyond their roles to help and support others. click for more
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