Bashevkin Leaving After 29 Years With Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

NBCC Executive Director Alan Bashevkin, seen here after being presented the Downing Award, is stepping down after 29 years leading the coalition.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The founder of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition is stepping down after nearly 30 years of leading the agency.

"It's time," Executive Director Alan Bashevkin said on Wednesday, shortly after the announcement. "I've been thinking about this for a year, and really talking to the board about it for awhile. This is not a surprise to anyone here.

"It's time to let the world know changes are coming."

In the announcement, the board of directors, under Chairwoman Courtney Shapiro-Van Dusen, has enlisted the services of Executive Transitions Program of Third Sector New England, to aid in the search for a new executive leader. Transition consultant Nancy Jackson will lead this process with the NBCC's nine-member transition team.

Bashevkin anticipates staying on through the end of the fiscal year in June as the budget for the next year is set and the board goes through its nominations and elections. And he'll work with transition team to ensure a smooth transfer of leadership.

He's not sure what's next but he will take some time for himself and his family.

"Al is more than a good citizen. He's a community champion," said District Attorney David Capeless in presenting the Gerard D. Downing Award to Bashevkin last year.

The agency from its beginnings has focused on collaboration and empowering community members to take action to make their lives better.

"The Coalition way is to build it with others," Bashevkin said at the agency's 20th anniversary event. "It may take a bit longer,it may be a bit more difficult, but it's better for people to build it themselves than have it built for them."

NBCC has promoted initiatives to strengthen neighborhoods and community health, support social agencies and parents, and encourage volunteerism and empower youth. The goal is to provide a healthy and supportive community for children to grow up in.

"I've outlasted a lot of people ... but I'm not just one person here," he said on Wednesday. "This is a wonderful way of doing business in the community and we do it with a great staff."

DiLego Jewelry to Close After Nearly 100 Years in Business

By Daniel MatziBerkshires correspondent
05:28AM / Tuesday, May 07, 2024

Sisters Pamela Costine, left, and Cynthia Lamore have been operating the store since their aunts retired in 1987. Both started working in the business as teens.  Lamore's decided it's time to retire. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — DiLego Jewelery Store, the family-owned business that has been a staple of North Adams for nearly a century, will be closing this summer. 

 

The closure was announced on the store's Facebook page late Sunday night, where it immediately drew comments of remembrance and well-wishing.

 

Cindy Lamore, whose great uncle Frank DiLego opened the store on Main Street in the late 1930s, said the shop will cease operations following her retirement, slated for June 30. A 20 percent off Mother's Day sale will begin immediately, with increasing discounts leading up to the closing date.

 

It took Lamore "a couple of years" to reach the decision to close. Witnessing the passing of lifelong friends or their struggles with debilitating illness prompted her to reconsider her priorities, especially considering the extensive time devoted to running a small business. 

 

"You really question what you're waiting for," she reflected.

 

While recognizing that changing consumer habits have led to a decrease in jewelry and watch sales in recent years, Lamore stressed that her decision to close was a personal one. She and her business partner and sister, Pamela Costine, wanted "to do it on our terms," she said.

 

Comments on Facebook praised the store's customer service, and friends, family, and customers alike reminisced about buying jewelry for special occasions, stopping in for watch repairs, and the perennial rite of childhood for many: getting ears pierced.