Straight Talk From Teens: Northern Berkshire Youth Speak At Forum

By Susan Bush12:00AM / Monday, April 11, 2005Print Story | Email Story

Charles H. McCann Technical School student Kaitlyn Kline

North Adams - They were articulate, poised, and passionate about their beliefs. On April 8, nine Northern Berkshire youths shared their thoughts about the region's youth with about 40 members of Northern Berkshire Community Coalition affiliated agencies. The free public event was held at the First Baptist Church on Main Street, and was sponsored by the United Neighboring Interdependent Trusted Youth group, known as UNITY. BENCHES, PLEASE Downtown benches topped the wish list for 16-year-old Drury High School student Katharine Kennedy. "It's something simple that we need and we don't have them," she said during a brief forum recess. "I've heard that the argument [against benches] has been that kids will hang out if there are benches. But I would like a place to sit and read." Kennedy is involved with numerous youth and civic groups, and worked last summer as a "greeter" stationed at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. She welcomed people to the museum and promoted downtown venues as part of the job. "I would also really like to see more interaction between youth and adults," she said. Mount Greylock Regional High School students Nadia Garofalo, 17, of Lanesboro, and 17-year-old Earl Edwards of Williamstown shared their thoughts as well. "I'd like to see a public youth gallery that is dedicated to youth and the arts," said Garofalo. "I know that there are a lot of places that incorporate youth art but I think there should be a place focused on just that purpose." "I'd like to see more dances and social events," said Edwards. "Not just school events, but community-sponsored dances and stuff." Garofalo and Edwards are involved in school-based student groups as well as youth groups including UNITY. REALITY IS A DIRTY DIAPER Angelique Alcombright is a 17-year-old parent who lives in North Adams and is involved with the Young Parents program. North Adams resident Alicia Fields is 18 years old, a parent, and is involved with the BerkshireWorks program. The two young women said they love their children but emphasized their belief that teen-aged parenthood is not easy or "cool." Fields said she is acquainted with young teens who are sexually active. "I think it's so sad," she said. "They've seen what I went through with my pregnancy but it's like they think it's a game. I wish they didn't think it was a game." And when a young male relative told her he was engaging in the behavior, Fields took action. "I made him stay with me for four days," she told the adults gathered at the Main Street church meeting room. "I made him change diapers, and that's reality. Dirty diapers, crying babies; I said 'OK, here's a baby, now make the baby happy. Play with the baby.' And then I said 'Now, do you want a baby?'" Schools must offer improved sex education programs, according to most of the youth. Kennedy noted that the federal government funds school curriculum that focuses solely on abstinence. "And that's not realistic," she said. The students agreed that not all teen-agers are engaged in sexual behaviors, but many are, and that reality cannot be ignored. "The reality is that most people do not graduate high school without having sex," said Hoosac Valley High School student Amanda Less, who is involved with the LEO community service group. The young advocates discussed a need for improved access to youth-based services and a need for more youth programs. Access to existing programs can be very difficult for young people who live away from the downtown, or in rural communities such as Florida and Savoy, they said. Young people possess a wide range of interests and while existing programs are appealing to some youth, others have interests that are not reflected regionally. SEE US, HEAR US, BELIEVE IN US The adults asked numerous questions, including what adults need to do to encourage open dialogue and become a genuine resource for the region's youth. "A lot of times, adults present as authority figures, as superiors," said Garofalo. "Act as someone who wants to be our friend, not as someone who is above us." Young people are not asking adults to turn a blind eye to inappropriate behaviors, but they would like some empathy and flexibility, they said. Young people are able to work together in a positive manner, and several youth groups support healthy choices, such as the youth-led Grooove initiative, which bases all their activities on substance-free lifestyles. But non-judgmental, non-confrontational exchanges of ideas and beliefs are vital, the youth said. "I really think you underestimate us," said Kennedy. "We know that sex, drugs, and alcohol is a nation-wide problem, not just a city problem." Media influences bombard youth with provocative images, the young people said, which prompted an observation from city resident and author Joe Manning. "Nobody's making any money marketing things that are virtuous," he said. Agencies need "to go to the kids," rather than wait for young people to find and seek assistance, said NBCC staff member Kathy Keeser. Coalition Executive Director Alan Bashevkin said that there is a need to delve into exactly what transpires between community members, including the separation of youth and adults. "I believe education is very important," he said. "But we have to look at what conditions are in a community that lead to adults and youth not communicating." A moral standard should be part of any community, said Garofalo, but she added that any standard should recognize that people are just that: people. "Develop a moral code that isn't religion-based but is human-based," she said."The truth is nobody's perfect." Susan Bush may be reached by calling 802-823-9367, or by e-mail at suebush123@adelphia.net.

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Dalton Day Returns This Saturday

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
01:56PM / Wednesday, June 10, 2026

DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.

The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center.

The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents.

"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager.

The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.

The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.

It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event.

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