Nonprofit Center Increases Support For North County Nonprofits

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires is  increasing its support and geographic focus on North County nonprofit organizations with two upcoming events. 
 
Kevin Fleming, PhD will present an in-person workshop entitled "Writing Annual Appeals That Inspire Action." The workshop takes place at the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum in Adams on Monday, Oct. 6 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. 
 
Participants will learn the essential elements of an effective appeal letter, from capturing attention with the subject line to writing a clear call-to-action. Designed for nonprofit leaders, staff, and volunteers at all levels of fundraising experience, this session will leave organizations with practical tips, a tested framework, and a ready-to-use draft appeal tailored to each organization.  With over two decades of advancement leadership and a reputation as a dynamic facilitator and thought leader, Kevin brings both practical expertise and engaging style to every workshop. The cost to participate is $50.
 
On Oct. 24, the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires will host a nonprofit executive convening at Hotel Downstreet on Main Street in North Adams from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
 
Representative John Barrett will provide welcoming remarks and share current legislative updates. This event is free for north county nonprofit leaders. RSVP by Oct. 15 to mccaela@npcberkshires.org
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North Adams Updated on Schools, Council President Honored With 'Distinction'

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff

Superintendent Timothy Callahan gives a presentation on the school system at Tuesday's City Council meeting. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council got an update on what's up in the school system and its president was inducted into the mayor's Women's Leadership Hall of Fame.
 
Mayor Jennifer Macksey, as the city's first woman mayor, established the Hall of Fame in 2022, during March, Women's History Month, to recognize local women who have had a positive impact on the city. Past inductees have included the council's first woman president Fran Buckley, Gov. Jane Swift and boxing pioneer Gail Grandchamp. 
 
She described President Ashley Shade as a colleague and a friend and a former student. 
 
"Ashley is known not just for her leadership, but for her compassion, her ability to listen, to understand and to stand up for those whose voices are often gone unheard," the mayor said. "She has been a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ plus community and marginalized communities at both the local and national level here in North Adams."
 
Elected in 2021, Shade is the first openly transgender person to hold the role of council president in Massachusetts. She also leads the first-ever woman majority council in the city's history. 
 
The McCann Technical School graduate also has served on boards and commissions, "always working to make our city more inclusive, equitable and welcoming," said the mayor. "Ashley not leads not only with strength, but with a heart, and our community is a much stronger place because of it."
 
Shade, wearing her signature pink suit, was presented with a plaque from the mayor designating her a "woman of distinction."
 
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