NBCC Marks 40 Years with '$40k for 40 Years' Initiative

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — In celebration of its 40th Anniversary, the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition announced a special "$40K for 40 Years" initiative, investing $40,000 back into the community through summer camp scholarships and support for end-of-year school celebrations across Northern Berkshire.
 
Funded through the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) Family Resource Center program, which supports families with children ages infant to 18 throughout the Northern Berkshire region, the nbCC initiative includes scholarships for local youth attending programs at the Berkshire Family YMCA, Williamstown Youth Center, and Youth Center Inc.
 
Additional funds were provided to several Northern Berkshire schools to enhance year-end celebrations, recognize students' achievements, and create memorable experiences for families. 
 
"The best way we could think of to celebrate the support our community has given nbCC over the past 40 years was to give back directly to the people and families we serve," said Executive Director Amber Besaw. "Our work at NBCC is not to solve every problem our community faces. Our role is to create opportunities, share resources, and connect people to the support they need. Most importantly, our work is about caring for one another. Through these scholarships and school celebrations, we're investing in joy, connection, and experiences that help children and families thrive. That's what community is all about, and that's what we've been committed to for the last 40 years."
 
 For more information about the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, its programs, and services, contact 413-663-7588 or visit www.nbccoalition.org

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Companion Corner Grey Boy at No Paws Left Behind

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There's a cat No Paws Left Behind still waiting for his forever home.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. He was previously highlighted but he now has new information.

Grey Boy is 10 years old and is a gray and white domestic shorthair and was previously highlighted on Companion Corner.

The shelter's Executive Director Noelle Howland introduced us to him and his long journey to be ready for adoption.

"He's been here a couple months. He was a transfer from a rescue in Bennington. They were out of space, so we had taken him in with a few other cats. So he's been here a couple months. He came in with what we believed was a respiratory infection," she said. "So it took us a little bit to get him ready, and then he also needed a dental. So he has nice, clean teeth. He had some teeth removed, and then he has to go back in and have one more dental. So he'll be all ready to go."

It was previously thought that he has feline herpes but he was recently diagnosed with a palette fracture because of how bad his dental disease was, which is what is causing his sneezing. He can now go home with cats, a cat-savvy dog and children.

"He has had two dentals since being with us. Due to the palate fracture he will be sneezy for the rest of his life, not contagious sneezing, but that doesn’t stop him from living a perfectly happy life. He should be on wet food with chunks due to this and since he has had many teeth removed," Howland said.

Grey Boy loves to play with toys and enjoy treats. He would also love to have a window to lounge or bird-watch in.

"He is not afraid of anything. He's very curious, so I'm sure he'd love if you have windows for him to look out of. He still plays, even though he's 10 it does not stop him. So any home would be a good fit for him."

Now that he is ready to be adopted, he is excited. When you walk into the room with him he will rub up against your leg introducing himself and asking to be pet.

"Usually, I would say, when you're walking, he'll bonk into you so he might catch you off guard a little bit. He constantly is rubbing against you," Howland said. "He really, I would say he's lazy when you want him to be, and he's active when you want him to be. He'll play with toys. He's usually lounging away. And then when he comes out he'll play. He loves it. So, very friendly, easy going cat."

He is now perfectly healthy with his dentals all done and veterinary care up to date and is ready to find his forever family.

"I would say the friendliest, easiest cat you could have. He's just, he's just gonna be a little sneezy sometimes, but that doesn't stop him from doing anything," she said.

Grey Boy's adoption fee is sponsored by Rooted in Balance Counseling LLC.

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