Northern Berkshire Community Coalition Newsletter December 2002

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21st Century Community Learning Centers Discussed Sixty Coalitioners gathered for the November monthly meeting of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. The topic for the day was the 21st Century Community Learning Centers of the North Adams Public Schools. As is our custom, networking and announcements took place during the first half of the meeting. It has been a year since the 21st Century Community Learning Center was first launched in the North Adams Public Schools. What a gift this has been for the students in our school system. Nearly half of the elementary and middle school aged youth have participated in the after school program, which has served as the identity to date of what the 21st Century Community Learning Center is. For the first year, rolling out the 21st Century after school programs is quite an accomplishment. Our hope now is to engage the community in a discussion of what a Community Learning Center can be and to broaden the community’s identity with the 21st Century Learning Centers. Twenty First Century Learning Center staff told the Coalitioners stories of what occurs in their after school programs. What is unique for this project is the opportunity to draw families into the schools. Logic and research show us that when a family is engaged in a child’s education, that improves the child’s chances for success. Public policy places the highest priority on student academic achievement so students can ultimately pass the MCAS. Interestingly, the challenges that our schools face in helping students to achieve their potential is not that different from the challenges that many social agencies face in helping families realize their potential. The discussion at the Coalition meeting helped us all to see our common work. The 21st Century Learning Centers are looking for all types of community help. To be part of this exciting program, consider becoming a 21st Century Volunteer. For information about this opportunity, contact the Coalition office. - Al Bashevkin Inside this issue... • News around the Coalition • Local School News • UNITY News • Neigbhorhooe News • Community Calendar December Coalition Meeting “Crisis in Human Services Funding.. Setting the Stage” Friday, December 13th 10 AM to Noon First Baptist Church of North Adams 131 Main Street (Eagle Street Entrance) North Adams, MA OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Bring a can of food for the NBCA food pantry Coalition Supporters : Public Sources : • MA Department of Social Services • MA Cultural Council • Berkshire County Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition • NA Public Schools’ 21st Century Grant • National Endowment for the Arts • US Office of Juvenile Justice and Deliquency Prevention • MA Department of Public Health. Foundation Supporters • Campaign for Human Development • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation. Local Support • City of North Adams • Contributions from our many supporters. The Coalition is a member agency of the Northern Berkshire United Way and the Williamstown Community Chest. To Submit to NBCCoalition Newsletter: The Newsletter is a publication of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. To submit articles (100 words or less) for the JANUARY newsletter, SEND BY December 24th TO : E-Mail : cleab@nbccoalition.org abashevkin@nbccoalition.org Fax : 413 663-9877 December Coalition Meeting to Address Changing Times for Human Services The next monthly meeting of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition will be Friday, December 13th from 10 AM to noon at the Baptist Church in North Adams. These are challenging times that we are facing in the country, and in our region. Revenues to support the State budget have yet to bounce back from our last year’s difficulties. There are reports that the State is now facing a two billion dollar budget deficit. During economic recessions, our work is even more important and there is less money to support it. Local programs have been cut, and the future is uncertain. These are the times that we have to stand and think together as a community. As an industry, the helping profession needs to be more fluid in its approach to these changing times. Our thinking is driven by how funding for services is determined.. agency by agency. We have an environment where not for profits are competing with each other for fewer and fewer resources. There must be a better way. We ought to think of a more sectorial approach to our work in strengthening the community. These sectors might be better understood by need area. We have existing forums for elder services, youth service providers and day care providers. A new group of anti-poverty organizations has come together for a monthly gathering, to think together about how these services are delivered. These are excellent models for the types of alliances necessary in our changing times, and ones that can help us to think better as a sector of needs, rather than individual agencies supporting their programs. It can help to form a more fluid environment for services to mold to the changing times. Dan Bosley, our local State Representative, has offered some of his own ideas of how we might reorganize the way our services viewed. For health care, Dan is suggesting a broader regional approach, which will better utilize all of our resources in the County. His ideas for this regional approach can be read in a letter to the Advocate, printed on November 20th. Thoughts about the remaining services can evolve from our own discussions. So, with the help of our State Representative, Dan Bosley, our discussion at the December monthly meeting will, I hope, be an honest heart to heart amongst us all of how we are going to face these times ahead. Join us on Friday, December 13th for the beginning of what might be many discussions about the state of human services in our region ! Spanish for Health & Human Services CECS Wednesdays, January 22 – April 30 6-8:50pm Cost: $100 Location: Bowman Hall Instructor: Graziana Ramsden This course presents the Spanish language as a vehicle for communication for health and social service professionals who need to communicate with Spanish-speaking clients. The course content revolves around the presentation of specialized vocabulary as well as basic grammar concepts. Personalized questions, grammar exercises, dialogue completions and role-play will provide numerous opportunity to apply the vocabulary and grammar structures introduced during the course. For more information, call Lifelong Learning of MCLA at 662-5543. To register, contact the Registrar at 662-5180. Neighborhood Expo Provides a Place for Community Dialogue The weekend has passed and another Neighborhood Expo is behind us. Hundreds attended the 5th Annual Neighborhood Expo, offering Northern Berkshire residents from all parts of our region and from a variety of backgrounds to share the common experience of community. Through guided conversation, wonderful music, great food, and a shared desire for community, the Expo becomes a way for us all to share a little piece of community, even for this one day. For those who know this community, it’s a chance to be revived and reminded why this is such a great place to live and work. For those new to the area, what a wonderful opportunity to become involved. For all, it’s a celebration. Thanks to Kathy Keeser who we all know somehow finds what is needed to put an event like this together. Thanks to Natalie Cain, coalition staff who worked with Kathy to help organize this event. Thanks to Joe Manning for his tireless enthusiasm for community dialogue and his help to Kathy to make the day an engaging one. Our food staff, led by Shirley Davis and Edna Rudnick included Joan Preite, Linda Bissaillon. Marie Harpin, Marcia Sweet, Doris Gamache, Community Service volunteers led by Alex Daugherty, and our student servers from Beta Lamda Sorority of MCLA did an amazing job ensuring that all were well fed. Our front desk registrar Carolyn Leab helped people to navigate the Expo opportunities. Thanks to Erica Cruz, our MCLA intern who seemed to be everywhere helping everyone all day. For all that performed or participated in a session, thanks for your time and commitment to a more involved Northern Berkshire. – Al Bashevkin Linda Bissaillon Awarded Peacemaker at Expo Congratulations to Linda Bissaillon, who received the honor of the Peacemaker Award. Linda is an honored resident of the Greylock Housing Project and has worked very hard to build a viable neighborhood organization in her neighborhood. Linda also serves on the North Adams Housing Authority’s Board of Directors. Stories abound about Linda’s involvement with her neighbors and her commitment to a peaceful neighborhood, but all who know Linda know her as a person who cares deeply about the people she lives with and her family. Fortunately for us, Linda is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. – Al Bashevkin Northern Berkshire Legislative Contacts Rep Dan Bosley 3 Elmwood Avenue North Adams, MA 01247 (413) 663-7486 Rep Shaun Kelly 399 Main Street Dalton, MA 01226 (413) 684-5133 Sen Andrea Nuciforo 74 North St Pittsfield, MA 01201 (413) 442-6810 Cong John Olver 78 Center St Pittsfield, MA 01201 (413) 442-0946 http://www.house.gov/olver Senator Edward Kennedy. 2400 JFK Federal Bldg., Boston, MA 02203 315 Russell Senate Office Bldg. Washington DC 20510 (202) 224-4543 (202) 224-2417 (fax) senator@kennedy.senate.gov Senator John Kerry One Financial Plaza Springfield, MA 01103 304 Russell Senate Office Bldg. Washington DC 20510 (413) 785-4610 (413) 736-1049 (fax) (202) 224-2742 john_kerry@kerry.senate.gov President George Bush The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 (202)456-1414 (202) 456-2461 (fax) President@whitehouse.gov Neighborhood Expo to be shown on Local Cable Access TV (channel 15) beginning on Saturday, December 14th at 5:30 Watch for the exciting sessions and talks that took place at the Neighborhood EXPO on Saturday, November 16th. All the shows will be on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. on Channel 15. The series will repeat, after it runs through the first time. After the series has been through twice, probably sometime in mid-May, we will have copies of the video tape to loan out. Before then, contact Paul Marino at Northern Berkshire Community Television if you want to arrange to get a copy. Paul has edited most of the sessions. For more information, please contact Kathy at nbCC (663-7588) or Paul Marino at NBCTC (663-9006). Schedule for EXPO session on Channel 15, 5:30 p.m.: Sat. 12/14 at 5:30 p.m.- Circles of Women Sat. 12/21 at 5:30 p.m. – Economic Change Sat. 12/28 at 5:30 p.m. – Coming Home Sat. 1/4 at 5:30 p.m. – Local Music Sat. 1/11 at 5:30 p.m. - Historic Florida Sat. 1/18 at 5:30 p.m. –Public Benefit of Art Sat 1/25 at 5:30 p.m. - Eye on the Future Sat 2/1 at 5:30 p.m. - Getting Better With Age Sat 2/8 at 5:30 p.m. - Dreaming Along With the Bricks Sat 2/15 at 5:30 p.m. - Neighborhood Improvement Sat 2/22 at 5:30 p.m. - Activities, Exhibits & Peacemaker Elena Traister Moving On Elena Traister, UNITY Program Associate is leaving her job at the Coalition to pursue career goals. Here are some of her thoughts upon leaving. ... We all wish her luck Early on a January morning just about a year ago, I entered 85 Main St. for my second interview with Al and Erica, and for what turned into my first day of work with the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. My head swam in the effort to navigate the web of “collaboratives”, “boards”, “councils”, “working groups”, and other “committees” that I would be working with. We all shared cozy office space: Erica, Natalie, various interns, and myself all shared one room, and the entire Coalition staff could carry on a conversation together, each from our own desk. Since that time I’ve seen a number of changes and I’ve had the chance to get to know this place a little better. We moved upstairs and gained a bit of elbow-room, I was able to experience MLK Day, the Downtown Celebration, and the Expo, not to mention all of the summertime fun in the neighborhoods. I had the pleasure to meet frequently with the creative, talented, and highly enthusiastic teens of North Berkshire, who add such a spark to this community. And I’ve had the great fortune to meet so many people in so many different lines of work who are committed to protecting the quality of life in North Berkshire. I’ve been so impressed by the work and dedication I see not only here at the Coalition, but in the wider community. It is rare, I believe, to find a place that is so consciously welcoming and so attentive to the needs of its residents. Coming from Los Angeles, it amazes me to be able to walk downtown and run into a handful of friends and acquaintances, all of whom are happy to spend a moment to say “hello.” Even strangers here look up and smile, which is not true of most other cities I am acquainted with. Although I will be leaving the Coalition at the end of December to spend some time with my West-Coast family and to pursue my educational goals, I will look forward to returning to this place, which has come to feel very much like home. I will miss the energy of the teens, the familiar faces I see on Main St., the mountains, and especially the morning music jams at the Bean. I am grateful for what I have learned here and for the people I have met, and I hope, in the not too distant future, to return to my home in this community. - Elena Traister Changes at New American Citizenship Coalition The New American Citizenship Coalition is beginning its sixth year of operation. Over the past half dozen years, they have provided over 800 people from 74 different countries with citizenship services, and with increasing diversity in Berkshire county, these numbers will rise. Two new staff members have been added to their organization. They are Robert Hall who has replaced Marilyn Fontana (now with the Immigrant Education Project) as Education Director and Brooke Mead who has taken the reins of outreach coordinator from Doris Orellana. Doris has moved on to pursue other career goals. Hilary Greene continues as the Director of the New American Citizenship Coalition. Along with addressing any questions about citizenship, the New American Citizen Coalition will assist local residents with all steps of the citizenship process. For information about their services or to refer a new immigrant, they can be reached at 413 445-4881 or via e-mail at nacc@berkshire.net. Funding Available for Teen Pregnancy Prevention The Berkshire Coalition to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (BCPTP) has announced that they have funding available for several initiatives. Twelve thousand dollars is available for a service-learning program targeted at youth ages 10-19 in South Berkshire County. Service learning programs have the strongest evidence of any intervention that they reduce actual teen pregnancy rates while the youth are participating in the program. The deadline for submissions is December 22 at 4:00 PM. A Technical Assistance Session will be offered on December 2 at 10:00 AM. at the Coalition office located at 305 North Street, Pittsfield. The Coalition also has funding available for grassroots efforts in teen pregnancy prevention targeted at youth ages 10-19 in Berkshire County. Mini-grants of no more than $750 each will be reviewed and awarded monthly. Applications are due by the 30th of the month and will be awarded by the 15th of the following month. Because they are currently funded by the Department of Public Health Teen Challenge fund, current Coalition subcontractors and the Pittsfield and North Adams Public School Systems are not eligible to apply for the mini grants. Finally, the Coalition seeks an entity interested in planning and sponsoring a Youth Conference for middle and high school students. BCPTP will award a grant of $2000 for a conference to be held before June 30, 2003. The Coalition has previously organized a Youth Conference and will provide detailed technical assistance to this years’ organizer, if needed. The conference offers an opportunity for youth to unite and talk about issues important to them, a place for youth to voice their opinions in a non-judgmental environment and a great learning experience. The conference offers workshops on Body Art, Teen Dating, Safe Sex and Life After High School, etc. as well as a motivational keynote speaker. Applications are due December 31, 2002. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2003. Programs must target both male and female youth, be community-based and be based on best practices. There are several methods by which applications can be obtained: visit www.teenweb.org and download the application; call (413) 448-2279 and request mail or fax transmission or stop by the BCPTP Office at 305 North Street, Pittsfield and pick up a copy. Discussion on Teen Sex to be Offered The Berkshire Coalition to Prevent Teen Pregnancy will hold a community-wide Coalition meeting/workshop on Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 4:30 p.m. at their office at 305 North Street in Pittsfield. The Coalition meeting/workshop will offer participants an opportunity to view and discuss the video, Teens & Sex in Europe: A Story of Rights & Responsibility. This short film provides a fascinating glimpse into the sexual health attitudes of Dutch, German, and French teens and their parents and into the attitudes of government officials, educators, and health care providers. Dutch, German, and French teens have better sexual health outcomes, fewer sexual partners, and initiate sexual activity at the same age or even later than U.S. youth. Why? Participants will use the film to discuss the United States’ philosophy and policies concerning teen sexual health and strategize about how to create a society where adolescents are valued, public health policy is driven by scientific research and sexuality is viewed as a normal and healthy part of being human. The meeting is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. Interested community members who plan to attend the December 12th meeting are asked to RSVP at 448-2279. Those who would like to know more about the Coalition can visit their web site at www.teenweb.org . or may contact Lisa Fletcher-Udel, Coordinator at 448-2279. “Be a Tourist in Your Neighborhood” We had close to 100 entries in the photo contest. It was difficult deciding the winners, all the entries were really interesting and you could tell that people put time, effort and heart into the contest. The judges were: Joe Manning, Becca MacLaren from the Advocate and Roger Brechner from Transportation Association of Northern Berkshire. The photos were judged on the basis of the photograph itself, along with what was written by the person about why the picture was chosen, what made it important or unique to them. We want to thank all of the people who submitted entries and they will receive a certificate honoring them as “ Certified Tourist in their Neighborhood”. If they have not already received their certificate, it can be picked up at the coalition office, 85 Main St., Suite 624. Congratulations to the Winners: ADULT GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Betty Sartori CHILD GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Casey Anne Gregoire – age 4 10 RUNNERS-UP (no particular order – all equal runners-up): Wendy Donovan, Readsboro, VT David and Bonnie Deraway, Clarksburg Ben Hall – age 7, North Adams Sue Columbus, North Adams Justyna Carlson, North Adams Shirley Davis, North Adams Madison Arden Mills, age 4 and her Mother, Lori Mills Amy Harrington age 8 and her father John Harrington Tyler Cooper, 5th grade, Abbott School, Florida, MA Ashley Varuzzo, 10 years old, 5th grade, Sullivan School What Motivates a Volunteer.... Listening to the experts at our October Coalition meeting, we heard the following reasons why many volunteer their time to the area. •  Need for contributing to the community •  Helping others that help you •  Giving back to the community •  Need to feel needed •  Concerns for changing neighborhoods for ourselves and for children •  Provide a nice place for children to grow •  To be able to participate in a mix of events/organizations •  Learning new skills/new opportunities •  Applying old and new skills to help others •  Helps to bring people together •  Opportunities to talk with like-minded people •  Role model for children •  Finding out what’s happening in the community •  Obligation to faith/religion •  Food, Folks, and Fun!! •  Commitment •  College students gain knowledge and wisdom by leaving campus and exploring community •  Way of breaking down “normal” group of acquaintances •  Being part of a bigger thing •  Feeling of being capable, connected, and contributing •  Empowerment •  Leaving a legacy behind •  Class requirement •  Appreciation (Thank you’s) Council on Aging Information Now on Internet Elder Services of Berkshire County is pleased to announce that detailed information about the services and activities of Berkshire County’s twenty-nine Councils on Aging is available for the first time on Elder Services website, www. esbci.org. This comprehensive listing includes such services for elders as health clinics and immunizations, information and referral, educational lectures, grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments, group noontime meals, monthly newsletters, wellness and nutrition counseling, and daily “Are you OK ?” calls to homebound elders. Councils on Aging offer many activities to elders, including exercise classes, arts and crafts, travel clubs, bingo, socials and parties, day trips, card playing groups, and potluck dinners. Offerings vary by town, with the larger towns likely to have senior centers and more activities than the smaller, more rural locations. This much needed, innovative compilation was a collaborative effort between all twenty-nine Councils on Aging and Elder Services, designed to conveniently provide information to anyone who wants to know what each town’s Council on Aging does for elders in their respective communities. To view the services and activities available in a specific town, visit www.esbci.org, and click on the Councils on Aging link on the main screen. Then click on the town for which information is desired. Contact information is included for each Council on Aging, so that persons wishing to arrange services or participate in activities may do so. Time is Now to Plan Service Learning Projects MCLA is in the process of planning spring semester’s service-learning projects. Students learning through community service experiences and reflection. Typically we do service-learning in the following classes: computer science, public relations, self and society, environmental studies, women’s studies, sociology, and political science but that does not mean we are not open to hearing suggestions of potential projects for our students to become involved in your organization. Projects can be done on an individual basis, as a group, or an entire class. Please call Anne Geiger at MCLA, 662-5251 if you are interested in partnering with MCLA to provide further service-learning opportunities for students and at the same time make a difference in our community. – Anne Geiger We are pleased to announce the arrival of the Safe Homes 2002-2003 Resource Guide. The guide includes information and tips for parents, as well as a list of the nearly 300 families that have signed the Safe Homes Pledge. The Safe Homes Resource Guide has been mailed to all participating families and it is being made available at school Open Houses and in school offices. Resource Guides will soon be available in public libraries and area agencies. They can also be obtained by contacting the offices of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (663-7588) Contact Phone Numbers.... What follows are contact Numbers for the North Adams Public Schools 21st Century Community Learning Center Deb Rosselli, Project Director, 664-9633 Trista Walsh, Admin Assistant, 664-9633 Brayton School: Noella Carlow 662-3074 Greylock School: Joan Rivers 662-3292 Sullivan School: Judy Noel 662-3291 Conte Middle School : Elayne Murphy 281-2972; Diane Ryczek 662-3024 MCLA and North Adams Public Schools Pool their Efforts for Area Schoolchildren The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and 21st Century Community Learning Center are working together to provide adult educational opportunities within the school setting. In early December, a number of open houses were held to allow families and adult community members to learn more about what is available through MCLA for adult education. Represented at these open houses were the Office of Lifelong Learning at MCLA which will offer beginning computer classes for adults that will start in February. These classes are for people who have no experience with computers and want to get that exposure. They will be held at each elementary school, and at MCLA. Other programs were present to explore the feasibility of their involvement with the after school programming. These include the Distance Learning Program of MCLA that can help adults who cannot attend the traditional structured classroom program; the Adult Basic Education program which works to support GED’s; and North Berkshire Reads, an adult literacy program. The Beginning Computer Classes are scheduled and will be held in the area schools. Other offerings of MCLA including their literacy, distance learning programs, and adult basic education are being explored as offerings with Deb Rosselli. If you are interested in these exploratory conversations, contact Deb Rosselli and she will direct you to the appropriate person. After School Courses Ready for January Brochures are currently out for the new ten week session of after school programming that will begin on January 13th . Amongst the offerings are an improvisational theater program at the Main Street Stage in conjunction with RBIT. The Brayton Chefs Club will once again offer students opportunities to improve their reading, measurement, and comprehension skills while experiencing the fun of sampling all the delicious foods prepared. Music and showtunes are also a big part of the Brayton afterschool offerings. Exploring science and technology will offer Sullivan students opportunities to explore the world of science with creative hands-on activities, then showcase their discoveries through the use of computer technology. Students at Greylock will learn of different cultures by traveling the route of the Iditarod with Ms Gwozdz. Through the pen pal project, elementary school students will become pen pals with a Brazilian student with support from students of Williams College. Registrations for the new session are due right away. So, if you re interested, get your registration forms into the site coordinator immediately. Businesses and Groups The Aladdins Appalachian Bean Cafe Berkshire JuvenileCourt Community Service Program Beta Lambda Sorority of MCLA Brooks China Buffet CVS Flying Garbanzos Freedman, DeRosa & Rondeau Freight Yard Restaurant & Pub Hoosac Bank The Market Massachusetts Electric Mass MoCA MLK Committee North Adams Masonic Association NorthernBerkshire CommunityTV Northern Berkshire United Way St. Joseph Court Steeples Wal-Mart Williamstown Community Chest Individuals Mayor John Barrett Bob Barton Al Bashevkin Linda Bissaillon Marilyn Boesse Michael Boulay & Friends for Hancock Bluegrass Dan Broad Stan and Maralyn Brown Eric Buddington Nancy Bullett Natalie Cain Erica Cruz Alex and Sue Daugherty Shirley Davis Steve Elmstrom Evelyn Gallese Doris Gamache Tammy Gelinas Dr. Mary Grant Steve Green Marie Harpin Maureen Hasan Pat Hernadez Kathy Keeser Joy Kirshenbaum Sarah Kline Marya Kozic Wendy Krom Mary Ellen LaFountain Carolyn Leab Georgette Mancuso Joe Manning Connor Meehan Rick &Tammy Moon Diane Parsons Joan Preite Mark Rondeau Edna Rudnick Dave Sacco Ron Sheldon Youlin Shi Jan Shotwell H. Mark Smith Marcia Sweet Linda Tassone Brenda Thomas Elena Traister Barbara Wagner Walking Catamount Monica Wissman Reflections on the Neighborhood EXPO It was a wonderful day! The positive energy and friendly enthusiasm were so evident the whole day. People came to enjoy themselves, to share with others, to listen, to help out, and to eat good food. Joe Manning and I spent a lot of time in talking with people before the event, asking them to participate in story sessions and figuring out how the discussions might go. I learned so much more about what people are doing in the area, how much they contribute and how much real spirit there is in our community. We didn’t have to talk people into participating but just had to ask and listen to what they had to say. Unfortunately, I couldn’t sit in on much of the actual sessions, but I heard bits and pieces and listened to people’s comments after the sessions. People came out smiling and continued to talk after the sessions. Connections were made between different people and ideas were shared. People were enthusiastic about their community. The joy and goodwill just floated through the hall at lunchtime and throughout the day. I loved hearing the music and was proud to have my friends as the musicians. Thank you to the Garbanzos (Eric, Tony, Dale and Elena), the Hancock Bluegrass folks (Michael Boulay, Robert Fraker, Dave Barney, Steve Elmstrom, Joe Girard), Dan Broad, Conor Meehan, Joy Kirshenbaum, and the Aladdins for providing great entertainment during lunch and Steve Elmstrom for use of his personal sound system. I also want to thank the facilitators, the participants, Dr. Mary Grant, Mayor Barrett, the volunteers (Beta Lambda Sorority, Alex Daugherty and the Berkshire Juvenile Court, Community Service Program, Polly Finn), Carolyn, (registration coordinator), Elena, Erica, Sue and Al, (the NBCC staff who were so willing to help out), Shirley, Edna, Linda, Doris, Joan, Marcia and Marie (the kitchen crew), those who brought food, our sponsors (Northern Berkshire United Way, Williamstown Community Chest, Massachusetts Electric, Hoosac Bank, and Freedman, DeRosa & Rondeau, Attorneys at Law), the businesses who contributed food or supplies, MASS MoCA for the use of their sound system, the camera operators, the photo contest judges, entrants and sponsor CVS, the planning committee, the Masonic Temple for use of the space, the press for being there and covering this wonderful day and of course my partners in this event: Natalie, and Joe Manning. – Kathy Keeser Northern Berkshire Neighbors NEWS Calendar Greylock Housing Coalition Neighborhood Summit UNO Neighborhood Connection Mohawk Forest Neighbors Blackinton Neighbors Assoc. Community Bulletin Board December 2002 Seniors: • Volunteers are being sought to spend time with local elders. To help, contact Marge Ware at 664-8719. Agency: • Applications for the Christmas Elf Program has begun . This Christmas program is a Community Christmas program with everyone taking part to make sure that every child has a great Christmas. Contact: Marie at Northern Berkshire Community Action, 85 Main Street, Suite 410 or call 663-3014. • Volunteers are being sought to spend time in our local schools. To help, contact Al Bashevkin at 663-7588 or visit our website. • Fuel Assistance - the fuel assistance program runs through April 30th. The income guidelines are $17,720 for one or $23,880 for two. If you qualify for fuel assistance you will be eligible for a 30% reduction on your electric bill and 13% on your telephone bill. This program is available through Northern Berkshire Community Action, 85 Main Street, North Adams. For an appointment call: 663-3014. • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of the Berkshires has started an adolescent substance abuse program at 25 Marshall Street. Contact Mary Edmonds @ 664-4541 for information. • The Healthy Homes Program of Child Care of the Berkshires offers free home assessments for families with children up to age 6 who suffer from asthma, lead elevations, or to keep free from risk to injury. Free safety items available including smoke detectors, mattress covers, outlet plugs. Call Tina Rotolo at 663-6593 • The Northern Berkshire Collaborative for Non-violence meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 9 AM in the sixth floor conference room of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. • Free produce is available a the office of Northern Berkshire Community Action on Tuesdays. For information, contact their office at 663-3014. • A new roundtable is coming together for agencies and organizations working with the economically poor of the area. For information, or to join us at our next gathering, contact Al Bashevkin at the Coalition office. • Parent and Infant Groups, sponsored by Northern Berkshire Family Net on Thursday mornings, 10:30 at Haskins Community Center in North Adams. Call 664-4821 for information: (contact Person: MaryJo Belanger) The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will be hosting a brainstorming meeting and public hearing on new reportable disease regulations. This meeting will be Tuesday, December 17th at the Western Regional office of DPH, 23 Service Center in Northampton. Topics for he brainstorming meeting ( 9:30 AM to noon) will include the West Nile Virus, Lyme Disease, and Terrorism and Mass Casualties. A Public Hearing on reportable Diseases and Isolation and Quartantine Regulation (105 CMR 300.000) will follow. General: • FOLK MUSIC RADIO Tuesdays WJJW-FM 91l1 FM 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. TUNE IN! Call in at 662-5110. • Need some extra cash at the end of each month? The Family Beat needs your help! Now that the paper is a year old, they are looking for folks to help get it out and into the hands of people across the region. Typically this involves a few days work per month, a good car and a reasonably strong back. For info: mmervis@thefamilybeat.com or (413) 528-2975.* • Walking Catamount Traditional Mohawk Storyteller - if you wish your group or school to learn about Real Native Culture through stories, songs, and answers to question - contact Cat at 413-664-6716 or email Ghostcat07@yahoo. com. • HAVEN - Human/Animal Violence Education Network group at Berkshire Community College is working to raise community awareness about the connection between animal cruelty and violence. For information call: Lorna Grande, DVM 413-664-8471. • “Sonic Sanggha” Every Sunday night from 7 - 9:30 at Frog Lotus Yoga. Global Grooves, movement and dance. Open to all! Join us for the amazing beats and music of some of the most talented DJ’s/musicians in the Berkshires. $5.00. 189 Beaver Street, North Adams. Smoke Free. Call: Maryanne Santelli at 663-3569 or 664-8686 for more information. December 6th, 9th and 13th Northern Berkshire Tonite Local access TV at 8:00 PM (12/7), 7:30 PM (12/9) and 9:00 PM (12/13). This week co-hosts Al Bashevkin and Ken Swiatek will have as their guest Congressman John Olver. December 10th Neighborhood Summit Meeting This month’sNeighborhood Summit Meeting will be at St Joseph’s Court at 5:30 p.m. December 13th Monthly Coalition Meeting From 10 AM to NOON, at the First Baptist Church in North Adams the Monthly Meeting of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition will take place. Discussion will be about “Crisis in Human Service Funding”. Plan to bring a canned food item for the NBCA Food Pantry. This would be most appreciated, especially during this time of the year. December 13th GROOOve Cafe Teen Cafe Open Mic at Hairpin Tune music store on Eagle Street from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Call 663-7588 for more information December 17th Northern Berkshire Collaborative for Non Violence Facilitated by the Elizabeth Freeman Center in the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition Conference Room, 85 Main Street, Suite 624 at 9:00 AM. Contact the Elizabeth Freeman Center @ 663-9709 for more information. December 18th (please note the date change) Northern Berkshire Youth Collaborative Noon to 1:00 at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition office. This meeting is an opportunity for all youth serving organizations to talk together about youth and their work. Lunch will be provided. This group communicates by E-mail. To get on the list, contact the Coalition office @ 663-7588. January 4th Grooove Winterfest At MASS MoCA with local teen bands. Time TBA. For information: 663-7588. January 20th Martin Luther King Day In honor of Martin Luther King, a daylong celebration of his life will begin at 9 A.M. at the First Baptist Church in North Adams. There will be a inspirational speaker, activities, and food for all. The Peacemaker Award will be presented to a deserving community member. The public is invited to attend. STAFF Executive Director Al Bashevkin: abashevkin@nbccoalition.org Business Manager Sue Daugherty:sdaugherty@nbccoalition.org Northern Berkshire Neighbors Kathy Keeser: kkeeser@nbccoalition.org Natalie Cain: ncain@nbccoalition.org UNITY Erica Schmitz: eschmitz@nbccoalition.org Elena Traister: etraister@nbccoalition.org Administrative Asst. Carolyn Leab: cleab@nbccoalition.org Coalition Volunteer Marcia Sweet - Experience Works MCLA Intern Erica Cruz: emilysmom28@hotmail.com Final Thoughts... It’s the little people that matter. The little people who make a difference in their families, their neighborhoods, and their communities. That’s why recognitions like the Peacemaker Award mean so much to me. It honors those people who may be seen as the little people by others, but in the scheme of things, they are integral to the health of a community. I believe that is what makes this region so wonderful. It’s the recognition that this community is built upon the work of all. We may not feel it, but it’s true. It takes lots of people to run a softball league, a youth basketball program, an after school program, a church function or a neighborhood expo. Our student intern, Erica Cruz, knows, she’s one of those worker bees. She also did a lot of work to help us understand the many people who do volunteer in our community. So, think of the little people around you, the worker bees, the people who you can always count on, and be thankful that they are among us. Consider nominating them for an award. The Peacemaker Award is one way to say thanks. Calling them or dropping a line is another. You know, when it comes down to it, it’s these people that really do make a difference in community life. Thank you Linda Bissaillon (our most recent Peacemaker Award) and thanks to the many others out there who quietly go about building this community. - Al Bashevkin
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North Adams School Committee Applauds Award Winner, Hears Budget

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Superintendent Timothy Callahan presents his first Superintendent's Award to Brayden Canales. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The School Committee on Tuesday voted to send a recommending fiscal 2027 budget to a public hearing and congratulated the newest recipient of the Superintendent's Award. 
 
Drury High School senior Brayden Canales is graduating at the top of his class with 33 college credits and a grade-point average of 4.3.
 
"In addition to his impressive list of college courses, he has rounded out his transcript with several Advanced Placement and project based learning courses," said Superintendent Timothy Callahan, adding, "I had the honor to be Brayden's principal when he began a Drury."
 
Canales is a member of both the Nu Sigma and Pro Merito honor societies and received the Principal's Award for having the top five average in his class all four years and the Rensselaer (N.Y.) Institute of Technology award for science and math as a junior outside of the classroom.
 
He's also been a member of the soccer, hockey and baseball teams and this year was presented the Berkshire County Ice Hockey Officials Association's Sportsmanship Award for his leadership. Canales has also been a peer mediator, student ambassador, among other activities.  
 
He plans to pursue a major in architecture but has not yet selected a college. 
 
The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Certificate of Academic Excellence is awarded to students who have achieved not only academically but in leadership and community service. 
 
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