e-Zine:Weekly Updates for Northern Berkshire

Dear Tammy,

This edition of the e-zine offers updates about our upcoming programming, local events of interest, and agencies and resources available during the COVID-19 epidemic. As things are constantly changing, please call these agencies to get the most up-to-date information.

If you do not subscribe to our e-zine and would like to continue to get updates, please sign up below.

Thank you and stay healthy,

The Staff at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

Upcoming nbCC Events & News

The Student Support Program at UNO Community Center is heldon Tuesdays from 10:00am-11:00am, Wednesdays from 1:00pm-3:00pm, and Thursdays from 4:00pm-5:00pm, the purpose of this program is to provide guidance and support to students navigating remote learning. Any child under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Walk-ins are permitted if space is available.nbCC staff will be following all COVID safety protocols. Face masks are required for everyone.Space is limited. Please call to sign up a week in advance. Register with Stephanie Puc at 413-663-7533.Note:This program is staffed by community volunteers and nbCC staff, not trained tutors.

ItTakesaVillage:Ittakesavillageto raise a child, but it alsotakesavillageto raise and support a parent. The mission of this group is to create a space where parents can feel connected to a community of peers, to share interests, experiences, and challenges in childrearing. You can vent your frustrations or celebrate your successes in a judgement-free, confidential space. Held on the first and third Mondays of every month, our next meeting is Monday, October 19. Give Bri Rousseau a call for more information or to sign up at 413-663-7588.

The Little Old Lady Who Isnt Afraid of Anything Story Walk October 3-November 1on the Born Learning Trail in North Adams (near Steeple Cat field): A nbCC and the Family Center collaboration. Dont forget to scan the QR code at the end the first 20 families will received a free book!

nbCC is thrilled to announce the return of BRCC Open Hours at the Green(85 Main Street, North Adams) on Wednesdays, from 10am-12pm. This All-Recovery Meeting welcomes all who struggle with addiction, are affected by addiction, and/or support the lifestyle of recovery.All pathways of recovery are embraced and our meeting is nondenominational. We'll be taking COVID-19 safety precautions that we will go over in detail during orientation. The schedule will be as follows:

Here's what you will need to know ahead of coming in: We'll be practicing social distancing, and everyone should wear a mask (or face shield). If you forget yours at home, we will have some on hand. Additionally, to keep everyone safe, we won't be serving refreshments and we ask that you not bring outside food or drink with you. We know these changes to protocol can be difficult, but on the upside, we can't wait to see your faces in person again! If you have any questions, please call Susan at 413-663-7588.

We are also continuing our All-Recovery phone-in/ZOOM meetings, Monday-Friday, 1:30pm-2:30pm.The information for logging in follows:

MEETING ID #:878 9287 2269

or call in via one of these numbers:312 626 6799,929 205 6099,301 715 8592,346 248 7799,669 900 6833,253 215 8782

MEETING ID #:878 9287 2269

UNO Park Temporarily Closed:The North Adams Department of Health has ordered UNO Park to close for two weeks as a precaution against the spread of parvovirus. Parvovirus is not dangerous to humans but is deadly to dogs.

UNO Park will reopen onFriday, October 16.

COVID-19 Updates(newer submissions are at top)

Child Care of the Berkshires Inc.staff have returned to the office as of June 15.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) BerkshireCountyhas announced the addition of a Warm Line, 413-445-1136,a phone number that people can call to talk toeither a NAMI BC staff or a community trained volunteer having lived experience with mental health issues, trauma, and/or to assist individuals through a difficult time, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.NAMI Berkshire County will provide support over the phone as well as resources as available. Calls will be accepted during the day and evening until 8 p.m. Callers experiencing isolation, fear, stress can speak to someone so they will not feel as isolated and find some coping strategies that have worked for the operators staffing the phone.If operators are not available callers can leave their phone number and first name and they will be called back within 24 hours or sooner. The information is strictly confidential.

BHS Helpline.People should contact their primary care physician if theyhave concerns. Testing must be authorizedthroughthe primary care. TheBerkshire Health Systems helpline can answer many questions regarding findinga primary care, testing, or other health related issues.The Nurse Triage line has reduced its hours to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, still available seven days a week. The number remains 855-BMC-LINK, or 855-262-5465.

Northern Berkshire Adult Education has gone virtual!All classes are offered online, even the PCA class. Free to all adult learners. Brush up your skills to get your GED or to prepare to return to college from the comfort of your home. Contact Bob or AnnaMaria at 413-662-5330 or 413-662-5386.

nbCC Changes to Open Hours and Programs-The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC), in an effort to help combat the spread of COVID-19, has made the following changes to open hours and programs:

All changes will be until further notice. nbCC's priority is to protect the safety and health of all nbCC staff, volunteers and visitors.For more information, contact Amber Besaw, Executive Director of nbCC at (413) 663-7588.

Al-ANON meetingswill be held via Phone-In Meetings, Thursdays & Sundays at 7:00pm. The call-in information is 1-401-379-0339 PIN# 159328.

The Ecu-Health Care Officeis currently closed to in-person appointments and drop-offs.Our staff is available to assist you over the phone during regular business hours of 8:30am-5:00pm Monday-Thursday and 8:30am-4:00pm on Fridays. For assistance please give us a call and we will do our best to help you. Should you need to drop off verifications to be forwarded to MassHealth or the Health Connector, please use the envelopes provided outside our office door and leave them in our drop box. To contact MassHealth directly, call 1-800-841-2900. To contact the Health Connector directly, call 1-877-623-6765. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. The Ecu-Health Care staff wishes you and your families all the best during this difficult time.

ROOTS Teen Centeris closed to the public until further notice.Meals are available for pick-up by appointment.Contact Paula Buxbaum, Executive Director, at 413-663-0250.

Adams Town Office Hours-Town offices will operate with essential staff on premises only from 9 to 1 Monday through Thursday via phone or email; the Community Development Office will operate remotely only through voicemail and email. The Adams Free Library is closed completely; parks are open but people are urged to remain at least 6 feet apart and be in groups of less than 10.

Read the original here:
nbCC E-Zine - Oct. 15 - News and Events in Northern Berkshire - iBerkshires.com