N.B. Community Coalition marks 20th anniversary

Alexander and Susan Daugherty of North Adams were honored as this year's recipients of the Northern Berkshire Heroes Award at the luncheon event, held at the Williams Inn.

"For many in the community, the mission of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition is elusive. We're well-liked and respected, and your turnout here is a testament to that respect, but people are forever asking the clarifying question of what it is we are about," Executive Director Alan Bashevkin said. "Our mission is in our hearts and is most clearly spelled out in our actions. We're about the people of Northern Berkshire County and providing the forums for people to address the issues that challenge us."

He went on to describe in the words of his staff the events and actions that define the coalition as an organization. He said each summer the neighborhood groups carry on the tradition of hosting outdoor movies as a legacy to Fred Scerbo, who used to come into the neighborhoods to give free haircuts and show family friendly movies.

Bashevkin also talked about the creation of the United Neighborhood Organization, the building of community playgrounds and a neighborhood cleanup that has grown into a community-wide event.

He mentioned Allison Buck and Breanna Robinson, middle school teachers, who approached the coalition about the need for teen music and the creation of a teen coffee house. He mentioned Robin Leleightner, who began helping one student with his writing. From those beginnings came the Grooove, teen writing workshops and other teen groups.

"The common denominator for all of us is that we live and work in a most wonderful area, and while we all may be a bit different from each other, we wake up each morning surrounded by these beautiful Berkshire Hills, our clean air and the Northern Berkshire spirit that has all too often looked adversity in the eye but come out okay," Bashevkin said.

Keynote speaker Mark Smith of the Massachusetts Cultural Council said one of the things that makes the Northern Berkshires standout is the power of conversation and the ability to collaborate.

"The ability to gather together for conversation is truly unique. There is a communal spirit based on humility that is not seen. There is a sense of hope that is palpable here in Northern Berkshires — it's a rarity, not a given," he said. "There is an honesty and a realism here that is unseen. Keep doing it, it's an important thing."

Mayor John Barrett III said he remembered the first time he met Bashevkin.

One day this funny guy came into my office. He was bubbling with excitement. I thought, boy I want some of what he's on," he said. "But he had this spirit and still does. He makes sure those who need it most, get what they need, whether it be health insurance or a ride. I thank you for the last 20 years and hope you are here for the next 20 years."

State Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, D-North Adams, and Northern Berkshire Juvenile Court Judge Paul Perachi presented the Daughertys with the Northern Berkshire Heroes Award.

"For Alex and Sue, none of this is about doing a job. It's about giving things back to the community. I have known Al almost all of our lives. He is just a wonderful person — the type of person the rest of us should aspire to be," Bosley said.

He presented the pair with a citation from the state House of Representatives.

Perachi said that the Daughertys are a perfect example of what the Berkshires are about, giving to the community through their volunteerism and coordination of community events.

Alex Daugherty spoke on behalf of himself and his wife, thanking the community for what he called a "humbling award."

"Most of you know my wife has stolen the Nike logo of 'Just do it.' On a day like this, it just goes to show what can happen when you let two type A, meddling multi-taskers loose. We thank you all for letting us invade your lives. It has been a labor of love for us," he said. "To use a quote that has been my mantra for some time now, 'A life is not important except when it has an impact on other lives.' It has been easy to do the work we do, because people appreciate it and you can feel the impact."