nbCC to Host the Annual 'Neighborlies'

07:20AM / Friday, November 14, 2025Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC) will host the Neighborlies, an annual community recognition celebration, on Wednesday, Nov.19, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the MCLA Church Street Center in North Adams.

This event is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to join in supporting and celebrating friends and neighbors for their selfless acts of kindness and volunteerism. Snacks and light refreshments will be available.

Throughout the year, nbCC encourages residents to celebrate people of all ages who have performed acts of kindness or made a positive difference in their lives, in their neighborhoods, or in their community. This year, over 150 individuals will be recognized with an award. Anyone may recognize individuals or groups in one or more of the following categories: neighborly acts, youth taking the lead, family support, businesses and groups pulling together on a project, or community health and wellness.

Rillie Burns will be presented with this year's Steve Green Award. Rillie is a local youth and a part of the North Adams Public Library's Teen Art Club. She is receiving the Steve Green Award for her work with the Library to provide free hygiene and menstrual products to the community. This award was created in honor of Steve Green, a longtime board member of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and a dedicated educator. Steve was known for his generosity, commitment to service, and deep sense of community. This award is given to individuals who embody those same values—dedicating their time and efforts to strengthen and support their communities

This is the list of this year's recipients:

Businesses & Groups Pulling Together - Ashley Melillo, Barb Tassone, Bridget Mckeever, Gwen Miller, Have Hope Group, Heart and Soil Collective, Liz Baker, Maryam Kamangar/ Goodwill of the Berkshires, Melanie Davis, North Adams Good News & Keith Bona, Patrick Kavey, Rebecca Cuscaden Marvin, Shana and Melissa Parker, Williamstown Council on Aging, Wreaths Across America- North Adams Cemeteries

Health & Wellness - Abigail Reifsnyder, Adams Soccer League, Adrienne Wootters, Alicia Canary, Alison Pebworth, Ana Gentes, Barbara Gallo, Becky Dodge, Berkshire Food Project Team, Beth Daunis, Bill Wootters, Bonnie Cunningham, Carla Fosser, Carol Cutler, Charlie Blaisdel, Colin Harrington, Cynthia Lanoue, Dana Rapp, Daniel Bird, Dave Wesley, Donna Tatro, Eleanor Derby-Kilfoyle, Emilee Reynolds, Fiona Smith, Fire Chief Tom Francesconi, Fran Berasi, Franklin Risatti, Greg LaPerle, Greylock Yoga, Jake Laughner, Jean Steele, Joan Scott, Jocelyn Barret, John Minnis, Josh Mendel, Joyce Brewer, Justin Luciani, Kate Merrigan, Kathryn Benson, Lesa Bennett, Helen Romano, Keith Miles, Kevin Boisjolie, Kim Seward, Kurt Gabel, Kyle Malloy, Laura Wood, Leslie Appleget and Barbara Malkas, Lisa Boyer, Lisa Walker, Liz Boland, Lois Daunis, Lydia Zarek, Mark Jagiello, Marlene Walt, Mel Hamilton, Michael Biros, Mike Daunis, Nora Therrien, Phil Krutiak, Regina Marie Shea, Rich Davis, Rich Wolfe, Richard Netherwood, Rob White, Robert Dubriel, Roberta Lamb, Sam Whitney, Sandie Boisvert, Sandra Zarek, Sarah and Gwen Farnsworth, Sarah Sawyer, Sheila Bounds, Sheila Dassatti, Steve Smachetti, Sue Davis, Sue Walker, Susan Flash, Suzanne Dubriel, Terry LeClair, Tim Kitchell, Tina Kelly, Virginia O'Rorke

Family Support - Angel Quinones, Berkshire County Headstart, Beth Davis, Brianna Sabato, Bridget McKeever, Cathy Ellsworth, Colegrove Park Elementary Lunch/Summer Staff, Connie Tatro, Gianni Donati & Marlene Middleton, Jamie Cassavant, Josie Bunt, Julianna Saez, Kaylea Nocher, Lynn DeSanty, Mary Jirkowsky, Michael Maria, Nataleigh Harrington, Nicole Mullett, Sara Luciani, Steven Wandrei, Tamara Young

Neighborly Act - Alex Daugherty, Alice Bojanowski, Angela Mariani, Ann Marie Haddad Bartlett, Annie Rodgers, Barbara Bessette, Betsy Bean, Bryanna Bayly, Chris Barbeau, Christopher Biddy, Colin Recette, Colleen Venable, Courtney Meisberger, Danielle Condron, Debbie Linton, Denise and Tracy Melito, Erik Ramos-Jacobo, Fred Lora, Ian Bouthillette, Jacqueline McKeon, James Guthrie, Jessica Bourassa-Pitroff, Jose Osorio, Julie Clayton, Kareem Washington, Kayla Lescarbeau, Keishla Urena, Kevin Dowling, Marcus Ford, Michael Bedford and Sarah Sutro, Micheala Brait, Mike and Diane Pytko, Mike McMahon, Mike Sabato, Nate Staffin, Nick Sacco, Patrick Shade, Patti Lentine, Providencia Medina, Reese Wehrle, Sarah Kline, Sharaya Keele, St. John's Episcopal Church Williamstown volunteers, Suzy Helme, Tania Amador Casey, Tracy Zustra, Berkshire County Turtle Rescue Inc, Walter Mercado Rosenburg Cepeda, Wanda Gyurasz,

Youth Taking the Lead - Aiden Mendonca, Alena Tucker, Berkshire Thunder and Lightning Track Team and Volunteers, Donnie Cusson, Drew Zuckerman, Iriana Gomez, Jacob Serrano, Josie Bunt, Mark Kruzel, Raymond Bunt, Reese Kitchell, Rillie Burns, Sofia Francesconi, Timothy Kupiec

Tags: NBCC, neighborlies,

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Companion Corner: Grey Boy at No Paws left Behind

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
04:21PM / Wednesday, April 29, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There's a new cat at No Paws Left Behind looking 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.

Grey Boy is 10 years old and is a gray and white domestic shorthair.

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."

He does have feline herpes, also called feline viral rhinotracheitis, a contagious, common respiratory virus that is not curable but is manageable. It can go into remission but can flare-up in cats under stress. It is not contagious to humans. It's recommended Grey Boy not go to a home with another cat because of the possible stress. He could go home with a cat savvy dog and children.

"It is believed that he does have herpes, feline herpes, so he will, unfortunately, have to be an only cat going home, but he could potentially live with another cat [later] once he gets settled in, just due to stress," Howland said. "Herpes can become a little bit more active but doesn't stop him from being an active, happy cat."

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."

Because of his herpes, he will occasionally have a sneezing fit he is perfectly healthy 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.

If you think Grey Boy is your next companion, you can contact the shelter or learn more on the shelter's website.

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