NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Northern Berkshire Community Coalition celebrated a community hero, its 40th anniversary and kicked off its $10 million campaign drive for a new home on Thursday.

 

Jonathan Swartz of Williamstown was named this year's Northern Berkshire Hero for his extensive civic engagement.

 

"The Northern Berkshire Hero Award recognizes individuals whose dedication, service, and commitment make our community stronger, and tonight's honoree is a wonderful example of those values," said Executive Director Amber Besaw at the festively decorated GreylockWorks. 

 

"Throughout his life, Jonathan had embraced philanthropy, volunteerism, and civic engagement. He often speaks about the influence of the mentors who shaped his early years and how their lessons continue to guide him today, and although those mentors are no longer with us. The legacy of their lives goes on through Jonathan and his dedication to strengthening the community, and which he proudly calls home."

 

Swartz is a well-known figure — an aide at the North Adams Public Library, he is a regular attendee and participant at numerous events around North and Central Berkshire. 

 

"Jonathan has been a fixture in this Northern Berkshire community, like for 28 years," said state Rep. John Barrett III, in presenting him with a proclamation from the House of Representatives and a seal of the city of North Adams. He joked that he'd run into Swartz at a play or other event and end up giving him a ride home. 

 

"Jonathan, we're proud of you, because we claim you as one of our own now, and what you would have done is exemplify all that's good, not only about Northern Berkshire, but Berkshire County." 

 

Swartz is a native of New York State and graduated from Tappan Zee High School, where he began attending local town meetings, advocating for issues and volunteering at his public library. He came to the Berkshires to attend the former Bard College at Simon's Rock and later earned his master's of library science from San Jose State University.

 

The award recipient reflected on the mentors who guided him, and on his high school graduation, when the superintendent of schools had emphasized that his class could play a major role in the future of society.

 

"While I might not have invented the next big thing yet, I have hopeful purpose to make an impact in the community I live," Swartz said, adding that coming to the Berkshires, he became interested in its cultural offerings and its community organizations. 

 

"I learned that we are all interconnected and one thing would lead to another in these challenging times, I learned why my work is so important to take a stand for what I believe is the right thing to do. ... In these challenging times I will always take time to remember my roots that were planted in a community so close yet so far away, and carry what my teachers and mentors taught me to this day."

 

The award presentation was only one part of the coalition's 40th anniversary. It included dinner, dancing, raffles and silent auctions, photographs and a video of its goals to transform a former retail building it bought in 2023 into its new headquarters and community center through the One Community, One Coalition campaign. 

 

The renovated structure at 192 State St. will provide space for the bike collective, host forums for up to 200 people, include a commercial kitchen for training and program, workspaces, offices and room for youth gatherings. 

 

"The coalition aims to create a space which will be welcoming, safe, and accessible to the community, integrate with the landscape of the Northern Berkshire region, address program curriculum needs, and create vibrant outdoor spaces," said Besaw in the video. 

 

The goal to transform the property is tagged at $10 million to be raised over the next two years, of which about third is hoped come from individual donors. 

 

"Our first goal has been to raise a million dollars in private community support, and I am very excited to tell you that, as of last night, we have secured $1 million in private education," said new Development Director Margae Diamond to a burst of applause. 

 

"There's lots of research out there confirming what we already know. When you give people a beautiful, welcoming, shared space, they show up, and when they show up together, something shifts. They trust each other more, they trust their community more. They start to believe that the place they live is worth fighting for."

 

Besaw closed out the speaking portion of the evening, saying she'd been reflecting on a theme woven through what they were celebrating: "the power of connection and belonging."

 

"Forty years ago, a group of neighbors came together with a vision for a stronger Northern Berkshire," she said. "Tonight, we celebrate all of those who helped turn that vision into a reality. Their dedication laid the foundation for everything we've accomplished together. And yet, tonight is not just about honoring our past, but it's also about looking ahead to our future.

 

"One community, one coalition is an invitation, an invitation to help us build the next chapter together."

 

Some pieces from the silent auction — paintings, dinners, staycation, and Otto's Farmstead swag — are still available for bidding online through June 27.