NEWS & UPDATES | FALL 2023 |
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Detail of a colorful new mural created by artist Morgan Blair at Sharon Center School. |
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Second Street, Second Chances
RELEASE Theater Project Challenges Stigma
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ABC (Arts Build Community) Incubation grant recipient Second Street, Second Chances, Inc., based in Pittsfield, MA, co-created a play with six formerly incarcerated women inspired by their "words, stories and dreams." Three performances in September drew over 100 attendees. Read More About RELEASE
(Photo: Cast members Laura Standley and Brittany Nicholson.)
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Housing Affordability Forum Draws 200 Attendees |
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Over 200 gathered for the community forum "Housing + Jobs + Conservation: A Plan for Action" at Salisbury Forum in Connecticut. The event was co-presented by Salisbury Forum and BTCF, and hosted at the Salisbury School. Steve Rosenberg moderated a solutions-oriented dialogue with local leaders Jocelyn Ayers, Gordon Ridgway, and Michael Polemis.
(Photo by Sarah Kenyon)
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Peter Taylor
Elected Board Chair
of Philanthropy
Massachusetts
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Peter Taylor, President of BTCF, was
elected Chair of the Board of Directors at Philanthropy Massachusetts. Founded in 1969, Philanthropy MA is a diverse and vibrant association of philanthropic organizations and individuals. Among Peter's many contributions to philanthropy and community foundations in MA, Peter was the founding co-chair of the MA Community Foundation Partnership in 2020 that launched the first-ever statewide Community Foundations Summit in October, presented by Philanthropy MA. More than half of BTCF staff members attended and two BTCF staff, Jenn Frederick and Jen Windram, served on the planning committee.
Congratulations, Peter!
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Sharon Center School’s Millennium Fund Supports Colorful New Addition
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The cheer team at Sharon Center School, CT, celebrated the completion of a mural (pictured at top) by artist Morgan Blair.
The new mural, based on student artwork, reflects the vibrant learning community and provides a warm, energetic greeting. Art teacher Lily Barnett and students spoke at the gathering. The project was supported by BTCF’s Sharon Center School Millennium Fund enrichment fund, one of 33 regional education funds, which are a permanent source of support for our public school districts. Read More About Education Enrichment Funds
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Board Committee News
October marked the retirement of Ann Goodbody and Tom Quinn from our Investment Committee. They both served as chairs of the committee, Ann from 2008 to 2016 and Tom from 2016 to 2020. We thank them for their dedication, expertise and contributions to a crucial component of our organization! Learn More About Investment Program
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Staff Updates
Alÿcia Bacon joined our team in October. Originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, Alÿcia journeyed to the Capital Region at 21. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Theatre, and a Master's in Africana Studies from UAlbany. Deeply influenced by her studies and heritage, she's fervently dedicated to climate change solutions and civil rights advocacy. With prior roles that include work with Mothers Out Front, and board positions at Citizen Action, Alÿcia brings her academic background and leadership experiences to Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aspiring to further the mission of our Equity and Inclusion Initiative in our communities.
Matthew Quetti joined Berkshire Taconic as a Program Coordinator in August. In this role he supports the Programs and Operations teams, with a focus on executing grant-making operations and supporting grantees, donors and committee members. Prior to his arrival at the foundation, Matt's roles included overseeing hospitality operations for the Boston Symphony Orchestra and serving as the general manager for the oldest brewery in Somerville, Massachusetts, Aeronaut Brewing Company. Matt earned a Bachelor's degree in political science from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, with a concentration in sustainable urban development, and participated in the university’s Model United Nations team in Europe.
Welcome, Alÿcia and Matt!
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BTCF Staffers Attend Inaugural MA Community Foundation Summit
Eleven staff members representing all departments at BTCF attended the first statewide community foundation conference. Presented by Philanthropy Massachusetts, the event was led by a cohort of community foundation presidents, including BTCF’s Peter Taylor. The full-day summit held in Worcester in October included workshops and discussion on the evolving philanthropic landscape unique to Community Foundations ranging from How Community Foundations Can Be Responsive During Divided Political Times, to Shifting Power and Advancing Justice, and Marketing Your Community Foundation.
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Ongoing
Free Programs for Adults and Families at Claverack Library in New York
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I Tai Chi with David Haines: Beginner-friendly and
tailored to all levels. Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
I Gentle Yoga with Brooke Murray: Various styles of yoga included. Thursdays at 10 a.m.
I Baby & Me Story Time: Thursdays at 11 a.m.
Funded through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation's Fund for Columbia County and Early Literacy and Learning Network (ELLN)
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WAM Theatre presents a cabaret co-created and directed by Kyle Boatwright and Talya Kingston.
BTCF's Arts Build Community Initiative supports WAM's Radical Ticketing Initiative for these performances. I 7:30 pm at the Elayne Bernstein Theatre, Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA.
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Apply by November 10
EforAll Pitch Contest at Columbia-Greene Community College on Dec. 7
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EforAll Pitch Contests are two-hour events that offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their business idea and receive valuable feedback from experienced judges. Business ideas across a wide range of industries are encouraged. Cash prizes!
I Deadline to apply: November 10, 2023 @ 5 pm ET.
I Event Date: December 7, 5:30 -7:30 pm, Columbia-Greene Community College
Supported by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation's Economic Opportunity Strategic Priority
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November 14
Small Business Seminars in Northwest Connecticut
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I Coming up: Small Business Seminar on December 5, 2023 @ the Scoville Memorial Library in Salisbury, CT, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Supported by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation's Economic Opportunity Strategic Priority
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