2013 Regional Newsletter - Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Berkshire Taconic
C O M M U N II TT YY FFOOUUNNDDAATTI IOONN
C
A Whole
New World
pg 3
His Brother’s
Keeper2013
pg 9
Second
Newsletter
- fall
Chances
pg 10
2013 Newsletter - fall
Preserving the place
we love
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Christopher Kennan, Chair
J. Williar Dunlaevy, Vice Chair
Gloria Callen, Treasurer
David B. Rich, Secretary
Sheldon Evans
Ann M. Goodbody
Eileen Halloran
Edward Hoe
Ellen Kennedy
David McCarthy
Diane Monti-Catania
Holly J. Nelson
Robert Norris
Emilie Pryor
Pete Putzel
Thomas S. Quinn
Sarah Stack
Vera V.J. Weintraub
STAFF
Jennifer Dowley, PRESIDENT
Jill Gellert, VP OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Emily Bronson, PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Jill Cancellieri, DIR. OF PHILANTHROPIC SERVICES
Carrie Colodner, ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
Margaret Gearity, CONTROLLER
Cathy Glasner, OFFICE ASSOCIATE
Heidi Reineke-Kelsey, PHILANTHROPIC SRVS ASSOC.
Janet Latuga, COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE
Lisa Mlynarczyk, FINANCE ASSOCIATE
Maeve O’Dea, PROGRAM DIRECTOR
For over 25 years, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation has built stronger communities and helped
donors make a difference through charitable giving in
northwest Litchfield County, CT; Berkshire County, MA;
and Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County,
NY. Each year, the foundation distributes over $7
million through grants and scholarships to nonprofits
and individuals in the arts and education, health and
human services and environmental protection.
Berkshire Taconic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity.
Kyle Krigest - Great Mountain Forest - Falls Village & Norfolk CT
800 N. Main Street, PO Box 400
Sheffield, MA 01257-0400
413.229.0370
info@berkshiretaconic.org
Now in its 26th year, Berkshire Taconic is the steward of a substantial home-grown endowment. We
distribute more than $7 million annually to individuals and community organizations in Berkshire
(MA), Columbia (NY), northeast
Dutchess (NY) and northwest Litchfield
(CT) counties. Working in partnership
with the thousands of you who have
engaged with us over the years, our 530
funds, each with its own specific mission,
provide funding for everything from
guest art teachers in public schools – to
emergency fuel for those who cannot
afford to heat their homes – to meals for
seniors who can no longer drive and get
out to markets – to land conservation –
to reading programs at libraries for
Moms and their babies – to scholarships for nonprofit board chairs to attend a world-class program at
Harvard Business School. This all adds up to a rich tapestry of hope and support.
Berkshire Taconic was founded on the principle that working together we can make a difference,
now and in the future. We are about the promise to maintain and uphold the generous spirit of our
community, weaving it through the fabric of our towns, villages and institutions to enhance the way
of life that we all value. We want our communities to flourish. We care about our libraries, our theaters, childcare centers, farms, food pantries, fire departments, museums and schools. We care about
the next generation of leaders, employers and employees. Berkshire Taconic is a place where we can
activate that caring, where we can compound our generosity, and where we invest together our sense
of hope for the future!
We encourage those who need help to ask for it without reservation. We invite those of you with
open hearts and financial means to donate to existing funds or create a new one and begin your
legacy of giving to keep our communities strong and vital. Let’s work together to ensure that our
corner of the world remains forever an extraordinary place to call home.
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is
confirmed in compliance with National Standards
for U.S. Community Foundations
Get regular updates on grants, application
deadlines and community events
Sign up for enews at berkshiretaconic.org
ON THE COV ER Charlie Keil is passionate about putting his music theory,“Groovology” to work strengthening
young children’s overall development. So far, his Born to
Groove Fund has awarded grants for music programs to
every nonprofit childcare center in the Region One School
District in northwest CT. Now that’s an inspiring way to
match your passion with action. Read the full story and
donate at berkshiretaconic.org.
Photos by John Dolan
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Jennifer Dowley
President
Christopher Kennan
Chair, Board of Directors
O N T H E B A C K C O V E R The Wassaic Community
Farm in Wassaic, NY received a grant from BTCF’s
Northeast Dutchess Fund to improve infrastructure for
expanded pesticide-free vegetable and herb production,
sold at affordable prices locally at the Millerton Farmer’s
Market and in CSA shares.
Photos by John Dolan
OVER 200 DONORS, VOLUNTEERS, NONPROFITS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS gathered this summer to honor the
work of BTCF founder, the late Robert Blum, and his children Jack Blum and Alice
Yoakum along with their spouses, Jeanne Blum and Bob Yoakum. Part of the yearlong
celebration of the Foundation’s 25th anniversary, the event was held on the grounds of
Jonathan Doster
OUR REGION’S NATURAL BEAUTY, cultural riches and agricultural bounty add up to a
quality of life that is unrivaled in the United States. We cherish the sense of community that is so
strong in our rural towns, villages and small cities. Volunteers and nonprofit organizations are a vital
component of our daily lives, providing social services, education, healthcare, cultural enrichment
and public safety. In many different ways, Berkshire Taconic plays a critical role in this mix. We help
donors to leave legacies to their treasured causes. We lead conversations with community members to
solve local problems. We work with families to set up funds to address unmet needs in our region.
And we help build the management capacity of our nonprofits to give them the tools they need to
navigate the complications of our tightening economy.
HONORING OUR FOUNDERS
Ruth Epstein, Waterbury Republican
Preserving the Place We Love
The Hotchkiss School's Fairfield Farms under a large white tent with sweeping views of
the Litchfield Hills. Toasts were made, hugs exchanged, stories told! A $100,000
anonymous gift started it all. 25 years, $100 million and thousands of donors later, our part of the world has changed for the better!
To learn more about BTCF and the story of our early days, visit berkshiretaconic.org/history.
A Whole New World:
Easing the Transition for Immigrants
GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT
WHEN 23-YEAR-OLD PARKPOOM SEESANGRIT arrived in
ment to share while each enrolled in school (Krobkul is in the
the United States from his native Thailand just more than a year
nursing program at Berkshire Community College) and found
ago, he had only $200 to his name. And yet, like many immiseveral jobs between the two of them. The siblings juggled work,
grants who make their way here, what he lacked in resources he
school and life until they reached somewhat of a balance. That’s
more than made up for in hope and ambition. Within a few
when they sent for their mother who now lives with her children.
months, Parkpoom was enrolled in Berkshire Community College,
They take care of her around the clock.
where he is studying to become a physical therapist. His
motivation to earn a degree and beParkpoom has gained many close friends,
come a licensed professional has
particularly through school. In exchange
deeper roots that go far beyond
for English tutoring, Parkpoom shares his
financial security and the typical
strongest academic skills, math and
American dream. Closest to his heart
science, with his American peers. He
is his family, in particular his mother,
relishes the opportunity to teach his
who has inspired him to learn a new
friends and give back to the people who
language, brave a new culture, and
are helping him. His hard work, both in
become “the best physical therapist”
the classroom and in the community,
that he can be. Nine years ago, his
have earned Parkpoom a New World
mother Phannee suffered a debilitatFund scholarship and grant for living
ing stroke that left her partially paraexpenses to help ease some of the
lyzed and unable to care for herself. On
financial stresses that he and his family
the heels of this devastating blow,
have carried. And yet, despite the daily
Parkpoom's father abandoned the famexertion of creating a life in the States,
ily, leaving Parkpoom and his sister
Parkpoom’s attitude remains positive,
Krobkul to care for their fragile mother.
and his dreams are unwavering.
L U E S:
FA M ILY VA
Seesangrit
e & Parkpoom
“I am so inspired by my mother. I was
“My mother is a very strong woman,
Krobkul, Phanne
so young when she got sick,” Parkpoom
and because of her, I want to help
said. “I knew even then that what happeople like her and make a valuable contribupened to her shaped me, shaped us, as
tion to this place that has given so much to us,” he said. “I came
people. And it made us decide what to do next.”
here with a passion and this is what I hope in my heart. I know it
sounds a little weird, but I truly believe that miracles happen. Just
Krobkul was the first of the Seesangrits to leave Thailand.
look at us, at my family, we are here in the U.S. That’s an amazParkpoom followed shortly thereafter and the two got an aparting start.”
Abby Pratt of West Stockbridge, MA established the New World Fund at BTCF in 2000. To date, the fund has awarded over $98,000
in grants, ranging from scholarships for new immigrants who are attending Berkshire Community College, to payments for snow
tires, warm clothes, schoolbooks or a much-needed rent deposit – plus grants to nonprofits like the Berkshire Immigrant Center that
support the needs of our immigrant community.
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A GENEROUS BEQUEST
E D U C AT I O N E N R I C H M E N T
Ellsworth Kelly Celebrates 90th Birthday
by Giving $300K to Benefit Local Students
$50,000 Legacy Gift
Benefits the Crane Family
Fund and Local
Environmental Causes
GIVING ON YOUR BIRTHDAY has long been a tradition in
Crane & Co. has been a generous donor to
other countries. World renowned artist and Columbia County
formation and continues today to champion
resident Ellsworth Kelly has taken this concept to a new level.
FUND SPOTLIGHT
GRANTS AWARDED TO LOCAL YOUTH
FOR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE
Nicaragua, Haiti, and Peru are among the countries where local youth traveled and worked this summer,
thanks to grants from BTCF’s Alice and Richard Henriquez Fund/Youth World Awareness Program. Since
its inception, the Fund has awarded more than $200,000 to 42 school and youth groups and 63 young
people ages 14-22 in Berkshire, Litchfield, Dutchess and Columbia counties. Below are a few of the students who have traveled the world helping others.
community needs from the early days of its
local causes. In 2008, members of the Crane
family decided that they themselves would like
This year, to celebrate his 90th,
to find a way to give back to the community
the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
history and well being since 1770. Several
that has been so much a part of their family’s
family members
(EKF) awarded $300,000 to all
formed the Crane Family Fund in partnership
six Columbia County Arts and
with Berkshire Taconic
Humanities education enrichment funds. Hundreds of local
dispersed members of
Jennifer Evans
Richmond, MA
Hallie Walker
Williamstown, MA
Jeremy Stern
Litchfield, CT
Katelyn Monteleone
Lenox, MA
Zoe Borden
Great Barrington, MA
Elizabeth Fox
Williamstown, MA
the Crane family could
Nicaragua
Namibia
Peru
Nicaragua
Tanzania
India
citizens have added their own
have another way to
Helped underprivileged children in
rural schools with
their schoolwork,
studied Spanish and
stayed with host
families.
Worked with the
Elephant Human
Relations Aid
(EHRA), to promote
mutually beneficial
relationships
between subsistence
farmers and the
elephants of the
Namib Desert.
Participated in
VISIONS Service
Adventures, a three
week construction
project – building a
school, installing
clean-burning stoves
for villagers’ houses
and digging irrigation
ditches.
Taught Spanish to
children in a oneroom schoolhouse
in the mountains of
the small rural community of Cerro
Grande.
Shadowed local doctors, attended medical workshops on
HIV/TB, tropical
diseases and
malnutrition, dentistry and surgery and
learned about current
local issues affecting
Tanzania.
donations to build a strong permanent legacy for the children
in all six Columbia County
To thank Mr. Kelly, children from across
cards and sent samples of their artwork
from programs that the EKF has made
possible. You can view their moving and
beautiful tribute book by visiting
berkshiretaconic.org/ellsworthkelly.
science program
in Pittsfield, MA.
express their generosity
and gratitude. This
fund, with its advisory
board of family mem-
bers, makes gifts annually, several to environmental organizations in Berkshire County.
school districts.
the region wrote notes, created birthday
A participant in
BEAT’s educational
The Crane
“Without you, I
may not have
made the
decision to
pursue my
passion in art.”
Family Fund
supports
organizations
like Berkshire
Grown
Jonathan Hankin
John Dolan
so that the now widely-
every public school district in the region. To support
Kathrine Kittredge, a member of the Crane
family living in Norfolk, CT, continued that
“I have practiced law for about 55 years – people have
problems that sometimes cannot be solved without costs
of some kind. Mostly, all people really need is someone to
listen...the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
people listen...that works and good things happen.”
family legacy of giving by leaving a bequest in
her will for the Crane Family Fund, enabling it
to award more grants each year. Easy to do
these extraordinary learning experiences, visit
– JULIE BRADY, GRADE 12
ICHABOD CRANE
HIGH SCHOOL
Panama with 8
Volunteered at
students and 1 teacher
Shanti Bhavan
Children's Project.
Participated in comTaught English, choir
munity service and
and public speaking.
home-stay in a small
Read stories to the
village, a tour of the
younger children and Panama Canal and old
supervised classes. Panama City and a visit
to the Embera
indigenous village.
Richard Henriquez believed that world peace can be achieved only if young people understand and value other cultures. Richard’s vision survives him
through the Alice and Richard Henriquez Memorial Fund, the field of interest fund he created at BTCF in honor of his wife and then expanded through
a bequest after his lifetime. Other donors have joined in to create the Youth World Awareness Program that partners with the Henriquez Fund. You can
donate to both at berkshiretaconic.org/donate.
and easy to have a big impact!
BTCF now has an education enrichment fund for
Housatonic Valley
Regional High School
Falls Village, CT
For more information about giving through your
estate plan, contact Jill Cancellieri, Director of
Philanthropic Services at 413.229.0370 x103 or
jcancellieri@berkshiretaconic.org.
CARMI RAPPORT, ATTORNEY
berkshiretaconic.org/educationenrichment.
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Rogerio Luz
RAPPORT MEYERS LLP, HUDSON, NY
berkshiretaconic.org
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Making a Difference in Your Community
YO U + BT CF...
G O O DW ILL – SU IT YO U RSELF P RO GRA M
“Thank you for the time and effort you put into helping me prepare for my interview, by picking the right
clothing for me to wear and the tips you gave me
about my interview. You only have one chance to make
a first impression.” – Suit Yourself Client
Rogerio Luz
C A M P H I LL V I LL AGE
Grants to support the Healing Plant Garden where
residents with special needs grow herbs and flowers
for use in Village residences. In the workshop, plant
leaves are dried and processed for culinary use,
herbal teas, lotions and homeopathic therapies.
CLAIRE TEAG U E
SENIO R CENTER
Grant to construct a
raised vegetable bed for
disabled seniors.
John Dolan
NOR TH EAS T
C OM M UNI TY C ENTER
Support for NECC’s programs to
meet community needs including a
USDA Summer Food Service Program serving 2,500 meals to children
at the Millerton and Amenia
Recreation Programs, which
primarily serve low-income families.
CANAAN CH IL D C A RE C EN TER
Support for this educationally-based child care program to enhance our children’s social, emotional,
and physical growth, fostering independence and
creative thinking. Here, children take their first
steps as Kindergarten students on graduation day.
KAPTEYN AWARD WINNER
Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Falls Village, CT
“I feel blessed to jump out of bed every day excited to
start a new day at school. I hope to impart a lifelong love
of learning to my students, and a calling to find passion
in their ambitions.”
– Karen Davenport, Agricultural Education Teacher
PI NE PL AI NS F I R E DI S TR I C T
Support for the Pine Plains Fire
District to protect lives and
property and provide prevention
education.
Rogerio Luz
John Dolan
Rogerio Luz
John Dolan
berkshiretaconic.org
Photo Credit: Norman Rockwell (1894-1978),
"The Runaway," 1958. Norman Rockwell Museum Collections.
©SEPS: Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN.
REG IO N O NE ATH LETIC FU ND
“I’ve had two open-heart surgeries and a lot of time to think. It makes you
count your blessings. You never know what tomorrow is. Life’s too short, so
any chance I get, I’ll do what I can do. 50 years from now, when I'm no longer
here, a parent, a coach or a team will have the opportunity to receive financial
assistance from the Fund. When that happens, I will be smiling in heaven.”
– Francis “Champ” Perotti, Canaan, CT
N O R T H E A ST -M I LLE R T O N L I BR AR Y
Grants to support the library’s open access to cultural, intellectual and informational resources.
Shown here, the exterior “tiny library” which promotes reading by offering free books to passersby.
R E BU IL DING T O G E T H E R
D U T C HE S S C O UN T Y
Support for National Rebuilding
Day where volunteers repaired
plumbing and a leaky roof,
painted and installed smoke
detectors and handrails in an
elderly man’s home.
NO RMA N RO C K WEL L MU SEU M
Support for education and art
appreciation inspired by Norman
Rockwell and the world’s largest collection of original Norman Rockwell art.
John Dolan
Blandori for PS21
HUDS ON F A MILY
L I TER AC Y PR OG RAM
“My children like to come to the
after school program and summer
camp. Now, they are doing well in
school. I have learned English and
can communicate with people.”
- Shireen Saniul, Hudson, NY
VALATIE RESCUE SQUAD
A grant for training
equipment for community
training in CPR and first aid.
John Dolan
NE Dutchess County
P S2 1
Support for String Theory, a series of three string concerts
from different traditions along with related film programs and an
educational workshop. The West African concert showcased the
virtuosic talents of kora player and singer Zal Idrissa Sissokho.
SA L ISB U RY VISITIN G
N U RSE A SSO C IATIO N
Providing high quality, home health
services to all residents of the
Northwest Corner of Connecticut
regardless of their ability to pay.
NW Litchfield County
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MT. G REYLO CK REG IO NAL H IG H S C HO O L
Grant for a biology field trip to Pontoosuc Lake to
map the depths of a cove and wetland tours with a
naturalist from Williams College.
Berkshire County
Columbia County
Through the generosity of its donors, BTCF awards thousands of grants to non-profits & individuals every year - here are just a few:
USDA Rural Development Workshops
NEW SCHOLARSHIP FUND
T H I S S P R I N G, B T C F sponsored three USDA workshops throughout the
region for towns, small businesses, nonprofits and farmers looking for funding
opportunities that support the fabric of our communities – offering vital information about available loans, grants and technical assistance.
His Brother’s Keeper:
A Scholarship Devoted to the Trade
“A huge ‘thank you’ to Berkshire Taconic for bringing the USDA to town
to meet the community. We were successful in our application and have made the
match for the Philmont Co-op building renovation. Assisting the renewal in the
Village of Philmont and seeing the outstanding results of a community coming
together to achieve a turn-around feels great!”
Albert Pieropan had many mentors growing up in Ashfield, MA. The
youngest of four boys, Albert learned his place in the pecking order pretty
Rogerio Luz
quickly. Despite the natural chaos of multiple siblings, he had a close re-
Sally Baker, Executive Director, Philmont Beautification, Inc.
Sharing Knowledge. Growing Impact.
N ON P R O FIT L E AR N IN G P R OGR AM ( N P L P )
Since 2005, BTCF has sponsored this engaging workshop series for nonprofit boards and
executives with intensive training to help increase productivity, strengthen sustainability and help nonprofits better accomplish their missions.
Sarah Edwards
2013 NPLP Participants: IS-183, Stockbridge, MA; Flying Cloud Institute, New
Marlborough, MA; Northeast-Millerton Library, Millerton, NY; Time Out Foundation,
Lakeville, CT; Family Life Support Center, Adams, MA; Becket Arts Center, Becket,
MA; Youth Center, Inc., Adams, MA; Dalton CRA, Dalton, MA
S EMI NARS I N N ON PROF IT EXCELLE N C E
Sarah Edwards
HA RVAR D B U SIN E SS SC H OO L SC H OL AR SH IP S
Full scholarships ($5,000 each) were awarded to two local nonprofit executive directors
to attend Harvard Business School’s “Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management”
for a week-long intensive training program.
“The Harvard program was the single most important thing I have done to help Construct be a
nonprofit with focused mission, sustainability and significant impact in our community.”
– Cara Davis, Construct Inc., Great Barrington, MA
Past recipients: Catherine Doherty, Bryan Ayars (Community Health
Programs), Van Shields (Berkshire Museum), Barbara Henry, Cara
Davis (Construct, Inc.), Gary Schiro (Hudson Opera House), Elton
Ogden (Berkshire Housing Development Corporation)
“It was an extraordinary experience by every measure including the opportunity to gather perspectives from my classmates that represented every sector of nonprofits from all over the world. By
investing in the professional development of area nonprofit leaders, BTCF multiplies its impact on
the quality of life in the Berkshires.”
“He was a craftsman,
a journeyman, all his
life,” Albert said. “I
was off to higher education to become a
teacher and he was
working for an electrical supply store in
Pittsfield, then later
became a master
electrician. He
worked hard for
everything he had.”
wanted to do something good with his assets.” After Tony’s death, Albert was surprised to learn that his elder brother had
made him the sole inheritor of his estate.
“He left things to me to take care of, knowing that I didn’t need any money,” he said.
“But I remembered the conversation that
we had about him visiting
Berkshire Taconic
and I knew that he
wanted me to set
something up there.
That was my thinking, to carry out this
one thing that he
wanted me to do.
Brother to brother.”
BRANDY BUCKINGHAM,
PITTSFIELD, MA
SIMPLE GIFTS FUND GRANTEE
And so, the Antonio
and Antoinette
Pieropan Scholarship
was born. The scholarship supports resiAntonio & Albert Pierop
dents
of Stockbridge,
an
MA who want to continue their education
Tony continued his
through the trades and
trade into his late
services as well as in academics.
80s, long after his brother had retired from
teaching. And while Tony and Antoinette did
“There are many people who need help to
not have children, the elder Pieropan threw
get certificates for employment,” Albert
his energy into his nieces and nephews as
said. “Tony had the good fortune to have the
well as his local church. Tony was an active
G.I. Bill. There is a whole group of people
and generous member of the community,
who would rather wear a hard hat and a tool
volunteering his skills, serving on commitbelt than a suit and tie. These people are
tees, and promoting conservation efforts.
not academics, and yet they are very valuShortly before his death in September 2011,
able as tradesmen—police officers, truck
Tony called his baby brother to tell him a story.
drivers, electricians. This will help them.
And it’s something that will remember
“He called me up and said that he’d visited
Tony and Antoinette in a positive way.”
the Berkshire Taconic Foundation just to see
what it was all about,” Albert said. “He
Rogerio Luz
– Van Shields, The Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, MA
under his powerful wing and showed him the ropes.
In 1946, Tony, a high school athlete and graduate, joined the Navy. During his two-year
tour right after WWII, he took a shine to electrical work and trained to become an electrician on board the ship. Thanks to the G.I. Bill,
Tony headed for Chicago after he left the Navy
to earn his electrician’s license. He also married his high school sweetheart, Antoinette, a
“good gal” who
matched him both in
name and work ethic.
CENTER FOR NONPROFIT EXCELLENCE
Fundraising Workshops: Major Gifts and Grant Writing
Nonprofit colleagues seeking to improve their communities came in droves to these
popular seminars designed to help create more nimble organizations which have the
power, resources and strategies to really make a difference. Stay tuned for more upcoming professional development opportunities for your nonprofit.
lationship with his brothers, particularly Antonio (Tony) who took Albert
“Thank you for helping
people like me who cannot
afford to go to camp. I had an
amazing time thanks to your
generosity. I had so much fun
singing and being in the
talent show. I love arts and
crafts and I even got to
‘climb’ the rock climbing
wall. Everyone else was just
like me. Disabled! I fit right
in and this is why my camp
meant so much to me.
You are ALL wonderful,
caring people and my family
thanks you all.”
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“My family has been volunteering in Salisbury
since I was young. My parents told us to give
back to the community that raised us.
The people we help know us.
They’re comforted that it’s their neighbor
who is coming to help them.”
GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT
right on site and we provide snacks for the kids. Their parents are right
there if there is ever a problem. We now have materials that belong
specifically to the program, so that if someone wants to borrow a book
to study, they can take it home with them. Berkshire Taconic has allowed us to be as flexible as we need to be to respond to the changing
needs of the program.”
“In a small community, people take a
personal interest in things around
them that others are doing.
I’m keeping the flame of creativity alive.
I hope that I can give people a
hopefulness with their own creativity.”
It takes a real effort for many participants to be in the classes – on
top of working full-time jobs,
caring for young children, and
navigating a tough economy with
no car (and often times very little
knowledge of the English language). Their drive can be read
through the frustrating lines of
one participant’s letter (at left)
who was striving to enroll in a licensed practical nursing (LPN)
program in order to better support herself and her two sons.
“I need to be able to set an example for my boys as well as
help them with their schoolwork,” she writes.
“Also, how can I tell them how important school is when
I have no education? I'm tired of not being able to
spell correctly … I hate having to count my change three
or four times after a cashier has handed it to me. I just
need that 'satisfaction' that I'm not stupid.”
Many students will do whatever
it takes to finish out the course
and pass the GED exam, marking another stepping stone to a
better life and a better future.
A large part of the reason for
And when that happens, Binotto
the program's success is that
sees the powerful results. “We’ve
students have access to childkept up with a lot of our stucare and transportation in
dents after they have been
order to attend their classes.
through the program,” she says.
What many take for granted,
- GED STUDENT & MOTHER
“And they are doing well. They
Binotto knows is at the very
are resolving the issues they came here to resolve. And their children
heart of the learning process. For the last three years, Berkshire
are flourishing. Many are in college. It's incredible.”
Taconic, through its Northeast Dutchess Fund, has awarded a grant for
the program to provide these necessities. The impact is huge.
To donate to the NE Dutchess Fund or any of BTCF’s 11 Area Funds, visit
“The whole thing works out really well,” Binotto says. “We are able to
berkshiretacnonic.org/donate
use the van from the Northeast Community Center. Childcare is done
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berkshiretaconic.org
Rogerio Luz
UNIQUE GIFTS
Two Buildings Sold to Create Funds at BTCF
“The Board of Directors of the
Women’s Club was saddened
by having to sell our magnificent home in the Thomas Colt
House. It had been our home
since 1937. However, to now
have the funds to carry out
the Club’s mission of improving the welfare of women in all
phases of their lives gives us great joy. We are so proud to provide scholarships and grants that support women and girls
throughout Berkshire County.”
The Closson-Raught American Legion Post 1160 sold its
building to start a college scholarship for Taconic Hills, NY
for students and local veterans.
“The building isn’t the organization, it’s the people. A lot of
blood, sweat and tears were shed for the organization and
maintaining it. We want the organization to be remembered
and what better way to do that than to have some kind of
legacy. Through the scholarship we’re able to do that.”
- Margaret Anderson, Post Commander
- Isabel O’Brien, former President of the Women’s Club of the Berkshires
There are many creative ways to give through
your community foundation.
To learn more, contact Jill Cancellieri,
Director of Philanthropic Services at
413.229.0370 x103 or
jcancellieri@berkshiretaconic.org.
Rogerio Luz
“When I came here, it was one
other teacher and myself,” she
says. “Now we have 45 teachers and 12 sites all over the
county. Our goal last year was
25 students and we had 62 in
total. Thirty-two people took
the exam; we were expecting
12.” Clearly, there is a great
hunger for learning in this diverse community, and Berkshire Taconic is at the core of
being able to provide an avenue to that knowledge amidst
the struggles of everyday life.
“We've had a lot of success
with our students, and the
hope is that will continue.”
HENRY KLIMOWICZ, A.R.T. FUND GRANTEE
ARTIST, MILLERTON, NY
Rogerio Luz
Second Chances
t
“Some people come from other countries where they were pharmacists
and doctors in their communities,” Binotto says. “For whatever reason,
their degrees are not transferable to the U.S. so they start from the beginning. They want to create a new life. One of the teachers we have
was a lawyer in her country. She
went through the GED program
here and now she is teaching
GED classes to help others on
that path to get work, learn to
read and write well. It's really
important.”
J ACQUELI NE RI CE
SALI SB URY V OLUNTEER AMB ULANCE SERV I CE,
SALI SB URY, CT
t
A young father with five children
wants to go to college for carpentry so that he can “get a rell job
and take cair of my kids and soonto-be wife.” A single mother
whose son is going off to college
would “like my son to be proud of me. I will like to be proud of myself.” An immigrant from Mexico wants to “do something” with her
life and help her daughter in school. These are just a few of the heartfelt dreams and struggles of adults entering the Dutchess Community
College's GED and ESL programs. Lydia Binotto, who is the Assistant
to the Dean of Community
Services at the college, knows
everyone who walks through
her door looking for help. She
initiated the GED program
twenty years ago, and things
were a lot different.
THE
HANDWRITTEN
LETTERS
S AY I T A L L .
berkshiretaconic.org
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800 North Main Street, PO Box 400
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