Registration Open for the Institute for Trustees

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SHEFFIELD, Mass. — For the second year, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation will join Essex County Community Foundation in presenting the Institute for Trustees (IFT), an annual conference inviting nonprofit leaders to gather virtually for educational workshops and networking opportunities. 
 
The event is open to local board members and executive directors from Berkshire County, Mass., northwest Litchfield County, Conn., and Columbia and northeast Dutchess counties in New York. 
 
The IFT kicks off on April 11 with a keynote address by Dr. Kenann McKenzie, director of the Generous Listening and Dialogue Center at Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University. The Center, opened in the spring of 2021, serves as a hub and educational resource for the Tufts community to promote authentic dialogue and generous listening across differences.  
 
Participants can sign up for any number of 25 total workshops – taking place from April 12 to May 26 – that will cover topics ranging from strategic planning and fundraising to diversity and board development.  
 
To register for and learn more about the 2022 IFT, visit eccf.org/ift.
 
Registrations will be accepted at a discounted early bird rate of $110 until March 11. After that, registration will cost $130.
Full board registration is available for $500.  
 
A sample of planned workshops includes: 
   
  • Creating a Diverse Board of Directors with Gail Fortes, YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts       
  • Courageous Conversations with Jermaine Moore, The Mars Hill Group      
  • Same Storm, Different Boats: Navigating Financial Concerns in a Post-COVID World with James Matzdorff, Cohn Reznick LLP 
  • Mapping the Future: Equitable and Inclusive Strategic Planning with Molly Penn and Marita Phelps, PENN Creative Strategy   
  • How to be a Supportive Leader in a Difficult Time with Sarah Carlan, MSW, SWC Consulting       
  • Funders are Evolving, Too: How Can You Meet Them Where They Are? with Phyllis Corkum and Alex McCray, Philanthropy Massachusetts 
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts in Springfield, Mass., and SouthCoast Community Foundation in New Bedford, Mass., have joined Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and Essex County Community Foundation in presenting the 2022 event. 
 
"We are pleased to expand the power and reach of this exceptional learning and networking opportunity for nonprofit board leaders around the region," said Peter Taylor, president of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. "Coming together to explore common challenges and promising solutions with sector experts is critical for effective leadership in uncertain times." 

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Lee Announces Plans for 250th Anniversary Celebration

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
LEE, Mass. — The town of Lee was founded on Oct. 21, 1777. Exactly one year before its 250th anniversary, officials announced the launch of events to honor its history and the people and organizations that make it special. 
 
"Lee250 is a chance to celebrate our history, support the businesses that serve our community today, and invest in Lee's future. We encourage businesses and residents alike to get involved because the more we participate the more we can accomplish together," said Alex Heddinger, Lee Chamber of Commerce executive director.
 
The declaration on Wednesday featured remarks from the 250th Anniversary Committee that was established a couple months ago, Town Administrator Christopher Brittain said. 
 
The committee is currently made up of more than 25 people ranging from business owners, local officials, youth and nonprofit representatives to community members at large.
 
Its four subcommittees will be organizing events throughout the year, including concerts, historical photo displays and exhibitions, a citizens' parade, all culminating in a block party. 
 
"We hope this will be the largest celebration in the history of the town of Lee, and we want the entire community to be a part of it," Town Planner Brooke Healy, who chairs the birthday communication souvenirs subcommittee. 
 
The block party is planned for Oct. 21, 2027, exactly 250 years after the town's establishment and will feature live music, food trucks, a "spectacular drone show" and a communitywide celebration in downtown Lee, described by Healy as the "heart" of the town. 
 
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