Triplex Cinema Hires Amy Handelsman as Executive Director

Print Story | Email Story
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Triplex Cinema has hired Amy Handelsman as its Executive Director. 
 
Handelsman has assumed her new position and will oversee all aspects of Triplex operations.
 
Nicki Wilson, President of the Triplex Board of Directors, stated that Handelsman's experience will be an asset to the Triplex.
 
"We are thrilled to have someone with such a wide range of experience join the ‘new’ Triplex as our first Executive Director. We have accomplished so much since we reopened 15 months ago and we look forward to Amy’s leadership to take us further in the coming years," she said.
 
Wilson also stated that completing the restoration of the fourth screen is a major goal for the coming year. This restoration will allow the Triplex to offer more films and thematic programming. Handelsman will lead the fundraising and development efforts for this project and other projects.
 
Handelsman's background includes serving as the Managing Director of Shakespeare & Co. in Lenox and experience in business development, strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, and fiscal and operational matters at arts-oriented non-profits.
 
Handelsman's prior experience includes working as a story analyst for Warner Bros., United Artists, and Paramount Pictures, and developing and producing movies for CBS, FOX, HBO, and Showtime.
 
Handelsman said she is looking forward to joining the staff and Board of Directors at the Triplex and continuing the work of providing "movies for all." She also stated that there are plans to create a cultural hub with readings, live music, art exhibitions, and a redesigned outdoor patio.
 
"I am so excited to be joining the dedicated and talented staff and Board of Directors at the Triplex, and to continue the work of the larger community in providing 'movies for all.' We have great plans in the works to create a true cultural hub. In addition to the stimulating programming and talkbacks, we'll have readings, live music, art exhibitions, and festive evenings on a newly designed outdoor patio. As we expand, we welcome the continued support of our valued patrons," Handelsman said.
 
Handelsman will work with Ben Elliott, Triplex Creative Director, to continue offering diverse cinema programming. Current screenings include a celebration of the life of David Lynch and " '75 at 50," a year-long look at films released in 1975. The Triplex will also continue partnerships with local organizations, including Jacob’s Pillow, The Berkshire Coop, No Comply Foods, Boondocks Film Society, and Temple Ahavath Sholom.
 
Triplex Cinema, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides film entertainment, including first-run, independent, foreign language, classic, children’s, and documentary films. The Triplex also showcases locally produced films and thematic programming and partners with schools and local non-profits for community programming.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Elevated Mercury Level Found in Center Pond Fish

BECKET, Mass. — The state Department of Public Health has issued an advisory after a mercury-contaminated fish was found in Center Pond. 
 
According to a letter sent to the local Board of Health from the Division of Environmental Toxicology, Hazard Assessment and Prevention, elevated levels of mercury were measured in the sample taken from the pond. 
 
The concentration in the fish exceeded DPH's action level of 0.5 milligrams per kilogram, or parts per million. 
 
"This indicates that daily consumption of fish from the waterbody may pose a health concern. Therefore, DPH has issued a FCA for Center Pond recommending that sensitive populations should not eat chain pickerel and all other people should limit consumption of chain pickerel to 2 meals/month," the letter states.
 
The letter specifically points to chain pickerel, but the 60-acre pond also has largemouth and smallmouth bass and yellow perch.
 
The "sensitive populations" include children younger than 12, those who are nursing, pregnant, or who may become pregnant.
 
The Toxicology Division recommends reducing intake of "large, predatory fish" or fish that feed on the bottoms of waterbodies, such as largemouth bass and carp. More information on safely eating fish can be found here
View Full Story

More South Berkshire Stories