Grant propels Hancock Shaker Village’s restoration efforts
Pittsfield — Hancock Shaker Village (HSV) has announced the receipt of a $110,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund (MCFF) that will facilitate the continuation of work on priority restoration projects.
HSV is currently engaged in a $500,000 priority restoration and repairs project intended to address multiple jobs including work on the windows shutters, and bell tower of the Brick Dwelling; upgrades of the doors, windows, livestock pens, and fences in and around the Dairy Ell of the Round Stone Barn; interior repairs to the Trustees’ Office and Store; improvements to the Poultry House; and more.
Hancock Shaker Village has other gifts and grants in hand worth $125,826. With the MCFF grant, the priority restoration fund reaches $235,826, almost half of the campaign goal of $500,000, according to president and CEO Linda Steigleder. Other funding is sought from private foundations and individual donors and Steigleder hopes to reach the fund goal by the end of 2016.
The MCFF requires that the Massachusetts Historical Commission approve HSV’s restoration plan before releasing funds. The agency’s approval is expected within several months.
–E.E.
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Emergency Food and Shelter Program applications sought by Berkshire United Way
Pittsfield — The FEMA-chaired National Board has awarded Berkshire County $60,604 in Phase 33 Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) assistance. Berkshire United Way, local administrator of the program, is urging qualifying organizations located throughout Berkshire County to submit an application for supplemental emergency food and shelter funding for Phase 33.
Local organizations chosen to receive funds must be private voluntary non-profits (with a voluntary board) or units of government; have an accounting system; practice non-discrimination; and have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs. Applications must be submitted on line and are due by midnight on Monday, July 25. Those completing applications should use “efspqualify” as both the username and password.
For more information, call Berkshire United Way at (413) 442-6948.
–E.E.
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CHP to offer farmers’ market
Great Barrington — In an effort to bring healthy farm produce to South County families, Community Health Programs (CHP) will launch its summer farmers market on Thursday, June 16, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. The markets will reoccur each Thursday through September 8.
The market will offer produce, cheese, eggs, baked goods, plants, and healthy snacks from Bracken Brae Farm, High Country Farm, Mod Pots & Plants, the Sweetish Baker, Little Bit Farm, and others. Families and individuals are welcome at the market.
Cash, checks, credit and debit cards, SNAP, WIC, and Seniors Farmers Market checks will be accepted. For more information, call CHP at (413) 528-0457.
-E.E.
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SomethinsGottaGive gallery opens
Chatham, N.Y. — The new decorative arts gallery SomethinsGottaGive has been opened by former Gucci North America Corporate Visual Merchandising Director James Knight. Celebrating both art and whimsy, the gallery’s collection features hand-crafted woodwork by Frank Grusauskas, furniture by Martin Zelonky, works in clay by Kathy Wismar, and handmade mirrors by Walter Irving, as well as pieces by woodworker Chris Schober. The gallery will host a grand opening reception on Saturday, June 18, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. For more information, call (917) 450-7072.
–E.E.
