Sounds and Tones Records signs Darling Valley
North Adams – Sounds and Tones Records has announced that it has signed Albany, N.Y.-based folk rock band Darling Valley.
Darling Valley, made up of two husband and wife duos from upstate New York, officially signed with Sounds and Tones on May 17. The band’s unique blend of folk and indie-rock has a clear direction, despite — or maybe due in part to — the wide variety of instruments used, and all four band members play percussion live on different drums at different times. The band will celebrate “Crooked Orchards,” its first offering on the Sounds and Tones label, with a CD release show at Savoy Taproom in Albany at 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, featuring Frank McGinnis and the Whim and labelmate Francesca Shanks.
–E.E.
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Behold! New Lebanon receives rural development grant from USDA
New Lebanon, N.Y. — Behold! New Lebanon (BNL), the first living museum of contemporary rural American life, has announced its receipt of a $89,529 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Part of USDA’s Rural Business Development initiative, the funds will be used for general operations, with concentration on growing the community of programs and presenters; extending its operating season; and developing audiences from Columbia County and beyond.
In addition to growing programs, the proceeds will enable BNL to increase its marketing efforts and create materials that document the project for purposes of replication. The documentation will include books, pamphlets, and films based on the programs presented by its more than 50 Rural Guides.
–E.E.
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Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires launch
Great Barrington — Nonprofits seeking help with everything from marketing to fundraising, manpower, and professional development can now turn to the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires (NPC). Founded by former Development and Marketing Director for Community Access to the Arts Liana Toscanini, the mission of NPC is to facilitate growth for charitable organizations through shared resources, affordable products and services, and creative collaborations.
Initial services include a practical workshop series featuring local experts and a “Giving Guide” publication to connect nonprofits to community members interested in getting involved and learning more about local organizations. Membership dues are affordable ($75 for nonprofits with annual revenue under $200,000), and benefits include discounts on all products and services as well as a one-hour consultation and one free workshop from the nonprofit workshop series.
–E.E.
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Community Foundation’s third round of 2016 grant deadlines
Sheffield — Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) has announced the third round of deadlines for competitive grants in 2016. Covering the period from July through September, the summer cycle of deadlines is open to regional nonprofits and schools, and includes the foundation’s two largest annual grants for regional artists and arts organizations.
For nonprofits
Harvard Business School’s ‘Governing for Nonprofit Excellence’ Scholarship is designed to enhance the leadership skills of nonprofit board chairs or vice chairs. Taught by a team of Harvard faculty members who specialize in nonprofit management and valued at $4,500, this program explores four core nonprofit governance competencies: board leadership, strategic stewardship, performance measurement and financial oversight. Applications are due Monday, August 8.
The Artist’s Resource Trust Fund for Organizations provides grants to nonprofit organizations to purchase, exhibit, or commission work created by regional artists. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded. Applications are due Monday, August 1.
The Berkshire Environmental Endowment Fund supports projects that focus on improving water quality and protecting the community’s natural resources. Applicants must be able to match the grant in cash or in-kind services. The fund has $21,500 available for grant-making. Applications are due Friday, September 30.
For schools
The Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence supports extracurricular projects that inspire and engage students in the Berkshire Hills Regional School District including field trips, building projects, artists-in-residence, travel grants for clubs, and robotics and nutrition programs. Applications are due Monday, September 19.
For artists
The Artist’s Resource Trust Fund for Individuals provides grants to artists aged 35 or older who seek funding to produce, exhibit, or commission their work. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded. Applications are due Monday, August 1.
The Martha Boschen Porter Fund supports emerging artists and artists who want to take their work in a different direction. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to individual artists or collaborative efforts. Applications are due Friday, July 15.
Online applications for both grants and scholarships are available.
–E.E.
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Marianne Fresia joins Lee Bank as assistant VP
Lee — Chuck Leach, president and CEO of Lee Bank, has announced that Marianne Fresia has been named to the position of assistant vice president, private banking and trust services.
In her new position, Fresia will focus on attracting, growing and retaining Lee Bank’s trust clients and will serve as liaison to October Mountain Financial Advisors’ team for clients interested in wealth management. As assistant vice president of private banking and trust services, Fresia will act as a conduit between retail banking, commercial banking, and October Mountain Financial Advisors to ensure that customers are aware of and have access to products and services from all areas.
Fresia joins Lee Bank after serving for six years as a financial trust administrator at Berkshire Bank Wealth Management in Lenox. Prior to her position in wealth management, she held various roles at Berkshire Bank in Pittsfield. Fresia has completed coursework toward achieving the Certified Trust and Financial Advisor designation and will sit for the exam in August.
–E.E.
