Saturday, February 15, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

HomeBusinessBUSINESS MONDAY: Spotlight...

BUSINESS MONDAY: Spotlight on Dewey Hall—It takes a village to support a community treasure

The Sheffield nonprofit hosted its second annual Celestial Ball to cap off its yearly fundraising campaign in shimmering style.

Dewey Hall celebrated the final night of its three-month fundraising campaign at the second annual Celestial Ball this past Saturday night. The crowd was as diverse as the Sheffield-based nonprofit’s touch points with the community (scroll down to see the original Spotlight for programming and other endeavors), and the wine, sweet and savory delights, and glitter and sequins were abundant. It was a nonstop dance party from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. with DJ BFG, who kept the “Stardust Ballroom” floor shaking under a planetary alliance.

The “Mystical Lounge” (a swankily transformed meeting room) offered a quieter space to sip champagne, visit with friends, add more sparkle with a face painter, or explore their futures with Tarot card readings.

The eye-catching poster promoting the event, by Silo Media. Image courtesy Dewey Hall

Expanding support from the Berkshire business community

Board president Beth Carlson paused the party briefly for this shout out to the business community: “A huge thank you to sponsors ACRES (Alden Country Real Estate), Guido’s, and Herrington’s, and to the businesses that contributed to make the ball accessible to all: Wilkinson & Sons, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Mahaiwe Tent, and Clark Green + Bek!” In addition, she noted that “over 40 people contributed in some way to make this event happen.”

In addition to the Hall’s staff (Maggie McRae, Michael Siktberg, Ruby Littman, and Patricia Strauch) and loyal volunteers, Carlson highlighted special efforts by two newcomers to the Dewey team: events coordinator Melanie Willins, who “manifested our dreams for this Galactic event;” and marketing coordinator Amy Bainbridge-Jordan, who contributed to the evening’s success with robust social media posts.

“I truly witnessed the magic of the Dewey Hall community coming together to contribute in small and large ways for the Celestial Ball,” says Willins, whose involvement in nonprofit work, music festivals, and hospitality led her to Dewey. “Board members were rolling up their sleeves to haul furniture and mop the floor—which is indicative of how much they care about the Hall. I’m grateful to be a part of it and optimistic about hosting more events!”

Tripping the lights fantastic with DJ BfG at Dewey Hall’s Celestial Ball. Photo by Sam Backhaus Photography

Along with the sponsors, over a dozen area businesses and individuals donated one-of-a-kind opportunities to the Dewey Hall Concierge Experience Auction, a two-week online effort culminating during the ball. Business contributors included BerkCirque, Berkshire Aviation Enterprises, Berkshire Bike & Board, Canyon Ranch, EvoQue Investments, and Mend, with additional support by Cook & Larder, Nejaime’s Wine Cellars, and The Farm New Marlborough. Aurélien de St André, Lee Buttala, Andrés F. Sarmiento, Susan Schneider, and Izak Zenou generously offered their personal talents to the auction, which raised close to $4,000 for the Hall.

Ongoing fundraising efforts for a Historic Structure and Master Plan

“No matter your political or religious beliefs, we all share concerns about our futures and the future of the nation and the world,” Carlson reminded attendees. “Community is more important than ever, as are off-the-grid spaces where we can gather freely, celebrate together, connect, and share.” She added that Dewey Hall is also a place to discuss and escape the world’s problems, sing, dance, create, eat, network, play music, and most importantly, celebrate our differences and commonalities.

Noting the significance of nonprofits such as Dewey Hall, which can genuinely impact the world, she stressed the vital impact we can have in today’s changing environments by investing in the communities where we live. “We really need the tools to do our job. We need support for smooth operations and materials, for telling our story, for fundraising, and most importantly, to pay for the talent that brings it all to life.”

While the ball marked the end of the formal fundraising campaign, efforts to support and maintain Dewey Hall are ongoing. Massachusetts Cultural Council Facilities (MCCF) awarded Dewey a $35,000 matching grant for feasibility and planning in 2022, which allows the Hall to contract with an architectural firm for a Historic Structure Report (including a conditions assessment) and Master Plan. Dewey also received a $15,000 partnership grant from Housatonic Heritage toward its preservation and planning goals. “This $15,000 gets us much closer to raising the match for the MCCF grant. The total cost of the project is unknown, but it is likely to exceed $70,000,” Carlson estimates, stating, “These are essential next steps in our stewardship and preservation of the Hall as a historic building and community resource for the next 150 years.”

With just four part-time staff, Dewey Hall is “just touching the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we could be doing,” Carlson believes. “A long-range goal of the strategic plan is to build an endowment fund to provide a stable income so the Hall isn’t vulnerable to changing boards and economics.”

The Dewey Hall board recently welcomed two new directors—Connie Griffin and Brian Healey—joining vice president Wenonah Webster, Evelyn Battaglia, Fred Frayer, and Maria Nation. Griffin is the former owner/operator of the long-running “griffin”—a one-stop retail shop for old and new with a point of view on Railroad Street in Great Barrington. When Webster approached her about joining the board, she agreed, lending her generous energy, sense of style, and deep community connections to the Dewey cause. Healey is an experienced corporate attorney who learned about Dewey through his partner, Lee Buttala. Believing every nonprofit needs a lawyer on the board, he volunteered his valuable expertise.

Upcoming Events

Nicotine Dolls: Solo and Acoustic (February 15)

Sam Cieri, lead singer of the pop band Nicotine Dolls, will perform a special solo acoustic fundraiser and talk-back at Dewey Hall on February 15th (a limited-ticket event). The Billboard top-ten band has been building a reputation as one to watch after cultivating a massive online following based on their viral hits, including “What Makes You Sad” (featured on TV’s “The Good Doctor” and “America’s Got Talent”).

Photo courtesy Sam Cieri

Fourth Annual Sourdough Bread Contest (March 14)

An annual draw for rising and established Berkshire bakers, this regularly sold-out event invites the culinary crowd to taste traditional and embellished sourdough bread, accompanied by fine cheese, fruit, wine, and beer. Returning to judge this year is an esteemed panel of local culinarians—Jean-Francois Bizalion, Richard Bourdain, Sarah Reynolds North, and Mac MacConnell. In its third year, this event is known for its engaged crowd, fierce but friendly competition, and fabulous food.

Celebrating scratch bread at the Hall is a community favorite. Photo courtesy Dewey Hall

[Editor’s note: The following article was originally published on January 22, 2024. We are reprinting it here in case you missed it and for a deeper dive into Dewey Hall, noting some of the programming mentioned has changed since then.]

“At a time when so much is at risk, having a place to be yourself, celebrate, explore, discover, make new friends, and meet old friends—that’s what we offer. We welcome everyone through our doors and invite all to enter this space, shedding the things that divide us. We want the chance to continue to offer a celebration of the simple things in life, accessibility, and friendship first of all, to the community. Our ‘Reaching for the Stars Campaign’ is vital for that work.”
—Beth Carlson, Dewey Hall board president

“When my wife Ruby and I started looking for our first house together, we drove through quiet Sheffield and were delighted by it. The building that most caught our attention was Dewey Hall. We are both actors, and I play music, so naturally we were curious about it,” explains Michael Siktberg, who now works for the Hall as rentals manager. They moved to Sheffield, and soon after met Maggie McRae, Dewey Hall’s manager, at a game night they attended with some new friends.

McRae is a musician, dance caller, and event organizer who grew up on a small farm in North Carolina, earned a B.A. in Music from Brevard College, and completed the Alexander Technique Teacher certification program before moving to the Berkshires. “Imagine my surprise when she told me she ran Dewey Hall!” Siktberg continues. “It wasn’t long before Maggie booked me for her ‘Young at Heart’ Saturday morning series to play children’s music, and eventually the Hall brought me on the staff.”

Siktberg, who is a graduate of the American Music and Dramatic Academy and a member of the Actors Equity Association, was thrilled to join the DH team. Having performed for theaters across the country, he relished “the endless possibilities for bringing music, art, fellowship, and love” to Sheffield and the greater Berkshire community.

This kind of infectious response to Dewey Hall is quite common. Something about the structure and the program offerings catches your eye, and the next thing you know, you’re hooked and looking for more ways to get involved.

When Patty Strauch and her singer-songwriter husband Bruce Mandel moved to Otis in 2003, she quickly became involved in many area music and cultural venues as a performer, organizer, and volunteer. Ten years later, she offered her organizational skills to assist nonprofits (Dewey Hall, for one) with streamlining office and financial procedures and has been an invaluable bookkeeper ever since.

Clara Stickney—a fiddler, pianist, and lever harpist who moved to the Berkshires in 2021—started working as the “Office Fairy” in 2023. With this strong part-time staff in place, they were well-poised to expand the Hall’s offerings this year. “Now we’re really starting to cook,” Siktberg grins.

The triumphant Dewey Hall trio (from left): Maggie McRae, Michael Siktberg, and Clara Stickney pose outside the Hall. Photo courtesy Dewey Hall

A ‘Friendly Union’ with a lasting mission

Since its founding by Orville Dewey as the Sheffield Friendly Union Library Association back in the 1850s, the Hall’s mission has been “to strengthen the health of the community by convening and connecting Berkshire County neighbors.”

Nearly 175 years later, it remains committed to that goal, “fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and creative community by providing a diverse range of arts and humanities programming, cultural and educational events, and community gatherings” (as its website proclaims). At a time when people are growing more polarized by politics, economics, age, and creed, it continues to serve as the heart of the community, inviting people of all backgrounds to come in and connect with each other.

The interior of Dewey Hall lends itself to countless functions at an affordable price. Photo courtesy Dewey Hall

Hosting nearly 100 public events each year, the historic Hall is beloved for its Taconic stone exterior, vaulted ceiling, expansive (pine) dance floor, raised performance stage (featuring a Yamaha U-1 piano and state-of-the-art sound equipment), and updated kitchen. The wainscoted meeting room serves as a green room for events, a backstage area for performances, and a great space to meet, work, or rehearse.

Affordable rental rates and an 80- to 120-person capacity (based on reception or concert setup) make the space an accessible and versatile resource for the communities it serves—including musicians and dancers looking for rehearsal space, nonprofits in need of a venue for holding events and recording videos, and local residents hosting gatherings and celebrations with family and friends. “It gives me great joy to book other artists or give them an affordable space to teach and rehearse. We host a variety of local artists and teachers now, and the number is growing!” Siktberg says.

Deborah Harris offers dance classes for children and adults in the style of Isadora Duncan. Photo courtesy Dewey Hall

A strong board and a long-term plan

Priscilla Cote, who has served on the board for 40 years, first became involved with Dewey Hall when she moved to Sheffield in the 1960s as a way to get to know the people and the community. “It’s created a tremendous amount of energy and sustained a lot of support over a long period of time,” she notes. During that time she has held several board positions and recruited many new board members. “We have a very strong board of supportive and talented people dedicated to preserving this beautiful, historic building and strong community,” she adds.

Beth Carlson, who currently serves as president of the board, first became involved with Dewey Hall in 2017 when, as she explains, “The Hall had no real plan for its future survival.” With limited economic resources in the mostly rural farming community and increasing costs, they faced a big fundraising challenge. In the summer of 2020 (in the midst of the pandemic) she spearheaded the virtual “Keep the Lights On” campaign and applied for an outdoor license to be able to keep offering programming for the community.

And how did Dewey Hall vice president Wenonah Webster first get involved? “Beth invited me,” she quickly responds. Webster hadn’t had much interaction with the Hall before then, but as a Sheffield resident and business owner (Webster Landscape, Inc.), she was interested in connecting with her neighbors. “Being in the trades, I was intrigued with the idea of a community place that wasn’t political, religious, or divisive in any way,” she explains.

The eight-member board, Carlson stresses, is “a working board committed to stewarding Dewey Hall as a resource for the community and keeping the price point for their programs and events affordable for all, maintaining the historic space responsibly, and building a master plan to ensure the Hall’s long-term stability.”

According to Webster, the Hall must raise $40,000 just to cover operating expenses. “We’ve been reactive in the past, but we need to become proactive. Dewey Hall, like other arts and community nonprofits, relies on donations, grants, and direct income (tickets, rentals, concessions, merchandise). Our direct income is currently 60 percent of our income, which is a fabulous number, but our donations have not historically kept pace. We also receive some unrestricted grant funding.”

Carlson adds, “With four part-time staff and overhead still a reach, we are just touching the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we could be doing.” The board is currently accepting proposals for a Historic Structure Report and Master Plan (as part of a public grant program) to identify preservation and updating projects and create a long-term strategic plan. “Our long-range goal is to build an endowment fund to provide a stable income so the Hall isn’t vulnerable to changing boards and economics,” she states.

The Dewey Drop-In Series—Something for everyone

With ever-expanding program offerings, Dewey Hall truly offers something for everyone—including second-Saturday indoor Winter Markets, old-fashioned community gatherings like the Sourdough Bread Baking Contest and Dahlia Festival, contra dance and live music, and family-friendly events like the Ice Cream Social.

A recent addition to The Hall’s programming is the Wednesday night Dewey Drop-In (DDI) Series, which operates on a sliding scale ($5 to 25 entrance fee) to keep them accessible to all, with a suggested minimum donation of $10 to cover costs. DDI has a coffeehouse set up, and food is part of the memorable experience through a partnership with Roberto’s Pizza next door (attendees order from an in-house menu for delivery mid-program).

Patrons (from left) Jacky, Caitlyn, and Autumn enjoying game night. Photo courtesy Dewey Hall

First Wednesdays: “Game Nights” (bring or join a game!)

“I started going to Game Nights at Dewey Hall last year with my sister and our friend Jacky, and we look forward to it every month,” Autumn Snyder shares. “It’s always a blast, whether we’re playing a game we already know, or learning a brand new game we’ve never played before. The atmosphere is super inviting, and there’s never a shortage of games to choose from.”

One of her favorite parts? “Sometimes toward the end of the night, everyone joins in on one game, whether to play or just to watch,” she confides. “There’s always lots of laughter. It’s a great space to feel connected to the community and to just have fun.”

Her sister Caitlyn agrees. “I love Game Night—I get to bring friends from different parts of my life together and learn new games,” she says. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite board, group, or role-playing game.

“Games are really fun, and I think everybody has a secret love of one game or another,” Carlson adds.

Second Wednesdays: “Jazz Jams” with bandleader Luke Franco

On every second Wednesday of the month, the Hall hosts “Jazz Jams” with Brian Kantor, Dewey Hall board member and owner of Soundry Studio in South Egremont. Guitarist Luke Franco leads and facilitates the sessions, along with other greats like Tarik Shah (bass), Awan Rashad (reeds), and Quinton Cain and Jimmy Madison (drums).

“The purpose of these jam sessions is to bring great world-class musicians and talent to Berkshire County and give everyone in the community the chance to experience that music and perform with them,” Franco says. “A lot of the Jazz Jam attendees are regulars, and every month is totally different, so their commitment is rewarded. We’re really proud of that.”

Luke Franco (second from left) and other jazz musicians fill the Hall with music every second Wednesday. Photo courtesy Dewey Hall

He stresses the uniqueness of these opportunities for younger or newer musicians, in particular. “Listening to great examples and being able to get up on stage and perform with them on the spot is an amazing thing. Any jazz musician will tell you it’s not about how much you practice, but what you’re able to do in the heat of the moment that matters most. What you learn performing on stage clarifies what you need to practice.”

Third Wednesdays: “Storytelling Evenings” hosted by Chris Kelly

Storytelling Evenings are interactive, participatory gatherings, inviting all who wish to contribute their stories in response to a prompt.

“Storytelling connects us as individuals, helping us understand who we are and who we want to be,” explains host and Sheffield resident Chris Kelly. “From sharing our stories, we learn more about others and gain a greater understanding of their needs.” The stories (usually a few minutes long) are followed by a short discussion of what makes a good story.

Event at Dewey Hall in the recent past. Photo by Alice Maggio.

Fourth Wednesdays: “Talent Share” hosted by Michael Siktberg

Third Wednesdays are “Show and Tell” nights. Carlson describes the series as ”a cross between open mic and art—a chance for people of all ages to share comedy, music, spoken word, or any art form or creative process in a safe, relaxed environment.”

Think juggling, knitting, singing, card tricks, woodworking, dance, karate… anything you’d like to get up and talk about or demonstrate!

Siktberg shares his most memorable highlight so far: “We have a local musician who is the father of a four-year-old boy. He plays original songs and brings his son with him. The first time the father played, his son was a little nervous, so he brought him up on stage with him. The boy proceeded to climb all over his dad while he played, but the music never stopped. He kept playing and singing while his son stood on his lap, climbed up on his shoulders, and talked to him the entire time. It was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Four seasons of community events kicks off with the Sourdough Bread Baking Contest (Spring)

Sourdough bread baking is an ancient craft that has risen in popularity over the past decade. “We have been celebrating this art the past few years by giving bakers a chance to show their skills and offering attendees a fun culinary experience,” Carlson explains.

Attendees viewing the loaves before deciding which ones to sample—and try and win in one of the raffles. Photo courtesy Dewey Hall

Berkshire Mountain Bakery founder Richard Bourdon, who has served as one of the judges (and will be doing so again this year), notes: “What’s wonderful to me is thinking back 40 years (to when I was in Holland baking my first loaves and introducing natural fermentation) and seeing the growth in excitement, participation, and collective understanding now. It blows my mind to see the fruit of those efforts!”

Event co-chair Evelyn Battaglia (who happens to be special projects editor for The Berkshire Edge) describes the feedback from everyone involved—judges, volunteers, contestants, and attendees—as echoing her own experience. “The bread is beyond impressive—we had such a variety last year, including those embellished with activated charcoal and black sesame seeds, or cherries and ginger—and the scene is warm and convivial, with guests eager to sample the goods and cheer on the winners. It’s the epitome of what Dewey Hall does so well and consistently.” (This year’s contest will take place on March 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration and attendee details will be announced soon.)

Like the ice cream socials of yore, Dewey Hall’s is a free outdoor summer treat. Photo courtesy Dewey Hall

Ice Cream Socials (Summer)

“Our ice cream socials give old and new residents a chance to connect over free scoops of High Lawn Farm ice cream while enjoying lawn games and listening to live jazz,” Carlson says.

In addition, the first 50 households get a bucket of SWAG from local Sheffield and Berkshire businesses. Last August drew 190 people, ages 2 to 90, including residents who had been in the Berkshires for less than a week and those living here for generations. People traveled from as far as Pittsfield, Connecticut, and New York.

Dahlia Festival (Fall)

The First Annual Dahlia Festival was held last September, and over 300 people came through the doors. “We had a bouquet bar (all donated by the community), flowery cocktails with prosecco, a planting and bulb care demonstration with Jenny Elliott (Tiny Hearts Farm), a flower crown workshop with Clara Stickney, an overwintering workshop with Rebecca Klingebiel, and a homegrown “old-fashioned blue ribbon” dahlia contest judged by Luke Franco (Tiny Hearts Farm), Barbara Bockbraider (Campo de Fiori), and Jenna O’Brien (Viridissima Horticulture and Design),” Carlson relays.

“People’s enthusiasm for dahlias has just been wild in recent years—and along with the love of the flowers is new excitement for collecting different varieties and learning how to grow them,” Elliott shares. “I love that the event included a friendly contest because it got people out in the garden, improving their knowledge and skills, and really appreciating the work that goes into each flower—the human element behind the beautiful blooms!”

“The Dahlia Festival is another example of the ‘feel good stuff’ Dewey is known for,” Franco says. “What a joy to have the community together in that space to celebrate another form of culture!” Photo courtesy Dewey Hall

Deck the Halls (Winter)

“Since I’ve come to Dewey Hall, I’ve not only learned about how a nonprofit operates but found an incredible community both in my co-workers and in our patrons,” Siktberg raves. “I’ve also found a venue for myself as an artist—singing at the Hall, performing theater, playing music, producing events, and leading art classes. I’ve also attended dances, concerts, workshops, talks, community galas, and birthday parties!”

“The other exciting aspect for me is the opportunity to create original programming,” he continues. “‘Deck the Hall’ was my first time creating and producing an event. It was such a success, and the community really embraced it, so I know we will be doing it and events like it in the future. But I never would have dreamt up a night like that if it hadn’t been for the Hall and my community here.”

Siktberg leads the crowd of carolers during the inaugural holiday event. Photo courtesy Dewey Hall

“Fundraising done a new way”—Dewey Hall’s Celestial Ball

“Dewey Hall is important for the health of our community—a secular space where people can talk and expand encounters with people they don’t know,” Webster notes. Perhaps especially now, when people are less involved in organizations like churches and granges than they once were. “We’re up against some incredible competition in terms of fundraising,” she says, adding that Dewey Hall is a separate nonprofit organization and receives no funding from the Town of Sheffield, aside from a small ARPA grant in 2023.

“Keeping Dewey Hall operating, and preserving and maintaining it for the next 150 years, is a long-term project,” Carlson continues. “The Hall has been maintained on the most basic level for decades, and we are looking to the future.”

“Dewey Hall’s doors are open to all, with a single goal—to build community and have fun while doing it. The Celestial Ball will be a shining example of its mission and the power of community,” notes supporter (and local screenwriter) Maria Nation.

It’s a great way to break up the winter and an important way to show your support for this local treasure.

“Come one, come all!”

spot_img

The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.

Continue reading

BUSINESS MONDAY: Spotlight on Kids 4 Harmony and 18 Degrees—Working together to create hope and light

Sharing the mission "to champion access, opportunity, belonging, and well-being for all people on their journey, helping to build thriving communities."

The arts and anticipatory obedience

In one of my recent articles in this publication https://theberkshireedge.com/business-perspectives-president-trump-and-the-nonprofit-sector/, I mused about the fate of the arts under a future democratic or Trumpian administration. I worried that the Trump tax cuts instituted in 2017 and scheduled to end...

COMMUNITY MATTERS: Berkshire South Regional Community Center

In response to concern and grief, community leadership drives positive change with lasting impact.

The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.