COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA
A8 Wednesday, February 9, 2022
SUNY Ulster receives extension Norman Rockwell Museum on $1.5 million grant for New expands senior leadership Start for Women and innovation plans
STONE RIDGE — SUNY Ulster announces the extension of a $1.5 million grant from the NoVo Foundation to continue its innovative New Start for Women Program that assists women in Ulster County who are living on poverty-level incomes to obtain an education, skills, and the professional network needed for familysustaining careers. This extension will be disbursed in $500,000 increments over three years. The program, now in its third year, awards a Certificate in General Management upon completion. The program has a graduation rate of over 70 percent with half of these graduates choosing to continue their education by enrolling in an Associate Degree program at SUNY Ulster or at local four-year colleges. Breanna Simmons, a current student of New Start who
will be graduating in May, says she is already using some of the skills she has learned in her current position working with people who have developmental disabilities. “My plan after graduation is to continue my studies at SUNY Ulster. I would like to pursue a career in nursing.” “SUNY Ulster has a longstanding commitment to the education of adult students looking to enhance or change their career paths. New Start helps talented women in our community who do not have access to or cannot take advantage of educational opportunities as a result of economic circumstances, overwhelming barriers, or life challenges,” adds Jordan Scruggs, Director for New Start. “And, we are so appreciative to both the NoVo Foundation and to long-time SUNY Ulster donor, Darlene L. Pfeiffer who saw the potential
of New Start and invested the first $100,000 in seed money to kickstart this program.” According to the US Census Bureau, nearly 14% of the population live below the poverty line. The largest demographic group living in poverty is females aged 25-34, followed by females 18-24, and then females 35-44. New Start provides an education, combined with added community support and services to empower participants to succeed, leading to employment within the community. The program’s success is shared with the community partnerships among the college, local nonprofit organizations, community services, and businesses that provide the tools and services students need such as home-based internet services, childcare, transportation, tutoring, counseling, and more.
USDA to conduct first-ever agroforestry survey HARRISBURG, Penn. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting the firstever National Agroforestry Survey. Data collection begins Feb. 1 and concludes April 5, 2022. NASS will mail the survey to 1,842 farmers in the 11 Northeastern States to gather information on the five agroforestry practices used for climate, conservation and production benefits, including windbreaks, silvopasture, riparian forest buffers, alley cropping as well as forest farming and multi-story cropping. “In this first-ever survey, ag producers have the opportunity to share the different ways they manage valuable agroforestry resources,” said King Whetstone, director of the NASS Northeastern Regional Field Office. “The data will inform programs and policy to
benefit both the landowners and farmers as well as the environment.” The survey is conducted cooperatively with the USDA National Agroforestry Center (NAC), which is a partnership between USDA’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service. The NAC will release the summarized data in studies, press releases, and publications such as highlights. Highlights will give an overview of how agroforestry practices are used in regions across the United States. “Information shared directly from farmers and ranchers really is one of the best ways to learn what works and what doesn’t in agroforestry. We will use the data to discover the most effective, efficient and profitable ways climatesmart agroforestry practices are used, and share what we learn in a series of research
reports to benefit U.S. farmers and ranchers,” said NAC Research Program Lead Matthew Smith. Producers can respond to the survey securely online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail. The survey will take no longer than 50 minutes to complete if producers have all five agroforestry practices on their operations. Response time will be shorter if there are fewer practices to report. The information provided by farmers and ranchers is protected by federal law (Title V, Subtitle A, Public Law 107347), which keeps respondent identity, operation, and answers confidential. For more information, visit www.nass. usda.gov/go/Agroforestry. For assistance with the survey, call 888-424-7828. Subscribe to Agroforestry Connection for new agroforestry-related publications and other items of interest.
New grant program to support NYS Canal system tourism infrastructure and events WATERFORD — The New York State Canal Corporation, through the Reimagine the Canals initiative, and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor are launching a new competitive grant program to support tourism and recreation along the New York State Canal System, including canal waterways and Canalway Trail. The 2022 program will provide funding to support tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements, and events. Funding is open to counties, municipalities, units of local government, not-for-profit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. “The Canal Corporation is proud to fund and partner with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor in launching this new grant program that aims to grow unique recreation and tourism experiences along New York’s iconic Canal system,” said Brian
Stratton, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation. “This funding will continue to make opportunities along the canals more exciting and accessible for visitors and we look forward to providing this support in an effort to improve experiences while promoting the connectivity between our historic waterways, trails, and canalside communities.” The grant program includes two funding categories: Event Support, with an award range of $500 to $15,000, and Tourism Infrastructure & Amenity Support, with an award range of $5,000 to $24,000. Applicants may apply for one or both categories. “We look forward to bringing many innovative ideas and exciting events to life through these grants. Combining federal, state, and local resources in support of communitybased projects and events will benefit residents and visitors to New York’s iconic canals,” said Bob Radliff, Executive
Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Potential applicants will find details at www.eriecanalway.org/resources/grants/ Applications open on Feb. 22 and are due on April 1. A virtual Q&A will be held at 10 a.m. March 3; registration details will be posted on the website. The New York State Canal Corporation, a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority, oversees the operation and promotion of the New York State Canal System. The Canal Corporation’s mission is to operate and maintain a premier waterway and trail system that honors the historic legacy of the Erie Canal and offers unique recreational and tourism opportunities, while also promoting sustainable economic development throughout the canal corridor. For more information on the New York State Canal System and the Canal Corporation, please visit www.canals. ny.gov.
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STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. – Norman Rockwell Museum (NRM) announces the recent addition of new executive positions. The talent joining the existing Museum leadership invites the opportunity to build forward to serve audiences in new and broader ways as the Museum emerges from the ongoing pandemic. Joining the team is Sue Elliott, appointed to the Museum’s newly created position of Chief Audience Officer; she will oversee the new Audience Engagement division. Elliott joins recently appointed staff Alyssa Blumenthal, the new Director of Public Operations and Visitor Engagement, and Chris Kupernik, Director of Facilities and Safety. “These exemplary leaders with diverse experience and new perspectives from beyond the museum world, join forces with our accomplished professional team to play integral roles in ongoing strategic development, equity, access, inclusion, and innovation at NRM,” said Director/CEO Laurie Norton Moffatt. As the Museum strives to meet future goals, which includes a strong commitment to increasing access and digital engagement, the organization has reorganized around serving audiences with enhanced research and data analysis. During the pandemic, participation by new audiences grew exponentially with web-based programs and events, reaching new international audiences and expanding civic engagement. A key element to this growth is balancing resources devoted to onsite exhibitions and programming with the opportunity to engage world-wide audiences through online offerings. NRM’s new Chief Audience Officer, Sue Elliott, will work with curatorial, digital, visitor, and education teams and local, national, and international collaborators to transform the way in which the Museum creates programming that engages people of all ages through inperson and online activities and events. By developing relevant content and planning structures, and providing integrated experiences for contemporary audiences, the Museum aims to increase access and broaden its reach
across the US and around the world. Elliott remarked “I am honored to join NRM at this pivotal time, continuing my life’s work of bringing people together to create a more civil society through shared artistic experiences. By expanding and diversifying our engagement efforts for both in-person and online visitors of all ages, in the Berkshires and around the world, and reconsidering the ways in which we build community, NRM looks boldly forward to greater connectivity and impact in the future. I look forward to collaborating with illustrators, curators, educators, and our current and future audiences for many years to come.” A new Audience Engagement division will incorporate and build on the outstanding work that Rich Bradway has led for six years as Director of Digital Learning & Engagement. Bradway’s role will expand to that of Digital Innovation Officer. This larger, dedicated digital arm of the Museum will incorporate additional technology, data, and digital production support. Museum is currently seeking to hire a Technology Coordinator. In her role as Director of Public Operations and Visitor Engagement, Alyssa Blumenthal leads the Museum’s efforts to deliver an exceptional level of guest service, supporting programming that advances the Museum’s commitment to being inclusive, equitable, friendly, and welcoming to people of all ages and backgrounds. Prior to joining the Museum, Blumenthal held various hospitality leadership roles in restaurants and event venues throughout MA & CT. Blumenthal relocated from Chicago to Amherst, MA to attend Hampshire College, studying fine arts as a therapeutic tool. One of North America’s most innovative arts educators, Sue Elliott joins the Museum from her current position as the inaugural director of the Tanglewood Learning Institute at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Prior to joining the BSO in 2018, she launched and led the world’s first online professional development, certificate, and accreditation program for private music teachers around the world at the Royal Conservatory of Music in
Canada. Through her unique approach to multi/interdisciplinary programming, Elliott has led efforts to expand and diversify audiences at the BSO, Seattle Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Educated at McGill University, the University of Toronto, and the University of Southern California, she also holds certificates in education, leadership, and arts and cultural strategy. Chris Kupernik joined Norman Rockwell Museum in November 2021 as Director of Facilities and Safety. Kupernik was an Estate Manager for a large private property and also served as Facilities and Grounds Manager at Berkshire Botanical Garden where he was responsible for overseeing the maintenance of the buildings, grounds, and equipment. He also held a long tenure of nearly 11 years at Blantyre, a luxury hotel in Lenox, assisting in the maintenance and security of the historic gilded age property. Laurie Tang, Executive Assistant to the Director/CEO, joined NRM in May 2021. Tang is responsible for managing and supporting the work of the Director’s Office/ CEO, the Board of Trustees, and key patron and donor relationships with the Museum. Prior to joining the team, Tang was the Rooms Division Manager at Blantyre, a Relais and Châteaux luxury hotel, in Lenox. Tang graduated from University of Massachusetts Amherst with degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management as well as Chinese Language and Literature. Following the departure of Collections and Operations Director Martin Mahoney, who became the Director of the Bennington Museum in September 2021, a series of promotions were awarded including: Thomas Mesquita – Director of Collections and Exhibitions; Jana Purdy – Curatorial Project Coordinator; Barbara Rundback – Registrar; Joe Tonetti – Exhibitions Manager; Maria Tucker – Curatorial Intern; and Venus Van Ness – Archivist/Curatorial Information Manager. The curatorial team continues to be led by Deputy Director/Chief Curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett, a 27-year veteran at NRM.
Maritime Museum welcomes new board leadership KINGSTON — Hudson River Maritime Museum has elected new members to its board of trustees and will see new officer leadership in 2022. For more than 40 years the organization’s board has worked together to provide fiscal oversight, ensure museum activities conform to the organization’s mission, oversee strategic planning and represent the museum within the community. Trustee Allan Bowdery will lead the board as president having served in the role previously from 2013 to 2016. Bowdery retired from a career as a maritime lawyer in New York City, but continues to act as an arbitrator on maritime disputes. He will be joined by fellow officers Dale Wolfield, first vice president; Brian Johnson, second vice president; Bob Burhans, treasurer; and Shelly Wright, secretary. In 2021 the museum welcomed new trustees Jesse Hicks and Nick Rothlein. Born and raised on the Rondout Creek, Hicks is a 4th generation descendant of the Roberti Family — proprietors of Lou’s Boat Basin. He has
more than 10 years’ experience in small scale entrepreneurship and 6 years’ experience in Strategy Operations for Startup & Global Enterprises in Boston. He is owner/operator of A Day Away Kayak Rentals, where he developed a small local paddle sport livery from two kayaks and $100. Rothlein is owner/operator at Rondout Yacht Basin in Connelly which he has run with his brother Andrew since 2016. Born and raised in Kingston, Rothlein lived in Northern California for 8 years and graduated from Humboldt State University double majoring in Recreation Administration and Business Administration. He was awarded the Marinas. com Young Leader Award in 2020 and the yacht basin was designated a Boaters’ Choice Winner in 2016 through 2020. Hicks and Rothlein join the rest of the board team which includes Stephen Digilio, David Eaton, Huntley Gill, Mark Heller, Ann Loeding, Frank Marcigliano, Mark Peckham, Bill Ryan and Ian Westergren. Retiring from the board is Jack Weeks who has served since assuming the role of
board president in 2005. Weeks has served in a leadership position — president twice, vice president twice, secretary and as an active board member and volunteer since then. He charted a course of program expansion and public engagement. HRMM rebuilt its bulkhead and docks, opened the public waterfront walkway, upgraded and expanded its exhibits, added the Homeport and Education Center as well as the Riverport Wooden Boat School, dramatically expanded its educational programing including museum programs, sailing, woodworking, rowing, and most recently adding the 100% solar-powered tour boat, Solaris, to its fleet. While many have contributed to the museum’s success, Weeks has been there convincing board members, volunteers, staff and the community that HRMM is an effort worthy of their energy and support. He believes, “It is important to Kingston, the Hudson Valley and New York State to have a place that helps people experience how much the Hudson River and its people have contributed to the story of America.
