My Westfield News Profile: Josh Burrage of "Newsies"

Westfield resident Josh Burrage is part of the "Newsies" company headed to Hartford's Bushnell. My Westfield News report. http://thewestfieldnews.com/spotlight-westfields-josh-burrage-in-newsies-national-tour

My Westfield News Rewview: An Opening in Time Premieres at Hartford Stage

Hartford Stage opens its new season with the world premiere of "An Opening in Time", a play about Connecticut people by a Connecticut playwright, Christopher Shinn. My Westfield News review. http://thewestfieldnews.com/review-hartford-stages-an-opening-in-time

Calendar Listings: Berkshire Film and Media Exchange October 23 2015

DATELINE: September 24, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:

Laura Gratz

Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative

413-528-4223

laura@berkshirefilm.com

Mark G. Auerbach

Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations

413-427-7352

mgauerbach@gmail.com

CALENDAR LISTINGS

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative

presents the first ever

2ND ANNUAL WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS FILM AND MEDIA EXCHANGE

Friday, October 23, 2015 from 10:00AM to 6:00PM

Hosted by Baystate Health

Baystate Health Whitney Avenue Conference Center

361 Whitney Avenue, Holyoke, MA.

A day long series of workshps, seminars, demonstrations and networking opportunities for Western Massachusetts film and video professionals, businesses who use film and video in their marketing efforts, and other creative industries professionals. 

Cynthia Wade, the Academy Award-winning Berkshires-based filmmaker will be keynote speaker. Wade won the Oscar for her documentary “Freeheld”, the story of a New Jersey police officer who wanted to give her benefits to her same-sex partner. That documentary has been turned into a motion picture of the same name, starring Julianne Moore and Ellen Page, which opens nationally in October. Wade is producer of that venture.. She won an Oscar nomination for her documentary “Mondays at Racine”, the stories of women undergoing chemotherapy. For information on Cynthia Wade: http://www.cynthiawade.com/

Tickets ($55 in advance and $65 at the door, are on sale.  For information on programs, tickets, and more: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative at www.berkshirefilm.com or call:413.528.4223

Sponsors to date include Baystate Health, WGBY Public Television for Western New England, New England Public Radio, and The Westfield News Group. IMAGINE Magazine, AJA Video Systems, Anzovin Studios, the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, Hunts Photo, Jx2 Productions, Vitec Videocom, Gogel and Gogel, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) is a creative economic engine that supports production and workforce development in Western Massachusetts. BFMC develops educational and workforce enrichment courses, offers networking events for industry professionals, acts as a resource for visiting productions, creates jobs within our communities in the film industry and provides an on- line production guide and locations database as a resource for filmmakers. BFMC was formed in 2009, and is a fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity. 

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Westfield News Arts Beat 9/23/15.

Westfield News Arts Beat 9/23/15. The Laramie Project at Connecticut Repertory Theatre, The Homecoming at Berkshire Theatre Group, Springfield and Hartford Symphony openers, Kurn Hattin in Springfield and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-96

My September Article for Succeeding in Small Business: The Art of the Media Buy

My September Succeeding in Small Business Report on the art and the science of the media buy. http://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/small-business-marketing-how-to-buy-media/#.VgA3TGRVikp

Westfield News Arts Beat 9/17/15

My Westfield News Arts Beat 9/17/15. The Illusionists at The Bushnell. Hamish Linklater at Shakespeare and Company, Paula Poundstone at the Colonial and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-95

Media Release: Kurn Hattin Musicians to Perform Before Red Sox Game at Fenway

Great news for the musicians from Kurn Hattin Homes. They'll sing the National Anthem at Fenway Park before the Red Sox game on September 24. http://us11.campaign-archive1.com/?u=71ef70bac281acdb99863fd29&id=823f964a27

Westfield News Arts Beat Extra: Springfield Symphony Opens Patriots Game

My first and likely only attempt at sports coverage. The Springfield Symphony was part of the pre-game program at Gillette Stadium for the Patriots' season opener. My report for Westfield News. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-extra

Westfield News Arts Beat 9/10/15

My Westfield News Arts Beat 9/10/15. World premiere at Hartford Stage, Fresh Takes at WAM, and more. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-94

Media Release: Kurn Hattin Receives Four Star Charity Navigator Rating

KURN HATTIN HOMES FOR CHILDREN EARNS COVETED FOUR-STAR RATING FROM CHARITY NAVIGATOR

Westminster, Vermont—Kurn Hattin Homes for Children has been awarded the top-level 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the largest independent charity evaluator in the U.S. The rating is the highest rank an organization can receive in recognition of sound fiscal management practices and a commitment to accountability and transparency. Only a quarter of the highest-performing charities listed by Charity Navigator hold the four-out-of-four star distinction.

Using data-driven analysis, Charity Navigator reviews non-profits and charities for their adherence to policies and best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities. The rating methodology takes into account measures of fiscal responsibility, as well as 17 separate "Accountability and Transparency" metrics, which relate to good governance, openness, and willingness to freely share information about their organization with donors and other stakeholders.

The announcement from Charity Navigator comes just prior to the retirement of Kurn Hattin's Executive Director, Connie Sanderson, after 27 years of service to the organization. Sanderson has been one of the driving forces behind many of the policies and fundraising efforts that enabled Kurn Hattin to step up from its previous 3-star rating with Charity Navigator.

“We're extremely proud," Sanderson said. "We're still here after 121 years because of the conservative fiscal policies and careful planning of our founders. The four-star rating sends the message to donors that their money will be used efficiently and wisely and in the way it is intended. It's a confidence our loyal donors already have; but this clear demonstration of our trustworthiness becomes important in our efforts to attract new donors to invest in the lives of future generations of Kurn Hattin children."

About Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator is the largest charity evaluator in America and its website attracts more visitors than all other charity rating groups combined. The organization helps guide intelligent giving by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency of more than 8,000 charities. Charity Navigator accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations, nor does it charge the public for this trusted data. As a result, Charity Navigator, a 501 (c)(3) public charity itself, depends on support from individuals, corporations and foundations that believe it provides a much-needed service to America’s charitable givers. Charity Navigator can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288 or by mail at 139 Harristown Road, Suite 101, Glen Rock, N.J., 07452.

About Kurn Hattin Homes for Children

For over 120 years, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children has provided a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 5-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever. For more information, visit www.kurnhattin.org.

Westfield News Arts Beat 9/03/15

My Westfield News Arts Beat for 9/03/15. Tokyo Rhodes, Five College New Music Festival, and theatre parking hints. http://thewestfieldnews.com/arts-beat-93

Succeeding in Small Business September Profile / Carl Dreiblbis

My profile of Carl Dreiblbis, cacti grower, for Succeeding in Small Business. http://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/small-business-success-28-carl-dreibelbis-of-bodombilly/#.VeYLs7xVikp

Media Release / Kurn Hattin's Development Conference

https://kurnhattin.org/news/793-24th-professional-development-conference-with-diane-e-levin-ph-d-professor-and-author