Triplex Cinema Hires Amy Handelsman as Executive Director

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Triplex Cinema has hired Amy Handelsman as its Executive Director. 
 
Handelsman has assumed her new position and will oversee all aspects of Triplex operations.
 
Nicki Wilson, President of the Triplex Board of Directors, stated that Handelsman's experience will be an asset to the Triplex.
 
"We are thrilled to have someone with such a wide range of experience join the ‘new’ Triplex as our first Executive Director. We have accomplished so much since we reopened 15 months ago and we look forward to Amy’s leadership to take us further in the coming years," she said.
 
Wilson also stated that completing the restoration of the fourth screen is a major goal for the coming year. This restoration will allow the Triplex to offer more films and thematic programming. Handelsman will lead the fundraising and development efforts for this project and other projects.
 
Handelsman's background includes serving as the Managing Director of Shakespeare & Co. in Lenox and experience in business development, strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, and fiscal and operational matters at arts-oriented non-profits.
 
Handelsman's prior experience includes working as a story analyst for Warner Bros., United Artists, and Paramount Pictures, and developing and producing movies for CBS, FOX, HBO, and Showtime.
 
Handelsman said she is looking forward to joining the staff and Board of Directors at the Triplex and continuing the work of providing "movies for all." She also stated that there are plans to create a cultural hub with readings, live music, art exhibitions, and a redesigned outdoor patio.
 
"I am so excited to be joining the dedicated and talented staff and Board of Directors at the Triplex, and to continue the work of the larger community in providing 'movies for all.' We have great plans in the works to create a true cultural hub. In addition to the stimulating programming and talkbacks, we'll have readings, live music, art exhibitions, and festive evenings on a newly designed outdoor patio. As we expand, we welcome the continued support of our valued patrons," Handelsman said.
 
Handelsman will work with Ben Elliott, Triplex Creative Director, to continue offering diverse cinema programming. Current screenings include a celebration of the life of David Lynch and " '75 at 50," a year-long look at films released in 1975. The Triplex will also continue partnerships with local organizations, including Jacob’s Pillow, The Berkshire Coop, No Comply Foods, Boondocks Film Society, and Temple Ahavath Sholom.
 
Triplex Cinema, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides film entertainment, including first-run, independent, foreign language, classic, children’s, and documentary films. The Triplex also showcases locally produced films and thematic programming and partners with schools and local non-profits for community programming.
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Construct's 'Warm Up the Winter' Campaign Nears Fundraising Goal

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Construct's "Warm Up the Winter" campaign has raised $121,000 of its $150,000 goal as of March 31, aimed at assisting low-income residents in southern Berkshire County with winter heating expenses.
 
The funds are used to provide heating assistance, including for oil, gas, electricity, and firewood, and to offer emergency motel stays and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
 
Jane Ralph, Executive Director of Construct, stated that the campaign assisted 71 individuals and over 200 families in the previous year.
 
Donations can be made online at constructberkshires.org, by phone at 413-528-1985, or by check mailed to Construct at 316A State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
 
Emergency winter assistance is available by contacting Construct directly at 413-528-1985.
 
The campaign is supported by sponsors including the Schnesel Family Fund, Gilson Family Foundation, Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires, Barbara and Roger Manring, Marash Family Foundation, Elizabeth and Thomas Marino, Greylock Federal Credit Union, NBT Bank, Webster Landscape, Tristan Osgood Warm Up the Winter for People Fund, Edith Cooper, Richard Glaser, John and Nina Lipkowitz, William and Hinda Bodinger, Lee Bank, Sara Koffman, and Stephen and Andrea White.
 
Construct, a nonprofit organization, provides affordable housing and support services in southern Berkshire County.
 
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