1. Good news: Thank you, Director Katie Szwyd
A woman sent an email to Katie Szwyd, Director, Stockbridge Council on Aging, alerting her that a Town event was scheduled on Rosh Hashanah. Adding, “I want you to know that this potentially eliminates every Jewish person in town from attending.”
Here is Katie’s response. “Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concern about the Fall Potting Class being scheduled on Rosh Hashanah. We fully understand the conflict this creates. While we will not be changing the date of this session, please know that we will make every effort to avoid scheduling programs on major religious holidays in the future. This class was set based on the instructor’s availability and scheduling constraints and this will sometimes limit our options, but we take your feedback seriously and will do our best to be more mindful going forward. I do have a few more potting classes for the rest of this year—I will make sure to personally let you know so you can come and enjoy this class…Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. Best, Katie Szwyd, Town of Stockbridge, Council on Aging Director cc: Town Administrator”
It is a polite note, it explains, it apologizes, but does not change the date of the event.
This exchange was sent to SU. Those who wrote and called SU felt:
“The scheduling was probably inadvertent, but once it was brought to the attention of the Town, it should have been corrected.”
“What would the response have been if the holiday were Easter?”
“The traditions and rituals of any religion should not be dismissed or disregarded.”
“No one should be excluded from a town event because of religion.”
“SU has to print this email in the name of transparency.”
Finally, one member of the Stockbridge community wrote to SU, “The position is expressed by a Town employee ostensibly speaking on behalf of the Town. Regardless of what religion, it is doubtful the people of Stockbridge want anyone excluded because of it.”
Dara Kaufman, Executive Director, Berkshire Jewish Federation had a productive conversation with Szwyd, and Katie changed the date. That decision restores respect for the traditions and rituals of someone else’s religion and allows them to attend a town event. Apparently, it also made Szwyd feel good.
Szwyd wrote: “I had such a lovely chat with Dara—she was wonderful and so insightful. She also shared some great ideas for future COA projects, which I am excited about. The Clark’s Potting Class is rescheduled for October 7th at 10:00 a.m. Best, Katie”
It is difficult for someone not to listen to a superior. There are many ways to be a hero and create a happy ending.
2. Thank you, Linda Barbadoro, newest member to Parks and Rec. Our own SU copy editor, Lenore Sundberg, reports that the new Pickle Ball Court on Main Street next to Town Offices looks as if it is approaching completion. Linda Barbadoro has taken a leading role. Contact her to say thanks and learn about scheduling.
3. A letter from The Trustees of Reservation President begins, “I know this is a time of profound uncertainty…We have a responsibility and an opportunity to meet the moment together.” It is a stark reminder that these are challenging times for all of us. When we stand together, with respect for all, we are stronger.
4. Literacy Network’s First-Generation College Support Program
Leigh Doherty, Executive Director of Literacy Network, shared that (LitNet’s) First-Generation College Support program hosted a Transformational Leadership Retreat for first-generation high school and college students on Sunday, August 10th at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. The retreat’s purpose was to empower participants to confront and overcome personal and professional challenges by cultivating resilience, with a particular focus on overcoming obstacles as immigrants and/or the first in their families to navigate the United States’ higher education system. Speakers encouraged them to become leaders of tomorrow. Groups were led by Kripalu’s Transformational Leadership Retreats and the Railroad Street Youth Project Started in 1991, LitNet is a 501 (c)(3) organization with the mission of transforming lives through the power of literacy, education, and advocacy.
