For several years the AFF has participated in a monthly forum/gathering of local community members in a group known as Red Hook Together. Over the last eight months we have assembled online, but look forward to meeting physically again in 2021 in a post-pandemic environment. Representatives from public and private organizations - the RH Public Library, the Red Hook Schools, Bard’s Center for Civic Engagement, nonprofits like us, the RH Community Center, businesses, and municipal governments - share their calendars of upcoming events, as well as any initiatives which we have a vested interest in. It is an open platform - any community member is invited to attend - presently focusing on responses to our ongoing health & economic crisis. Moderated by Sarah deVeer and Erin Cannan from Bard’s CCE we promote inclusiveness and community building in support of each other’s needs/concerns. While not affiliated with any governmental agency, our voices are well received by those who are!
Ambassador Spotlight #2!
Name:
Tom Triebwasser
How long have you been an ambassador?
Since the beginning!
What organization(s) have you been proud to sponsor?
Sunflower Bakery
Thoughts you have on your advocacy and the organization(s).
Sunflower Bakery helps people with developmental differences learn the craft of baking. They teach the students how to work in an industrial kitchen, as well as help with placement into full time jobs at bakeries around the area. It’s very rewarding to see the students progress and grow, and the baked treats are a wonderful bonus!
If you are in a profession or field of work, what background/present employment status would you like to share? What do you really enjoy about what you do?
Systems engineering. I love working with customers to help define and implement complex, technical solutions to meet their most pressing needs.
Anything you'd like to share about your personal life? Fun thing or things you still do, in spite of the pandemic?
Hiking and walking with my family - anything to get outside and enjoy exercise in our physically distant world!
You can read more about Tom’s experience as an AFF ambassador advocating for Sunflower Bakery in a past blog post here.
Ambassador Spotlight #1!
Name:
Brita Brudvig
How long have you been an ambassador?
3 years
What organization(s) have you been proud to sponsor?
Ruffner Mountain Outreach Program
Thoughts you have on your advocacy and the organization(s).
I'm really grateful to the AFF for the encouragement and support to get involved in the city I now call home. I have loved getting connected with the nonprofit sector, even though I do not work in it. Ruffner has been a wonderful organization to advocate for and see the impact of AFF contributions. In the face of the pandemic, I have seen them make tough decisions to stay available to the local community.
If you are in a profession or field of work, what background/present employment status would you like to share? What do you really enjoy about what you do?
I am an actuarial student at Protective Life Insurance Company (only one exam left before my ASA!). One of my favorite things about my job is that two years or so, students rotate to another area of actuarial work. Between the rotation program and exams, I feel like I'm always learning something new. I find this career very fulfilling. A big part of what actuaries do is ensuring that the company can meet its obligations to policyholders.
Anything you'd like to share about your personal life? Fun thing or things you still do, in spite of the pandemic?
My boyfriend and I live within walking distance of Ruffner and we have been going for a lot more runs and hikes with our two dogs. I appreciate more than ever having accessible green space!
Fall Note from the Directors
Fall Note from the Directors:
2020 has seen a dynamic shift in emphasis on need throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Expanding our mission and reach has already resulted in grants & donations amounting to over $84,000. Our team of Directors have been pushing ourselves to check in with, and lead, many funding conversations this year given the accelerated and amplified needs around social justice organizing, community health & well-being, educational needs, and care for the vulnerable in any circumstance.
We are acting on as many principles of trust-based philanthropy as we can, to redistribute power, money, and supportive partnership to organizations doing exceptional, needed work in our local community. As we enter our 6th ambassador cycle of grantmaking this year, the AFF team is also eager to continue local/regional grantmaking at a pace and rhythm that honors the acceleration of needs (and revealing of pre-existing needs) that are affecting our community’s well-being. With that in mind we are excited to announce that 12 local/regional organizations are in the process of submitting grant applications in the $10,000 - $25,000 range. We hope to finalize grant funding in late November - Stay tuned for another announcement on the awardees, their intent, and funding level!
Summer Updates from the AFF!
As summer begins to wind down, we want to share some updates for you about what the AFF has been up to these past few months. In times of need, the Foundation’s mission to assist in alleviating poverty, promoting educational opportunities, and providing services to the elderly has never been more relevant. We are thankful for the perseverance and civic engagement that has a strong presence in the Hudson Valley, and we look forward to continuing assist local organizations in the Red Hook area.
First, a very belated public congratulations is due to our two 2020 scholarship recipients! Recent RHHS graduates Samantha Reilly and Chris Donahue were each awarded Ascienzo Family Foundation scholarships. We were so impressed by their spirits and actions of volunteerism and community. We awarded them each an extra $500 to bring it the scholarship to $2,000 each. Samantha will be attending Saint Rose College in the Fall, and Chris is headed to Middleburry College. The Directors has a great celebration with Chris and Samantha and their families over Zoom- complete with surprise cake deliveries and heartfelt laughs. A couple directors learned for the first time on this video call that Chris and Samantha are cousins!
Second, we opened up our emergency Ambassador mini-grant opportunity for a second round, this time allowing ambassadors to apply for grants for groups doing COVID-19 relief and/or anti-racism work. Visit our blog post here for descriptions of those donations. We are up to 23 mini-grants!
Third, last Saturday, Nick Ascienzo was awarded the John Dewey Award for Distinguished Public Service at Bard College’s hundred sixtieth commencement. The award was established in 1990 to recognize extraordinary contributions by Bard alumni/ae and others to the public sector or in the public interest. It continues Bard’s tradition of honoring public service embodied in the Episcopal Layman Award, which was given until 1983. The Dewey Award honors the eminent American philosopher and educator John Dewey, the father of progressive education and an outspoken advocate of a system of universal learning to support and advance this country’s democratic traditions. Read more about the prize here.