WRSI: Blue Heron Restaurant and Catering


With winter bearing down, Chef Deborah Snow of Blue Heron Dining and Catering in Sunderland reminds us how good friends and food can be the respite we crave, and how in tough times the best thing we can do is BE KIND.

In this Local Hero Spotlight, Deb with all her humor dishes on:

The wonderful local, seasonal food they cook with (“all the time, it tastes better”) and the farms they work with:  “Warner farm, Atlas farm, Kitchen Garden farm – these farms are in our backyard, literally. Tom Brady can probably throw a football from the restaurant to Warner Farm.”

Running a restaurant during COVID – what it’s like from their side: “It’s not that I want people to lower their expectations, but they need to be kind. There’s products we can’t get…and fewer staff. Recognize that we’re all doing the best we can.”

Plus culinary therapy, the “smoke and dinner room”, John Lithgow, Lauren Michaels, and Deb not recognizing former NY Governor Cuomo.

Hiring: Development Director- CISA

Job Opening: Development Director

Status: 40 hours a week (full-time)

Time Frame: Review begins January 12, 2022, position open until filled

Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) is a nonprofit that strengthens farms and engages the community to build the local food economy. We run the Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown® marketing campaign, educate the public about buying local, offer technical assistance trainings and workshops for farmers, and support programs to increase access to local food in our region.

Our team has a range of skills and life experiences and is a mix of trainers, former farmers, communicators, and administrators. We work to build a diverse and resilient food economy with viable farms, fair and just working conditions, strong environmental stewardship, and accessible and available local food in all our communities. We are committed to understanding the history and current impacts of racism in the food system and actively work towards equity. We are committed to recruiting and retaining creative, ethical, smart, and innovative people.

CISA’s Development work is an integral part of our mission to strengthen local farms and engage the community in building the local food economy. We seek broad community participation in our development activities and work to develop long-term relationships with our supporters.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Development Director works with the Executive Director and the management team in carrying out the mission of the organization, and in close collaboration with the Executive Director and Board members to achieve CISA’s fundraising goals. Development Director roles include:

  • Providing strategic direction and management for CISA’s individual and corporate fundraising efforts;
  • Managing the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gifts;
  • Planning and managing donor events;
  • Creating strategies to increase support from donors, businesses, and other sources; and,
  • Writing and managing foundation grants and some government grants.

Our ideal candidate enjoys engaging donors and garnering support for the mission work; managing events, campaigns, and other fundraising strategies; and providing strategic direction as part of a dynamic team. The candidate is a capable project manager and can juggle and prioritize multiple projects and think strategically.

 GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Provide strategic leadership for the creation of the development program in collaboration with the Executive Director. Lead in the planning and execution of all fundraising initiatives and events.
  2. Develop and track annual Development budget; work with Executive Director to set annual fundraising goals; coordinate with Program Director and bookkeeper to ensure financial transactions, reports, and the annual audit are accurate.
  3. Plan and coordinate strategies for fundraising, including identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individuals, businesses, and foundations; manage efforts to upgrade donors’ annual gifts and planned giving commitments.
  4. Research, write, and manage foundation grants.
  5. Analyze/report on fundraising progress with/to Executive Director and the Development Committee.
  6. Take an active role in the management team and contribute to strategic planning and other initiatives relating to CISA’s mission and vision.
  7. Create and manage/oversee all of CISA’s fundraising events, including donor cultivation events. Work collaboratively with others in the organization to create and execute friend-raising events.
  8. Grow the community of people who understand CISA’s work and want to engage with the organization.
  9. Keep current with program work.
  10. Represent CISA at events and meetings and be in contact with donors and potential donors.
  11. Work closely with communications staff to help develop consistent messaging to donors and the public; lead development of donor-focused communications.
  12. Manage the Development Committee of board and community members.
  13. Supervise the Office Manager, who provides key administrative support for processing gifts, some event management, and office infrastructure.

Other Duties

Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Director.

REPORTING and SUPERVISION

This position reports to the Executive Director and provides direct supervision to the Office Manager. Other supervision, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Strong candidates for this job recognize the value of fundraising to a strong organization. They are strategic thinkers who have comfort engaging donors and asking for support. They have strong communication skills and the ability to manage budgets and campaigns.

Specifically, we are looking for the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree, or four years of equivalent experience PLUS:
    • At least three years of proven experience managing a development program or owning or managing a business, including direct or transferable experience in soliciting major donors, annual fund drives, planned giving, stewardship, and prospect research;
    • Experience with donor or client management databases; and,
    • Experience with grant writing.
  • Proven development or sales experience: ability to identify, cultivate, and solicit current and potential donors through one-one-one asks, written appeals, and events.
  • Ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage staff.
  • Ability to delegate responsibility and authority and clearly define expectations for supervisees and other staff.
  • Networking and listening skills that allow the Development Director to bring other perspectives and ideas to the organization.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and verbally.
  • Excellent planning, prioritizing, and organizing skills with a track record of achieving financial goals.
  • Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people and diverse racial, cultural, professional, and economic backgrounds.
  • Teamwork skills – brings up issues of concern and works towards solutions with others.

 PREFERENCES

It’s a plus if you speak Spanish or have other skills or experience that can help further CISA’s mission to more equitably serve those working in agriculture and local food businesses. You don’t have to already be tapped into how amazing local agriculture is but if you are, that’s great!

HOURS AND COMPENSATION
Salary is $73,000-$80,000, depending on experience. This is a full-time, exempt position. Health care, vision, dental, long-term disability, 401K matching, sick time, 10 paid holidays, four personal days, and 15 vacation days in the first year are offered. Access to a car and some weekend and evening availability are required.

CISA is currently operating with a hybrid office model with at least two days a week in the office and up to three days from home. We allow staff flexibility in their regular schedules and understand that flexibility can support a healthy work-life balance. Travel within CISA’s service area (Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, MA) for donor meetings and events will be required.

Writing samples and references may be requested.

CISA is an equal opportunity employer. CISA will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with CISA on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

Please complete applicant questions and attach your resume via our online application form. Questions can be directed to Jennifer Williams. Cover letters are not required and will not be reviewed.

New Year’s 2021-2022: What’s open, what’s closed

New Year’s 2021-2022: What’s open, what’s closed

“New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day bring both the holiday season and the year to an end. Here is a listing of what is open and what is closed Friday, Dec. 31, 2020, and Saturday, Jan. 1, 2021.” See the full article at MassLive.com.

Snowy owls healing under wildlife rehabilitator’s care

Snowy owls healing under wildlife rehabilitator’s care

“Two more snowy owls have been spotted in western Massachusetts since raptor rehabilitator Tom Ricardi captured an injured one in Greenfield on Nov. 24, leading him to believe a snowy owl “invasion” has begun.

Just last week, Ricardi, who runs Conway’s Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center, was called in to capture a malnourished snowy owl at the Lowe’s home improvement store in Hadley. Less than a week later, on Tuesday, Ricardi responded to a call in Pittsfield when a resident reported seeing another snowy owl atop a tall building. Although Ricardi said sightings, while relatively uncommon in the area, are “not unusual,” such a high volume of owls likely indicates a local population boom that occurs once every handful of years.” Read the full article at the Daily Hampshire Gazette: https://www.gazettenet.com

Christmas on Belleview’s synchronized light display in Westfield takes homeowners a month to put together

Christmas on Belleview’s synchronized light display in Westfield takes homeowners a month to put together

“Starting soon after Halloween, Dan Rollend of Westfield begins getting out his holiday lights, untangling, testing and planning his synchronized light display.”

Holiday lights don’t just brighten up the neighborhood in Westfield, they help the local food pantry too. Check out this heartwarming article at MassLive.com.

Hiring: Farmers’ Market Salesperson – Hart Farm

Farmers Market Salesperson

The Farmers Market Salesperson will represent Hart Farm at the Greenfield Farmers’ Market. Hours run from 6am-2pm on Saturdays June-October, pay is $16/hr. This position includes packing/unpacking the farm van, setting up the market tent and display, interacting with customers and processing several modes of payment. The Market Salesperson will work independently and at times with another Hart Farm farmer. This position is prioritized for, but not limited to the worker who is Field Crew Member and CSA Delivery Driver.

Skills and experienced preferred for this position:

-Experience working at farmers’ markets.

-Experience working in retail.

-Kind, approachable personality.

-Ability to lift 50# lbs.

-Current drivers license with clean record.

-Enthusiasm about local food and agriculture.

Please send a letter of interest, your resume and 3 reference contacts to conwayhartfarm@gmail.com

One Massachusetts thrift store makes its own ugly Christmas sweaters, using recycled material and providing for increased demand

One Massachusetts thrift store makes its own ugly Christmas sweaters, using recycled material and providing for increased demand

“There are many classic traditions during the holiday season, from building gingerbread houses to decorating the tree. But there are also some more goofy ones, like ugly Christmas sweaters, which have grown in popularity in recent years.

Savers in West Springfield is selling all kinds of affordable holiday sweaters. From a black option with the words “Don’t stop believin’” to red zip ups with stockings, to outfits for kids, the thrift store has something for everyone.” Check out the MassLive article to learn more: masslive.com.

Hiring: CSA Delivery Driver – Hart Farm

CSA Delivery Driver

The CSA Delivery Driver works Fridays from 10am-5pm delivering CSA boxes to members’ homes in Western Franklin and Hampshire Counties. This position entails packing boxes, organizing boxes in the van, following an order list, understanding the delivery route and communicating with customers.  This position runs from June-October. Pay is $16/hr. This position is prioritized for, but not limited to the worker who is Field Crew Member and Farmers’ Market Salesperson.

Skills and experience preferred:

-Current MA drivers license

-Clean license/driving history

-Delivery experience

-Customer service

-Good organizational skills

-Enthusiasm for local food and agriculture.

Please send a letter of interest, your resume and 3 reference contacts to conwayhartfarm@gmail.com

Hiring: Field Crew member – Hart Farm

Field Crew Member

Hart Farm seeks a part time worker to join our crew for the 2022 season. Field work entails weeding, planting and other cultivation work as well as efficient harvesting, wash-up and packing of produce, flowers and eggs.  The field crew member will work closely with the farm managers in effectively preparing and maintaining growing spaces and bringing in crops for market, wholesale and our delivery CSA. The Field Crew Member works from 8am-5pm Tuesdays through Thursdays, May-October with a 1 hour lunch break*. $16/hr. This position is prioritized for, but not limited to the worker who is the CSA delivery driver and farmers market salesperson.

*We have some flexibility about start/end dates.

Skills and experience preferred:

-Minimum of 1 year working on a production farm.

-Understanding of crop varieties, standard harvesting techniques and identification.

-Good communication skills.

-Fast, energized worker.

-Strong organizational skill

Please send a letter of interest, your resume and 3 reference contacts to conwayhartfarm@gmail.com