Building a stronger community in a "United Way"

Johnny was the first one to arrive, anxiously waiting at the registration table to find out how he could get started with all the activities. I explained the process in detail as he listened intently.  At that moment, Johnny had become our 10x the Fun ambassador.  I heard him instructing other children how to join in on the activities, both inside and outside.  He was assisting a younger child with fishing – “There is a magnet on the end of the pole that helps catch the fish. This is how you do it.”

Educational events like 10x the Fun promote early literacy and help young children develop the skills they need to arrive at school ready to learn so they are reading proficiently by third grade – a key predictor of their future success in school and life. Simply stated, up to third grade, children learn to read; after third grade children read to learn!

Berkshire United Way’s Pittsfield Promise joined the Zion Lutheran Church to host 10x the Fun as part of Cultural Pittsfield’s 10x10 Upstreet Winter Arts Festival.  I'd like to give special thanks to the following who gave their time and talent to make the event such a success: Berkshire County Head Start; Berkshire North WIC (Women, Infants & Children); Berkshire Nursing Families; Child Care of the Berkshires; Department of Children and Families; KidZone; the Pittsfield Parks Department and Zion Lutheran Church.

Together we are building a stronger community in a “United Way.”

Karen Vogel
Director of Community Impact

berkshireunitedway.org

Beating the winter blues!

Is winter getting your down? Are your children begging for some fun? We’ve got the “cure” for you!

Berkshire United Way is joining members of the Pittsfield Promise Coalition and the Zion Lutheran Church for 10x the Fun on Saturday, February 24th, from 4-6 p.m. at the First Street Common and Zion Lutheran Church in Pittsfield.  Part of Cultural Pittsfield’s 10X10 Upstreet Winter Arts Festival, 10x the Fun is an Olympic-themed, family-friendly event offering FREE entertainment, indoor and outdoor activities, and light fare.

A mother and her child complete an arts and crafts activity at a Berkshire United Way event held at the Zion Lutheran Church.

Indoor activities include dance and music performances, corn hole, arts and crafts, and face painting, while revelers will have an opportunity to participate in an obstacle course and javelin throw outside. Bring the whole family - you may just win one of our giveaways; and be sure to bring a camera for photo opportunities with Belle - Beauty of the Berkshires.

Immediately following the event, there will be a 10-minute fireworks display at The Common, so dress warm and plan to have some good, old-fashioned family fun!

To beat the winter blues beyond this weekend’s event, be sure to follow Berkshire United Way’s Facebook page for future events and ideas.

I hope to see you soon!

Stephanie
Coordinator of Early Childhood Development