Assembling Success 2017

Photo: Bidwell Training Center’s brick masonry program at the Casey Industrial Park in the early 1980s.

ASSEMBLING SUCCESS Biannual Newsletter of Manchester Bidwell Corporation Fall 2017

From BTC Graduate to Ph.D.

Make it a Night on the North Shore

Herbs Worth Your Thyme

An alumna reminded Bidwell Training Center of how they’ve helped for 50 years.

MCG Jazz’ 31st concert season has something for everyone.

Find DMC’s new thematic herb offerings at Whole Foods, Giant Eagle, and other partners.

3

4

6

Spotlight: Sustaining Donors

New Exhibit: “Mad House”

Replication Efforts in West Palm

With our 50th anniversary ahead of us, we look at sustaining donors’ important role.

MCG Youth & Arts welcomes renowned artist Adhemas Batista.

Local leaders in West Palm Beach look into opening a Center for Arts and Technology.

West Palm Beach, FL

7

8

9 7

Hope’s Journey for Over 50 Years

Bill Strickland, President and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation funds were identified to help renovate and equip the early version of Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild.

Today, its arts program has been cited for having a direct and positive impact on the lives, graduation rates, and in-school performance for both adjudicated youth and students enrolled in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Its jazz program has been named as one of the most innovative and responsive contemporary jazz programs in the country.

The Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild was founded in a drug halfway house during the riots in Pittsburgh. Facilities to conduct programs in the arts were nonexistent but through the efforts of Bishop Appleyard, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh,

The Bidwell Training Center started out in very similar circumstances with poor financial management, ineffective programs in vocational education, and a demoralized staff and board of directors. Through the efforts of political leadership like Governor Dick Thornburgh; foundations like Heinz, Mellon, Eden Hall, Scaife; and various corporate supporters like Bayer, PNC, UPMC,

Looking 50 Years into the Future

Many Bidwell Training Center graduates, former MCG Youth & Arts students, and long-time MCG Jazz subscribers among others have been visiting us on Metropolitan Street and sharing their inspiring and encouraging stories about how we have played an important part in their lives.

Looking back at MBC’s impact on so many people over the last five decades reinforces the practical power of Bill Strickland’s wellfounded dream.

A good portion of the social and economic challenges that pushed us to open in 1968 have improved, but there are still familiar

Bidwell Training Center and Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild have been so successful that their programming has now been replicated in nine U.S. cities and one international city with others to follow in the months and years to come. We believe that our history of programs that started under impossible economic and social circumstances and were transformed into world-class arts and education organizations is a story worth repeating time again and continues to serve as a powerful source of hope for thousands of people both locally and internationally.

communities across Pennsylvania, the nation, and globe. Our innovative approach to education and the belief that all people are born assets will continue to carry us forward into our next 50 years.

Kevin Jenkins, Executive Vice President and COO

As we enter our 50th year, all of us at Manchester Bidwell Corporation (MBC) are definitely taking a moment to reflect.

Not many organizations can celebrate half a century of making people whole.

EQT, and many others, Bidwell has transformed itself into a world class education program and has been named as a School of Excellence by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges on several occasions.

Send us Your Stories obstacles to overcome. It is our commitment to these issues that have carried us to this point, and it is our successes that encourage us to continue.

Bill has shown us not to limit our potential to create something extraordinary. He did not start with a 50-year plan and was able to create MBC. We’ll continue to follow this same principle and are committed to providing our current slate of programs in an environment where people can find dignity and purpose. At the same time, our goals for the future remain ambitious. We know the need is great—in our Northside neighborhood, throughout the city of Pittsburgh, in

Page 2 | Manchester Bidwell Corporation Newsletter | manchesterbidwell.org

How has Manchester Bidwell Corporation and its affiliates affected your life?

Go to manc hesterbidwell. org/50-stories-submission and tell us what impact this organization has had on you.

Whether you are a Bidwell Training Center graduate, a former MCG Youth & Arts student, a long-time MCG Jazz subscriber, a former teacher, or a partner of the Drew Mathieson Center, we want to hear from you.

From Bidwell Training Center Graduate to Ph.D. Passionate about learning, Poellnitz went back to school at a community college, and 40 years later she has five degrees to her name: two associate degrees, one bachelor’s degree, one master’s degree, and one Ph.D. That’s how she got her nickname—Dr. Bev. Her accomplishments don’t stop there. In June 2017, Poellnitz became a certified storyteller.

Bill Strickland with Beverly Poellnitz, Ph.D., on her recent visit.

Bidwell Training Center (BTC) is turning 50! For five decades, Bidwell has changed lives.

Recently, BTC graduate Beverly Poellnitz, Ph.D., came back to visit her alma mater, and she shared her story with us.

We have been privileged to share in our students’ and graduates’ journeys as they worked to transform their lives—often making great personal sacrifices to provide a better future for themselves and their families.

Poellnitz attended BTC for electrical wiring training and graduated in 1978 and became a licensed electrician. She credits BTC with giving her the confidence to move to Phoenix with her child. Poellnitz’ first job was as a low-voltage, life safety system technician where she installed fire alarms in hospital operating rooms and she continued to work in the field for years.

We celebrate their successes and feel a deep sense of satisfaction as we watch the positive ripple effects continue over generations.

As part of our 50th anniversary, we are inviting alumni to get in touch with BTC to share their stories of success. You are the best part of BTC’s story—part of the rich tapestry of our history that we like to call the fabric of our community.

Whether you graduated from BTC one month ago or nearly 50 years ago, we want to hear from you! Your story is part of our story, and your story can inspire others to move their lives forward in a powerful way.

Go to manchesterbidwell.org/50-storiessubmission and tell us your story.

Event: Jesse W. Fife, Jr. Fabric of Our Community Awards and Reception Date and Time: Nov. 9, 5 p.m.–8 p.m.

Location: 1815 Metropolitan St., Pittsburgh, PA At this year’s Jesse W. Fife, Jr. Fabric of Our Community Awards we look back at 50 years of history at those individuals and organizations who without their tireless help and guidance the Bidwell Training Center would not be the success it is today. This year’s honorees are Dr. E. Peter Benzing, IBM, and K. Leroy Irvis.

To buy tickets to the awards and reception, donate, or for sponsorship opportunities visit bidwelltrainingcenter.edu.

Become a Corporate Sponsor

CELEBR

AT

IN

G

H A LF A

For program start dates and more information on Bidwell Training Center visit

CEN TURY OF M A

bidwelltrainingcenter.edu

KI

NG

Est. 1968

PE

Manchester Bidwell Corporation Newsletter | manchesterbidwell.org I Page 3

O

PL

HOLE EW

Remembering the Jazz Masters For the past 10 years, MCG Jazz has been honoring the jazz masters—who have performed in the MCG Jazz music hall—when they pass away through a photo exhibit installed in the green room. Entering the 31st anniversary season, MCG Jazz is embarking on a plan in 2018 to open limited access to its collection of over 100,000 photographic images.

The first collection of artifacts picked from the photo archives is an exhibition of legendary jazz guitarists whom we have lost over the past two years, including: Toots Thielemans, Jim Hall, Oscar Castro-Neves, Larry Coryell, John Abercrombie, and Chuck Loeb.

The photographs-transferred-to-fabric exhibit will be on display at Manchester Bidwell Corporation in the North Lobby Gallery from September 22 through the end of 2017. Stop by between 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Monday through Thursday or plan some extra time before a concert to walk the display.

Brazilian guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves performing at the MCG Jazz music hall in 1995.

Make it a Night on the North Shore with MCG Jazz MCG Jazz’ 31st concert season kicked off September 22 with Arturo Sandoval. The series line-up has something for everyone including single tickets, season subscriptions, and group rates.

There are three celebration concerts: two commemorating the centennial birthdays of Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald, and a rare appearance of the Django Festival

All-Stars direct from France celebrating the music of Gypsy guitar virtuoso Django Reinhardt.

MCG Jazz will also host three other leading Latin jazz artists: Paquito D’Rivera, Poncho Sanchez, and Eliane Elias.

There are three for-singersonly concerts with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Stacey Kent, and Ben Vereen.

This season MCG Jazz is also launching a very special Fan Pix component. Based on MCG Jazz fan responses, we added shows with up-andcoming artists our fans want to see—like Pittsburgh’s own Benny Benack III. Come over to our house where we’ve been named one of the best venues in the world for live jazz by Downbeat magazine, and make a night of it on the

Page 4 | Manchester Bidwell Corporation Newsletter | manchesterbidwell.org

North Shore. We have recommendations for drinks and/or dinner before the show.

A partial schedule of the 31st season is on page 5.

For the complete schedule of MCG Jazz performances and to buy tickets to support our mission to preserve, present, and promote jazz, visit MCGJazz.org.

BNY Mellon Jazz Presents DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER'S

the hot sardines

Thursday, October 19, 2017

MEMPHIS Friday, October 6, 2017

Herb Alpert and Lani Hall

django festival all-stars

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Saturday, November 18, 2017

STACEY Kent

EQT Presents norman brown's joyous christmas

Saturday, December 9, 2017

with bobby caldwell and marion meadows Saturday, December 16, 2017

fan pix special addition BENNY BENACK III Saturday, December 9, 2017

BNY Mellon Jazz Presents Steppin' Out With Ben Vereen

The Birdland All-stars Feat. Tommy Igoe Saturday, January 27, 2018

Friday, February 9, 2018 Saturday, February 10, 2018

EQT Presents Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers + Bria Skonberg

Paquito D'Rivera

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Saturday, March 24, 2018

Eliane Elias Friday, May 4, 2018

CELEBR

AT

IN

G

H A LF A CEN TURY OF M A

Est. 1968

To see a full schedule, show times, and to buy tickets to support our mission to preserve, present, and promote jazz visit

mcgjazz.org

KI

NG

PE

Manchester Bidwell Corporation Newsletter | manchesterbidwell.org I Page 5

O

PL

HOLE EW

Herb Offerings Worth Your Thyme The Drew Mathieson Center’s (DMC) greenhouse is increasing and diversifying its production by growing a wide range of popular herbs and vegetables throughout the production calendar.

New this year to DMC’s product offerings are a unique variety of thematic herb combinations including the Fiesta, Thanksgiving, Chef ’s Companion, Italian, Tea, Herbs de Provence, and Fragrant Herb blends. The plants include: oregano, rosemary, lavender, basil, sage, thyme, and parsley among others. Potted herbs are also available individually in four-inch pots.

All potted herbs and vegetables grown at the DMC greenhouse are grown using products that comply with the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)

DMC’s herb trios being sold at Whole Foods Market.

standards. OMRI is an international nonprofit organization that determines which input products are allowed to be used in organic production.

Current organizations partnering with DMC to provide herb trios and other edible products include Whole Foods Market, Giant Eagle, and McGinnis Sister’s Specialty Food Stores. These partnerships will be focused on DMC’s guiding principles to grow, teach, and inspire. The partnerships

Sustaining the Future DMC’s Seeds in the City program provides middle school students with immersive, project-based learning opportunities in a variety of STEAM fields. DMC’s third year of youth programming saw 12 students enrolled in the Seeds in the City Landscape Design elective transform from students into professional landscape designers and experts in sustainability.

The transformation began when Manchester Academic Charter School students in seventh and eighth grade traveled to Ohiopyle State Park, a first for all students involved. Students learned about the new Laurel Highlands Falls Area Visitor Center’s green roofs and biological wastewater treatment system and met with client Ann Talarek, horticulture specialist at Fallingwater. Talarek tasked students with creating sustainable, native planting plans for a stretch of curbside rain gardens, also known as bioswales, in Ohiopyle’s business district.

Installed in 2010 as part of the Ohiopyle Green Infrastructure Project, the rain gardens collect and filter stormwater runoff

easing stress on existing sewage systems and helping to keep the Youghiogheny River and Ohiopyle Falls clean from contaminates. Some residents have found the gardens to be high maintenance and in need of better upkeep. Talarek reached out to DMC’s Landscape Design class to come up with solutions for these issues.

Each student designed a scale planting plan for one Sherman Street rain garden with an emphasis on ease of maintenance, maximization of stormwater absorption, and year-round visual interest. Talarek plans to incorporate student designs when the gardens are planted this spring.

In addition, students Ryen, A’Niyah, and Tyrone also presented their work at Chatham University’s Seeds of Change: Igniting Student Action for Sustainable Communities conference. A joint venture between Fort Cherry School District, South Fayette School District, and Chatham University, the conference was held at Chatham’s Eden Hall Campus, home to the Falk School of Sustainability.

will also focus on DMC’s ongoing goal of developing into a comprehensive local resource that includes educating and empowering community members to implement sustainable agricultural practices that promote healthy access to fresh food and conservation initiatives.

Contact DMC to learn more about where to find our locally grown products and learn more about our unique partnership opportunities.

E vent : DMC F ifth Annual Open House Date: Nov. 18, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Location: 1600 Metropolitan St., Pittsburgh, PA Browse our winter offerings, get an exclusive look at our stateof-the-art classroom spaces and production areas, enjoy live jazz, meet Doug Oster, and learn how you can partner with DMC to promote horticultural and agricultural education in our local communities.

DMC has the perfect plant for you, and by incorporating our plants into your life you are helping to support Manchester Bidwell Corporation. Partnership opportunities include: fundraising; special event, office, and facility decor; corporate gifts; and contract or project specific growing. For more information visit

drewmathiesoncenter.org Page 6 | Manchester Bidwell Corporation Newsletter | manchesterbidwell.org

Shining the 50th Anniversary Spotlight on Our Sustaining Donors Before Bill Strickland realized his dream of opening a center to serve the youth and adults in the Pittsburgh area, he made a connection to a special individual at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

Little did Bill know then that this individual would play an important role in the success at Manchester Bidwell Corporation (MBC).

Grace Hampton, Ph.D., was the assistant director of the Expansion Arts Program at the NEA and witnessed the growth of the programs that Strickland was spearheading in Pittsburgh. Hampton has been a sustaining donor to MCG Youth & Arts for over three years. She—along with our other sustaining donors—provides a steady, reliable stream of support every month so that we can continue to provide our programs to people in need.

Hampton spoke about why she made the decision to become a monthly donor to MCG Youth & Arts and why she believes others should do the same.

“For many years I have tracked and watched MCG grow and become an important national asset to the arts in America—community arts in particular,” said Hampton. “The Guild is a leader in many areas and has nurtured the minds and the creative spirits of children and adults alike through the multiple youth programs and the fabulous jazz concerts presented.”

She also had thoughts on MBC’s 50th anniversary and why it is so important for our sustaining giving program to grow stronger.

“I know that the growth of the Guild has not stopped,” said Hampton. “I expect even more great things from MCG in the next 50 years.”

Want to join Hampton and the dedicated group of people who provide monthly support to transform our students’ lives each day? To make a sustaining gift of $50 in honor of our 50th anniversary, or any amount that is right for you, please contact development coordinator

Grace Hampton, Ph.D., sustaining donor

Courtney McShea at 421323-4000 ext.

257 or at cmcshea@manchesterbidwell.org to become a sustaining donor.

Celebrating the Supporters Who Keep Us Strong As we look ahead to our 50th year, it is important to remember the elements that have come together to get us to this point.

Every year 45,000–65,000 new nonprofit organizations are started, according to IRS data. Nearly the same amount go out of business each year. Clearly, 50 years is an achievement.

What does it take to keep an organization sustainable, relevant, and growing? It must stay true to its founder’s vision, even as programs and services change over time.

To ensure this happens, you need to have the right leadership on your board and

CELEBR

AT

IN

G

committed staff. To allow all these elements to thrive, you need a strong base of donors—individuals, foundations, and corporate friends—who are committed to the vision and moved by the outcomes.

Our donors have been partners in that success every year—you are a part of history. As we mark our first 50 years, we want to celebrate our individual leadership donors by officially recognizing them as members of our 1968 Founders Circle.

As the name implies, these donors give at the $1,968 level or higher annually. They provide the philanthropic leadership that

allows MBC and its programming to thrive by remaining operationally strong.

As we celebrate half a century of making people whole, we hope you will continue to support our programming and consider joining the 1968 Founders Circle this year. For more information about the 1968 Founders Circle, please contact senior director of development Karen Linscott at 412-323-4000 ext. 264 or at klinscott@manchesterbidwell.org.

With your support, we will continue to provide pathways out of poverty for individuals in need into the next 50 years.

To support Manchester Bidwell Corporation and its affiliates visit H A LF A CEN TURY OF M A

KI

Est. 1968

manchesterbidwell.org/donate

NG

PE

Manchester Bidwell Corporation Newsletter | manchesterbidwell.org I Page 7

O

PL

HOLE EW

Illustration by Adhemas Batista created for Brazil’s Allegra Bitter Beer.

New Exhibit: “Mad House”

MCG Youth & Arts welcomes renowned artist Adhemas Batista of Creativity in 2016. Batista’s other awards include nine Lions at the Cannes Festival, a Brazilian Young

“I’d like to remind people that families aren’t perfect, but we should give value to what we have,” says Batista.

“Leading the charge to prominence of Brazilian and Latin American graphic designers...”—Computer Arts Magazine about Batista in the Design of the Decade edition.

Adhemas Batista

MCG’s next visiting artist, Adhemas Batista, is a designer, illustrator, and animation director working in Los Angeles. His vast client list includes Adidas, Asics, Beats, Coca-Cola, Gatorade, Microsoft, PepsiCo, Unilever, and more.

The hallmark of his work is bright, vivid imagery.

culture and influences of Brazilian tropical culture.

A self-taught digital artist, his work includes a variety of design, illustration, typography and animation.

He co-created an animated short for Unicef titled “Malak and the Boat,” which drew attention to the plight of Syrian children.

Born in San Paulo, Brazil, Batista draws inspiration from urban art and pop

The short won a Grand Prix for Good at the Cannes Lions International Festival

Creative award at the Cannes Festival in 2003, and three Golden Statues at the London International Awards.

Batista is a family man who’s married with four children. His exhibition, “Mad House,” will be inspired by the noise and energy of his home life. Each family member will be represented by magical and folkloric creatures, rather than realistic expressions of themselves.

Page 8 | Manchester Bidwell Corporation Newsletter | manchesterbidwell.org

“Mad House” runs Oct. 16 through Jan. 5, with a public reception on Nov. 16. He will also conduct a workshop with MCG’s high school students in November. Visit mcgyouthandarts.org for more information.

Transformative Teaching Artist Richena Brockinson MCG Youth & Arts teaching artist Richena Brockinson was selected as one of ten Pittsburgh-area arts educators to receive the New Sun Rising Transformative Teaching Artist Award. Brockinson was once a student at MCG and returned years later to teach in the photography department where she imbues her classes with a special blend of kindness, caring, and tough love.

“I am honored to be a part of a group of such outstanding teaching artists; such beautiful and inspiring people,” said Brockinson.

The Transformative Teaching Artist Award not only shines a light on the exceptional educators who won the award, but on the important role of all teaching artists. According to a statement released by New Sun Rising, “Teaching artists play critical roles in the lives of the youth they serve, providing not only artistic skill building, but caring, support, and mentorship. Yet those teaching artists who have chosen this as their life’s work face great challenges in building teaching artist careers. ”

With the support of the Heinz Endowments, New Sun Rising awarded the 10 finalists $5,000 each and recognized their work with youth from African American and distressed communities.

Stand-Out Statistics Our classes show their benefit outside of MCG Youth & Arts studios. Ninety-eight percent of students who go through MCG Youth & Arts programs end up graduating high school and 92 percent end up enrolling in college.

CELEBR

Richena Brockinson, MCG Youth & Arts teaching artist

For more than 10 years, New Sun Rising has supported innovative organizations that create economic opportunity and solve social challenges.

The Heinz Endowments focuses on stirring creativity, learning, and environmental, economic, and social sustainability in the region.

In addition to Brockinson, winners included Alisha Wormsley, Kim El, Celeta Hickman, Jordan Taylor, Shimira Williams, Akil Esoon, Mario Quinn Lyles, Bekezela Mguni, and Thomas Chatman.

Event: Family Night House” Reception 98%

and

“Mad

Date: Nov. 16, 5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Location: 1815 Metropolitan St., Pittsburgh, PA Our Fall Family Night will coincide with our reception for Adhemas Batista’s “Mad House” exhibit.

Not only can you see the amazing work done by MCG Youth & Arts’ students, but also witness Batista’s hypnotizing illustrations.

AT

IN

G

For a list of our student course guides as well as art classes for adults visit H A LF A CEN TURY OF M A

KI

Est. 1968

mcgyouthandarts.org

NG

PE

Manchester Bidwell Corporation Newsletter | manchesterbidwell.org I Page 9

O

PL

HOLE EW

NCAT Launches Replication Efforts in West Palm Beach Local leaders in West Palm Beach, FL are interested in bringing the Manchester Bidwell Education Model to their community in the form of a new Center for Arts & Technology (CAT).

To help achieve that goal, the City of West Palm Beach has engaged NCAT to conduct a feasibility study to determine how best to position a local CAT for success. The 12-month study, which looks at employment needs, academic achievement, current

service providers, potential sites, sources of funding, and local leadership, is scheduled to conclude by May 2018.

the dynamics of the local landscape and to share information about the Manchester Bidwell Education Model.

Replication efforts are being coordinated by the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and guided by a steering committee comprised of local education, workforce development, philanthropy, and industry leaders.

The replication process includes three phases of work, which are initiated by community leadership and result in the creation of a CAT based on the Manchester Bidwell Education Model. The three phases are:

NCAT will meet with community members throughout the feasibility study to understand

1. Feasibility 2. Planning 3. Implementation.

West Palm Beach joins an expanding group of communities dedicated to improving lifelong outcomes of local residents through the Manchester Bidwell Education Model. The NCAT network currently includes 10 open and operating centers, six centers that are planning to open, and three communities undergoing feasibility studies.

Villy Wang, founder and CEO of BAYCAT

BAYCAT CEO Named a Most Influential Business Woman

Villy Wang, founder and CEO of BAYCAT in San Francisco, was honored this summer as one of the Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business by the San Francisco Business Times.

Learn more about Wang and her work to end inequality and racism through powerful storytelling at baycat.org.

To learn how your community can invest in impactful change by developing a Center for Arts & Technology visit us at

ncat-mbc.org Page 10 | Manchester Bidwell Corporation Newsletter | manchesterbidwell.org

NCAT’S Growing Network Tacoma, WA

Grand Rapids, MI

Cleveland, OH

Buffalo, NY

Erie, PA Pittsburgh, PA

San Francisco, CA

Denver, CO

Chicago, IL

Sharon, PA

Boston, MA New Haven, CT

Brockway, PA

Dallas, TX

West Palm Beach, FL

Feasibility phase International locations in the feasibility phase: Nassau, Bahamas

Planning phase International locations in the planning phase: U.S. Virgin Islands and Vancouver, Canada

Operating International locations in operation: Akko, Israel

NCAT Welcomes New Project Manager NCAT is excited to introduce the newest member of its team, Jeffrey Morris.

Jeffrey Morris, NCAT project manager

Prior to joining NCAT, Morris worked in performing arts production, management, and operations for a variety of nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Washington D.C. Notable companies include Actors’ Equity Association (labor relations), ODC Theater (dance presenting), Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (community choral organization), the San Francisco Mime

Troupe (political musical theater), The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust (arts presenter), and Woolly Mammoth Theater Company (new works) to name a few.

Morris holds a Master of Arts Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University as well as a Bachelor’s in Playwriting and Performing Arts from the University of California at Santa Cruz. He enjoys spending as much time as possible traveling, exploring nature, and consuming art.

Manchester Bidwell Corporation Newsletter | manchesterbidwell.org I Page 11

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO 3176

1815 Metropolitan Street Pittsburgh, PA 15233

Photo: Young visitors to Manchester Bidwell Corporation’s gallery space in 2012.