Dennis Cramer’s retirement concert last evening not only benefited the ACCF’s Michael Petronchek Musical Scholarship Fund, it benefitted the audience as well! Kudos to all the performers for a wonderful evening. We are so blessed in Armstrong County to have so many musicians and artists who generously share their talent with us.

I heard so many enthusiastic comments afterwards, all echoing Karen Hughes, “This was a treat!”

 West Hills Primary Elementary School asked for a grant to help fund an “outdoor classroom.”  In partnership with the Armstrong School District Education Foundation and other groups, the ACCF’s Richard G. and Barbara A. Snyder General Charitable Fund provided West Hills Primary teachers and students with a resource center, a butterfly garden, and butterfly habitats, so the students could experience hands-on learning.

Mr. Paul Treacy, Kindergarten teacher and Penn State Master Gardener wrote the grant application and invited me to share the fun.  I was so privileged to be invited to the butterfly release–it is great fun to see the joy and excitement of the children!  We got to be in the middle of a Painted Lady Butterfly “dance” as the freed insects explored their new habitat outdoors.

The Council on Foundations hosted a world-wide summit of philanthropy this week in National Harbor, MD.  Three thousand foundations were represented (there are approximately 80,000 foundations in the US alone.)  I was so exciting to hear what other folks are doing; a young woman at my table for this plenary session was from Brazil, and had such a solid grasp of the needs of her country, and the roles of government, businesses, and philanthropy.

During this plenary session, the audience explored how we want the next US President to work with the philanthropic sector.  AmericaSpeaks designed and facilitated the conversation using its unique 21st Century Summit format.  AmericaSpeaks is known internationally for engaging over 130,000 people in complex public and planning issues, including New Orleans recovery and designing the World Trade Center site after 9/11.

 At each table, a trained facilitator presented discussion questions, and a volunteer recorder reported recommendations through networked computers.  A team then collated the data and reported the common ideas back to the entire assembly almost immediately.

Using keypads, participants reviewed and prioritized thes ideas to develop clear messages.  The top three messages to the next US President are, in order of priority:

• Respect our role–philanthripic funds cannot replace government funds.  “We are not about picking up the shortfall.”
• Bring philanthropy to the table–create a cabinet-level position for philanthropy.
• Leverage philanthropy’s expertise, flexibility, and innovation.  “We are a laboratory for government.”

What are your recommendations to the next president regarding the philanthropic sector?

 Mark your calendar for May 16!  Dennis Cramer has arranged a wonderful musical evening to celebrate both his retirement as a music teacher and as a benefit for the Michael Petronchek Musical Scholarship, a component fund of the Armstrong County Community Foundation.

Mike Petronchek was an Armstrong County music educator whose memory was honored by the establishment of a scholarship in his name.  Mike gave Dennis Cramer his first trombone lesson back in 1962, and the rest is history!

Join us on May 16 at 7 PM in the Ford City High School auditorium for a concert to remember.  Joining Dennis will be his wife Liz, the Armstrong Brass Quintet, and other talented musicians and friends.  Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for age 18 and under.

For more information, visit Dennis’s recital webpage.