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“I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge this milestone with the community that I have become to truly admire for the great people and families that I have made relationships with over the years. When I moved to Torrington 25 years ago this month, I had a totally different vision of what my life would be and what I would be doing. I came here because it was a great location, situated between Boston and New York. The “90 minute” market. I could work on my business in the city and then return to this quaint little town nestled in the Berkshires for a bit of normalcy from the 24/7 in the city. After 9/11 and the Great Recession I’m sure many small business people like myself had to adjust and make some changes in order to keep their enterprises afloat. When that business is music, those adjustments can be very challenging.

In the depths of the great recession,  A.C.T. aka the Torrington Arts & Culture Commission was formed. When former Mayor Ryan Bingham and economic director Rose Ponte nominated me to serve on the commission I was very flattered. I wasn’t sure if I could help, but I felt like the effort would be worthwhile. As a result, I have observed a community that is coming together to find it’s legs and continue the virtues that makes this town so special and unique through our arts & cultural initiatives.

The Torrington community has been there for me in so many special ways that I would be derelict in my duties not to take this occasion to show my appreciation. I feel that it is important to give back for all that has been given to me. Through my non-profit “Culture for A Cause” I can help continue to keep the arts & culture renaissance moving forward in this city. This is why the silver anniversary appreciation fundraiser was so very important to me.”

To that end, Culture For A Cause presented a fundraising event to roll out its slate of collaborations for the 2020 calendar. In addition to raising funds for these collaborations, we are looking for volunteers who want to help keep the ball rolling with a robust arts and culture scene, especially in downtown Torrington. Culture For A Cause will be collaborating with the Northwest Arts Council for “International Make Music Day”. This international event takes place on the summer solstice every year and Connecticut is the first state to officially recognize this event, traditionally held in big cities throughout the world. We will also collaborate with the “Waterbury Project”, a literary program founded by filmmaker Harvey Hubbell IV whose film “Dislecksia: The Movie” premiered at the Warner theatre in May 2019. We want to demonstrate the power of collective community impact through robust collaborations that will permit us to raise awareness with the addition of an artistic or musical component.

The evening was emceed by J. Timothy Quirk, host of radio shows “Nutmeg Chatter” and “Nutmeg Junction” on local Torrington Community radio station WAPJ (105.1, 89.9
WAPJ.Org). Special guest musical artist was local favorite Brian Mattiello. A wonderful time was had by all (see photos below), and Culture For A Cause raised almost $1000! Thank you to everyone who attended and donated. We look forward to a happy and productive 2020!

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Jacque