Jennifer Pickford has taken on the community-centered role of Mansons Hall Manager, beginning in September. She brings hopes of boosting membership and cultivating community-wide programming through the Hall’s canvas as a venue.
As hall manager, Pickford’s main role is to oversee the day-to-day operations at Mansons Hall, but her focus is multifaceted.
“I'm hoping that I can also become more involved in building up the organization so that there's a good financial base. And that we're fulfilling our mandate and creating a wonderful community gathering space for everybody,” she explained.
The new manager has past experience coordinating for non-profits, like World Community. Jennifer Pickford is also an award-winning filmmaker.
In November 2021, Mary Lavelle stepped down from the position after 12 years; Tammy Collingwood stepped up as interim manager at that time. Now Pickford will carry the torch into a new era for the South Cortes Community Association (SCCA). She spoke about the state of the association in the wake of the pandemic.
“There was a period of time when the hall wasn't even open during COVID and during that time, there really was a lot of transitioning… there's potential for it to become a really great place and so I'm excited to be a part of that, at this time.”
The first major event Mansons Hall will host under Pickford’s stewardship is the Holiday Market on Dec. 9. In the meantime, the weekly Friday Market and the monthly Night Markets will continue through the winter.
“I think socializing is such a big part of the market,” Pickford noted.
“You might not see your neighbors all week, but if you come out to the Friday market, you can actually see some people and hear what's happening in your neighborhood,” she continued.
The new hall manager also offered an update on an issue that CKTZ has previously covered: the handicap parking by the post office is still being blocked by able-bodied members of the public. Pickford gently reminds the public that, "to please just keep that area clear unless you have an actual disability."
To hear more about this new era at Manson’s Hall, listen to the CKTZ News Update below: