Euphrosyne
Impression of Ellen Terry Cole
Ellen’s vibrant and positive energy radiates joy in the community and in the hearts of all who know her. A great supporter of the arts, she loves music, theatre, art, travel, languages and good tequila.
In recognition of her outstanding efforts at collaboration and team building, for successfully re-energizing a community centre into a community that is open and accessible to both Jews and non-Jews alike, Ellen Terry Cole was honoured with the prestigious Gordy Wolfe Award in 2018.
From 2005 - 2018 Ellen Terry Cole was Director of the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre, (MNjcc). She has held many leadership positions including TVO, Harbourfront Centre, the Stratford Festival and Royal Shakespeare Company in Britain. She is also a volunteer with the Canadian Jewish Congress and Holy Blossom Temple.
“There is no higher calling. To be able to give and give back, to learn and grow and to participate – it brings such joy.”
Euphrosyne was one of the three Charities, goddesses of good cheer, mirth and joy, in Greek mythology.
“Whose haunts are by Kephissos’ (Cephisus’) river, you queens beloved of poets’ song, ruling Orkhomenos (Orchomenus), that sunlit city and land of lovely steeds, watch and ward of the ancient Minyan race, hear now my prayer, you Kharites (Charites, Graces) three. For in your gift are all our mortal joys, and every sweet thing, be it wisdom, beauty, or glory, that makes rich the soul of man. Nor even can the immortal gods order at their behest the dance and festals, lacking the Kharites’ aid; who are the steward of all rites of heaven, whose thrones are set at Pytho beside Apollon of the golden bow, and who with everlasting honour worship the Father, lord of great Olympos. Euphrosyne, lover of song, and Aglaia (Aglaea) revered, daughters of Zeus the all-highest, hearken, and with Thalia, darling of harmony, look on our songs of revel, on light feet stepping to grace this happy hour . . . I come to praise Asopikhos (Asopichus), whose Minyan house, Thalia, now of your favour wears the pride of the Olympian victor.
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Ellen Terry Cole
“Serving your community – be it cultural, social, or spiritual – gives life such a depth of meaning and intense satisfaction.
Caring and sharing; giving and giving back.”
For 13 years, Ellen Terry Cole was the Executive Director of the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre, an institution that is over 100 years old, and a dynamic hub in downtown Toronto. Rooted in Jewish values, it is open – and accessible – to all.
Ellen also served her community as volunteer Regional and National Chair of the Community Relations Committee of Canadian Jewish Congress. She participated in several community development initiatives including the Black, Italian and Asian/Jewish dialogues. She served as the Chair of the Community Advisory Consultancy Committee, a group representing over thirty ethnocultural constituencies to the Toronto Police Services.
In her volunteer work she is currently on the board of Holy Blossom Temple and, having served as the VP of the Department of Administration, now serves as the VP of Membership.
For eight years Ellen was the Managing Director of Marketing and Communications (with two terms as Interim Director of Development) for TVOntario, the provincially funded Ontario Educational Communications Authority.
Ms. Cole came to TVO from Harbourfront Centre, Toronto’s diverse waterfront cultural and community organization. She was part of the Executive Management team that successfully lobbied the federal government to continue its funding of this national cultural institution.
From 1986 to 1992, Ms. Cole was Director of Communications with the Stratford Festival, North America’s prestigious English repertory theatre company. She began her professional career in England as Head of Publications for Britain’s Royal Shakespeare Company.
Ellen has also served on the boards of several non-profit arts and health sector organizations including Fife House Foundation, providing assisted housing and support for people living with HIV/AIDS, and the Toronto Arts Foundation. She chaired the board of the Communications Centre of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and served on the Marketing Advisory Committee for the Toronto Theatre Alliance. She is also Chair of the Board of Directors of Studio 180 Theatre Company.