Berkshire's Haunted History To Be Focus of PBS, Local Radio

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The area's rich history and ghostly folklore will be prominently featured throughout western Massachusetts in a spooky ramp up leading to Halloween next Wednesday.

Western Massachusetts PBS affiliate WGBY will present a segment on the many mysteries and legends surrounding October Mountain on its program Connecting Points, airing at 7:30 p.m. on Halloween night. 

Produced by the legendary Anthony Dunne, creator of the 2009 documentary "Things That Go Bump in The Night," this special Connecting Points feature explores the fascinating origins of the state's largest state forest and its central feature, the mountain Herman Melville named. 

"Alec Gillman of the [Department of Conservation and Recreation] explains the colorful history of the Berkshires' October Mountain," wrote Dunne, of the upcoming program, "while folklorist and These Mysterious Hills author Joe Durwin takes us on a supernatural tour of the 16,500 acre state park where it is said by some that ghosts and spirits roam, UFOs fly overhead, and Bigfoot wanders the woods."

Prior to the airing, Dunne will appear as a call-in guest for a brief interview on a special Halloween edition of WBRK's Berkshire Viewpoint, which will run live from 10 a.m. until noon. 


The program, hosted by Durwin and Donna Todd Rivers, will also include special guest Nick Mantello of the Berkshire Paranormal Group, based out of the haunted Houghton Mansion in North Adams.  Listeners are invited to call in to offer their own strange experience, favorite ghost story or with questions about spooky local legends.

For five week day mornings leading up to Halloween, Live 95.9FM will air five segments guiding listeners through the five most haunted places in the Berkshires as chosen by Durwin.  Segments will air at approximately 7:50 a.m. on Oct. 25, 26, 29,30 and 31.

Joe Durwin is a correspondent for iBerkshires.com and author of These Mysterious Hills.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Brien Center Announces Vice President of Human Resources

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Amy Thomson was recently named Vice President of Human Resources for the Brien Center, Berkshire County's largest behavioral health provider. 
 
In her new position, she will provide strategic direction and oversight for all aspects of the Human Resources functional areas including recruitment and retention, employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance management and professional development.
 
Immediately prior to joining The Brien Center, Thomson served as the Vice President of Human Resources for the Annie Selke Companies. Other career positions include Director of Human Resources for Berkshire Healthcare Systems' Long Term Care Division, Vice President of Human Resources for Legacy Banks and Director of HR for Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club. 
 
She is a resident of Pittsfield.
 
"We are excited that Amy has joined our leadership team, "said Christine Macbeth, President and CEO of the Brien Center. "The agency will benefit from her 30+ years in Human Resources and her skills in employee relations, compliance and benefit management, performance management and strategic focus. Her previous experience will serve her well as she leads her team in developing and implementing efficient and creative initiatives that will advance the HR components of the organization's strategic plan."
 
Thomson earned a Masters' Degree in Human Resources Management from Leslie University and a
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston College. She enjoys skiing, hiking, horseback riding and spending quality time with family and friends.
 
 
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