Police Caution Residents To Avoid Black Bears

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This bear wandered back into woods but hadn't left the immediate neighborhood around Brayton School by Friday evening.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Black bears have been coming closer to homes around the region this spring. The most recent siting has been near Brayton Elementary School over past few days. 

Neighbors in the area reported seeing the bear in the brook behind the school and he (most likely) was spotted on Friday in a tree near the Northern Berkshire YMCA.

Police are urging people to stay calm if they see a bear and to back away from it slowly.  Black bears are not particularly hostile but can be dangerous if frightened, or over food or cubs.

Bears are attracted by food, so police say:

• Never feed bears and make sure no food, dirty grills, bird feeders (bring them in at night) or accessible trash containers are around to attract them, especially at night. Garbage containers should be frequently washed with a disinfectant solution to remove odors.

• For those with fruit or nut trees, removing fallen fruit or nuts will minimize bear activity in your yard.

The department has more information on its Facebook page.


Tags: bears,   wild animals,   

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Williamstown's Images Cinema Set for May 22 Reopening

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff

Construction work on the main screen room at Images is seen through a hole cut for a to-be-installed projector.
 
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Images Cinema will be making up for lost time when the non-profit venue reopens this month after a major renovation and redesign.
 
"First Look," a two-week festival screening some of the biggest films of the last year, will usher in a new era for the century-old Spring Street venue.
 
The Oscar winner for Best Picture is just one of more than a dozen films that will be shown during the festival, which will run from May 22 through June 4.
 
"After a long, cold winter, we're so excited to fully spring back into action at Images," Executive Director Dan Hudson said in a news release. "What better way to celebrate with the community than by showing great films, some of which we have not yet been able to present?"
 
Images members will be able to see films ranging from "One Battle After Another" to "Zootopia 2" for free. Non-members will be able to attend for just $5 during the two-week festival.
 
The theater itself figures to be part of the draw.
 
After closing for renovations in October, Images will reopen with a new configuration, including a 70-seat main theater, an 18-seat second theater and a 15-seat lounge available for "intimate" screenings and events. The main screen will feature Dolby Atmos immersive sound and 4K laser projection. The second screen will have 7.1 surround sound and 2K laser projection.
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