Lenox Library's Lecture Series to Feature Berkshire United Way CEO

04:06PM / Wednesday, January 22, 2025Print Story | Email Story

LENOX, Mass. — Lenox Library will continue its Distinguished Lecture Series on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., when Tom Bernard, President and CEO of the Berkshire United Way, will discuss his organization's 100th Anniversary.

Berkshire United Way, originally founded as the Pittsfield Community Fund Association in 1924, has evolved over the past century to address the changing needs of Berkshire County. To mark its 100th anniversary, President and CEO Tom Bernard will present a lecture on the organization’s history and future vision.

Bernard, who has led Berkshire United Way since 2022, previously served as mayor of North Adams and has an extensive background in public service, education, and nonprofit leadership. In addition to his role at Berkshire United Way, he holds leadership positions in statewide and local organizations focused on community development and civic engagement.

Now in its 18th season, the Distinguished Lecture Series is organized and hosted by Dr. Jeremy Yudkin, a resident of the Berkshires and Professor of Music and Co-Director of the Center for Beethoven Research at Boston University. Lectures are free and open to the public.

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Puppeteer Carl Sprague to Present 'Hansel & Gretel' at Ventfort Hall

10:41AM / Monday, February 16, 2026

LENOX, Mass. — The popular puppeteer Carl Sprague will return to Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum in Lenox with "Hansel & Gretel" for two school vacation week marionette performances.

The dates and times are Thursday, Feb. 19 and Friday, Feb. 20, both at 3:30 pm. The audiences will have the opportunity to meet Sprague, who knows how to pull strings.

"Hansel & Gretel" is a classic German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm about two siblings abandoned in the woods who find a house made of sweets, owned by a witch intending to eat them. The clever children outsmart her by pushing her into her own oven, and escape with her treasures to find their way home. This fairy tale symbolizes themes of cleverness, survival, and greed vs. kindness, stated a press release.

Sprague, who has appeared annually at Ventfort Hall with his "behind the scenery" mastery, has been a puppeteer since childhood. He inherited a collection of 60 antique Czech marionettes, each about eight inches tall, that were assembled by his great-grandfather, Julius Hybler. Hybler's legacy also includes two marionette theaters.

Also, Sprague has been a set designer for such motion pictures as "The Royal Tenenbaums" and Scorcese's "The Age of Innocence," as well as for theater productions including those of Shakespeare & Company.

Admission to the show is $20 per person; $10 for children 4-17 and free for age 3 and under. Children must be accompanied by adults.

Reservations are required as seating is limited and can be made on line at https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or by calling (413) 637-3206. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.

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