Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative Announces Networking Event at Ventfort Hall

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LENOX, Mass.— The Berkshire Film & Media Collaborative (BFMC) has announced a networking event scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Ventfort Hall in Lenox, Massachusetts.

This event aims to connect filmmakers, technicians, educators, and media professionals in the region to facilitate the exchange of ideas, foster collaborations, and inspire new creative projects.

Diane Pearlman, Executive Director of BFMC, stated that this is the organization's first in-person networking event since the COVID-19 pandemic. She expressed enthusiasm for bringing industry members together and welcomed both experienced professionals and those interested in learning more about the field. Pearlman also noted the partnership with Ventfort Hall, which was featured in the film "The Cider House Rules," as an ideal location for the event.

Admission to the networking event is free, with a limited capacity of 100 guests. Attendees are required to RSVP by May 12 via the Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/berkshire-film-and-media-collaborative-networking-events-are-back-tickets-1319507234659?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Light refreshments will be provided, and a cash bar will be available. Donations will be accepted at the door to support BFMC’s educational programs, including the Your Voice Through Video high school documentary film curriculum.

Further details about the networking event can be found on the Eventbrite link or by contacting BFMC at info@berkshirefilm.org.

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative focuses on developing production, workforce, and education initiatives within the film and media industry to contribute to the economic growth of western Massachusetts. More information is available at www.berkshirefilm.org.

Ventfort Hall is located at 104 Walker Street.

 

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

Housing Planned for Former St. Joe's High School

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Nearly a decade after the facility last operated as a high school, the former Saint Joseph's is staged for new life as housing. 

Last week, the Community Development Board determined that subdivision approval was not required for a plan of land the Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield submitted for 22 Maplewood Ave.

CT Management Group is under contract to purchase the property for conversion into market-rate housing, developer David Carver confirmed on Monday when contacted by iBerkshires. The closing date and related matters are in process. 

In 2017, the then 120-year-old St. Joseph Central High School ceased operations. After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it sheltered people without homes before The Pearl, a 40-bed downtown shelter, was finished a few years ago. 

Brian Koczela of BEK Associates, who submitted the plan on behalf of the diocese, explained to the board that the diocese is conveying out the former St. Joseph's High School. (The bishop is listed as owner on deeds on behalf of the church.)

The high school is comprised of four parcels with different owner in the middle, he said, and they need to be combined for the conveyance. This refers to the transfer and assignment of a property right or interest from one individual or entity to another. 

"At the very southerly end, at the back of the high school, there's a 66-foot-wide strip, I believe, and that strip goes all the way from North Street to Maplewood, and it includes a rectory," Koczela explained.  

"In essence, what we're really doing is just separating out that small parcel from the rectory."

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