Lenox Library to Screen Documentary 'Hear Me: Gun Violence in Berkshire County'

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LENOX, Mass. — Lenox Library presents a screening of "Hear Me,"" a documentary film featuring seven young people from Berkshire County who have been impacted by gun violence. 
 
The film explores root causes, stories of impact, and a way forward—through the voices of experts: those who have lived it.
 
The free screening will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Lenox Town Hall Auditorium, located at 6 Walker Street, Lenox. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and audience Q & A. The panelists will introduce public health models that have been effective at reducing shootings and homicides in other cities, and how they might be implemented in Berkshire County.
 
Panelists include:
 
Sherwood Guernsey served four terms in the Massachusetts State Legislature. Early in his career, he joined the Peace Corps in Panama; he went on to be a senior staff of the Peace Corps in Washington. After law school, Sherwood opened a private practice in Pittsfield. In the 1980s, he ran for elective office and won, serving four terms in the State Legislature. He continued his political involvement by supporting local, state, and national candidates, culminating in the creation of the Berkshire Brigades, the County Democratic Organization. His work in politics has always focused on grassroots organizing and education.
 
Jenny Herzog is an artist working on gun violence prevention and criminal justice reform. She produced Hear Me, a documentary featuring seven young people from Berkshire County who have been impacted by gun violence. Her project, Chaos Theory, uses the arts as a platform for community members impacted by the cycle of violence. Jenny received her Masters from New England Conservatory, and is a jazz singer and tap dancer. She was an Educator with Roca Boston, serving young men at the heart of urban violence; arts teacher at a therapeutic residential school serving teenage girls with a history of complex trauma; and currently works with teenagers involved with the juvenile justice system. Jenny teaches music and theatre in the Massachusetts Department of Corrections.
 
Eulises Rosado is an entrepreneur and mentor from Pittsfield. He is a father and grandfather who is passionate about breaking the cycle of intergenerational incarceration and trauma. Rosado spent his teenage years in and out of the juvenile system, and went to New York State Prison at the age of 16. His lived experience makes him an expert on the criminal justice system and community violence intervention. He received his CDL License, and currently works in transport. Rosado hopes that his story can help to raise awareness, educate, and inspire others.
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Marionette Shows At Ventfort Hall for Children

LENOX, Mass. — The puppeteer Carl Sprague will return to Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum in Lenox with Rapunzel for two holiday vacation week marionette performances. 
 
The dates and times are Saturday, Dec. 27 and Monday, Dec. 29, both at 3:30 pm. The audiences will have the opportunity to meet Sprague after.
 
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.  Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays. 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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