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

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

Ventfort Hall Presents: A Cozy Evening For Children

LENOX, Mass. — On Dec. 15, Ventfort Hall will host a Children's Evening Story Hour the story hour will feature books: "The Hat" by Jan Brett, "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats, and "Katy and the Big Snow" by Virginia Lee Burton.

The event, that starts at 5:30 p.m., features classic winter stories, hot cocoa, snacks, and activities. 

Attendees are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring blankets to the mansion library. Allergy-friendly food options are welcome if brought from home.

On Dec. 29, the story hour will feature these books: "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats, "The Mitten," by Jan Brett, "Polar Express," by Chris Van Allsburg, and "The Tomten," by Astrid Lingren

Ventfort Hall intern, Sarah Briggs, organized the event. Briggs is a local to Berkshire County and currently a senior at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, interning at Ventfort Hall this semester. She is an Arts Management major and Art History minor, pursuing a career in museum programming and education. 

Admission to the reading is free, but reservations are required and limited to 40 total attendees. All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian for the entirety of the evening. Reserve at https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call us at (413) 637-3206.

Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.

 

View Full Story

More Lenox Stories