Dueling Pianos Fundraiser to Support Pediatric Development Center

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pediatric Development Center (PDC) will host a Dueling Pianos Fundraiser to raise money for programs that support more than 700 families across South and Central Berkshire County.
 
The event features the high-energy entertainment of Howl2Go. Two pianists will take the stage to play crowd favorites, take song requests.
 
Guests will enjoy complimentary appetizers, a 50/50 raffle, and a mystery bag pull, where $20 gets you a bottle of wine or gift card valued at $20 or more.
 
"All of the funds raised help us continue providing free Early Intervention services to local families," said Kate Tucci, executive director of PDC. "Our work ensures that babies and toddlers with developmental needs get the support they deserve right here in their own community."
 
PDC is the only organization in South and Central Berkshire County providing Early Intervention services for children from birth to age three. The team of developmental specialists, therapists, and social workers partners with families to help children reach important milestones through play-based learning and family-centered care all at no cost to families.
 
The Dueling Pianos Fundraiser will take place on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 pm at the Berkshire Hills Country Club, 500 Benedict Road (doors open at 5:30 pm). Tickets are $40 per person or $400 for a table of 8 (table of 8 includes a complimentary drink).
 
To learn more or purchase tickets, visit www.pediatricdevelopmentcenter.org.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Former Miss Hall's Teacher Arraigned on Rape Charges

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A former teacher pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to three counts of felony counts rape related to his tenure at Miss Hall's School.
 
Matthew Rutledge, 63, was indicted last month by a Berkshire grand jury following accusations dating back to the 1990s of sexually assaulting students at the girls' school. 
 
Melissa Fares and Hilary Simon, former students, publicly accused Rutledge abuse and called out the school for failing to protect them. 
 
On Wednesday, they provided testimony at his indictment and were in the courtroom to see their alleged abuser arraigned. 
 
Rutledge was working at the day and boarding school until the allegations surfaced nearly three years ago. Pittsfield Police investigated the claims but initially concluded no charges could be brought forward because the students were 16, the age of consent in Massachusetts. 
 
However, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office took up the investigation and, with information from a report commissioned by the school, a team of special prosecutors say they found Rutledge to have violated state law.

"This arraignment has been a long time coming. Thank you, Melissa and Hilary, for your patience. You have been waiting for justice not only over the past two years, but since the abuse first occurred," said Berkshire DA Timothy Shugrue at a press conference following the arraignment. "While today represents just one step in that ongoing process, I hope it has offered at least some sense of long over-due acknowledgment from the criminal justice system recognizing your experiences."

Simon and Fares urged others to release their shame from abuse such as this, as it was never theirs to hold, and continue to push for systemic change to prevent it from happening again.  
 
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