Ghost Tour Fundraiser Set for Berkshire Historical Society

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Friday, April 17, Robert Oakes, ghost tour guide and author of "Ghosts of the Berkshires," will team up with paranormal investigator Drew Babineau, owner of The Haunted Raven, to offer a combined ghost tour and paranormal investigation of the Country Club of Pittsfield, hosted by the Berkshire County Historical Society. 
 
The program begins at 7 p.m. Tickets for this three-hour combined ghost tour and investigation are $50 per person and may be purchased by using the "BOOK NOW" button at berkshirehistory.org. A portion of the proceeds will benefit BCHS. 
 
Be advised that there will be several levels of stairs to climb in dim lighting. Also, this event is not intended for children under 12 years old. For more information, visit berkshirehistory.org, robertoakes.net, hauntedraven.com, or call (413) 442-1793.
 
At the start of the evening, Oakes will lead a walk by flashlight through this historic property, sharing accounts of alleged spirit sightings and other strange encounters reported by those who work there.  Babineau will then guide guests through an active paranormal investigation, using devices and methods meant to make contact with the spirits and document their presence, stated a press release. At the close of the evening, guests will gather in the Club's barroom to share stories of their experiences and discuss any findings. Drinks will be available for purchase. 
 
According to a press release:
 
Once known as Broadhall, the Country Club of Pittsfield's clubhouse is one of the oldest properties in Pittsfield with a long and storied past. During the nineteenth century, it was the home of writer Sarah Morewood, friend to Herman Melville. When the Moby-Dick author lived just next door at Arrowhead, he often stopped by to visit Mrs. Morewood, and some say he may still be calling. Indeed, both Melville's ghost and that of Mrs. Morewood, as well as others yet unidentified, are said to haunt the house. Many have visited the property throughout its long history, including Alexander Hamilton, President John Tyler, famous literati, and formerly enslaved people. And many have died there, including Mrs. Morewood, as well as seventeen victims of a 1910 ice house explosion, described as the worst disaster in Pittsfield history.
 
Robert Oakes writes books about ghosts and leads tours in reported haunted places. Drew Babineau, owner of The Haunted Raven, is a photographer and paranormal investigator.
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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.  

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.  

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release. 

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs. 

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community. 

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program.  Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment. 

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