Triplex Cinema Announces 2026-2027 Slate of Officers

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — At its annual meeting last week, The Triplex Cinema announced its slate of officers for the coming year. 
 
Gail Lansky will retain her role as President, John Valente will stay on as Co-Vice President sharing the role with newly appointed Co-Vice President Matthew Penn, now serving his second year on the Board. 
 
Penn is an Emmy nominated director who has worked extensively in both theater and television. He has directed shows such as Law and Order, The Sopranos, NYPD Blue and many others.  He will serve as Co-Vice President along with founding Board Member John Valente.  
 
"Our estimable Board functions as a team of remarkable individuals who are devoted to seeing the Triplex thrive. The importance of seeing films as filmmakers intended them to be seen and the importance of The Triplex Cinema to the economic and cultural life of South Berkshire County cannot be overstated," said Penn.
 
Mitch Smilowitz and Stephen Goodman, each current Board Members, will serve as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively. Leslie Chesloff and founding member Sam Handel will each be serving another term on the Board.
 
In addition, Peter Tarshis, who splits his time between New York City, Los Angeles and the Berkshires, will join the Board. Tarshis has served multiple executive roles in programming and production capacities for A+E Global Media and was a founding producer in its documentary unit.  Tarshis, who has earned multiple industry accolades and Emmy nominations, received an Emmy for "Biography: The Google Boys."  
 
He said, "I'm really excited to help advance our mission of using movies to entertain and educate the community."
 
Board President Lansky is thrilled to welcome Tarshis to the Triplex Board: "We will continue to work together to fulfill our mission of movies for all with an eye to continued growth and sustainability for the Triplex." 
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Victim Identified in Fatal Richmond Crash

Staff ReportsiBerkshires

RICHMOND, Mass. — A 25-year-old South County man died Thursday in the fiery crash on Route 41. 

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office on Friday reported that the victim was Christopher Lee Kilmer, 25.

The single-vehicle accident took place on Route 41 in Richmond near 2715 State Road. A Hyundai Sonata driven by Kilmer was travelling northbound when it crossed into the southbound lane and off the road; the car was engulfed in flames when first responders arrived.

According to the DA's Office, West Stockbridge Fire and County Ambulance declared Kilmer dead at 9:53 a.m. when the Fire Department "was able to extinguish the fire." 

"It was at this time (when the fire was extinguished) that first responders observed a single occupant in the vehicle and made the declaration of death," according to the press release.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has taken custody of the body. 

On Friday morning, several South County fire departments posted tributes on Facebook to Kilmer, who they reported was a member of the West Stockbridge and Alford fire departments.

"Every first responder carries a fear that one day the next emergency call will involve someone they know, a friend, a neighbor, or someone they love. But perhaps the greatest fear of all is when that call involves one of our own," the post read. 

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