Lee Bank Foundation Awards Grant to Berkshire Art Center

Staff Reports11:37AM / Sunday, November 01, 2026Print Story | Email Story

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — The Lee Bank Foundation has awarded Berkshire Art Center (BAC) a $5,000 grant to support creative learning for children throughout Berkshire County and help make art accessible to all.

The grant will support free after school programs in Pittsfield and North Adams and scholarships for studio programs.

BAC has partnered with schools for more than 19 years, bringing hands-on artmaking to students across the region. These experiences help children explore ideas, develop skills, and discover their creative strengths while building confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities, stated a press release.

"We are grateful to the Lee Bank Foundation for investing in the creative potential of children in our community because creativity connects us all," said Laura Thompson, Executive Director of Berkshire Art Center. "Every child deserves the joy of making art. This support gives more young people opportunities to express themselves, experiment, and grow."

The grant advances BAC's mission to foster individual and collective well-being through creativity and artistic development. Through classes, workshops, camps, and community programs, BAC makes creative opportunities accessible to people of all ages and experience levels throughout the region.

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Victim Identified in Fatal Richmond Crash

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
11:23AM / Friday, October 30, 2026

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.