Berkshire Nursing Families Trivia Fundraiser

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass — Berkshire Nursing Families (BNF) announced its 21st Annual Trivia Fundraiser, to be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Williams Inn. 
 
The event will include trivia, raffles, and food in support of BNF's mission to provide feeding and parenting support for families in the region.
 
According to a press release, since its founding in 1998, BNF has been committed to empowering families in Berkshire County with the education, tools, and resources to make the best nutrition choices for the babies in their care. The nonprofit offers a wide range of free services, including in-home lactation consultations, a 24/7 support line, peer support groups, playgroups, developmental education, childbirth and breastfeeding classes, and more.
 
In 2024, BNF served 885 families and conducted 1,617 lactation consultations—in-person or virtually—helping parents navigate the challenges of breastfeeding and infant care. These services are offered at no cost to families and are made possible through community support, including funds raised at the Annual Trivia Fundraiser.
 
Julia Keosaian, BNF's new Executive Director, shared her excitement for the upcoming event. 
 
"This fundraiser is not only critical to sustaining our programs, but it's also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the amazing work BNF does in the Berkshires," Keosaian said. "The event brings together local businesses, current and former clients, community partners, and donors. Everyone has a great time while supporting a cause that touches so many families in our community."
 
Teams compete for trivia prizes while guests enjoy food and raffles. Keosaian encourages early registration, as tickets tend to sell out quickly each year.
 
"Get your team together and join us for a wildly good time. Your participation helps us continue to provide vital support to parents and babies in the Berkshires," she said.
 
Ticket registration is now open and can be accessed via the BNF website. This event is sponsored by Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Northern Berkshire Pediatrics, Greylock Federal Credit Union, MountainOne, Berkshire Health Systems, and Alton & Westall Real Estate Agency. 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Theaters Respond to Changing Customer Tastes, Studio Requirements

By John TownesSpecial to iBerkshires
This is the last of three articles in a series on the evolution and current status of movie theaters in Berkshire County. Read Part I here; and Part 2 here.
 
Operating a movie theater of any size is a complex mix of art and business. It is not as simple as booking a film, opening the doors and selling tickets. It involves complex strategies.
 
Local theaters also have to adapt to constantly-changing conditions and trends in the film and theater industry. This requires balancing the often-convoluted requirements of movie studios and distributors with the preferences and tastes of local audiences.
 
Berkshire County is unusual in an era that is dominated by immense theater chains.
 
Following the closing of the Regal multiplex in the Berkshire Mall in Lanesborough in 2022 and the closing of the North Adams Movieplex, in 2023, there are now three remaining theaters.
 
Two of those — Images Cinema in Williamstown and the Triplex Cinema in Great Barrington — are operated by community-based non-profit organizations.
 
While the Beacon Cinema in Pittsfield is a for-profit multiplex owned by the Phoenix Theaters, chain, it is a relatively small company compared to major chains. Under its founder and President Cory Jacobson, Phoenix operates as a midsized independent business. It has 10 theaters in the Midwest, Tennessee and Massachusetts. By comparison, AMC Entertainment owns 855 theaters worldwide, and Cinemark operates 500 theaters.
 
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