Source of Respiratory Irritant in Williamstown Remains a Mystery

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Authorities are still investigating an incident that caused minor respiratory irritation on Sunday at First Congregational Church.
 
The incident occurred during the "free" phase of the church's multi-day tag sale and caused 28 people to be evaluated by emergency medical services personnel at the scene.
 
No one was transported to the hospital as a result of the exposure.
 
On Tuesday afternoon, Williamstown's fire chief said the exact source of the irritation remains unknown.
 
"We can only speculate since no actual product container was found on scene, but the chemicals identified by the state hazmat team were consistent with the chemicals used in personal defense spray," Chief Jeffrey Dias said.
 
Dias added that the mass casualty incident remains "an ongoing investigation."
 
The church rescheduled the end of its tag sale for Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Tags: hazmat,   

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Williamstown's Images Cinema Set for May 22 Reopening

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff

Construction work on the main screen room at Images is seen through a hole cut for a to-be-installed projector.
 
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Images Cinema will be making up for lost time when the non-profit venue reopens this month after a major renovation and redesign.
 
"First Look," a two-week festival screening some of the biggest films of the last year, will usher in a new era for the century-old Spring Street venue.
 
The Oscar winner for Best Picture is just one of more than a dozen films that will be shown during the festival, which will run from May 22 through June 4.
 
"After a long, cold winter, we're so excited to fully spring back into action at Images," Executive Director Dan Hudson said in a news release. "What better way to celebrate with the community than by showing great films, some of which we have not yet been able to present?"
 
Images members will be able to see films ranging from "One Battle After Another" to "Zootopia 2" for free. Non-members will be able to attend for just $5 during the two-week festival.
 
The theater itself figures to be part of the draw.
 
After closing for renovations in October, Images will reopen with a new configuration, including a 70-seat main theater, an 18-seat second theater and a 15-seat lounge available for "intimate" screenings and events. The main screen will feature Dolby Atmos immersive sound and 4K laser projection. The second screen will have 7.1 surround sound and 2K laser projection.
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