The Beacon Cinema Says "Thank You" and "Welcome"

Cultural correspondent Bess J. M. Hochstein reports from Pittsfield: The brand new Beacon Cinema officially opened on November 19 with a raucous North Street block party and midnight screening of New Moon. But the very next Monday, November 23, the cinema closed its doors to the public to throw another party to thank the business community for its support of the six-screen complex, which is expected to be the linchpin for Pittsfield's economic revitalization. A festive throng of politicians, public servants, educators, entrepreneurs, bankers, and culturati filled the lobby, enjoying copious platters of food from local favorites such as Patrick's Pub, Pittsfield Brew Works, and The Dancing Vegan. After developer Richard Stanley expressed his gratitude to all who helped bring the Beacon to fruition, local literary lion Kevin O'Hara took to the podium to tell a few tales, and then the crowd donned 3-D glasses for a screening of Disney's A Christmas Carol. Berkshire International Film Festival founder Kelley Vickery (above with Pittsfield Mayor James Ruberto), served as the evening's unofficial hostess, even popping behind the counter to serve wine and let it be known that BIFF will use two of the Beacon's screens (in addition to the Triplex and Mahaiwe in Great Barrington) for the festival come June.

David Comalli of Comalli Electric with The Colonial's executive director David Fleming and his wife, Kathy; Fairview Hospital president Gene Dellea, Beacon Cinema owner Richard Stanley, and Bill Dunleavy, chairman of Legacy Banks.

Angelo Stracuzzi, president of Greylock Federal Credit Union, with Allison Johnson Krol, a staffer for state senator Ben Downing, and Pittsfield city councilor-elect John Krol, the host of Good Morning Pittsfield.

Susan Cowan and Norma Probst, director of marketing at Cranwell; Will Laidlaw of Pine Cone Hill with Lillian Lennox of the Berkshire International Film Festival.

Pittsfield's director of cultural development Megan Whilden with Mayor James Ruberto.

BIFF's Lauren Ferrin & Kelley Vickery with Carrie Saldo of Mission and Minc House; gallery owner Leslie Ferrin with photographer Jay Elling

A classical trio played in a quiet corner of the sparkling, jam-packed lobby.

Suky & Tom Werman of Stonover Farm in Lenox

Michael & Joan Haley with Kevin & Bellita O'Hara; Peter Lafayette of the Berkshire Bank Foundation and Berkshire Bank vice president Bill Davis.

Congressional candidate Andrea F. Nuciforo Jr. and Deanna Ruffer, Pittsfield director of community development; Pittsfield schools superintendent Jake Eberwein & Tricia Farley-Bouvier, executive director of Literacy Network of South Berkshire.