CONNECTICUT SCHOOL SHOOTING LEAVES LITTLE ELSE TO SAY … MORE LEFTOVERS FROM THE BIG BANG: “THE TRIAL AND PERSECUTION OF TERRY KINNAS AS PRESENTED BY THE INMATES OF THE PITTSFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM” … plus … NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN TAILGATE-GATE
By DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary
ADD #1 DEC. 14, EVENING — When we posted this blog early this morning, the tragic events in Newtown, Conn., had yet to occur. The first 911 call came in at 9:41 a.m. During the course of the day, THE PLANET was purposefully not near a television or other news device. We were in one of our offices, writing a magazine article on a tight deadline. In the early afternoon, when we stopped at a local pharmacy for a flu shot, we heard the first mention. In the evening, we then apprised ourselves of the details.
In light of the incident, we shall not be updating the Terry Kinnas with hunt trial or Tailgate-gate. THE PLANET will say we have more information on both, which we shall be presenting in the near future. In the meantime, we have little to say about the incidents in Connecticut. We shall see the usual over-reaction on the one hand and the callous dismissals on the other. The truth will be somewhere in between. We are convinced, though, that it would be a mistake to let the lone actions of crazed gunman produce more Homeland Security measures.
Morality cannot be legislated. Pass all the laws you wish, and unless there is conversion inside of the human heart, there will still be days like today to set the country back on its heels and give the world more concern about America. THE PLANET regrets that a certain few readers of this website would use the events in Newtown for their own narrow-minded purposes.
One reader employed the tragedy to excuse a closed “open” meeting by the Community Outreach Subcommittee of the Reid Middle School Council whereby the group locked the doors and posted no signage, thus ensuring that members of the public, including Kinnas, could not obtain free and easy access. Another used the tragedy as evidence of Dan Valenti‘s callousness and heartlessness, because we ran the satiric photos.
One would not think such unenlightened, unschooled, practically illiterate behavior could be there in our community. And when you realize that these are the people who are defending the indefensible in our woefully underperforming public schools, one begins to see why schools such as Reid and Taconic are in so much trouble.
THE PLANET is buoyed, on the other hand, to know that there are many great parents, kids, and teachers in local schools, who have been outshouted though not outclassed by the ignorant others. Such a one of a THS mom who sent THE PLANET this letter, responding to one of the head-in-the-sand apologists:
| Mr. Football Player, your naivete is dangerous and misleading. I have a teenager at Taconic and one who graduated from there recently. Not only are drugs easily available to buy (and I mean even the hardest hard core drugs) but they are also being done on the preimises, including the bathrooms.
My kids and I have a healthy open dialogue about drugs and alcohol because addiction runs in their family, so we have had to have many a discussion on the topic. I want to make sure they have a healthy attitude about and respect for drugs and also want them to be able to come to me for information, and to let me know of their curiosities and concerns. In these discussions it has come up MANY times that they have been offered to them in school. IN school and in the woods BEHIND the school, meaning on the property.
|
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We would invite readers to share their feelings about the Connecticut slayings as well as local school matters for the remainder of this weekend. Our prayers will be offered for the victims of the tragedy and their family, friends, and loved ones.
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(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 2012) — According to those jejune interpretations of the Mayan calendar, we only have one more week before planetary doom. That would seem to leave us with little time to waste. Thus,in the interests of moving the story forward, we present more leftovers from the Big Bang, a.k.a., “The Trial and Persecution of Terry Kinnas As Presented by the Inmates of the Pittsfield Public School System.”
Let’s start with some exclusive photography, snapped by one of THE PLANET’s staff shutterbugs using a 1948 Speed Graphix:
Members of the Reid Middle School Council’s Community Outreach Subcommittee escort Terry Kinnas to his seat at the Pittsfield School Committee meeting of Dec. 12.
Mr. Terry Kinnas (center) is questioned by school attorney Mr. Dupere (white shirt, issuing stranglehold). Members of the school committee look on.
Pittsfield School Committee Chairman Alf Barbalunga makes a subtle point in the proceedings of the trial of Terry Kinnas.
Our photographer, Asel Adams, has a knack for composition, as you can plainly see. The photos accurately convey the atmosphere during the trial. We understand an appeal is being filed, even as we tap on these keys.
MORE TO COME … STAY TUNED … IT GETS BETTER … plus … TAILGATE-GATE UPDATE.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
Planet….News in from Newton Ct. A dozen students were killed in a school shooting, suspects are being sought as this prints.
Not sure if they were all students, let’s pray for all the victims.
Looks like 18 students were killed at and elementary school in Newtown. 27 total. The Hartford TV station has a live report at http://www.wfsb.com.
Now 20 students.
All because of some zit faced little puke with mommy issues. How’d he get the pistols I thought you had to be 21 or is that just a MA thing?
Sick of these losers taking lives for no reason. More people should be armed. It’s obvious guns aren’t going away so there should be armed and trained personnel at every school. You didn’t see stuff like this back in the day when kids brought their riffles to school!
When you walk into the Federal Building in Pittsfield, you are run through a metal detector and by two armed guards That was a knee jerk reaction to Oklahoma City. Few employees, all adults. What kind of security do we have at Pittsfield Elementary Schools? My guess is none. If we stopped wasting money on fabricated wars and a failed war on drugs, we could afford security at all of our schools. And Scott, can’t see sending my grandson to school with a Glock but I sure would like to see him protected by an adult with one.
I agree and to think McVeigh never even entered the building.
The PCTV video of Wednesday night’s Pittsfield School Committee meeting is available for viewing at pittsfieldtv.org.
Use the search engine to locate the video.
After watching that lengthy circus, the observation which really stands out: Where and how did Committee chairman Alfred E. Barbalunga become so well-versed in the art of bullying, boorishness, and in displaying incredibly bad manners to those with whom he is at odds.
Elections have consequences and Pittsfield’s Democrats have plainly gotten what they deserve by giving such a nasty, thuggish character so much jurisdiction over so many important school matters.
Why is it that the 5 committee members from Reid are accusing Terry Kinnas of an open meeting violation when according to the city clerk none of them have read and signed that they’ve read the open meeting rules and regulations as required by the attorney generals office? Something stinks in Pittsfield!
On a day when almost thirty people in an elementary school were killed, it should only underscore that your silly photos on your blog demean you and the work being done in public schools. I would have hoped some level of seriousness. It is disconcerting to think you teach yourself at a community college. I would hope the college might think their rehiring of an adjunct faculty member whose moral compass needs a serious adjustment.
Unfortunate and insensitive to say the least. Today is a good reminder about why the doors at Reid were locked on the day Terry Kinnas disrupted the school council meeting. School policy, which he approves as a school committee member, is there for good reason.
@WB
The kids are gone by 3pm every day. The doors, by law, have to be unlocked or attended if there is a public meeting occuring at the venue. Not my interpretation, just state law.
Students are not gone by 3 at Reid everyday. School ends at 2:30. Students are, on most days, at Reid for after school activities.
@JIM: you are incorrect. After-school programs continue with students present after the school day is over. Whenever there are students in the building, doors must be secure.
@DAVE: Terry Kinnas puts in more hours making himself look knowledgeable and important than he does for the children. He did not rudely interrupt and derail that meeting with any intent of contributing something positive. Only to prove how smart/powerful/experienced he is. What a blowhard.
@ wet blanket, so you are saying Mr. Kinnas went there only to find the Reid council violating the open metting law? How would he have known this was the case before showing up and being sent on a wild goose chase looking for the meeting. The funny part is that Mr Kinnas’ reasons for attending the meeting has never even been asked. What was on the agenda? or was he just attending to lend support. The problem was that the Reid council obviously does not know the proper way to conduct a public meeting. I don’t think it’s a big deal, and will probably be corrected, but sadly a school committee member took the time to attend one of these meetings and whatever he had to offer never got a chance to be heard because it got derailed by “hurt feelings”-
DAVE makes the essential point. Terry Kinnas, acting as a concerned private citizen, had the interest enough in this meeting to try to attend. It’s an “open” meeting. The door is locked. There is no signage. It’s obviously the work of well-indended amateurs. Instead of taking advantage of Terry’s knowledge and learning about how to conduct their meetings in a more professional and law-abiding way, they have their “feelings hurt” for no reason at all, other than their misinterpretations of his “body language.” Unbelievable. It’s the Reid subcommittee that will next be on trial, because let us not forget: The open meeting complaint has yet to be adjudicated by the AG.
WB
1. YOU are incorrect, not Jim G. The building was holding an open meeting by a public committee. At least one door HAS to be left open by law, and there must be signage. Get your facts straight before you cast aspersions.
2. Kinnas puts in hours trying to make Pittsfield a better place. And how do you know, sir — how can you possible know — that Kinnas attended with no “intent of contributing something positive.” Taht statement alone betrays your colossal ignorance.
Thank you, however, for your views.
He shot the windows of the school out after it was locked for the morning
Did you expect more? Nine volunteers, one of whom is a student, who are not political in any way have been called on this blog, panty waist, sissies, little baby boy, little feelings hurt, spoiled brat and on and on.
Let’s also remember that Mr. Kinnas is also a volunteer.School committee members are not paid and I would wager that Mr. Kinnas puts in more hours “for the children” than all of the Reid council combined. I am not demeaning the good work this council does, but they should have celebrated that a school committee member took the time to attend their meeting(the only one I remind you). By the demeanor of one of the members at the school committee meeting, I wouldn’t hesitate to say that Mr Kinnas was not the only “rude” person present that day. And usually people who act like that are not too fond of being told they are doing something wrong and when you know you are wrong, which they actually admitted to as far as violating the open meeting law-but not on purpose of course-
the best defense is a good offense.I guess we can thank Councilor Yon for the witch hunt precedent.
Before we go throwing stones at the Reid folk we should remember that they are the ones who produce all those bona fide Honor students. Surely one could not doubt their sincerity in crucifying Kinnas. They just don’t want to be distracted while they are producing honor students. The same ones who get into high school and are clueless.
The Reid and Herberg honor rolls go on forever and ever. All the names couldn’t fit in small print on a giant-size roll of Charmin toilet paper. Yes, as you point out, Dusty, when they get into high school (and out of high school), many of the same students can’t outscore a broken toaster in reading, writing, math, geography, history, …
Terry was only there to prove that a un important committee was not compliant to the open meeting laws. How many people are upset that they did not know about this meeting? Terry needs Rogers life or a job. By the way does the planet know when was the last time Terry had a paying job? I would also like to know why can’t he holds job ? All fair questions. Dan!
I meant to write Terry needs to get a life or a job
There are wonderful people who work in the public school system. DV recognizes them all the time. It’s the connected, sleazy, corrupt, thieving liars that need to go!
Sad day, not sure what that has to do with Dan’s blog. You seem to be grasping. Take a deep breath and say a prayer.
He posted this blog before the tragedy happened and what does one have to do with the other? How dare you use this evil disgusting act up in this way. Shame on you!
Thanks Joe Blow for taking the words out of my mouth, DV obviouslby published this in the morning long before news of the connecticut tragedy. Shame shame shame on Mike Ritten Ambrose and anyone else who used this tragedy for their own sick thoughts regarding the best media outlet in berkshire county the one which dares to tell the truth.
My prayers are with those in Connectituct
Wet blanket and mike ritten you sicken me, to use a tradgedy to push your sad agenda.I hope you can sleep tonite knowing the grief and lose that all the people in the community are going through.Locked doors at any school having nothing to do with this tradgedy, never mind a school meeting.
Also a good reason to not have them at the school, maybe at the council chambers or admin building that would allow for recording and broadcasting. I know this might be a foreign concept but not every parent or interested party is out of work by 3pm. If Mr. Kinnas should have known the doors would be and should be locked shouldn’t the school council know this as well? If they had been trained in the open meeting law and did in fact comprehend even the slightest portion of it someone should have thought : Open meeting and locked building don’t add up. I suggest if the school council would like more involvement from parents and community members as a whole they might try a few things.
1. Hold meetings at a time when more parents would be able to attend
2. Hold meetings in a central location that allows for recording and broadcast
3. Loose the how dare you question us we are holier than thou attitude.
Touché!
Dan is an upright and classy man to have aknowledged this horrific tragedy. How anyone could even REMOTELY use this platform to make this man of integrity out to be careless and callous is disgraceful and sickens me. This man should be thanked for the information he generously provides to a public he cares so much for, and completely for free. No advertisers influence whatever information he feels to be of importance to the public…the “little guy”.
Dan, you are absolutely right. These are the kinds of un-intellectuals that are elected and/or hired to run things in this town, and that is exactly what’s wrong here. We need more people like you in this world and in charge, but even then, even YOU would be hunted for doing the right thing by these animals.
Shame on them.
LV
Many thanks.You “get” me and the purpose of this website.
If the shooter tried this in Israel, one of the TEACHERS, would have sent him to hades.
Gun free zones mean there are a lot of sheeple for sickos to prey upon.
I agree and I commend WAMC for their piece on gun safety and education the other day I hope this doesn’t change their attitude. It’s not the guns that are to blame it’s the idiots with no brain who were coddled their whole life. The guns were the mothers she should have never let the kid have access to them now 20 innocent children are dead. This is so horrible it ruined my day. Doors should be locked at schools and no unauthorized people should be allowed to enter at anytime with students there or not.
OK…and how do you deal with mall shootings and church shootings?
I think someone might want to check out the correlations of all the legal prescription drugs being given to people from the time they are babies. No one really knows the cumulative effect they may have on the human brain and psyche. And big pharma is pushing all these mind altering drugs like Coca Cola pushes soda.
I agree, children whose parents AND teachers fail to deal with bad behavior, rather DRUG THEM than deal with being responsible citizens.
Sue the LEGAL drug peddlers rather than the LEGAL gun sellers, when this $#!+ happens.
Also do not demonize guns nor people that own them. To do that would be the same to people who own cars, and the DRUNKS that drive them.
Oh yes , a knife attack in China (where you cannot own guns). 22 Children knifed.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/man-attacks-22-kids-knife-china-school-article-1.1220230?localLinksEnabled=false
Can we make everyone just have DULL plastic knives? You will have to apply for a special permit for an “assault” knife made of metal. It will cost you $100 a year to renew the permit and you will need a background check, that will cost more.
Flint cherts and such things will also be regulated as they are dangerous if in the hands of a caveman.
An armed society is a safer society and down with the big pharma ind.!
Dusty said “OK…and how do you deal with mall shootings and church shootings?”
More people should have protection with them. I don’t know about anyone else but I’d rather have that chance then just lay down and die in the event some weirdo with mommy issues opens fire in a crowded area I may be.
He shot out a window to gain entry into the school ,the locked doors just give people a false sense of security. Just look at what happened after 911, we now have the T.S.A, shaking down old ladies and feeling up little kids. These evil doers will always find a way to carry out their sick plans no matter what measures we put in place. I agree with you about the mom, guns have no place in home with emotionally disturbed children. This whole thing just sickens me…………
Dan is correct, morality cannot be legislated. Unfortunately confusing attendance with “volunteering ” is a mistake. Mr. Kinnas does not nor want to be a positive contributor or move any agenda forward in a constructive fashion. Listen to his fellow Board members in their own remarks about his past behavior. Instead of focusing of major issues of concern in the schools which should be his focus of responsibility, he deals in the weeds and lowers morale. Sadly he is a person with misdirected energy who could do good if he wanted to put his focus to a larger purpose.
His fellow board members and the “let’s just all get along” attitude is why we need a person like Mr. Kinnas on all committees and boards. Where has this gotten us in the past-bloated budgets, bloated administration, and issues like contractgate. Not to mention, they want to build a new school for vocational reasons, yet the report from the State recently received says problems from years ago that were identified have not been corrected. It’s funny that one man’s homework and due diligence is another man’s minutia, depending on whether you agree with their position. There can never be too much information when we are dealing with multi-millions of taxpayer money. The best post in a long time was the answer to a question of why Mr. Kinnas has to ask 300 questions- because they give him 299 bs answers.
In reality, why do we need a school committee at all? It would seem that most decisions are made outside of committee, and Alf brings them to the table and they all vote in a block as told.
They don’t need to be paid…they need to go away.
DUSTY
At the current level of service, you have an excellent suggestion.
Every board, committee, and commission in town needs a “Terry Kinnas.” Questions are the engines by which the plugs of democracy fire.
i agree, see my above post, and where is my * – what is good for the BB is good for you-lol just kidding keep up the good work!
Hey you like that don’t ya! Don’t give 299 bs answers if you don’t want 300 questions.
MIKE
I would disagree about Mr. Kinnas. I have known Terry for 25 years. He DOES want to be a positive contributor, and he is. His fellow board members have trouble with Terry because he shows them up by doing the job the people elected him to do. I thank you for your contributions to THE PLANET. We want multiple points of view, for that is our best way at arriving at the truth.
Larger purpose to what end? Producing kids who can’t read or pass watered down tests or a vocational program that gets reprimanded by the state for ineptitude? Mr. Kinnas is trying to move things forward but not by being a bobble head for the GOB who have ruined Pittsfield. His fellow board members, for the most part, do what their handlers tell them to and vote how they’re told to. You’re way off base.
Well stated, Jim. Mr. Kinnas has been a force for honesty and integrity in the process of government. For that, he has become a target. This will make him even more electable in 2013. People are fed up and have had enough with strong-arm government.
ii grieve for the families of those children. i hope we can make simple changes to gun laws ,instead of the normal blah blah do nothing attitude.gun ownership is a right in this country but so is the expectation for there to be a level of safety for citizens and their families
We also have to really help allocate more funds for mental health in this country.I believe too many individuals suffer in silence with mental sickness and if we allocate real financial assistance then we could see those fruits prevent tragedy like Newtown CT
More gun laws will not stop the mayhem, DV is right, only a change in peoples hearts will do that. My prayers go to all those effected by the Newtown shootings.
As for Mr. Kinnas, he has won my vote for his courage and integrity. Shame on the chairman and Ms. Yon, whoi also needs to learn how to dress appropriately. She’s not a 20 something anymore.
Thank you, Lady.
A coworker of mine lost his nephew in the tragic events down in Newtown CT. I also knew the little boys father through the coworker as well. I have no words to express how badly I feel. As a show of our support for the children of our community I ask anyone who can afford to in these hard times to please take a name from the BCAC tree at the mall and help that child have a better Christmas. If you have children be they 6 minutes or 66 years old let them know how much they are loved.
God speed to Chase you are a very special little guy if god needed you back so soon
JP
I am sorry to hear of that loss. Our prayers go to Chase and family.
Very nice thoughts Joe, and as always, right to the point.
I saw on the news that there have been approximately 9000 gun related deaths this year in the USA compared to 190 in Canada. WTF?
150 have fallen due to mass murder and 1500 homicides all together. It isn’t getting worse it’s staying the same. I’m getting my numbers from a professor who spoke on WAMC.
Canada’s population 34,482,779
U.S.A.’s population 311,591,917
Thats a good point Michael Moore failed to point out.
Have you noticed? There were brave people at Sandy Hook. All the hero’s were women. The adults killed were women. If there were men at the school who chose to hide when the shooting started they should be exposed as cowards.
A perusal of the “Sandy Hook” staff directory yields the following breakdown: Total staff 52. This includes Administration, Office, Teaching, and Support Staff. Of these 52, only 2 were males. One of the males listed was the custodian, who according to accounts, helped save lives by running through the halls alerting classroom teachers.
I’m not surprised. I went through the school system for 12 years and the custodians I knew were friendly, gregarious, good men. There may be a resource here. Teachers are trained for all eventualities. Custodians can and should be part of this training. They know who belongs in a school and can spot a deranged stranger. And from what I have always seen they are in good shape. Being on the payroll is a plus. Thanks for your research, “Shell”.
The only coward at the school was Adam Lanza.
Good one, JB.
What strikes me is that there, so far, has been no mention of anyone wounded by surviving. My thoughts are with everyone in Newtown.
I think one adult in hospital
Had Newtown Mass Murderer Adam Lanza Had Lived, What Would Have Been His Punishment?
Connecticut repealed Capital Punishment in April, 2012.
From Wikipedia:
“On April 11, 2012, the Connecticut House of Representatives voted to repeal capital punishment for future cases (leaving past death sentences in place). The Connecticut Senate had already voted for the bill, and on April 25 Governor Dannel Malloy signed the bill into law.”
SEE:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment_in_Connecticut
Im for capital punishment. We’re getting soft that why these idiots do what they do. Lethal injection is nothing hang’em.
Scott,
Most of these school shooters kill themselves. How would capital punishment deter these events?
I don’t know maybe it for this situation it won’t but it may deter other violent acts against woman and children.
SCOTT
I disagree strongly on capital punishment. It solves nothing. Rather, it makes all of us, via The State, complicit in cold-blooded murder. It has been shown in study after study: The death penalty is not a deterrent to this kind of crime. Besides, the perpetrators usually kill themselves in the end.
Correct my emotions are getting the best of me. I disagree though and stand by my capital punishment beliefs. It should be extended to the most heinous crimes by individuals who abuse woman and children as well. Maybe if we can get people to treat children better they won’t grow up to do stuff like this. We’re all murderous anyways it’s in our nature. How many did we allow our gov’t to kill in Iraq and Afghanistan? Yet we wan’t to act like we’re civilized and above other cultures around the world when it comes to the punishment of individuals who don’t deserve a second look for the atrocities and sick fantasies that prey on our woman and children.
Valid point about government-sponsored killing via unjust war, SCOTT.
I’m watching this and find one network as bad as the other. This has gone beyond reporting news to mental health and how to cope. The pain in watching this is the never ending babbling of mental health experts when prompted by the news anchors with questions how are children to be told about the evil that took place at their school. One can only hope these “experts” are not getting paid and will not be sent to Newtown to counsel parents and children, especially the children aged 6 to 11 who witnessed the horror.
From day one parents have taught their children language, religion, values,socialization, table manners, hygiene, love, and so much more. Now the kids have been exposed to an unspeakable tragedy and the network anchors are asking glorified social workers how does one explain this to your children. Not one of these people said that you know your children, trust yourself and your children, tell them the truth, the evil man is gone, evil does exist, but good will prevail.
I hope an army of overpaid councilors is not sent to Newtown to talk to these people who are going through unimaginable agony, especially if they lost children in this hell.One of these “experts” (I heard it) said the way to handle it is take a bath because the water is soothing and them give the traumatized child a bath to soothe him or her. Then you will both be soothed and can talk. Other “expert” advice was equally ridiculous.
Not one “psychiatric expert” offered when school opens a parent could go to school with the child if the child is frightened. There is a cafeteria and parents can congregate there for as long as needed and walk by the classroon so your child knows you are nearby. Kids are resilient. They will be fine.
They will be fine if the parent knows the best thing for the child is his love, attention, and advice.
When I brought my son to his first day of school this year I was told unathorized adults weren’t allows in the playground area with out first checking in with the office I don’t see a problem with that if one wishes to hang around the scool in the wake of this event provided they follow school procedure.
CHUCK
As usual, well-put wisdom.
Chuck you have great advice and I agree. The psychiatric “experts” come off as out of touch. For the reasons you say, including all we have tuaght our children and all we know about them we as parents, who love them more than anyone else, know what to do. Plus love your point of kids resilience. They are. much more than adults. Thanks for your wisdom Chuck.
Thanks, Dawg.
I appreciate your kind words.
Chuck
Dan, When I first started reading this blog I though you were a bit of a boor. So glad I read a bit further and found out you are so much more. You are well informed and not opposed to hearing and considering another’ s viewpoint.
I’ve been reading about and hearing all the soap boxers trying to fix the violence problem (and get more votes) with more gun control for so long that it makes dislike people with closed minds and open mouths even more.
Wish I knew who I am quoting here, “if guns kill people, then spoons made me fat” Let’s outlaw jerks.
Brilliant! incredible observation
DBDOG
I appreciate that. I admit that I am an acquired taste, so to speak, but I am always open to alternate points of view. As for well informed, I work tirelessly on learning all there is to know about … well, about as much as I can. I place no limits on the mind’s capacity for information, which is the fuel of knowledge.
“Valid point about government-sponsored killing via unjust war, SCOTT.”
I had this discussion on capital punishment and agreed the gov’t should not have that authority. I’d like to start a not for profit for dealing with these types called the “citizens coalition to prevent exploitation, abuse and violent crimes against woman and children”. The state still has the burden of proof we clean up the mess. We could even have a team of our own investigators. They would work on evidence alone even if it means proving innocence for offenders.
Pittsfield welcomes ALL not-for-profits.
I know they might even pay me to do business here!