Ralph Nader to Speak at BCC

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Ralph Nader
Consumer advocate and former Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader will speak at Berkshire Community on Saturday afternoon, April 21, at 2 in the college’s Robert Boland Theatre. His presentation, “Challenging Corporate Power and Building Democracy,” is free and open to the public but requires a ticket for admission. Tickets will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis through the Office of Student Life in the Susan B. Anthony Center on BCC’s main campus in Pittsfield. Office hours are Monday - Friday from 8 to 4. Tickets may be obtained in-person, by phone or e-mail. Tickets for walk-in requests will be available beginning Monday, April 9. Requests to reserve tickets may be made now through Thursday, April 19, by calling 413-236-1660, or by e-mailing mzancona@berkshirecc.edu. No more than 10 tickets may be reserved per call or e-mail. Reserved tickets may be held in the theatre’s box office for pickup on April 21. Tickets that are not claimed by 1:50 will be released for walk-in requests. E-mail requests should include “Ralph Nader tickets” in the subject line. The text of the message should include the first and last name of the person making the request, number of tickets requested, and a statement specifying whether the tickets should be held at the box office or prepared for earlier pickup at the Office of Student Life. Named as “One of the 100 Most Influential Americans of the Twentieth Century” by Time magazine, and more recently as “One of the 100 Most Influential Figures in American History” by The Atlantic Monthly magazine, Nader began his public life in 1965 with the publication of his book “Unsafe at Any Speed,” in which he accused the auto industry of disregarding their customer’s safety. The Senate hearing into his accusations and the resulting motor safety laws catapulted Nader into the public sphere. In subsequent years, working with lawmakers, Nader was instrumental in creating the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Consumer Product Safety Commission. He also helped to draft and pass such laws as the Safe Drinking Water Act, Meat and Poultry Inspection Rules, Air and Water Pollution Control, and Freedom of Information Act. Working to empower the average American, Nader has formed numerous citizen groups, including the Center for Auto Safety, Public Citizen, Pension Rights Center, National Coalition for Universities in the Public Interest, and the student Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) that operate in more than 20 states. Recently the subject of the critically acclaimed documentary, “An Unreasonable Man,” Nader is also the author of a number of best-selling books including “Winning the Insurance Game,” “Why Women Pay More” and “Getting the Best From Your Doctor.” More recent books include “Children First: A Parents Guide to Fighting Corporate Predators” and “The Seventeen Traditions.” A question and answer period, and a book signing, will follow his presentation. Forum credit is available for BCC students.
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New Trial Denied for Caius Veiovis

Staff Reports

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Caius Veiovis' request for a new trial was denied.

Veiovis, now 46, was one of three men convicted in the murder of David Glasser, Edward Frampton, and Robert Chadwell in 2011.  He is also known as Roy Gutfinski. 

In 2014, he was sentenced to three consecutive life terms for the alleged kidnapping, killing, and dismembering of the Pittsfield men. They were last seen at a city apartment shared by Glasser and Frampton on Aug. 28, 2011; their dismembered bodies were found in Becket that September.

According to AP News, Veiovis told the jury, "I'll see you in hell" after the conviction. 

On Tuesday, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office reported that following a final hearing held on June 26, 2026, Justice Michael D. Ricciuti issued an order on Oct. 23, 2026, denying Veiovis's motion for post-conviction relief. 

The motion had requested a new trial based chiefly on claims of ineffective assistance by his trial attorney and newly discovered evidence.

Post-conviction relief is a legal process that allows a convicted person to challenge a criminal conviction or sentence in the trial court after direct appeals have ended or were not filed.

"District Attorney Capeless' unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring it is maintained in this case has been truly remarkable," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said. 

"His efforts in handling this difficult and complex criminal matter have helped make Berkshire County a safer place."

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