Pittsfield Seeking Volunteers for Flag Distribution

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city of Pittsfield's Department of Veterans' Services is looking for volunteers to assist with placing flags and markers at Veterans' gravesites. 
 
The installation of flags will occur between May 6 to May 11, 2024.
 
Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable, appropriate apparel and shoes, walking will be required throughout the cemeteries to place these flags. Instructions, flags, and markers will be provided, as well as soft refreshments and snacks.
 
If you are interested in volunteering your time, please contact the Veterans' Services Department at (413) 499-9433 to sign up as a volunteer or email veterans@cityofpittsfield.org.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Parole Granted to Pittsfield Man Sentenced for Killing Toddler Son

Staff Reports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man serving a life sentence for killing his 2-year-old son 43 years ago has been granted parole. 
 
According to the Boston Globe, the Parole Board on Monday voted to release Richard N. Mayes Jr., 78, to a halfway house.
 
Mayes was charged with beating his son to death in 1983 when he wouldn't eat. The child, Lawrence Richon, had received blows to his head, body, arms and legs. Mayes also told police he'd hit his son four times with a plastic baseball bat. 
 
According to media reports at the time, Mayes tried to resuscitate Lawrence when he later collapsed and cried to police that he did it when arrested. 
 
The boy was taken by life flight to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he died from blood clots in his head. 
 
Mayes was found guilty of second-degree murder by a Superior Court jury and sentenced to life in state prison.
 
According to the Globe, Mayes had been denied parole five times previously but told the board he had been sober for three decades and had not had a disciplinary report in a dozen years. 
 
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