Chapters Bookstore Welcomes Jana Laiz

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PITTSFIELD, Mass - Chapters Bookstore will host Jana Laiz, author of Weeping Under This Same Moon, in the event room on Friday November 21 at 6PM for a reading and signing. Weeping Under This Same Moon tells the story of Mei, a Vietnamese artist whose life has been disrupted by the Vietnam War. She is the first to leave her family, bearing the responsibility of caring for her two siblings, during the exodus of thousands of refugees known as “Boat People.”

Hannah is an angry American high school student whose passion for writing and the environment only intensify her outcast state. When she learns of the plight of the Boat People she is moved to action. The International Rescue Committee has endorsed Weeping Under This Same Moon as “…a stunning achievement…” and “…inspiring.” Award winning author Emmanuel Dongala calls Weeping Under This Same Moon “…uplifting…” and “…beautifully written.”

Landmark Volunteers calls Weeping Under This Same Moon “…compelling” and recommends it to “…any adult or young person wishing to see what can happen by the simple act of volunteering.” The Women’s Times calls Weeping Under This Same Moon “…an eye opening powerhouse of a novel…a gripping, sobering, emotional and ultimately gratifying book.”

The evening marks the first annual pumpkin bakeoff at Chapters Bookstore, as well. Cooks are welcome to register their best pumpkin dish and bring it on the 21st of November for a tasting. Prizes will be awarded.
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Dalton Counter Sues Berkshire Concrete

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The dispute between Berkshire Concrete and the town has taken another turn as the town pursues a countersuit against the excavation company.
 
On April 13, Berkshire Concrete Corp., a subsidiary of Petricca Industries, launched legal action against the town, seeking damages, the overturning of the Planning Board's denial of its special permit, and additional proposed orders of a court. 
 
The town has responded with a countersuit of its own, seeking a preliminary injunction requiring Berkshire Concrete to fully restore Lot 105-16 and a permanent injunction mandating an effective dust mitigation plan. 
 
The suit also requests that Berkshire Concrete pay all fines assessed against them, along with the town’s legal costs and attorney's fees, and other relief deemed by the court. 
 
The claim explains the timeline of events dating back to 2024 when Berkshire Concrete started mining without town approval on parcel 105-16, clearing trees and vegetation that abuttors claimed acted as a natural barrier. 
 
The removal of this vegetation resulted in the creation of a corridor for wind to carry dust from the lot and onto residential properties in the abutting neighborhood, the suit claims. 
 
Almost a year ago, both the Select Board and Planning Board expressed that they wanted parcel No. 105-16 fully mitigated to abide by the town's bylaws.
 
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