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Sports
High School Football
Hoosac Valley beats Drury in Saturday action. More photos on Monday |
 | Thursday, Nov. 06
Boys' Soccer: State Vocational Championship Game
McCann Tech 3, Keefe Tech 2
Girls' Soccer: State Vocational Championship Game
Blackstone Valley 8, McCann Tech 0 |
What's Playing
Milla Jovovich vs. alien abduction in "The Fourth Kind." What more do you need to know?
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Daily Digest
This is Jake
He's been lost in Pittsfield for weeks but frequently sited. He was last seen heading toward the fire station on Peck's Road. He's tired, dirty and needs seizure medication. He's chipped. If you see him, call Julie at 413-537-5616, the vet 24/7 at 413-499-2820 or animal control at 413-448-9700. |
Election
Trying to remember who won what and why? All the information is right here. |
ObituariesSales FliersBazaarsNov. 14
Berkshire Community Church, Richmond
10-4; Crafters, bake sale. Contact Evelyn Goggia at 413-445-5747
Lanesborough Elementary School annual Fall Craft Fair from 10 to 4. Free admission, huge variety of arts and crafts, raffles, food and more. Proceeds go to sixth-grade trip to Cape Cod.
Vendors can contact Deb at 413-738-5349 or debhutton@aol.com or Lori at 413-499-0065 or lorittod@yahoo.com to secure a spot.
Dec. 12-13
North Adams Country Club, crafts 9-4; food from That's a Wrap from 11-2. Contact Sheryl Morehouse at 413-822-3329.
Planning a bazaar this season? Submit information to info@iberkshires.com to have it listed here. |
Related Stories |
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That's Life: Don't Be Frightened, I Just Want an InterviewBy Phyllis McGuire
iBerkshires Columnist
10:41PM / Monday, May 11, 2009
I was amused when I read Noah Hoffenberg's column of May 13 in which he mentioned being chastised by an interviewee because he had called her at dinnertime.
Over the years, tracking down people I want to interview has often been a challenge. But, once I have made up my mind to write a story, I am as persistent as Sherlock Holmes was when searching for clues.
I have found that generally people in the public eye have been as, or even more, cooperative as the average Joe or Jane.
Mary Grant, president of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, returned my call when she was in a chauffeured car on her way to a speaking engagement in Boston. "I'm calling from my cell phone," she said.
Actress Kate Burton was driving to Cape Cod when I reached her by cell phone — I had obtained the number from her agent. "I'll be rehearsing a play all this week," she said. "I'll call you back this evening." She kept her word and was candid and friendly.
A few years ago I was committed to delivering a story about the influence teachers have on their students. I spoke to an educator, a businesswoman, and former Gov. Jane Swift, who lives in Williamstown. Swift was not at home or in her business office when she spoke to me. Yes, she was in her car, driving to a meeting. But, she gave generously of her time to answer my questions.
 I realize that people in the public eye are not the only ones who lead busy lives. So, I always ask anyone I need to interview when it would be convenient for them to talk with me. Most ask, "When is your deadline?"
A mother of three teenage boys, whom I asked if she would be willing to talk with me about what it is like to be a "sports mom," replied, "Sure."
But when I called her that evening, as we had arranged, she was too busy to contribute anything to my story. "I'll call you back tomorrow," she said. That was a year ago, and I have yet to hear from her. Don't misunderstand, I did try several times to reach her, but to no avail. She might have disappeared for all I knew. I guess I really needed Sherlock Holmes to come to my aid in that situation.
Recently, I interviewed an elderly gentleman for a preview story (one that is written about an event before it transpires, enlightening readers about what entertainment, activities, etc., will be offered). About 10 minutes into the interview, the gentleman said, "Why are you asking all these questions, aren't you going to be there?"
Some people are leery of anyone who asks them questions, and I, therefore, make it clear to interviewees that I am not looking for or planning to concoct a sordid tale, at their expense.
Once when a friend invited me to a dinner run by her church, we sat at a table with a group of women she had known for years. I was acquainted with only two of the women, but it turned out all of us at the table had in common being mothers and grandmothers.
As we chatted about the joys and problems that come with motherhood, one woman told of her son being devastated when his wife sued him for divorce. Then eyes fixed on me, she said. "Oh, I better be careful what I say."
"Why?" I asked.
"You'll put it in the newspaper, she replied. Apparently she had connected my name and face with those that appeared with the column I wrote for a local newspaper.
 I assured her I always ask people's permission before I quote them — by name — in print.
I like getting to know people, and have learned much from those I have interviewed or those with whom I initially just struck up a conversation. And I certainly would not want to be shunned by anyone because he or she was under the misconception that I am someone to be feared.
So please don't run when you see me; honestly, I'm harmless. |
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