Author George Minkoff Returns to the Bidwell House

Print Story | Email Story
MONTEREY, Mass. - George Minkoff returns to the Bidwell House on Saturday, September 26, at 3 p.m., to talk about part three of his trilogy The Land of Whispers. His third book, Leaves of Fate, is as entralling as parts one, The Weight of Smoke, and two, The Dragons of the Storm, which he spoke about last summer.

In the concluding volume, Minkoff continues his historical fiction account of the life and times of John Smith in the earliest days of the Jamestown colony, but this time the narrative follows Smith as he is forced to return to England — never to set foot in the Jamestown colony again. Despite his successful expedition to map the New England coast, Smith is cast aside. The colonies move inexorable toward a slave economy. Smith is reduced to the role of witness, but becomes a best-selling author. His reunion with Pocahontas in England is brief and bitter.

One reviewer, J.M. Cornwell describes the Minkoff books as "a literary banquet... The beauty of the language shook me and the petic rhythm of Jonas Profit's [Minkoff's "eyewitness"] rendering of history came alive with a force that left me reeling, reluctant to return a more mundane present. If only history books were written like this."

The Bidwell House will sponsor a wine and cheese reception in honor of Mr. Minkoff after his talk. Donations of $10 Members; $15 Non-members will be accepted. For more information, call 413-528-6888.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.
 
Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.
 
They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
 
College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.
 
She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication. 
 
"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."
 
Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.
 
View Full Story

More Monterey Stories