Six Berkshire Woman Named Unsung Heroines

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BOSTON — Six Berkshire County women are among the 100 "Unsung Heroines" who will be honored next month at the State House for their contributions to their communities and organizations.

Margo Van Peterson of Florida,Sandra Corinne Newman of Great Barrington, Heather M. McNeice and Carolyn Valli, both of Pittsfield, Inez Flinn of Sheffield and Jennifer Perilli of Windsor were nominated by friends, family and colleagues and selected from among 400 nominees.

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women asks for nominations each year as a way to recognize the many women whose work makes a difference in their communities but who often go unrecognized: the volunteer, the board member, the teacher, the organizer, the dependable friend to all.
 
"Our Unsung Heroines are women who don't make the news, but make the difference," said Kira Dunn, the commission's executive director. "They are women who use their time and talent to show us the meaning of the saying 'Be the change you want to see in the world.'"


The number from Berkshire County is far lighter this year than last, when 15 women were selected as Heroines.

The ceremony in Boston on May 13 will include a program led by emcee Liz Brunner of NewsCenter 5, an introduction of each of the 100 Heroines and a "Just Desserts" reception featuring pastries from some of the best pastry chefs in Massachusetts.

The commission is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The MCSW provides a permanent, effective voice for the women of Massachusetts.
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Multiple Departments Respond to Lanesborough Structure Fire

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Multiple fire departments responded to a structure fire off Narragansett Avenue on Wednesday afternoon. 

The Fire Department received a call from the owner of 6 Bangor St. reporting smoke and flames at around 1:44 p.m.

Firefighters arriving on scene reported heavy smoke emanating from the 1940s single-family ranch home in the thickly settled neighborhood.

The blaze was brought under control in less than an hour and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. 

"The homeowner was outside doing some work, evidently, opened the door when she came back in the house, and there were flames and smoke, so she backed out and called us, and that's all we know right now," Deputy Fire Chief Glen Storie said around 2:35 p.m. 

The fire was out at that time, and first responders observed "quite a bit of damage" to the home. The cause is still under investigation. 

Lanesborough, Cheshire, and Pittsfield departments responded to the scene, and Hancock covered the station during the call. 

"The first crew in knocked the fire right down with the first engine," Storie said. 

Smoke could be seen coming from the back of the home. Part of Narragansett Avenue and Bangor Avenue were blocked off while firefighters battled the blaze. 

 

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