David Brancaccio, host of NOW on PBS to visit Western Mass

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WGBY welcomes PBS journalist David Brancaccio as he hosts a series of events and conversations about global warming. David Brancaccio, NOW's Host and Senior Editor, will appear in person to screen his film On Thin Ice, an exploration of the roots behind glacial melt, the problems it causes, and the things we can do to stop it. Following the screenings Brancaccio will host community discussions about the film and about sustainable solutions to the climate crisis.

The screenings will take place on Monday, October 5 at 7:00 pm at the Triplex Cinema, Great Barrington, and on Tuesday, October 6 at 7:00 pm at the Academy of Music in Northampton. A ticketed reception at Castle Street Café will follow the October 5th screening. The event on October 5th is sponsored by the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and is the second collaboration between NOW on PBS, MCLA, and WGBY. The screening at the Triplex Cinema marks the first community engagement partnership between WGBY and the Berkshire International Film Festival.

WGBY members and viewers are invited to attend at these events and support WGBY's commitment to a sustainable western Massachusetts and a green economy by attending the event and adding local perspective and solutions to the post-film discussions.

For the last year and a half WGBY has engaged in a series of community conversations exploring responses to the sustainability of the region. This has resulted in new focuses for our local programs, including a new series, Eco-Exchange, which debuted in the summer of 2009. By joining the post-screening discussions you can contribute to the journalistic conversation on the national level and inform us on local and regional perspectives.

On Thin Ice is part of NOW on PBS's Planet Watch, a series of ten special broadcast features to air in 2010 and 2011. The programs will explore real strategies and real solutions to the climate crisis. "Planet Watch looks at the root causes of the crisis [and also] explores innovative solutions that are accessible, do-able and productive."

In On Thin Ice we follow David Brancaccio and top climber Conrad Anker to Gangotri Glacier in India and, closer to home, to Glacier National Park in Montana. They show us the existing state of our fast-disappearing glaciers and explore answers to the question, what to do next?

Space reservations are strongly recommended. Some events are ticketed and have limited space. Supporters of the Great Barrington screening may join us at the post-film reception hosted by the Castle Street Café. To reserve space or tickets, please visit www.wgby.org or call at 413 781-2801.

The Great Barrington event will be sponsored by MCLA and presented by WGBY, Berkshire International Film Festival and Triplex Cinema.
Special thanks to The Women's Times and the Red Lion Inn.

WGBY (www.wgby.org), a community supported public broadcasting organization, connects the people of Western New England to events, ideas and each other to fulfill their aspirations, enrich their lives and improve their communities. We do this through with PBS programming as well as locally produced series and specials. With our digital television channels, video on demand, podcasting and streaming video, WGBY is one of the region's most accessible institutions, building a stronger community through learning and understanding.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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 a smoke and flames at around 1:44 p.m.

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