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Bigfoot explorer Ronny LeBlanc speaks Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the North Adams Public Library.

Explore the Unknown at the North Adams Public Library

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Let your curious side run rampant and explore the unknown with UFO and Bigfoot explorer Ronny LeBlanc on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m. in the North Adams Public Library. 
 
"Einstein said, 'I have no special talent. I'm just really curious' and I think that humans are always curious. We're trying to learn, we're trying to figure things out. Our brain is designed to try to understand and comprehend things," LeBlanc said in a recent interview. 
 
The event provides an opportunity to interact with fellow paranormal enthusiasts, reference librarian Lisa Harding said. 
 
"I think first and foremost, people are having experiences with something that is not supposed to exist," LeBlanc said.  
 
"And they're having these experiences and encounters with other people by themselves, and they're happening all over the country. And this has been going on for hundreds of years." 
 
During the event, LeBlanc will show parts of his show, Travel Channel's "Expedition Bigfoot," now in its fourth season, and discuss the research that was included in his book "Monsterland: Encounters with UFOs, Bigfoot and Orange Orbs."
 
Harding agreed that events like these bring people together, adding that having the opportunity to learn about a topic from an experienced person can inspire them to explore the area. 
 
"I think this puts somebody in the same room with somebody that's doing it and has experience to share and that sort of lights a fire under you, to get out and maybe hike around here more and do more of this in search of the unknown," Harding said.  
 
The universe is filled with unanswerable questions like "why are we here and where are we going next." There are theories so the idea that there could be something more than just the everyday is exciting for people, LeBlanc said. 
 
The space allows people to come together to share their experiences with the unknown without the fear of stigma or ridicule, Leblanc said, adding he's had his share from skeptics. 
 
"I think that's always really interesting to hear people's stories and then oftentimes people have had those same types of encounters in those same areas. I think it's just good to learn and keep an open mind," LeBlanc said. 
 
"At the end of [of the event] I hope that they would have some more curiosity about the subject but hopefully, I've enlightened them on the idea that there are things that are going on just because we're not seeing things on TV or reading them in the newspaper doesn't mean they're not happening."
 
People are naturally curious about what they don't know, he said. Topics like this can be explored from anywhere whether it be from the comfort of their own home or going out to explore the woodland areas in an effort to be part of the uncovering making it accessible to anyone, LeBlanc continued. 
 
The county has been known for its mystical side with many authors inspired by the forested mountains and fog that often rolls in early in the morning. 
 
Some historical destinations host tours in an effort to share spooky happenings with visitors brave enough to experience a haunting opportunity. 
 
"The county has had a long history of UFOs and Bigfoot and I think with the forest and everything that is around there's a lot of hiding places for something to live close by and go unnoticed for a long time," LaBlanc said.
 
"So I think it's just something that's really intriguing to people, the idea that this could potentially be real, and that's what the show has been trying to uncover and collect as evidence like DNA, something that science would stand up and take notice of."
 
Most people have to experience something themselves to believe in the paranormal so he wrote his book for the skeptic providing "as much evidence as possible" and "data that's been collected over this time." 
 
"I think we have to have an open mind, but most people have to experience for themselves if this is real or not, and so when people have a personal experience, it's a paradigm shift," he said. 

Tags: paranormal,   

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The home prior to renovations.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.

The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.

The house is listed for $359,500.

We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieri and Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.

 

Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.)  The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.  

 

 

What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?

 

Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few.  All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.

 

Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house.  New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house.  New paver patio in the back yard.

 

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

 

Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.

 

Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.

 

 

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

 

Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.

 

Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.

 

Andrews: Built in about 1965.

 

What do the current owners love about this home?

 

Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.

 

Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.

 

 

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

 

Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.  

 

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

 

 

 

 

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