OLLI Hosts Book Talk, Signing with Barbara Viniar

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Berkshire Community College (BCC) invites the public to join a special Book Talk with Barbara Viniar on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 2:00 p.m., offered both in person at BCC and online via Zoom. The event is free and open to all.  
 
Viniar will discuss her debut novel, "Little Bird," a historical narrative set in early 20th-century New York City.
 
The story follows a young Russian girl who is betrothed to a wealthy American cousin as a means for her family's escape from anti-Jewish violence. As she navigates immigration, love, loss, and the pressures of tradition, she ultimately battles for autonomy and a life of her own choosing.  
 
After her talk, Viniar will take questions and participate in a book signing. Copies of Little Bird will be available for purchase at the event.  
 
Raised in the Bronx, she has held leadership roles in higher education and served as president of BCC (1994–2003), where she helped shape the development of OLLI's predecessor. In retirement, she turned to creative writing; Little Bird was published in August 2025 by Sibylline Press.  
 

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Wahconah High Club, Green Committee Host Earth Week Activities

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

There was information and games last week at the high school and volunteer and other opportunities this week. 
DALTON, Mass. — Wahconah Regional High School students are cultivating an environmentally friendly atmosphere in its school, across the district, and now, thanks to a partnership with the Green Dalton Committee, into their communities.
 
As the grass continues to get greener many communities are preparing for Earth Day, April 22, but the school's Green Umbrella Club and Dalton's Green Committee question why limit it to one day?
 
With spring break just days away, club members organized several events to promote eco-friendly habits and environmental awareness, from a Family Feud competition, bake sale, golden-trash scavenger hunt, and a prize wheel activity at lunch.  
 
"It brings a more positive association with taking care of our environment," said Ella Scalise, senior and Green Umbrella Club secretary. 
 
School is a very structured environment where students are often directed on what to do. Earth Week activities introduce the topic in a fun and engaging way, with the goal of fostering environmentally friendly habits, she said. 
 
Taking care of the environment is something that some people do not consistently think about so incorporating it in fun activities and events makes it memorable, said Ellianna Chaffee, junior and Green Umbrella Club member. 
 
When the last bell rings, the experience doesn't end, as students can also take part in Dalton's townwide activities, including a guided birdwatch, a walk and cleanup at the Pines Trailhead, Family Feud, and a townwide scavenger hunt, all culminating in an Environmental Spectacular Fair at the Senior Center. Line-up at the end of the article
 
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