Valenti Releases New Book, To Hold Book Signing

03:10PM / Wednesday, April 22, 2026Print Story | Email Story

NEW YORK, NY.— Dan Valenti released his new book "Sanity Made Simple: Aphorisms, Epigrams, and Other Parsed Phrases" and will hold a book signing at Pittsfield's Barnes & Noble store beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday April 25.

This collection brings together 240 original sayings that capture "insight, humor, and depth, offering readers a refreshing break from long-form narratives," stated a press release.

According to a press release:

The book explores the enduring power of short-form expression, where a single line can carry the weight of profound truth. Drawing from traditions of aphorisms, maxims, proverbs, and epigrams, Valenti presents a range of observations that reflect individual thought and collective experience. Each entry is crafted to spark reflection, provoke thought, or inspire recognition.

Beyond simply presenting these phrases, the book invites reader participation by providing space for personal response after each entry. This interactive element transforms the reading experience into a creative exercise, encouraging readers to engage with the material and develop their own interpretations and expressions. The result is not only a collection to read, but a tool for introspection and creative exploration.

Valenti is also the author of "Stanley Kubrick's Full Mental Straitjacket."

The book is now available: https://a.co/d/06wMvlxc

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

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