Barbara Viniar To Speak About Writing Historical Fiction

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Author Barbara Viniar will speak about her book "Little Bird" at Arrowhead, Herman Melville's historic home and farm, on May 27, 5:30 pm.  
 
The former President of Berkshire Community College will discuss how after a career in higher education she turned to creative writing, and how her unexpected path to writing historical fiction was inspired by an old photograph of her grandmother. 
 
She will talk about combining research and imagination to create the compelling story of a young immigrant who defies societal expectations to lead a fulfilling life, stated a press release.
 
Tickets are $5 for BCHS members, $10 for non-members and can be purchased by using the BOOK NOW at berkshirehistory.org. This event is sponsored by Massachusetts Cultural Council and Housatonic Heritage.
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 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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