Author to Discuss the Liberations of Sue Moody

01:59PM / Thursday, May 14, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On May 20 at 5:30 pm the Berkshire County Historical Society hosts Gail Gelburd for a talk on her newest book, "The Liberation of Sue Moody."

According to a press release

The book chronicles the true story of an Otis resident who, as a journalist in 1939 Paris, endured war, hunger, and constant threats to her safety, yet refused to lose her voice or her sense of identity.

Surviving war and starvation is not a backdrop in this book, it is the lifeline that runs through every chapter. In her talk, Gelburd will discuss her research which involved pouring through boxes of journals and letters written by Moody.

Tickets are $5 for BCHS members, $10 for non-members and can be purchased by using the BOOK NOW button at berkshirehistory.org. This event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Housatonic Heritage.

Gail Gelburd has a PhD and is an artist and author, having written more than a dozen books, mostly about artists. She has also been a professor and museum director and is currently a member of the Otis Historical Commission.

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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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