Author to Discuss the Liberations of Sue Moody

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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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Pittsfield Company Fined for Asbestos Violations

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has issued a $17,400 penalty to Pittsfield-based Barile Environmental Inc. for asbestos violations that occurred during abatement services at an office building located at 23 Lewis Ave. in Great Barrington.  
 
MassDEP discovered the violations during inspections of the office building in October 2025. Barile failed to follow appropriate asbestos work practices and controls during its asbestos abatement activities at the building site. MassDEP inspections of the facility revealed that Barile personnel were removing asbestos-containing siding in violation of state asbestos regulations.  
 
"MassDEP enforces asbestos regulations so that management of asbestos-containing materials is completed safely," said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP’s Western Regional Office in Springfield. "This consent order requires payment of a substantial penalty and could have been avoided if the proper work practices were followed." 
 
Following MassDEP's order, Barile has completed the required cleanup actions and must pay $14,000 of the $17,400 penalty to resolve the violations. The balance of the penalty is suspended pending compliance with the remaining administrative terms of the order.  
 
Property owners or contractors with questions about asbestos-containing materials, notification requirements, proper removal, handling, packaging, storage, and disposal procedures, or MassDEP asbestos regulations are encouraged to contact the appropriate MassDEP Regional Office for assistance.  
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