OLLI at BCC Presents 'An Evening of Stories and Songs'

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College (OLLI at BCC) Distinguished Speakers Series presents: "An Evening of Stories and Songs," featuring novelist Rick Reiss and songwriter Doug Mishkin, on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.
 
 The event will be held at Zion Lutheran Common Room, located at 74 First Street, #4717, Pittsfield, MA. Tickets are $15 for the general public and free for OLLI at BCC members; holders of WIC, EBT or ConnectorCare cards; and students, staff or faculty of BCC, MCLA and Williams College. To register, visit https://berkshireolli.org/event-6851992.  
 
According to a press release: 
 
Rick Reiss is an author, columnist and playwright whose writing captures the intricacies of life, family, love and nature. He is a regular contributor to The Berkshire Eagle through his column, "Reiss’ Pieces." His books include "Desperate Love: A Father’s Memoir," and most recently, his debut novel, "The Fireflies," which tells the story of a man whose structured life is shattered after witnessing a horrible tragedy. The novel is a story of resilience and human connection, ultimately examining how confronting deep-seated guilt and childhood wounds can pave a path toward love and redemption. Learn more about Rick and his writing at www.richardreiss.com. 
 
Doug Mishkin is an American folk singer-songwriter, activist and attorney whose music carries the torch of legends like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. Best known for his song "Woody’s Children," Mishkin blends acoustic storytelling with social commentary on civil rights, freedom and economic justice. His latest album, "Tip of the Spear," combines social protest with personal experiences. Learn more about Doug and his music at www.dougmishkin.com. 
 
This event is sponsored by Kimball Farms Life Care.

 

 

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Neal's Office Among Those Targeted by Suspicious Mailings

Staff Reports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was among congressmen apparently targeted by someone mailing suspicious envelopes. 
 
According to a report in The Berkshire Eagle, an envelope containing a powdery substance was discovered by postal inspectors before reaching Neal's Pittsfield office in the Silvio O. Conte Federal Building.
 
Nearly 40 members of Congress have received envelopes containing white powder, according to The Guardian. More than 100 letters are thought to be in the U.S. mail system and the FBI, Capitol Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service were investigating the mailings that have also been sent to elections officials in various states. 
 
The mailings have been sent to both Republican and Democrat officeholders and several congressional district offices had to be evacuated in the last week or so after envelopes were opened in them. 
 

Earlier today, my Bronx district office received an envelope delivered by mail that contained a suspicious substance. Local law enforcement responded swiftly and, after investigating, determined the substance to be non-hazardous.

— Rep. Ritchie Torres (@repritchie.bsky.social) October 16, 2026 at 3:10 PM
The Guardian reported that the FBI is warning officials to look for envelopes processed through a north Texas center and that carry a postmark or stamp stating "Thinking of You."
 
The Eagle states that Neal's office was alerted on Saturday that it might be getting a suspicious package; inspectors seized the envelope at the Fenn Street post office on Monday.
 
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