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Bigfoot explorer Ronny LeBlanc speaks Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the North Adams Public Library.

Explore the Unknown at the North Adams Public Library

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Let your curious side run rampant and explore the unknown with UFO and Bigfoot explorer Ronny LeBlanc on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m. in the North Adams Public Library. 
 
"Einstein said, 'I have no special talent. I'm just really curious' and I think that humans are always curious. We're trying to learn, we're trying to figure things out. Our brain is designed to try to understand and comprehend things," LeBlanc said in a recent interview. 
 
The event provides an opportunity to interact with fellow paranormal enthusiasts, reference librarian Lisa Harding said. 
 
"I think first and foremost, people are having experiences with something that is not supposed to exist," LeBlanc said.  
 
"And they're having these experiences and encounters with other people by themselves, and they're happening all over the country. And this has been going on for hundreds of years." 
 
During the event, LeBlanc will show parts of his show, Travel Channel's "Expedition Bigfoot," now in its fourth season, and discuss the research that was included in his book "Monsterland: Encounters with UFOs, Bigfoot and Orange Orbs."
 
Harding agreed that events like these bring people together, adding that having the opportunity to learn about a topic from an experienced person can inspire them to explore the area. 
 
"I think this puts somebody in the same room with somebody that's doing it and has experience to share and that sort of lights a fire under you, to get out and maybe hike around here more and do more of this in search of the unknown," Harding said.  
 
The universe is filled with unanswerable questions like "why are we here and where are we going next." There are theories so the idea that there could be something more than just the everyday is exciting for people, LeBlanc said. 
 
The space allows people to come together to share their experiences with the unknown without the fear of stigma or ridicule, Leblanc said, adding he's had his share from skeptics. 
 
"I think that's always really interesting to hear people's stories and then oftentimes people have had those same types of encounters in those same areas. I think it's just good to learn and keep an open mind," LeBlanc said. 
 
"At the end of [of the event] I hope that they would have some more curiosity about the subject but hopefully, I've enlightened them on the idea that there are things that are going on just because we're not seeing things on TV or reading them in the newspaper doesn't mean they're not happening."
 
People are naturally curious about what they don't know, he said. Topics like this can be explored from anywhere whether it be from the comfort of their own home or going out to explore the woodland areas in an effort to be part of the uncovering making it accessible to anyone, LeBlanc continued. 
 
The county has been known for its mystical side with many authors inspired by the forested mountains and fog that often rolls in early in the morning. 
 
Some historical destinations host tours in an effort to share spooky happenings with visitors brave enough to experience a haunting opportunity. 
 
"The county has had a long history of UFOs and Bigfoot and I think with the forest and everything that is around there's a lot of hiding places for something to live close by and go unnoticed for a long time," LaBlanc said.
 
"So I think it's just something that's really intriguing to people, the idea that this could potentially be real, and that's what the show has been trying to uncover and collect as evidence like DNA, something that science would stand up and take notice of."
 
Most people have to experience something themselves to believe in the paranormal so he wrote his book for the skeptic providing "as much evidence as possible" and "data that's been collected over this time." 
 
"I think we have to have an open mind, but most people have to experience for themselves if this is real or not, and so when people have a personal experience, it's a paradigm shift," he said. 

Tags: paranormal,   

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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