BERKSHIRE EDGE ON-AIR

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. Our feature writer Hannah Van Sickle has written a look at student film makers producing films on local, tough social issues: 2. Bill Shein, ever with his eye on the Great Barrington Airport, has written part 7 of his series examining the operations of this historic — and controversial — feature of South Berkshire County: 3. An activist group rallied at Park Square in Pittsfield for a better future for Western Massachusetts: 4. 3. The legendary Dream Away Lodge in Becket has reopened under new ownership after being closed for almost three years. We're all hoping it will stay the same as before. 5. This past Sunday we posted the third in a series of salutes to Broadway lyricists in our Anyone for Tennyson column. This column is devoted to poetry, and the author William Perry reminds us that the best Broadway lyricists should certainly be considered poets.

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. The controversy over the Great Barrington Airport continues, with the Selectboard hosting a crowded public hearing: https://theberkshireedge.com/large-turnout-for-airport-special-permit-public-hearing/ 2. Meanwhile, in a multipart series our investigative writer Bill Shein has been examining the airport operations, and asking just how busy — and essential — the airport actually is: https://theberkshireedge.com/the-airport-part-three-how-busy-is-great-barrington-airport/ 3. The Great Barrington Selectboard is also examining programs that will support affordable housing — in a community whose real estate values have become increasingly unaffordable: https://theberkshireedge.com/great-barrington-examines-programs-to-help-with-affordable-housing/ 4. Meanwhile, the saga of the moribund Housatonic Water Works continues, : https://theberkshireedge.com/an-appraisal-of-the-housatonic-water-works-appraisal/ 5. And finally, we should mention that we've just published the fourth chapter of our serial novel, “Artificial Insanity,” each chapter written by a different author. This chapter is written by Dan Tawczynski, who runs Taft: Farms and is a published author as well https://theberkshireedge.com/artificial-insanity-the-novel-chapter-four/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. We have a preview of the Tanglewood summer concerts and events — a schedule which our music writer David Edwards says is extraordinary, in his words, "Unconventional, subversive … exhilarating, hypnotizing, and intensely human” : https://theberkshireedge.com/tanglewood-learning-institutes-summer-concerts-and-events-could-blow-your-mind/ 2. The discussions over next year's Berkshire Regional School District budget have begun with the district's staff making a request for a full-time librarian at Muddy Brook Elementary School: https://theberkshireedge.com/school-district-staff-advocates-for-a-full-time-librarian-at-muddy-brook-elementary/ 3. In north Berkshire County John Pitroff has organized Second Chance Composting, collecting surplus food scraps and organic matter, to create a community compost site for gardeners: https://theberkshireedge.com/john-pitroff-and-second-chance-composting-are-looking-to-make-community-composting-accessible-and-second-nature/ 4. The Berkshire Pride Festival is returning in June in Pittsfield, with a parade and a community celebration at the Common Park: https://theberkshireedge.com/berkshire-pride-festival-coming-back-in-june/ 5. Finally, we have part 2 of our series on the history and current status of the Great Barrington Airport that has come under fire from newly arrived second home residents disturbed by the flight activity: https://theberkshireedge.com/the-airport-part-two-rick-solans-story-begins-with-robert-wheelers-in-1929/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. The Housatonic River has received a federal designation as a Wild and Scenic River, thereby further protecting the river and its immediate surroundings: https://theberkshireedge.com/housatonic-river-receives-wild-scenic-designation/- 2. True to its progressive credentials, Pittsfield hosted a demonstration commemorating the 50 year anniversary of Roe v. Wade, now that the court has reversed itself, allowing states to determine the legality of the procedure: https://theberkshireedge.com/pittsfield-residents-commemorate-the-50-year-anniversary-of-the-roe-v-wade-decision/ 3. In a review of the state of the Berkshire economy, 1Berkshire cited the introduction of east-west passenger rail service through Pittsfield … giving hope to the business community that a more robust rail service could be restored from Pittsfield south through Great Barrington and Connecticut to New York City: 4. In her “dateline Stockbridge” column Carol Owens has summoned the soul of Stockbridge, depicting the community as still governed by traditional but vanishing old-time values: https://theberkshireedge.com/dateline-stockbridge-in-stockbridge-history-still-informs-contemporary-decisions/ 5. And finally, what's in a name? The two southern Berkshire regional school districts are stalled in their effort to merge simply because school officials can't decide on a name for the enlarged district: https://theberkshireedge.com/regional-school-district-agreement-taking-longer-than-anticipated-committee-cant-agree-to-merged-districts-name/

1. A Berkshire-based musician and music producer has been nominated for a grammy:https://theberkshireedge.com/berkshire-based-musician-and-producer-nominated-for-grammy/ 2. We have been developing a lively new business section on Mondays, called Business Monday!. Over the last couple of weeks, we have posted several profiles of local businesses. This week, we looked at a 24-year-old resident of Ashley Falls named Lily Geiger who spend her COVID isolation inventing a non-alcoholic aperitif called Fiore (Italian for flower)which she is marketing through her new company called Figlia (Italian for daughter), and she's off to a strong start. 3. Also for Business Monday, we ran a story a couple of weeks ago about Guido's Fresh Marketplace, and about how the younger generation is taking over. 4. And our business section has a regular feature called Adventures in Retail, which looks at interesting products for sale in stores in the Berkshires. Recently our columnist reported that you can find wold-class croissants at Pixie Boulangerie in Great Barrington, and we show how they're made. 5. Our local celebrity Karen Allen, star of the Indiana Jones movies and owner of Karen Allen Fiber Arts in Great Barrington produced a film based on an adaptation of a Carson McCullers short story, and the film is now available to stream. It was made in the Berkshires: 6. Our Edge weather reporter Nick Diller analyzed the weather for December, which he found to be a crazy month that couldn't make up its mind. Overall, 15 days had above average temperatures and 13 had below. 7. And finally, there's a fight developing over the prospect of a new car dealership on Route 7 in Lenox. An automobile dealership wants to buy the site now owned by the Different Drummer kitchen retail store plus an adjacent parcel, and turn them into offices, a car service center and a parking lot where test drives will presumably originate. The neighbors are fighting it.

1. The Eight Town Regional School District Planning Board has received a state grant to study the merger of Berkshire Hills and Southern Berkshire school districts: And there will be a public meeting about he proposed merger January 21 to explain the progress toward the school district merger: 2. Meanwhile, the Tri-Town health board is warning residents about the continuing pandemic threat, especially with a new variant spreading abroad: 3. Berkshire County has a new District Attorney — Timothy Shugrue, who has replaced Andrea Harrington and has started his term in office: 4. Our historian Gary Leveille writes a reminiscence of the snow trains that would bring skiers from the city to the Berkshires: 5. And finally, in her column Woman on the Verge, Sarah Wright discusses the Rachel Maddow's new “Ultra” podcast — Maddow, by the way, is part of what you might call the “Greater” Berkshires, since she lives in Northampton:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. The Mass DEP is getting impatient with Housatonic Water Works, the private company that supplies drinking water (such as it is) to the village of Housatonic: 2. Meanwhile, in West Stockbridge, the town's Planning Board approved a controversial special permit for The Foundry to continue to host special events and concerts in spite of complaints from neighbors — in particular, Truc's Orient Express Restaurant: 3. This week we have a profile of Eve Schatz, an attorney who founded the Berkshire Center for Justice, providing, among other services, weekly free legal clinics at the Guthrie Center: 4. And on the bright side, Berkshire Bach will be presenting a New Year's Baroque Concerto Showcase: 5. Greylock Glen project — a development of this area near the base of Mt. Greylock — receives preliminary approval from the Adams Selectboard… this is an unusual, perhaps unprecedented permit for a development on the mountain that has heretofore been fiercely protected from any development; 6. Finally, we should mention that Christine Gevert's Crescendo's “Story of Hope” concert in Lakeville and Great Barrington January 7 and 8. It had to be rescheduled for these dates:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. The saga of The Foundry in West Stockbridge seems to have reached a denoument, however temporary, by securing a West Stockbridge Planning Board approval for concerts and performances — at least for now: 2. We alert our readers that for the duration of the holiday season, now upon us, Great Barrington has suspended parking time limits… 3. In a ceremony organized by the District Attorney's Office at St. Stephen's Church in Pittsfield, people gathered to remember those who had died in accidents due to impaired driving… serving as a warning for this holiday season: 4. The potential merger of school districts in southern Berkshire County could mean a rather long bus ride for students in the sprawling territory of South County, a study has predicted: 5. Crescendo, the Baroque and Renaissance music performance group, will be giving holiday concerts in Stockbridge and Lakeville:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. The dispute over The Foundry in West Stockbridge — a performing arts venue seeking a special permit and that's next door to a venerable restaurant — continues before the town's Planning and Zoning board. 2. Our feature writer Sheela Clary has been creating a series of stories (Where We Are) about local people and enterprises that epitomize the character of South Berkshire County. This week she wrote about Craig and Gail Elliott, former owners of the Egremont Store in Egremont. 3. We have a profile of Volunteers in Medicine, headquartered in Great Barrington, that offers a broad definition of healthcare —physicians integrating housing, food insecurity, employment, education, in a comprehensive approach to health: 4. Our columnist Carole Owens has begun a series on the origins of “welfare" in the Berkshires — and how it has been a polarizing issue since the county's founding: 5. We should note that during the holiday season we have daily updates on the many events celebrating the holidays, with links to purchase tickets:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. Here's a story that will put a chill in the hearts of administrators of the region's cultural organizations: Are employees of the region's vaunted cultural organizations getting paid equitably? 2. Meanwhile, the Great Barrington Selectboard is reviewing a second proposal to redevelop the Housatonic School building in the hamlet of Housatonic. 3. Ben Doren, the very popular principal of the W.E.B. DuBois Middle School in Great Barrington, has announced that he is leaving. He introduced the concept of “radical inclusion” into the Middle School classrooms: 4. Well, radio fans, we have some dire news about our low power FM station in Great Barrington, WBCR, that's run by a corps of volunteers — it may have to shut down for lack of funds: 5. Finally, if you like jazz, you won't want to miss the Berkshire Jazz Sprawl featuring pianist Brandon Golberg:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. We have a huge fight going on in West Stockbridge between a performing arts venue called The Foundry and a restaurant called Truc's Oriental Express. https://theberkshireedge.com/trucs-vs-foundry-soap-opera-continues-at-contentious-public-hearing/ 2. There's an informal group in Housatonic fighting the Housatonic Water Works. It's called the Housatonic Clean Water Alliance. This week a member of the alliance hired an attorney from Boston, upping the ante in this fight. 3.We had two interesting stories this week as part of our Business Monday line-up: One was the announcement that a store on Railroad Street in Great Barrington is closing after 43 years. And the owner has born witness to the changes in the town. https://theberkshireedge.com/business-monday-byzantium-set-to-close-in-january/ The second comes from our “Personal shopper” Harriet Ziefert who admits to being a scarf-aholic and talks about the scarves she has found at Karen Allen Fiber Arts on Railroad Street in Great Barrington. https://theberkshireedge.com/personal-shopper-finding-scarves-at-karen-allen-fiber-arts/ 4. Our weather guru Nick Diller puts the recent warm weather into historical perspective. 5. We have the second in an ongoing series by Sheela Clary called “Where We Are”, in which she talks to local community people who live and work in the Berkshires about how they feel about their lives here. This installment focuses on three local voices ranging in age from eighteen to forty-one. They were all born and raised in South County. The first installment was published on October 30, and includes conversations with six local people onhow they are doing, what troubles them, and what gives them hope.

Berkshire Style is an online magazine that celebrates this richness and vitality of its architects, designers, artists and businesses who have made their mark preserving the Berkshire aesthetic

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. It's the Housatonic Water Works — again. The town of Great Barrington — Housatonic is a village within the town — is considering its next steps to acquire the privately owned — and troubled — water system tht serves the village of Housatonic and environs: 2. What's Halloween without visual mischief…. in this case, area students set about to decorate Great Barrington storefront windows with ghoulish art… and the merchants are all for it… and to go along with this bit of mischief, we have our historian Gary Levieille recall Halloweens past in Great Barrington: 3. We continue with another chapter in Bill Shein's examination of the development projects under way and envisioned by entrepreneur Ian Rasch. This installment (Part 6) examines Rasch's plans for Prospect Lake in Egremont: 4. Our political and cultural observer Mickey Friedman has been writing a series of essays analyzing the immediate and long-term effects of what he calls “Trumphobia” on the vitality of American democracy: 5. One of our writers, Sheela Clary, has been writing a fascinating series of interviews with various South Berkshire County residents to "ask local people how they are doing, what troubles them, and what gives them hope.” In this installment she talks with the Rev. Jill Graham of First Congregational Church of Sheffield: https://theberkshireedge.com/where-we-are-south-county-voices-from-late-october-2022/ 6. And finally, Sarah Wright, in her Woman on the Verge feature, has an essay on how voting is a sign of civic health — Vot-ER's Civic Health Fellowship — imagine, she asks, health care providers asking their patients if they're prepared to vote:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. We have now published five parts of a seven-part series by Bill Shein that explores in great depth the housing market in the Berkshires, especially in Great Barrington. It's called THE DEVELOPER, and organizes the information around the story of one local developer named Ian Rasch. Here's a link to today's installment: 2.Nick Simonds is bringing much needed services and education to Berkshire County with his Harm-Reduction Mobile Unit. 3. For movie buffs, we have an insightful overview of the New York Film Festibal by reviewer Barbara Quart 4.In the heat of the current election season, we have a letter to the editor discussing why it's not good to steal the opposition's lawn signs. 5. In this week's Business Monday line-up, we have an interesting profile of a Great Barrington institution, Barrington Brewery 6. And also in the Business Monday section, we have an announcement that the much loved Mission Restaurant in Pittsfield is closing. Mission was well known for its Monday Night Jazz sessions. It leave a gib hole in the cultural landscape.

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. Today we started Part One of aa six part series called The Developer. It's written by our in-depth/investigative reporter Bill Shein who has already done a multi-part series on housing in the Berkshires. The developer Ian Rasch emerged as a major player in that first series, and now Shein is looking at all the projects Ian Rasch is doing in the Great Barrington area, as a way to look into larger questions of development. 2. The Housatonic Water Works story continues. Our managing editor Shaw Izikson reported yesterday that the Great Barrington select board is now considering two options, each with its own pros and cons. The board has invited the Aquarian Water Company, which owns the water company in nearby Sheffield, to bid on buying HWW. The other option is to merge HWW with the Great Barrington Fire District which means, essentially that the town takes over the company. 3. It's election season, and we have two long-time incumbents running for re-election. We had a profile of Incumbent Congressman Richie Neal who has served in the House since 1989, even though the districts have changed, and he is now Chair of the House Ways & Means Committee. Neil is being challenged by Republican Dean Martilli from West Springfield who is accusing Neal of being a do-nothing follower of Nancy Pelosi. We expect soon to have a profile of Dean Martilli, whom we have interviewed. The other incumbent is State Representative Smitty Pignatelli, and we have received several letters of support for him that praise him for his dedication and omnipresence. We have not yet had any letters in support of his opponent Michael Lavery of Becket, who is running on the Green Party ticket. 4. For those of us old enough to remember, this week is the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and we have a very nice remembrance by a local contributor named Steve White who reflects on how seriously the country took that experience, White reminds us that we may be facing the same kind of crisis today. 5. In our Business Monday line-up, we had a profile of an extraordinary young woman named Madison Quinn who, at the age of 13, started a non-profit called Strong Little Souls to provide support and experience to children with pediatric cancer. Now in her early 20's, she has kept the organization going and growing for eight years now.

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. There's a revolt stewing among the members of the 8-town planning committee in southern Berkshire County trying to come up with strategy for consolidating educational facilities and spending: 2. Concurrently, this same 8-town committee is complaining about a lack of input from staff at the school districts and from the public: 3. The restoration of the historic A.M.E. Zion church in Great Barrington, where W.E.B. Du Bois worshipped, is moving ahead, with the goal of creating a Du Bois Freedom Center: 4. The residents of Housatonic are really getting up in arms about the troubled water system their village depends on. Now the owner of the system is saying there has to be an “alternative” plan to address the water quality issues. At the top of his list, merging his failing system with the town of Great Barrington's: 5. Pulling for the Pantry. The Great Barrington Food Pantry, where those in need can get food, held a successful Pulling for the Pantry fundraiser, with performances by local musicians:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. We have a new director of Great Barrington libraries… Samara Klein, daughter of the well-known writer Daniel Klein: 2. The Great Barrington selectboard spent a scant 15 minutes on the issue of the Housatonic Water Works water system for the village of Housatonic, despite hundreds of Housatonic residents demonstrating outside Town Hall: 3. Finally, after a long and weary effort, the village of Sandisfield has been designate a national historic district: 4. On August 31 a candlelight vigil was held in front of the South County Recovery Center in Great Barrington to remember those lost to drug overdoses and to call attention to the scourge of drug addiction.. This coming Saturday, a “Smash the Stigma” event will take place at Town Hall, sponsored by the South County Rural Recovery Center: 5. OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at Berkshire Community College is sponsoring a program on the indigenous peoples of the Berkshires. Hint: they still live here: 6. Finally, our columnist Carole Owens, who lives in Stockbridge, has touched a live wire with her column supporting a residential tax exemption that would place more tax burden on the second-home owners:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. We have the primary election results from Berkshire County: In a closely watch race, Tim Shugrue easily defeated Andrea Harrington for the post of District Attorney, and Tom Bowler was elected sheriff. 2. Housatonic residents are continuing their protest against the rusty water emanating from the Housatonic Water Work. There are new developments in the frustration that Housatonic residents feel against Housatonic Water Works On Thursday, September 1, the company's owner issued a press release that its water quality now meets compliance with some of the state's DEP standards, and to address the problems of manganese in the system, they would be raising rates. This led to an angry protest in front of Town Hall last Saturday. s: 3. Our regular columnist Carole Owens discussed the proposed Residential Tax Exemption (RTE) that has been proposed for Stockbridge.This would lead to second home owners paying taxes at a higher rate than full-time resident. In response to a terrible fight looming in Stockbridge over this, Carole advocates civility and truthfulness, and she has attracted several spirited comments. This is a very interesting issue. 4. Just as most of us think we can lower our guard against Covid, our commentator Mickey Friedman offers a warning that we're not out of the woods yet titled “Covid: What, me worry?" 5. The inaugural authors guild WIT (words, ideas and thinkers) festival is coming to Shakespeare & Company. The theme: Reimagining America:

1. The town of Sheffield has just concluded a 3-day celebration to honor one of its most famous residents, Elizabeth Freeman. Born a slave, she sued for her freedom in 1781, and with the help of the Sedgwick family of Stockbridge, and the Massachusetts General Court, she won it in 1781, 80 years before the Emancipation Proclamation: 2. District Attorney Andrea Harrington has been a controversial figure, since she was elected four years ago, not the least because she's reformer and a woman. Now she's up for re-election, and the arguments over her tenure are heating up as the Sept. 6 primary date approaches… she faces off against another Democrat, Attorney Tim Shugrue, the old-guard candidate. It should be noted that U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has endorsed Harrington: And we should add that one of the issues she is confronting is gun violence: She's been recognized by the national gun control organization Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America — and we should poit out that Harrington is herself a mom: 3. On the education front, Berkshire Hills Superintendent Peter Dillon has assured the community — parents, students and teachers — that the imminent school year will be productive — and the district is prepared to open its classrooms once again after the trying period of dealing with the COVID19 pandemic: 4. Closer to you guys, in New Marlborough, well-known Shakespearian — and Shakespeare & Company — actor John Douglas Thompson will be at the New Marlborough Meeting House on the 27th to talk about his life and work… 5. Talk about downsizing. The American Tiny House Association (is that an oxymoron?) made a presentation to the Great Barrington Selectboard:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. At a special meeting the Great Barrington Selectboard listed affordable housing and the predicament of the Housatonic Water Works as primary issues for the town: Indeed, the Selectboard has called for an audit of the troubled Housatonic Water Works — a relic of the days when a public utility were privately owned and maintained: 2. Meanwhile, some good news for this summer's Berkshire cultural season: The number of COVID cases remains low: 3. Julianne Boyd, founding director of Barrington Stage, is retiring… and she was celebrated at a farewell gala. She has been a creative force for the arts and theatre in the Berkshires: 4. The town of Great Barrington has been presented with a number of promising proposals for the reuse of the Housatonic Elementary School building:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: Hi Marshall — You can call us at 413-528-3408 Here are a few stories for our radio audience tomorrow: 1. The local food coop, the People's Pantry, is in need of help — and more donations: 2. The town of Great Barrington will celebrate the life of civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois on August 27 — at Du Bois River Park. The controversial civil rights leader was born in Great Barrington: 3. We have a feature on the Railroad Street Youth Project's RYSE program, supporting youth in finding a potential career after high school — and a life with purpose: 4. And here's another good news story, so to speak… in the dog days of summer. Local church groups have banded together to provide AT hikers a “corner of kindness” as they navigate the trail between Maine and the southern Appalachians: 5. The press, but not the public, is invited to a “debate" between sheriff candidates… this has been a particularly bitter contest. Given the format, this may be the first time I can recall a law enforcement organization trusting the press rat her than the public:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. At a special meeting the Great Barrington Selectboard listed affordable housing and the predicament of the Housatonic Water Works as primary issues for the town: Indeed, the Selectboard has called for an audit of the troubled Housatonic Water Works — a relic of the days when a public utility were privately owned and maintained: 2. Meanwhile, some good news for this summer's Berkshire cultural season: The number of COVID cases remains low: 3. Julianne Boyd, founding director of Barrington Stage, is retiring… and she was celebrated at a farewell gala. She has been a creative force for the arts and theatre in the Berkshires: 4. The town of Great Barrington has been presented with a number of promising proposals for the reuse of the Housatonic Elementary School building:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. The process for merging the South Berkshire County school districts is moving ahead. The merger planning board has hired a transportation conclutant to fisgure out the logistics of getting kids to the enlarged district schools: 2. Finally, on a cheerful note, downtown Great Barrington on Friday night, and Saturday afternoon and evening, will feature “busking” to enliven the visiting experience: And by the way, if you want to find out what's happening in the Berkshires, at the region's theaters and concert halls, as well as on its stages, check out the Berkshire Edge calendar where you can also purchase tickets. 3. We have a vigorous agricultural community in the Berkshires, and two local farmers, Elizabeth Keen and Alexander Thorp, are raffling off tickets for a far-to-table dinner on July 30… with proceeds going to the Harry Conklin Fund for Farmsteads.. Conklin was a beloved attorney in Great Barrington: 4. The contest for the post of Berkshire County High Sheriff is usually one of little notice… but not this time. There's bitter dispute between candidate Alf Barbalunga and Sheriff Tom Bowler: 5. And finally, we have a story about Greenagers, what we have designated as the “premier youth environmental organization in the region.” They build gardens for people, repair woodland trails, engage in sustainable farming. and partner with local institutions on all sorts of projects:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. Great Barrington Selectboard is denying accusations that some members may have violated the open meeting law in the deliberations over short-term rentals: https://theberkshireedge.com/selectboard-members-deny-violating-open-meeting-law-violations/ 2. Meanwhile, there's the controversial proposal to construct a roundabout at a busy Great Barrington intersection: Essayist Bill Shein considers the implications: https://theberkshireedge.com/reason-gone-mad-the-history-of-great-barringtons-first-roundabout/ 3. Back to the bigger issues: Great Barrington residents took to the streets to protest the Supreme Court ruling about abortion: https://theberkshireedge.com/south-county-residents-protest-against-scotus-roe-v-wade-decision/ 4. And speaking of bigger issues, essayist Mickey Friedman takes on the attempt by former President Trump to subvert the outcome of the election: https://theberkshireedge.com/the-other-side-theres-redemption-and-theres-the-back-door/ 5. Writer Hannah Van Sickle has created a fascinating profile of author and book coach Courtney Maum and her new memoir “The Year of the Horses”: https://theberkshireedge.com/book-coach-courtney-maum-at-the-mount-june-30-to-celebrate-her-first-memoir-the-year-of-the-horses/ 6. Finally, if you're in a mood for the pithy mysteries of Agatha Christie, the Theatre Barn in New Lebanon, N.Y. — just west of Great Barrington — is staging “Fiddlers Three” — reviewer Peter Bergman highly recommends it: https://theberkshireedge.com/theater-review-agatha-christies-fiddlers-three-at-the-theater-barn-in-new-lebanon-n-y/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. The Great Barrington fire department subdued a blaze at the mothballed former Searles Elementary School in Great Barrington. The fire reminds us of the frustration Great Barrrington has had in rejuvenating its abandoned properties: 2. The writer Mickey Friedman, one of our regular feature writers and columnists, has written a thoughtful essay on why he will continue to wear a mask to avoid COVID19 exposure, even though the requirements for mask-wearing seem to be easing: 3. Now here'a story dear to your heart. Our local AM/FM station, WSBS, was knocked off the air, and had to resort to online streaming: 4. Despite the pandemic, the iconic Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade — “America's Parade” — will proceed this year as usual: 5. And at last there seems to be a full array of performances and concerts at the many summer venues: The Mavericks and Nick Lowe at Tanglewood, And “Ain't Misbehavin' at Barrington Stage Company: 6. And finally, our columnist Carole Owens has written a fascinating column reminding us of how vital a role the Berkshires played in sustaining the “underground railroad” before the Civil War and emancipation of black citizens:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. Here are a few stories from the Edge this week: 1. The town of Great Barrington held its annual town meeting this week, a four-hour affair in the parking lot of the high school, due to COVID restrictions. People were in their cars listening to the proceedings on their car radios: a. The most contentious issue that dominated the meeting was what to do about the proliferation of short-term rentals and Airbnb's … the selectboard had proposed restrictions … and the declaration by some longtime Great Barrington residents that the conversion of the community into a second-home retreat was creating a “slow bleed” of working class families and artists: b. Other budget items passed without much debate, including $19 million for the regional school district .. an increase of $600,000 over lat year — without much comment… which is unusual… perhaps it was the darkness of the parking lot: c. And the town meeting adopted Community Preservation Act projects, zoning bylaws, body cameras for the cops, and to wrap up the discussion about short-term rentals (STR), the town meeting approved a 3 percent “impact” fee on STRS that will be applied to affordable housing projects: 2. And finally, the Tri-town Health department reports good news on the COVID front… cases have been falling for the past several weeks:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. This week the Berkshire International Film Festival opens in Great Barrington: We have two stories previewing the film festival: https://theberkshireedge.com/biff-a-very-sweet-sixteen-part-i/ https://theberkshireedge.com/biff-a-very-sweet-sixteen-part-ii/ 2. Berkshire County school districts have received major funding $300,000, to support programs to help strengthen career and college readiness. "“This will help all of these Berkshire County schools address the ongoing disparities in college and career readiness opportunities that are present here due to economic disadvantages, demographics, and our rural location.” https://theberkshireedge.com/berk12-and-berkshire-county-schools-secure-300k-grant-for-post-secondary-readiness/ 3. Berkshire Pride events are set to begin in Pittsfield, with the annual Pride Festival and Pride Parade: https://theberkshireedge.com/time-to-turn-out-pride-events-scheduled-for-june-and-beyond-in-the-berkshires/ 4. Meanwhile, Justin Cole, former town accountant for the town of Monterey (and 3 other Massachusetts towns), was sentenced to 3 years in the slammer for pilfering more than $900,000 from four towns: 5. Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland came to the Great Barrington to endorse Andrea Harrington for another term as Berkshire District Attorney (Raskin was in town to deliver a lecture): https://theberkshireedge.com/u-s-representative-jamie-raskin-endorses-andrea-harrington/ 6. Writer Bill Shein has written a series (he calls it Reason Gone Mad) on the issue of short-term rentals in Great Barrington and the Berkshires whose sky-high fees have made it difficult for those working in the Berkshires to find — and afford — housing: https://theberkshireedge.com/analysis-the-short-term-rental-debate-a-reason-gone-mad-series-part-3/ 7. And finally, our theatre reviewer Peter Bergman has recommended “Grief, the Musical… a Comedy,” by written and performed by local and internationally known comedienne Alison Larkin: https://theberkshireedge.com/alison-larkin-and-great-barrington-public-theater-go-deep-in-grief-the-musical-a-comedy/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. The Great Barrington Selectboard, after months of wrangling, will submit a proposed short-term rental law to town meeting: 2. And on the subject of short term rentals, our columnist (and resident wit) Bill Shein has weighed in on the topic, with a series of analyses. This week is Part II: 3. In memory of a beloved local attorney, Harry Conklin, a concert series has been organized to support local independent farmers and the Harry Conklin Fund for Farmsteads: 4. The historic Clinton Church in Great Barrington — where W.E.B. DuBois was a member — has received funding to continue its restoration: 5. On the lighter side, we have our BerkShares Business of the Month: Roger the Jester:

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. Lee voters ask selectmen to have town leave the PCB agreement the EPA negotiated with General Electric over the contamination of the Housaatonic River: https://theberkshireedge.com/bailey-wins-back-selectboard-seat-in-lee-citizens-ask-selectmen-to-rescind-dump-agreement/ 2. Of course we can't go a week without reporting on the COVID epidemic… and here's the latest from the Tri-town Health Department:https://theberkshireedge.com/tri-town-health-departments-covid-19-update-for-may-17/ 3. Regional school planners examining the merger of the two sprawling South Berkshire districts are proceeding with a public hearing to present progress on a merger plan, and to gather public input;https://theberkshireedge.com/regional-school-planners-move-ahead-with-merger-plan-schedule-public-input-session-next-month/ 4. And while we're on the topic of education, Dr. Peter Gray is to give a talk about children's natural way of learning, as he puts it:https://theberkshireedge.com/dr-peter-gray-to-give-talk-childrens-natural-way-of-learning-this-thursday-in-dalton/ 5. Finally, Sheela Clary has written an update on the work being done by the 22-year-old Railroad Street Youth Project in Great Barrington — a remarkable drop-in center for youth ages 14-25:https://theberkshireedge.com/railroad-street-youth-project-has-come-a-long-way-and-has-far-to-go/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. It's town election time in Sheffield, and we have a contest for a seat on the Selectboard between two political veterans, Nadine Hawver and George Oleen. The candidates disagree on the merger of school districts :https://theberkshireedge.com/challenged-by-veteran-planner-former-sheffield-selectboard-member-seeks-to-retake-her-seat/ 2. Our cultural writer Peter Bergman has reviewed a fascinating autobiography by Kevin O'Hara, a Pittsfield writer who has spent 30 years as a psychiatric nurse on a locked ward at Berkshire Medical Center… and since Kevin is Irish, he tells a fascinating story: https://theberkshireedge.com/book-review-kevin-oharas-ins-and-outs-of-a-locked-ward-my-30-years-as-a-psychiatric-nurse/ 3. Bob Gray, a writer who grew up in the village of Housatonic, has written a charming tale out of his youth about yo-yo's …. https://theberkshireedge.com/bob-gray-yo-yo-man/ 4. The pandemic may be subduing the customarily lively Berkshire cultural scene but there are bright spots here and there, and one of them, write Eli and Carolyn Newberger, was the Pittsfield City Jazz Festival (and of course their reviews come with the Newbergers' marvelous illustrations: https://theberkshireedge.com/a-brilliant-opening-concert-for-the-2022-pittsfield-cityjazz-festival/ 5. We have a fascinating business story profiling Lyon Aviation, which for 42 years has operated a flight school and a jet charter service out of the Great Barrington Airport: https://theberkshireedge.com/business-monday-spotlight-on-mike-lyon-ceo-of-lyon-aviation/ 6. And finally, Carole Owens, our Stockbridge columnist and teller of Berkshire tales, short and tall, has summoned up the Berkshire Gilded Age, when the Nouveau Riche, and the just the plain old riche, sought refuge in the Berkshires: https://theberkshireedge.com/connections-the-berkshires-and-new-york-city-gilded-and-beyond/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. The town of Great Barrington is considering upgrades to crosswalks of its busy Main Street where pedestrians have been struck: https://theberkshireedge.com/town-mulls-two-options-to-improve-safety-of-infamous-main-street-crosswalks/ 2. The Southern Berkshire School District has been awarded $37,000 from two funds to underwrite student-devised projects:https://theberkshireedge.com/southern-berkshire-district-scores-funds-for-14-educational-activities-and-projects/ 3. The Pittsfield CityJazz Festival is returning this year, beginning April 23 and running through May 1: https://theberkshireedge.com/preview-pittsfield-cityjazz-festival-returns-april-23-may-1/ 4. Elementary school students in Williamstown and North Adams have been writing letters to Afghan families who have resettled in Williamstown and North Berkshire County… welcoming them to America (and the Berkshires). On April 29 there will be a concert in Pittsfield to benefit these families:https://theberkshireedge.com/in-williamstown-a-warm-welcome-for-afghan-refugees/ 5. Food for thought. The “Edible Natural World” is a locally produced YouTube video series celebrating Berkshire farms and chefs:https://theberkshireedge.com/the-edible-natural-world-youtube-series-unearths-the-secrets-and-wisdom-of-berkshire-makers/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. We have had three interesting stories recently about the housing crisis facing the Berkshires:: On Monday, April 4, we had a story from 1Berkshire, which helps promote local economic development. about the work of a task force and the report they have produced. The report talks about obstacles to new housing development and ways to overcome them. https://theberkshireedge.com/business-monday-a-housing-vision-for-the-berkshires/ Then yesterday, as part of our “It's not That Simple” series, we published a discussion with a local developer and property manager about the hurdles you have to face when trying to build new housing. https://theberkshireedge.com/its-not-that-simple-who-will-build-our-housing/ In our Monday Business section this week, we had a story about B&B Micro Manufacturing in Adams, which is ending great success building tiny homes. Maybe this is the answer. https://theberkshireedge.com/business-monday-bb-micro-manufacturing-tiny-home-builders/ 2. We have an ongoing discussion here about the little airport in Great Barrington that started receiving plaines in the mid-1920s and was officially established in 1931, before local zoning was implemented and is grandfathered into what has since become a residential neighborhood. In our Then & Now series, we posted a fascinating series of photos showing the history of the airport. https://theberkshireedge.com/then-now-the-great-barrington-airport/ But the airport is at the center of controversy.Three of its neighbors are angry about the airport and keep trying to curtail its operations. Last week, the Great Barrington zoning board unanimously denied an appeal from the angry neighbors, accusing the neighbors of harassment.. We have had interesting letters and comments, many speaking fondly about the airport. https://theberkshireedge.com/great-barrington-zoning-board-unanimously-denies-appeal-from-angry-airport-neighbors/ 3. Our weather guru Nick Diller reported that March was warmer and drier than usual, and that thee were lots of bears roaming around after their winter snooze.https://theberkshireedge.com/nick-diller-march-was-warm-bears-were-abundant/ 4. And on a lighter note, we have been running a series on Sundays called “Recollections of a Pittsfield Kid” which will appeal to anyone “of a certain age”. In this latest installement from last Sunday, the author talks about his adventures as a newspaper delivery boy for the Berkshire Eagle. https://theberkshireedge.com/recollections-of-a-pittsfield-kid-all-the-news-thats-fit-to-sprint/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. A proposed short-term rental plan before the Selectboard has been shelved — for the time being — because of potential conflicts of interest: https://theberkshireedge.com/great-barringtons-short-term-rental-plan-stymied-by-conflicts-alleged-in-anonymous-email/ 2. Meanwhile, our writer Sheela Clary has interviewed a single woman who describes the difficulties of finding housing in Great Barrington — and South Berkshire County:https://theberkshireedge.com/jessica-winn-a-tenant-speaks-on-the-housing-crisis-in-south-county/ 3. Great Barrington's effort to sell the mothballed Housatonic School building is picking up steam, apparently:https://theberkshireedge.com/measuring-the-drapes-effort-to-sell-housatonic-school-picks-up-steam/4. An “upscale” soup kitchen is opening in Pittsfield, in the heart of the impoverished Morningside district:https://theberkshireedge.com/restaurant-style-soup-kitchen-to-open-in-the-heart-of-local-food-desert/ 5. Hannah Van Sickle has written a moving profile of Rabbi Everett Gendler, a beloved figure in South County: https://theberkshireedge.com/remembering-rabbi-everett-gendler/ 6. And lest anyone imagine that the pandemic has silenced music in the Berkshires, now comes double bassist Edward Kass who has gathered a septet of bassists who will give a concert at Tanglewood of music for bass ensembles:https://theberkshireedge.com/concert-preview-double-bass-ensemble-to-play-britten-bartok-balch-balliett-at-linde-center/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. It seems that proposed upgrades to our public education system is occupying public attention this week.The Great Barrington Selectboard has authorized a townwide vote on the town's share of a $1.5 million study to determine whether a new high school should be built:https://theberkshireedge.com/great-barrington-authorizes-town-vote-on-1-5-million-to-fund-new-high-school-study/ 2. In the background, of course, is the potential merger of the Berkshire Hills and Southern Berkshire school districts that has been recommended by a consultant: https://theberkshireedge.com/consultant-recommends-full-merger-of-berkshire-hills-southern-berkshire-regional-school-districts/ 3. At the same time, the Mt. Everett Regional School in the Southern Berkshire Regional School District has been designated an “early” college, part of the state's Early College Initiative and in partnership with Simon's Rock of Bard College:https://theberkshireedge.com/state-gives-mount-everett-early-college-designation/ And to prepare Mt. Everett students for college the Southern Berkshire School District is expanding its partnership with Simon's Rock College in Great Barrington:https://theberkshireedge.com/sbrsd-expands-partnership-to-prepare-students-for-the-college-and-work-worlds/ 4. Of course, we could not go a week without mentioning the burgeoning marijuana business. And now it's the mountain town of Becket, where town planners have approved a proposal to build a “cannabis grow facility” —a 31,000 square foot greenhouse with the somewhat menacing name of “Tetrahydra” — sounds like some creature from 20,000 Leagues under the Sea: https://theberkshireedge.com/becket-planners-approve-large-cannabis-grow-house-amid-questions-about-compliance-and-procedure/ 5. Meanwhile, on the arts front, David Edwards has written a review of the significant Sol LeWitt exhibit at the Williams College Museum of Art that will be up through June 11: https://theberkshireedge.com/strict-beauty-sol-lewitt-prints-at-williams-college-museum-of-art-through-june-11/ And if you can't make it to Williamstown, we offer a video tour of the exhibit.

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. The Stockbridge Library was the site for a discussion with former Boston Globe editor Marty Baron of the future of journalism and the so-called “cancel culture” that calls for the banning of books — and ideas — that are controversial: https://theberkshireedge.com/newsman-marty-baron-on-book-banning-cancel-culture-and-the-future-of-journalism/ 2. The village of Housatonic — part of the town of Great Barrington — expressed its solidarity with the embattled residents of Ukraine by lighting the elementary school in yellow and blue, the Ukrainian colors: https://theberkshireedge.com/in-housatonic-solidarity-with-ukraine-a-little-bit-of-magic/ 3. Lisa Donovan, a professor at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, has created a method of integrating the arts into the traditional educational curriculum: https://theberkshireedge.com/mcla-professor-dr-lisa-donovan-aims-to-make-the-berkshires-an-integrative-arts-example/ 4. In solidarity with Ukraine, the windows of the elementary school building in the village of Housatonic (part of the town of Great Barrington) has been illuminated in the Ukrainian national colors, thanks to the effort of Great Barrington Selectboard member Eric Gabriel — who, by the way, is a licensed electrician: https://theberkshireedge.com/in-housatonic-solidarity-with-ukraine-a-little-bit-of-magic/ 5. Roger Kavanaugh, a selectman in West Stockbridge, has abruptly resigned, siting irreconcilable differences int he town: "“I've learned that the town is slowly and quietly splitting into factions: one that wants everything to be like it used to be, another that sees transformation as the only answer for the future,” https://theberkshireedge.com/selectmans-abrupt-resignation-over-divisions-fuels-uncertainty-as-caucus-approaches/ 6. On a musical note, a plug for our own Berkshire Opera: On Sunday March 27, at Saint James Place in Great Barrington, the Berkshire Opera will give an all-Mozart recital by Berkshire Opera singers who are preparing for a performance of “Don Giovanni” in August: https://theberkshireedge.com/concert-preview-berkshire-opera-festival-presents-mid-winter-mozart-recital-march-27/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. Berkshire Hills Regional School District to borrow $1.5 milli0n to study reconstruction of Monument Mountain Regional High School: https://theberkshireedge.com/berkshire-hills-to-borrow-1-5-million-to-study-reconstruction-of-monument-high-school/ 2. For our Edge subscribers Sheela Clary will conduct an Edge-sponsored online interview with New York Times' Supreme Court reporter Linda Greenhouse discussing her new book, “Justice on the Brink” and other topics: 3. Public transit in the Berkshires may shrink.. Berkshire Regional Transportation Authority proposes to cut service by 50 percent in South Berkshire County: 4. The Berkshires are welcoming refugees. The Jewish Family Service is helping to resettle afghan refugees; https://theberkshireedge.com/a-warm-welcome-jewish-family-service-resettles-afghan-refugees-into-berkshire-community/ 5. U.S. Senate panel proposes to name a federal fellowship program after Sheffield native Samya Stumo who died three years ago in the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX-8: https://theberkshireedge.com/senate-panel-pushes-legislation-to-rename-key-fellowship-program-after-samya-stumo/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. The debate in Great Barrington over short-term rentals — whereby homes in residential neighborhoods are rented out — has become roiled in what appears to be a conflict of interest since a member of the selectboard, it turns out, does rent property on a short-term basis: https://theberkshireedge.com/lively-debate-over-short-term-rental-regulations-in-great-barrington-stalls-again/ 2. And on that issue we have a thoughtful and provocative commentary by one of our writers, Sheela Clary: https://theberkshireedge.com/sheela-clary-what-we-are-starting-to-talk-about-when-we-talk-about-strs/ 3. Terry Cowgill has written a fascinating history of the Great Barrington fire department, and how it's evolved over time: https://theberkshireedge.com/great-barrington-fire-department-now-state-of-the-art-after-horse-drawn-beginnings/ 4. A group of organizations in Great Barrington is collaborating on the gathering of an oral history of the African-American community in the Berkshires: https://theberkshireedge.com/berkshire-oral-history-collaborative-forms-to-preserve-african-american-stories/ 5. Once again the Housatonic Water Works, the private water company in the village of Housatonic, has been threatened with criminal prosecution by the DEP for failing to remove carcinogenic ingredients from the water supply: https://theberkshireedge.com/housatonic-water-works-scolded-by-massdep-threatened-with-fines-criminal-prosecution/ 6. Finally, the stars may be aligning to the state to fund a long-sought upgrade to Monument Mountain Regional High School: https://theberkshireedge.com/are-the-stars-aligning-berkshire-hills-now-in-line-for-state-aid-to-rebuild-monument/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. The Berkshire Hills Regional School Committee has adopted a proposed $32 million budget for next year… that will have to be approved at the member towns' town meetings in the spring. New this year is a “communications” staff member: https://theberkshireedge.com/berkshire-hills-school-committee-approves-23-million-spending-package-adds-communications-position/ 2. To the relief of parents, students and faculty, the Berkshire Hills Regional School District is lifting its mask mandate on March 7:https://theberkshireedge.com/berkshire-hills-to-ease-mask-mandates-for-students-staff-on-march-7/ 3. To unite the thriving Latina population in the Berkshires, Latinas413 (413 being the area code for the Berkshires) has been organized to support Spanish speakers in the Berkshires: https://theberkshireedge.com/latinas413-uses-its-collective-power-to-create-space-for-spanish-speakers-in-the-berkshires/ 4. As astronomer Bob Berman likes to say, keep looking up. That's what our columnist Judy Isacoff suggests we do just before dawn to observe Venus, the solar system's hottest planet: https://theberkshireedge.com/eyes-to-the-sky-leading-the-sun-at-dawn-eye-popping-venus-our-solar-systems-hottest-planet 5. Here's some bad news for visitors and campers at Prospect Lake Campground in North Egremont… the new owner, Ian Rasch, is closing it for the season. He's not yet disclosed what he intends to do with campsite: https://theberkshireedge.com/developer-to-shut-down-prospect-lake-campground-for-2022-season-future-of-property-unclear/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. Good news/bad news from the regional school district: COVID cases down, but the pipes burst: https://theberkshireedge.com/good-news-and-bad-for-berkshire-hills-covid-cases-down-but-pipes-burst/ 2. The state DEP has found the privately owned Housatonic Water Works, providing water to the village of Housatonic, to have conducted an inadequate analysis of contamination in the water system: https://theberkshireedge.com/massdep-deems-housatonic-water-works-analysis-of-cancer-causing-contaminant-inadequate/ 3. The Great Barrington Community Preservation Committee has awarded a record $1.1 million to nine projects in the town:https://theberkshireedge.com/great-barrington-community-preservation-panel-awards-record-1-2-million/ 4. Vestiges of grandeur…. Artist Hunt Slonem to restore Searles Castle: https://theberkshireedge.com/vestiges-of-grandeur-artist-hunt-slonem-aims-to-restore-searles-castle-as-a-private-residence/ 5. Plans move forward to install a statue of Great Barrington native son W.E.B. Du Bois, the great civil rights leader, in front of the Mason Library in Great Barrington — a project that has been stalled for many years: https://theberkshireedge.com/plans-for-du-bois-statue-expand-to-include-gathering-place-for-the-community/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. The Great Barrington Health Board declines to advocate COVID vaccine requirement for Berkshire Hills students and staff:https://theberkshireedge.com/great-barrington-health-board-wont-endorse-vaccine-mandate-for-berkshire-hills/ 2. Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington explains her efforts to upgrade and reform the county's justice system, to make sure there is no racial bias: https://theberkshireedge.com/action-toward-justice-reforming-berkshire-county-justice-system-in-the-spirit-of-martin-luther-king-jr/ 3. Of course, we can't go long without reporting on the COVID pandemic, and how it's affecting the Berkshires. We have an update n the epidemic and some recommendations from Berkshire Health Systems:https://theberkshireedgoe.com/berkshire-health-systems-community-update-testing-vaccination-and-treatment-during-omicron-covid-19-surge/ 4. Meanwhile, in Housatonic the state has found that the village's water system — the privately owned Housatonic Water Works, has exceeded the limits on a carcinogenic contaminant: https://theberkshireedge.com/housatonic-water-works-exceeds-limits-for-potentially-cancer-causing-contaminant/ 5. We have a new column — from an old friend —the brilliant wit Bill Shein. The title is “Reason Gone Mad” — and his inaugural entry is about living in an old house: https://theberkshireedge.com/reason-gone-mad-heres-what-ive-learned-living-for-many-years-in-an-old-house/ 6. Finally, Sheela Clary has written a profile of a student who found a new path through Greenagers — and a nudge from Yo-Yo Ma: https://theberkshireedge.com/finding-his-own-path-derick-turner/

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. Second homers beware! The Great Barrington Selectboard is considers raising property taxes for out-of-town property owners, lowering them for full-time residents (and how will they determine the difference?): 2. We have the latest weekly update on the COVID19 outbreak in Berkshire County. A 2x increase in new cases: https://theberkshireedge.com/tri-town-health-departments-covid-19-update-for-january-7/ 3. Speaking of COVID, Dr. Richard Kessin, a microbiologist at Columbia University and a resident of Lakeville, Conn., has written an analysis of where we are with the pandemic. “So many sick children and adults that the medical system has still been overwhelmed,” he writes: https://theberkshireedge.com/the-body-scientific-omicron-mutations-and-medical-updates/ 4. Great Barrington is creating free public wifi access for the downtown: 5. Finally, Great Barrington Selectboard member Ed Abrahams explains what the town is doing to alleviate the affordable housing shortage — at last:

The Berkshire Edge LLC is a locally owned, regional publication. Our goal is to provide – regularly and in depth – content that truly reflects the life, interests and aspirations of this unusually rich and vibrant community. Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. Our lede story is that former state Senator Ben Downing, a Democrat who had announced he would run for governor next year, has called it quits: https://theberkshireedge.com/with-gubernatorial-campaign-running-low-on-funds-former-berkshires-state-senator-calls-it-quits/ 2. A worker co-op in Pittsfield, Rose & Cole's Transport, aims to provide transportation for the city's poorest neighborhoods in order to provide the city's poorest residents in the poorest and largely neglected neighborhoods a way of getting to work:https://theberkshireedge.com/rose-coles-transport-co-op-aims-to-drive-change-in-pittsfield/ 3. Our writer David Edwards interviews set designer Carl Sprague of Stockbridge about his work on the new Wes Anderson film, “The French Dispatch”: https://theberkshireedge.com/set-designer-carl-sprague-discusses-his-work-on-wes-andersons-the-french-dispatch/ 4. And now for an unusual holiday favorite: Gary Leveille's satirical “holiday house tour”: https://theberkshireedge.com/gary-leveille-sixth-annual-satirical-holiday-house-tour/ 5. So here's a holiday uplift. Two residents of the village of Housatonic are on a campaign to bring holiday cheer to the village, all in memory of the beloved Deb Koffman, whose gallery and support oof emerging artists is legendary in South Berkshire County:https://theberkshireedge.com/light-it-up-for-deb-koffman-illuminates-housatonic/ 6. Young local artists now have anew venue in Lee, the Off-Of-It Gallery, where customers can find intriguing collectibles — all run by a young entrepreneur:https://theberkshireedge.com/business-monday-off-of-it-gallery-for-modern-art-and-collectibles/ 7. Finally, part 1 of a two-part series on financial New Year's resolutions that will really work: https://theberkshireedge.com/personal-business-financial-resolutions-that-really-work-part-1/