The Berkshire Edge On-Air - November 27, 2019

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. Let’s start off with two environmental stories. Great Barrington Ried Cleaners on Main Street, across from the Mason  Library and adjacent to the Post Office. Both institutions have found elevated levels of flourocarbons in the basements, evidently originating with a toxic underground plume from the cleaners;
https://theberkshireedge.com/price-tag-to-clean-up-polluted-ried-cleaners-site-could-be-a-whopper/

2. A farmer and environmental activist has warned the Great Barrington Conservation Commission about the dangers of the weedkiller Roundup, and has urged the Conservation Commission to ban its application:
https://theberkshireedge.com/wetland-expert-urges-ban-on-use-of-roundup-weed-killer/

3.  Meanwhile, let’s dream of warmer, safer environments, like the Tanglewood Institute. The Boston Symphony Orchestra has announced some highlights of the institute’s upcoming offerings.
https://theberkshireedge.com/tanglewood-learning-institute-announces-2020-schedule/

4. Over the past six months or so we have been publishing a series of articles by illustrator Carolyn Newberger (her husband Eli is our classical music observer and interpreter) entitled “Illuminating the Hidden Forest” in which Carolyn explores the woodlands around their home in Lenox.  We’re now on chapter 21: https://theberkshireedge.com/illuminating-the-hidden-forest-chapter-21-the-forest-is-a-nomad/
And Chapter 22 will be published on the 30th.

5.  Our curmudeonly columnist Alan Chartock is at it again, wading into the swamp of national politics by suggesting a promising Democratic presidential candidate to challenge Trump in 2020 might be none other than our former governor Deval Patrick:
https://theberkshireedge.com/alan-chartock-45/
6. And in keeping with the season,  Carole Owens presents a few uncomfortable facts about the first Thanksgiving in 1637, and the brutality that accompanied its successive celebrations:
https://theberkshireedge.com/connections-63/