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.
This week we talk about:
1. Local spirit shoppes are in a pickle … and angry about it. The Great Barrington Selectboard has decided to issue new liquor licenses to new venues, such as the Co-op and Rubiner’s Cheese Shop. The current license holders showed up in en masse to protest — but to no avail.
2. Meanwhile, while one segment of the population argues about alcohol availability, the school superintendents are issuing a warning that ‘vaping’ has become an epidemic among Berkshire high school — and middle school — students.
3. Last Sunday was the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Taking this critical need to heart, a local woman, Julie Bishop, is hoping to establish a transitional residence for women (and their children) who are victims of domestic violence.
4. And on the literary front, with some comic relief a local writer — and friend — Dan Klein continues his franchise of books with his new volume, ‘I think therefore I draw: Understanding Philosophy through Cartoons.’ It’s a witty, and quite insightful book. His previous volumes, one of which is titled ‘Plato and a Platypus walk into a bar: Understanding philosophy through jokes,’ have made the NY Times best seller list.
5. But back to more serious topics, we have a profile of the work that Construct Inc. conducts, providing shelter and homes for the homeless:
6. And finally, the Anglophiling of South Berkshire: MassDOT has proposed to construct a roundabout — replacing traffic lights — to manage traffic at the intersection of Routes 23 and 7 just south of the center of Great Barrington. Not so fast, howled merchants and some drivers — next thing you know we’ll have to drive on the left side of the road. We thought we had rid ourselves of the Brits 229 years ago.
