The Berkshire Edge On-Air: The Pandemic Edition

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. As might be expected we’ve been writing about the COVID19 pandemic that has struck the Berkshires, as it has the rest of the country and the world.And the contagion has thrown the Berkshires summer cultural season into turmoil. So far, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in Becket has announced the cancellation of its season; Berkshire Theatre Festival will delay its productions until August — if then. The cultural institutions that constitute the heart of the Berkshire life are reconsidering what kind of events will be safe to present — if any. This is a severe blow to the Berkshire economy.
2. Given the restrictions demanded by social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus, markets, cafes, restaurants have had to adjust their way of serving customers. We’ve produced a list of status of these establishments, many of which now offer takeout service:
https://theberkshireedge.com/where-to-find-meals-food-and-fresh-produce-in-the-berkshires-now/
3. In a virtual town hall, U.S. Rep. Richie Neal assured Berkshire Health Systems that additional supplies of masks, test kits, and ventilators are on the way.
https://theberkshireedge.com/bmc-needs-ventilators-as-neal-assures-county-that-help-is-on-the-way-from-the-feds/
4. Of course, the other crisis, besides the pandemic, is affecting the educational system:
https://theberkshireedge.com/how-south-county-schools-are-coping-during-unprecedented-times/
And the local community television station CTSB is now carrying an educational forum to address the schools’ response to the epidemic:https://theberkshireedge.com/berkshire-education-now-debuts-on-ctsb-addresses-schools-response-to-covid-19/

5. Our writer Sheela Clary has been writing a series about what it’s like to be a parent at home with two children during the closure of schools. She’s doing a handbook for parents:
https://theberkshireedge.com/stuck-at-home-handbook/
 6.  And lastly, for a change of pace, let’s not forget that it’s spring, and that means the earth and forests are coming alive. One of the signs of spring is the screaming of spring peepers in swampy areas. Carolyn Newberger explores the awakening of the forest surrounding her house, and includes a recording of the little frogs singing their hearts out:
https://theberkshireedge.com/illuminating-the-hidden-forest-chapter-39-springtime-for-beavers-and-frogs/