The Berkshire Edge On-Air - Wednesday April 14, 2021

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. Once again the Great Barrington Fairgrounds is in the news. A Great Barrington couple has offered to buy it, and donate a portion back to the town, though it’s not quite clear what their intentions for the property will include:
https://theberkshireedge.com/great-barrington-couple-offers-to-buy-fairgrounds-donate-portion-back-to-town/

2.  The town of Great Barrington is mourning the death of its longtime fire chief, Harry Jennings:
https://theberkshireedge.com/town-of-great-barrington-fire-department-mourn-loss-of-retired-chief-harry-jennings/

3.  In the past week, there have been presentations that address efforts to have the Berkshires become more inclusive of its racial and ethnic constituencies. We write one at Williams College:
https://theberkshireedge.com/a-community-in-conversation-moving-toward-inclusion-in-the-berkshires/

4. It’s looking more promising that the Berkshires will host a a traditional summer season of cultural activities — abbreviated and masked, but a welcome sign that we are gradually emerging from the constraints of the COVID pandemic:
https://theberkshireedge.com/business-monday-the-summer-cultural-season-returns/

5. And if you are in a mood to explore the fringes of the Berkshires, we have a fascinating look at the Brimfield antiques center, just east of Lee on Route 20, where it’s brimming, so to speak, with antiques dealers and stands:
https://theberkshireedge.com/business-monday-as-goes-brimfield-so-goes-the-regional-antique-business/

6. And finally, we have an amusing — and counterintuitive commentary — by the novelist Sonia Pilcer about how she will miss wearing a mask (assuming the pandemic will subside):
https://theberkshireedge.com/ill-miss-my-mask/