The Berkshire Edge On-Air - Wednesday April 24, 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.

This week we talk about:

1. It would seem to be a splendid project: A statue of one of the most important historical figures to have grown up Great Barrington to be placed on the lawn of the Mason Library on Main Street. And the artwork is to be paid for privately. But nothing about civil rights activist and author W.E.B. Du Bois is without controversy — who attended local churches, schools and went on to become the first African American to graduate from Harvard University.
https://theberkshireedge.com/plans-for-statue-honoring-du-bois-in-limbo-after-questions-from-historic-district-commission/
2.  Meanwhile on the arts scene Local playwright and actress Anne Undeland has written a highly regarded play, “Lady Randy” that’s being given a full production by WAM Theatre at Shakespeare & Company. The play is about the wife of Winston Churchill:
https://theberkshireedge.com/theatre-review-wam-theatres-lady-randy-features-high-end-talent-displaying-their-best-work/
3.  Since Great Barrington has become the pot capital of Berkshire County, with five cannabis shops planned — it’s only to be expected that the marijuana industry might feel some incentive to offer some social benefits… Theory Wellness — now in operation on Stockbridge Road, is proposing to promote “a social equity” program to mentor others in the business. Dealers helping other dealers — is one way to put it — especially dealers who have suffered from now-abandoned illegality of pot.
https://theberkshireedge.com/great-barrington-cannabis-store-joins-social-equity-program-to-help-others-enter-the-business/

4. Talk about a reversal of fortune: In the first of a series of articles, Sharon Gregory, former chair of the Great Barrington Finance Committee, is now arguing that Berkshire Hills School District needs a new — or upgraded — regional high school — and suggests the district merge with its Southern Berkshire neighbor. This is an issue that’s going to be with us for a long while:https://theberkshireedge.com/education-needs-of-high-school-students-requires-combined-school-districts/
5.  One of the iconic agricultural operations in South Berkshire is winding down. Rawson Brook Farm in Monterey, that produces the best goat cheese, may soon be closingSo get your chevre while you can! 
https://theberkshireedge.com/rawson-brook-farm-to-downsize-get-your-chevre-while-you-can/
6.  Finally, attention young poets. At part of GB (Great Barrington) ArtWeek, Fuel Coffee Shop is hosting a youth poetry slam, featuring Kofi Dodzie…
https://theberkshireedge.com/gb-artweek-spoken-word-performance-by-slam-poet-kofi-dadzie-plus-youth-poetry-slam-and-open-mic-at-fuel-bistro/