The Berkshire Edge On-Air - Wednesday February 23, 2022

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. The Berkshire Hills Regional School Committee has adopted a proposed $32 million budget for next year… that will have to be approved at the member towns’ town meetings in the spring. New this year is a “communications” staff member: https://theberkshireedge.com/berkshire-hills-school-committee-approves-23-million-spending-package-adds-communications-position/ 2. To the relief of parents, students and faculty, the Berkshire Hills Regional School District is lifting its mask mandate on March 7:https://theberkshireedge.com/berkshire-hills-to-ease-mask-mandates-for-students-staff-on-march-7/

3. To unite the thriving Latina population in the Berkshires, Latinas413 (413 being the area code for the Berkshires) has been organized to support Spanish speakers in the Berkshires: https://theberkshireedge.com/latinas413-uses-its-collective-power-to-create-space-for-spanish-speakers-in-the-berkshires/

4. As astronomer Bob Berman likes to say, keep looking up. That’s what our columnist Judy Isacoff suggests we do just before dawn to observe Venus, the solar system’s hottest planet: https://theberkshireedge.com/eyes-to-the-sky-leading-the-sun-at-dawn-eye-popping-venus-our-solar-systems-hottest-planet

5.  Here’s some bad news for visitors and campers at Prospect Lake Campground in North Egremont… the new owner, Ian Rasch, is closing it for the season. He’s not yet disclosed what he intends to do with campsite: https://theberkshireedge.com/developer-to-shut-down-prospect-lake-campground-for-2022-season-future-of-property-unclear/