The Berkshire Edge On-Air - Wednesday June 22, 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.

Here are a few stories from the Edge this week:

1.  The Great Barrington fire department subdued a blaze at the mothballed former Searles Elementary School in Great Barrington. The fire reminds us of the frustration Great Barrrington has had in rejuvenating its abandoned properties:

2. The writer Mickey Friedman, one of our regular feature writers and columnists, has written a thoughtful essay on why he will continue to wear a mask to avoid COVID19 exposure, even though the requirements for mask-wearing seem to be easing: 

3. Now here’a story dear to your heart. Our local AM/FM station, WSBS, was knocked off the air, and had to resort to online streaming:

4. Despite the pandemic, the iconic Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade — “America’s Parade” — will proceed this year as usual:

5. 

And at last there seems to be a full array of performances and concerts at the many summer venues:

The Mavericks and Nick Lowe at Tanglewood,

And “Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Barrington Stage Company:

6.   And finally, our columnist Carole Owens has written a fascinating column reminding us of how vital a role the Berkshires played in sustaining the “underground railroad” before the Civil War and emancipation of black citizens: