The Berkshire Edge On-Air - Wednesday May 6, 2020

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.  The Berkshire Record, the weekly paper out of Great Barrington, has become another victim of the COVID19 epidemic. After 31 years, it has now ceased publication:https://theberkshireedge.com/the-berkshire-record-closes-its-doors-after-31-years/

2. Just an update on our COVID19 news: The Gov. Charlie Baker has extended the statewide shutdown of all but essential services until May 18. https://theberkshireedge.com/baker-forms-board-to-plan-reopening-extends-closures-stay-at-home-advisory-to-may-18/

3.  Although the duration of the COVID19 pandemic is as yet uncertain, summer camps in Berkshire County are still planning to open, but later in the summer season. 
https://theberkshireedge.com/light-at-the-end-of-the-quarantine-tunnel/

 4. Another victim of the COVID19 pandemic is the cultural life of the Berkshires. The Boston Symphony Orchestra programming for the summer is still up in the air:
https://theberkshireedge.com/the-bso-at-home/
5.  But not all commerce in the Berkshires has ground to a halt. At Berkshire Distilleries in Sheffield, they are cranking up production of hand sanitizers;
https://theberkshireedge.com/responding-to-national-shortage-distilleries-shift-gears-to-produce-hand-sanitizer/
6. And despite the disruptions to routine life, New England town meeting form of government plods on, and candidates are getting their messages out there for town elections. Town meetings may be delayed because of the pandemic, but campaigns for town offices are proceeding. Case in point: Nadine Hawver in Sheffield is running for a third term as selectman. She describes herself as a pitbull, which in Sheffield is a form of compliment:
https://theberkshireedge.com/hawver-self-described-pit-bull-runs-for-third-term-as-selectman/