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. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker is ordering a phased re-opening of the state’s economy, to be based on the results of testing:

https://theberkshireedge.com/baker-announces-4-phase-reopening-of-mass-economy/2. Meanwhile, the Boston Symphony Orchestra has announced an abbreviated summer season with broadcasts of its performances, but the Tanglewood season still is up in the air: https://theberkshireedge.com/bso-announces-2020-21-season-at-symphony-hall-cancels-july-4-esplanade-show/ But on the theatre front Barrington Stage in Pittsfield has announced that it is shifting the bulk of its 2020 season to 2021 yet it is reconfiguring its Boyd-Quinson Mainstage to accommodate theatre in the age of coronavirus, removing rows of seats to make social distancing possible… and it is, so far, the only theatre venue to be planning a production this summer: It will open David Cale’s “Harry Clarke on Aug. 5, with Mark Dold in the lead.https://theberkshireedge.com/barrington-stage-company-announces-special-summer-season/ 3. As a result of the epidemic, not only have most of the traditional Berkshire performance venues cancelled or shortened their seasons, but other organizations that depend on events, such as Construct Inc. that provides shelter for the homeless, are having to adopt online events to raise money: https://theberkshireedge.com/mayfest-in-place-to-support-affordable-housing/ And some events are intended to raise money for such basic needs, such as the Food4Vets event in North Adams:https://theberkshireedge.com/news-brief-food4vets-program-to-distribute-in-north-adams/

1. When was the last time crosswalks stirred a major public uproar? Well, in Great Barrington, the town’s decision to upgrade and repaint its downtown crosswalks has done just that. It’s the crosswalk color scheme that’s got social conservatives tied in knots. The pedestrian lanes are to be painted in rainbow stripes. And to some that isn’t a replica of rainbows in the sky but an affirmation of gay rights: https://theberkshireedge.com/after-rain-comes-a-rainbow-great-barrington-crosswalks-sporting-new-colors/ And a local loudmouth veteran took issue, which provoked a bunch of letters and comments in support of the colorful crosswalks (his daughter subsequently wrote in supporting the crosswalks):