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. Missing in action: David Magadini, the so-called homeless Mayor of Main Street in Great Barrington, hasn’t been seen lately dressed, winter and summer, in a ragged winter jacket and pushing a grocery cart stuffed with his belongings. He’s at a nursing home, recovering from having been struck by a car:https://theberkshireedge.com/mayor-of-main-street-david-magadini-missing-in-action/

2. Will horse racing return to the fairgrounds in Great Barrington? State Sen. Adam Hinds has withdrawn his support for a proposal to restore racing at the fairgrounds, after a groundswell of opposition from those opposed to racing: https://theberkshireedge.com/animal-cruelty-local-control-doomed-hinds-sponsorship-of-horse-racing-bill/

3. Classes at Bard College at Simon’s Rock were cancelled this week after a student had been assaulted on campus: https://theberkshireedge.com/simons-rock-classes-canceled-after-student-assaulted-on-campus/

4. Great Barrington Selectboard, after hearing an appeal from Multicultural Bridge, reinvented the traditional “Columbus Day” holiday, renaming it “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.” https://theberkshireedge.com/great-barrington-responds-to-powerful-plea-recognizes-indigenous-peoples-day/

5. At its annual celebration Fairview Hospital honored Dr. George Veinoglou, born in Cairo, Egypt, who has become director of the hospital’s surgical department. https://theberkshireedge.com/fairview-hospital-2019-gala-honors-surgeon-dr-george-veinoglou/

6. Our columnist Carole Owens recalled the Mary Flynn, who was the conscience of Stockbridge for so many years. https://theberkshireedge.com/connections-55/

7. And finally, we should acknowledge the death of Michael Ballon, chef and proprietor of the Castle Street Cafe in Great Barrington, who had pioneered a farm-to-table menu, and was very much a part of the sustainable agriculture movement in South Berkshire County: https://theberkshireedge.com/michael-ballon-62-great-barrington-chef-and-restaurateur-dies-at-age-62/