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.
This week we talk about: 1. Local spirit shoppes are in a pickle … and angry about it. The Great Barrington Selectboard has decided to issue new liquor licenses to new venues, such as the Co-op and Rubiner’s Cheese Shop. The current license holders showed up in en masse to protest — but to no avail. https://theberkshireedge.com/as-selectboard-mulls-new-alcohol-policy-package-store-owners-fail-to-stop-additional-licenses/
Meanwhile, while one segment of the population argues about alcohol availability, the school superintendents are issuing a warning that ‘vaping’ has become an epidemic among Berkshire high school — and middle school — students. https://theberkshireedge.com/juul-of-the-housatonic-vaping-seen-as-epidemic-in-southern-berkshire-schools/
Last Sunday was the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Taking this critical need to heart, a local woman, Julie Bishop, is hoping to establish a transitional residence for women (and their children) who are victims of domestic violence. https://theberkshireedge.com/on-the-uns-international-day-for-the-elimination-of-violence-against-women-local-woman-envisions-a-transitional-home-for-women-and-children-fleeing-domestic-violence/
And on the literary front, with some comic relief a local writer — and friend — Dan Klein continues his franchise of books with his new volume, ‘I think therefore I draw: Understanding Philosophy through Cartoons.’ It’s a witty, and quite insightful book. His previous volumes, one of which is titled ‘Plato and a Platypus walk into a bar: Understanding philosophy through jokes,’ have made the NY Times best seller list.