Wednesday, September 16, 2026

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

David Scribner

A writer, photographer and journalist, David Scribner served for 10 years as editor of The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, prior to which he was editor of The Middletown (Conn.) Press. Most recently, he spent four years as news editor of The Berkshire Record. His essays have appeared in Yankee magazine, Vermont Life and other publications, his reviews in the Pacific Sun, and his photographs at the International Center for Photography in New York City. His short stories have been published in literary magazines, and his play, “Invasive Species,” was premiered at New Stage Performing Arts in Pittsfield under the direction of Nicki Wilson.

written articles

Stockbridge approves school district budget; trims role of administrator

“We are not trying to handcuff the selectmen. This is a transitional moment, and we have had insufficient discussion about the future and what kind of management structure we do want. We need to participate in this discussion, and you need to give voice to the people.” -- Stockbridge resident Nina Ryan, opposing the proposed enhanced authority for the Town Administrator

Making a difference: New flags for Muddy Brook Elementary

Amy Salinetti's kindergarten class did an inpection tour of their school grounds. They noticed that the American flag was a bit tattered.

Canoe for Clean Water: Lessons at Muddy Brook — the school and stream

“Denny Alsop is a man of conviction and an activist.” -- Muddy Brook Principal Mary Berle, to third grade students, as Alsop met with the class to explain his Canoe for Clean Water expedition up the Housatonic River and beyond

Denny Alsop’s clean water river trek at Great Barrington – and beyond

When he reaches Boston, Denny Alsop will tell state leaders that remote as Western Massachusetts may seem, it is the region where Boston derives its water supply. So it matters.

Denny Alsop launches cross-state expedition calling for cleanup of polluted water resources

"And why now? This is probably our last best chance to get the river clean. And we can do it.” -- Denny Alsop

Michelle Gillett, gifted poet and artist

In tribute to Michelle Gillett's true gifts as a poet and artist, and to her wonderfully generous spirit that she shared with others.

Eagleton officials defend integrity of school programs, promise investigation of alleged abuse

“All across America, there is a hole in health care for these kids who have emotional and behavioral disabilities. This school is a model of how they can and should be cared for.” -- Mufa, parent of student at the Eagleton School

Lulu ‘n’ Hershey

The recitation of Hershey's New Year's resolutions continues, Resolution No. 2: Exercise.

BCD to meld arts, humanities with state-of-art library, performance space

"The Learning Commons will engage kids in technology – appropriately – as we explore how to incorporate technology into education. At the same time, at BCD the integration of arts and humanities is at the core of what we do." -- Paige Orloff, chair of the BCD Board of Trustees

Notes, footnotes & queries

Great Barrington isn’t the precious theme park those living in the town’s Upper West Side imagine it to be.

Lulu ‘n’ Hershey

The refugee Lulu 'n' Hershey rescued from their Cafe Perspectivo's dumpster has a morbid tale to tell.

Great Barrington Town Counsel raises issues with Searles School hotel proposal

"The Selectboard will need to determine whether the proposed project will ‘redevelop’ the Searles building in a manner that secures to the Town the benefit of the building’s historic or cultural or architectural significance." -- Great Barrington Town Counsel David Doneski

Southern Berkshire School District budget tangle deepens; business administrator censured

"It has become difficult to rely on the numbers that we received form the District. We are disillusioned by the School Committee’s apparent lack of concern for the continuation of errors related to FY16’s assessment.” -- Nadine A. Hawver, chair of the Sheffield Board of Selectmen

Great Barrington’s oldest church nearer to heaven – by 8 feet

“It make look precarious, but believe it or not, the building is now more stable, sitting on those cribbing pillars, than it was before. -- Redeveloper Paul Joffe, of GB Historic Renovations

Lulu ‘n’ Hershey

Political debate at Cafe Perspectivo continues: Jessa, the barista, announces she expects to hear from the Bernie Sanders campaign.
spot_img

The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.