Tuesday, February 18, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

Andrew D. Blechman

Andrew Blechman is a former Great Barrington selectman and member of the Finance Committee. He is the author of two nationally reviewed books for Grove Atlantic, and has written for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Smithsonian magazine, The Atlantic, among other publications. His pup, Gingersnap, a wolverine-honey badger mix, is perfect in every way.

written articles

Berkshire Tennis Association celebrates 25th anniversary: community spirit strong despite dwindling youth participation

Berkshire Hills Tennis Association co-founder Karen Johnson looks back fondly on the organization’s early years. She still has reams of photographs showing youngsters enjoying themselves on the new courts, as well as a table full of trophies.

Summer’s roar: Red Lion Inn upping its game for high season

The newest trend in hospitality is the offering of “guest experiences.” Guests don’t just look for places to stay, they look for things to do that interest them. The list of experiences is so extensive and variable that the Red Lion now has a manager of guest experiences. Name your experience and he’ll work to make it happen.

The four-cocktail dinner: Emerging culinary trend makes local debut

It was the task of chef Laurel Barkan and bartender Rafael Russi to invent creative ways to pair Berkshire Mountain Distillers’ spirits—in this case, vodka, gin, bourbon and rum—with food and drink that complimented one another.

Simon’s Rock students march for safety, joining national student walkout

One-fourth of the Simon’s Rock student body joined the national student protest for increased gun control. “It’s really inspiring to see these students get involved in what is happening in the world and in their community,” said Selectman Ed Abrahams, who attended the protest. “Our country and our community need this energy, this involvement."

Touring Japan’s Napa Valley: A rural glimpse just hours from Tokyo

In a country known for its obsession with food quality and freshness, you can be sure that Japanese winemakers know exactly what they’re doing.

17 Minutes: Local students honor Parkland fallen

“I feel safe because our community isn’t a place where this could happen. Then again, many communities feel that way. And then it happens.” -- Taylor Slonaker, MMRHS junior

Martha Klay wins nurse practitioner award for excellence

This is the first time someone from Western Massachusetts has been chosen, and it’s the second time Klay has been awarded.

It could happen anywhere … And has: A Parkland, Florida, family with Berkshire connections speaks out

I remember feeling safe after 911 because I lived here. And then this happens. And it’s my own family. I don’t feel all that safe anymore. School shootings can happen anywhere. – Rita Kasky

A tennis neophyte’s first visit to the US Open: ‘No time to pee’

It’s happened — I’ve come to love the US Open. Where else can you watch endless games played at the highest levels all day long? The Super Bowl? The World Series? Phooey.

Herbs for every season: The Berkshires’ first botanical CSA

You won’t find weekly pickups at Medicine Buddha Botanicals, nor will you find baskets of farm-fresh veggies. Rather, this CSA has just four pickups a year and they’re filled with tinctures, salves, teas and other goodies.

Berkshire Co-op campaign going ‘gangbusters’

The Coop has never missed a financial obligation in its 35-year-plus history. “When you invest in the Coop, you are investing in the community.” -- Berkshire Coop General Manager Daniel Esko

The curious accomplishment of Benjamin Zoeller

While most high school students dream of presents and maybe even a chance to go skiing during Winter break, let alone catching up on sleep, Ben Zoeller decided to sit down, and, well ... write a full-length drama.

NPR’s Cokie Roberts addresses women’s unacknowledged role in American history

“It’s important to understand that this country was founded by both sexes.” -- NPR commentator Cokie Roberts

Empowered Monument Mountain writers inspire audience and themselves

Much of the writing presented contained an often key element: authenticity of raw emotion.

Pastor Van in his own words

“[In my youth] churches were all packed. It was all you could do on a Sunday. The minister had a captive audience. You couldn’t buy a car, or buy liquor. All the stores were closed. All you could do was go to church and then visit with relatives.”

Pastor Van, ‘Community Minister,’ retires after 30 years of service

Although the pivotal role of a Congregational minister in Massachusetts’s civic life has been greatly diminished, a minister like Pastor Van can still play a consequential role in a community. And for thirty years, Pastor Van was seemingly determined to do so.
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