Sunday, February 15, 2026

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

Rachel Moriarty

Rachel Moriarty is the coordinator of BerkShares Local Currency and director of operations at the Schumacher Center for a New Economics. Born and raised in the Berkshires, her knowledge of the area allows her to work to increase circulation of BerkShares locally and engage the community around the opportunities for economic resiliency in Berkshire County. Rachel received her B.S. in sustainable food and farming from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Prior to working at the Schumacher Center, she worked for Berkshire Grown and Greenagers.

written articles

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month: Roger the Jester

Nothing brings Roger Reed more joy than having an audience member from the early days of his 49-year-old career return with their children and grandchildren.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: Digitizing small businesses in the Berkshires

Silo Media, BerkShares' Business of the Month, is a multimedia creative agency run by Beth Carlson and Kip Beacco. The duo specialize in graphic design, video production, website design, and social media marketing management.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month: HART

Jamie Goldenberg's downtown Great Barrington store is equal parts gallery, shop, and classroom, and has become a safe haven for creatives during the pandemic.

PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month: Shaker Mill Books

Amongst the 30,000 books at Eric Wilska's West Stockbridge store, you'll find used, rare, antiquarian, out-of-print, and the occasional new works.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month: Berkshire Children’s Chorus

More than just singing, the chorus provides invaluable mentoring relationships and lifelong friendships.

PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month: Literacy Network of South Berkshire

In its 30-year history, LitNet has expanded beyond just literacy programs to the broader mission to "transform the lives of adult learners, both immigrant and U.S.-born, through the power of literacy, education and advocacy."

PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month: Currency Coffee

At the start of the pandemic, the company began its Give One, Give One initiative. Customers purchased a box of coffee to donate to a frontline worker or organization. Currency Coffee donated a second box to another organization.

PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month: Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce

The chamber has always championed the region’s local currency; it’s in their best interest. Andrus knows the value of shopping locally, which is what makes her an effective ally.

PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month: Greenagers

The resounding message of Greenagers’ work is collaboration with each other, with nature and with community.

PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month:North Plain Farm and Blue Hill Farm

While studying at Berkshire Community College, Sean Stanton began North Plain Farm in 2001 with 25 chickens at his parents’ property.

BerkShares Business of the Month: OKUN

Despite his casual attitude and desire to have fun on the job, he conducts himself in a professional manner and understands that his reputation is everything.

BerkShares Business of the Month: Lauren Clark Fine Art and Framing on the Edge

Like many small businesses, gallery curators have a unique bond with their clientele, who share the same sense of style and develop trust in the curator to procure art that speaks to their taste.

BerkShares Business of the Month: Mahaiwe Tent

It’s the connection to other local businesses that make it possible for Mahaiwe Tent to accept BerkShares.

BerkShares Business of the Month: Braise Worthy

Braise Worthy has a unique business model: Through a direct-to-consumer subscription service, meals are delivered weekly to three pick-up locations throughout the southern Berkshires.

BerkShares Business of the Month: Rolling Rock Farm

When asked about the most important thing he’s learned from all his years in business, Rolling Rock Farm's Tony Carlotto said that it’s to be nice to people, adding, “When you’re happy and show up with a big smile, it spreads.”

BerkShares Business of the Month: Berkshire Gold & Silversmith

Just as he recognizes his shop as a community hub, Tom Parker says he loves the way that BerkShares are a tool to create community.
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