Letter: International Women's Day

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To the Editor:

This letter was ignored by the Berkshire Eagle

Friday, March 8, was International Women's Day. Here in the Berkshires, it was celebrated by the Zonta club, an International Women's Leadership organization, by honoring six dynamic women from our community at a special dinner that attracted over 200 attendees.

This diverse group of women has made monumental contributions from coaching young professionals to build careers here to providing over two million diapers to those in need. These women aren't CEOs of big corporations and they didn't develop the latest app. They excelled by giving their time, skills and in most cases their own money for the benefit and betterment of the Berkshires. Their stories are inspirational, serving as powerful testaments of selfless service to guide young girls and women.

On Saturday morning, I sat down with my digital copy of the Berkshire Eagle–our Hometown Newspaper– expecting to read about this event and the special women leaders who are uplifting our community but there was no story or photo. Making headlines was the lead story with photos about “Drag Time Story Hour for our Children.”


I seriously question the Eagle's editorial decision and judgment. How do you ignore this opportunity to illustrate International Women's Day through local coverage of Zonta's six remarkable honorees, from diverse backgrounds and roles, who are leading the Berkshires to build a more equitable, desirable and respectful place to live?

I've met the editor and publisher of the Eagle. He's a smart guy. This wasn't a mistake. I believe this was an intentional effort by our hometown newspaper to advance a political agenda while ignoring real community heroes. Eagle editors have demonstrated irresponsible behavior and a lack of leadership and judgment by propagating a targeted narrative.

Get the focus where it belongs.

Respectfully,

Roger Gibboni
Lanesborough, Mass. 

 

 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Finance to Discuss Budget Freeze, CBRSD Wednesday

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Finance Committee will be reviewing whether a budget freeze is necessary, considering ongoing financial concerns. 
 
At Monday's meeting, Select Board member Antonio Pagliarulo raised the possibility of freezing the town budget as a precautionary measure, given budget concerns presented during the last meeting. 
 
"I do think we're fine if we look at where we are in terms of budget to actuals. We seem to be tracking pretty well for [fiscal year 2026] so I have no concerns whatsoever over this year's budget," Town Manager Eric Anderson said. 
 
Last week, Anderson presented the "grim" budget to the Select Board showcasing the anticipated major drivers in the fiscal year 2027 budget. 
 
During the last meeting he explained that in the worst-case scenario, the town could be forced to reduce staff if projected increases in the school budget, health insurance, and other uncontrollable costs occur.
 
On Monday, Pagliarulo re-outlined some of the drivers that are putting pressure on the budget including the contract and planning budget, in addition to the planned sewer bill increases because of Pittsfield's sewer treatment plan upgrades.
 
The draft budget for Central Berkshire Regional School District forecast a nearly 10 percent increase. However, district administration will be presenting up-to-date numbers at the Wednesday Finance Committee meeting.  
 
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