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.

BCC's New President Gets Higher Ed Board OK

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education on Tuesday formally voted to approve the appointment of Hara Charlier as Berkshire Community College's next president.
 
The vote follows the recent unanimous recommendation by the BCC Board of Trustees and marks the final step in the college's presidential search process. Charlier will officially assume the role on July 1, 2026.
 
She is currently president of Central Lakes College in Minnesota and was selected following a comprehensive national search process guided by campus and community input.
 
Charlier replaces Ellen Kennedy, who will retire after 14 years as president of college at the end of the academic year.
 
With state approval now secured, BCC looks forward to welcoming Charlier as its next leader and continuing its commitment to student success, workforce development, and service to the Berkshires, according to a statement from the college. 
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