Letter: International Women's Day

Letter to the EditorPrint Story | Email Story

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.

Weekend Outlook: Barn Birthday, Musical Nights

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this week including musical nights, turtles, and more.

Editor's Pick

Round Stone Barn Birthday
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Time: Sunday, 10 to 5

Free community day to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the village's iconic Round Stone Barn. Live music, special performances, food trucks, ice cream, discovery tours, and other kid-friendly activities. Cupcakes served at 2; first come, first served. 
 
More information here.https://tinyl.co/4lgy

Meet the Turtles with Berkshire County Turtle Rescue
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: Saturday, 10:30 a.m.

Meet live rescued turtles with wildlife rehabilitator Tracy Zustra, founder of Berkshire County Turtle Rescue, and learn more about turtles in Berkshire County and how to care for pet turtles.  Then make your own turtle crossing signs.

More information here.

Multiple Days

'The Legend of Georgia McBride'
Colonial Theater, Pittsfield
July 31 through Aug. 16

The musical comedy features drag performances with musical numbers from Elvis Presley and Bette Midler to Édith Piaf, Mariah Carey and Dolly Parton. 

More information and tickets here.

Friday 

Misty Blues 2026
Adams Theater
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Misty Blues is returning to Adams with their 18th album and celebrating their 25th year of performing  blues, vintage jazz, and deep-pocket funk.

More information and tickets here.

Beaver Detectives
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Learn and investigate the way beavers live and try and find them as you walk the sanctuary's trails.

Register in advance; tickets are $12 and $15. More information here.

Children's Programming
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The library is hosting a number of programs including Dungeons and Dragons, take-home crafts, switch and play, and an escape game. 

More information here.

Friday Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.

More information here.

Saturday

Fire on the Mountain Jam

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories