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.

Site 9 has Another Interested Buyer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Economic Development Authority held its shortest meeting on Thursday.

In June, Pittsfield's Business Development Manager Michael Coakley said there was an interested buyer for a couple of acres on Site 9, a pharmaceutical research and development company.

Coakley said they have received a purchase and sale agreement but before signing, there have to be assurances that the company has the financial requirements to construct the building.

He was to have another meeting with the company to go over questions on the purchase and sale agreement, as well as environmental and legal questions. Coakley said the company is still very interested and is trying to raise funds for its project. 

Coakley also brought the board up to date on the street names suggested in June 2025 of Mill Town Way, Morningside Way and Innovation Place.

He said Milltown Way and Innovation Place are in the process of being accepted, and the city will take over those streets. They are working with Milltown to make sure they are OK with the process and if it has any questions.

In other news, an electric energy company is interested in leasing Site 7 for six months. This entity hopes to use it for storage of shipping containers, staging, and parking for crews installing smart meters throughout the city. The lease would be $3,100 monthly, but the board could not vote on Thursday as it did not have a quorum.

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