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.

Pittsfield Firefighters to Participate in BFit Challenge

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Some of the city's firefighters are gearing up for the 10th annual BFit Challenge.
 
Every year, members of the department travel to Boston to climb the stairs at TD Garden in support of the New England Fire Cancer Fund. First responders, military members, and other community members each raise $300 to participate in the event, powered by National Grid and hosted by the Boston Bruins.
 
This year's challenge set for Jan. 26 has already raised more than $1 million.
 
For the second year in a row, Jason Smegal, owner of J Smegal Roofing and Gutters, donated $10,000 to support the fund.
 
"We designate our funds that we raise to firefighter cancer that goes through the PFFM, which is the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, and 100 percent of the funds go directly to either supporting the cause, pre-screening ...," said Capt. Robert Leary.
 
This is Leary's sixth year participating. He said the fundraiser is important and that hits close to home donating to PFFM, recognizing how his colleagues have been affected after 29 years as a firefighter.
 
Firefighter are at risk of being exposed to toxic chemicals such as fuels, burning materials and particulate matter which may be carcinogens.
 
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