Berkshire Daily: A New Podcast, a Culinary Hire & Monterey Grain Festival

New & growing businesses

West Stockbridge’s Rebecca Sheir and Eric Shimelonis are starting a new chapter with “Lions and Legends.” After creating more than 300 episodes of “Circle Round,” the couple has launched an independent children’s podcast with more room to experiment with storytelling, music, and audio.

In hospitality news, Belden House & Mews has appointed Chef Vincent “Vinny” Gilberti as culinary director. The announcement highlights his approach to reshaping the property’s menu around unfussy, satisfying dishes.

• After ‘Circle Round,’ Rebecca Sheir and Eric Shimelonis begin a new chapter with ‘Lions and Legends’ · The Berkshire Edge
• BERKSHIRE FOOD NEWS: Belden House & Mews announces the appointment of Chef Vincent ‘Vinny’ Gilberti as Culinary Director · The Berkshire Edge

Local events

The second annual Monterey Grain Festival is in the food-events spotlight, with a playful question at its heart: Which came first, bread or beer? This week’s culinary roundup also includes announcements from Talbott & Arding, Stockbridge Library, and Images Cinema.

The second Homelands PowWow brought hundreds to Shakespeare & Company for two days of dancing, teaching, and crafts. The gathering celebrated Native history and heritage as Native communities returned to ancestral Berkshires land.

For more around the county, today’s arts and community roundup includes announcements from Shakespeare & Company, WAM Theatre, Berkshire Pride, and Berkshire Theatre Group.

• BERKSHIRE FOOD EVENTS: Second annual Monterey Grain Festival · The Berkshire Edge
• BERKSHIRE FOOD EVENTS October 7, 2026: Culinary happenings in the Berkshires and beyond! · The Berkshire Edge
• At second Homelands PowWow, Native communities return to ancestral Berkshires land · The Berkshire Edge
• BITS & BYTES October 8, 2026: What’s happening in the Berkshires and beyond! · The Berkshire Edge

Notable local news

Lee residents raised concerns about the condition of the Barnes Brook culvert and retaining wall at a Select Board meeting. The board also approved increases to Fire Department ambulance billing and inspection fees.

In Great Barrington, a commentary urges voters to attend the October 19 Special Town Meeting and support Southern Berkshire Ambulance’s funding request. It is an appeal for support, not a report of an approved appropriation.

• Lee residents voice concerns over the integrity of Barnes Brook culvert and retaining wall during Select Board meeting · The Berkshire Edge
• Great Barrington voters, please come to the Special Town Meeting on Oct. 19 and approve SBAS’s request for funding · The Berkshire Edge

Relocation tip from the team

Moving to or from the Berkshires? Build your home search around daily routines as well as the property itself. Talk with your agent about access to work, groceries, healthcare, and favorite activities, and visit prospective neighborhoods with those priorities in mind.