Fairview Hospital honors employees at annual awards dinner
Great Barrington — Fairview Hospital’s executive Vice President Tony Rinaldi and Doreen Hutchinson, vice president of patient care and chief nurse, announced Fairview’s annual employee awards at the hospital’s 2018 employee dinner held June 8 at the Egremont Country Club among more than 180 guests.
The President’s Diamond Team Award for Excellence, which recognizes a group that has set a strong example of teamwork, went to the pharmacy and volunteer services teams. Teammate of the Year recognizes an individual who embodies team spirit and was awarded to critical care unit nurse Lee Ann Fleming Hand. Coach of the Year is awarded to an individual who enhances care through staff development and was given to cardiac rehabilitation nurse Ellen Hamm. Rookie of the Year, which cites an employee who has showed outstanding enthusiasm and merit while holding a position at the hospital for less than a year, was awarded to Marah Koprowski of the ambulatory surgery department. Nurse Adrien Conklin of MACONY Pediatrics received the Above and Beyond Award, which honors an individual whose sense of compassion reflects the true spirit of care.
–E.E.
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CDCSB seeks community help with inspirational video grant challenge
Great Barrington — The Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire is seeking community support in winning a new grant challenge that will support its work building low-moderate income housing, creating jobs, and helping families and individuals in the southern Berkshire region.
Through Monday, June 25, CDCSB is asking members of the community to share its new, 30-second “Help Us Afford to Live Here” video on Facebook. Each Facebook user may share the video once per day.
The inspirational video grant challenge is offered by the Henry Hammond Cobb Jr. Foundation’s SERQUEST. The three organizations whose videos receive the most shares will win $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000. The foundation launched SERQUEST in 2017 in an effort to help nonprofits distribute videos and other creative media to increase donations and volunteer resources.
–E.E.
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Berkshire United Way holds 2018 Leadership Reception
Lenox — Berkshire United Way held its 2018 Leadership Reception June 11 at Cranwell Spa & Golf Resort. Nearly 150 people attended the event recognizing Berkshire United Way’s leadership donors. Chris and Kim Mathews were honored with the 2018 Ruth P. and Nicholas Boraski Leaders in Philanthropy Award and Eugene Dellea received the J. Edward Dery Memorial Award.
Long-standing Berkshire United Way supporter and past board member Nicholas Boraski attended the event to present the Mathewses with their award, which recognizes those who demonstrate dedication to improving the quality of life for everyone in the community regardless of means. Last presented in 2014, the Dery Award honors commitment to the improvement of the quality of life in Berkshire County by an individual, foundation or organization.
Rounding out the evening, Berkshire Community College dean of enrollment management and Berkshire United Way board Vice-Chair Christina Wynn announced the names of the 20 local businesses and organizations that achieved Pinnacle status in Berkshire United Way’s workplace campaign this past year. In addition, a parent participant in at CHP Family Services’ Parent Child Home Program acknowledged leadership donors in attendance for helping her and her young family to develop the lifelong tools and community connections they needed.
–E.E.
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CHP achieves perfect federal compliance score following review
Great Barrington — Community Health Programs has earned a perfect compliance score from the federal agency that provides critical funding for federally qualified health centers.
The Health Resources Services Administration delivered its findings following an onsite review in April. HRSA provides nearly 20 percent of CHP’s annual funding through federal grants. The agency oversees more than 1,400 federally qualified health centers nationwide and conducts site visits every three years to evaluate compliance with detailed regulations regarding health care.
CHP’s medical practice sites care for more than 30,000 Berkshire County residents. The agency employs more than 200, who provide primary care, dental care, women’s health care, vision care, nutrition, physical therapy, and family services.
–E.E.
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Community ReStart names Eller as program director

Pittsfield — Community ReStart has announced the appointment of Michael Eller to the position of program director.
Eller has been with Community ReStart for four months and brought multiple skills and extensive experience to its sober housing program. As a Berkshire County native, Eller is familiar with the needs of the area’s recovery and re-entry population. He is experienced and trained in drug, alcohol and group counseling strategies. He offers life skills groups as well as advice on emotional and social issues and healthy living.
–E.E.