Fairview upgrades radiology services with 64-slice CT scanner
Great Barrington — Physicians in southern Berkshire County who need quick, detailed understanding of their patients’ conditions now have access to the state-of-the-art imaging technology of the recently installed GE Optima 64-slice CT scanner at Fairview Hospital. Located adjacent to Fairview’s emergency department, the new technology expands the range of applications able to be performed at Fairview.
“The 64-slice CT allows an increase in the complexity of CT studies that we can do here. With a 64-slice CT, you can image small blood vessels, which we previously could not. It complements our diagnostic radiology department’s x-ray and ultrasound capability,“ said Dr. Alec Belman, chief of Fairview’s emergency department.
The new CT also advances Fairview’s role as a Massachusetts Department of Public Health Primary Stroke Service Hospital. As Belman explains, “We can look at the internal contours of the blood vessels to determine if people would benefit from newer therapies such as “clot removal” at bigger centers. This allows us to determine the best location for people to receive further stroke care.”
Fairview performs 5,200 CT scans per year, including both emergency inpatient and outpatient cases, in addition to seeing over 13,000 patients in its emergency department.
–E.E.
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Restaurants divert food waste for composting
Lenox — Eight restaurants now divert their food scraps, which are hauled away by Empire Zero and delivered to Holiday Brook Farm in Dalton, for composting. The diversion is part of a Lenox Environmental Committee (LEC) effort to encourage composting as part of its overall mission to promote environmentally sound policies and practices in Lenox.
The LEC partnered with RecyclingWorks, a program administered by the Center for EcoTechnology and funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, which offers free technical assistance to help businesses and institutions reduce waste. RecyclingWorks connected the LEC with Empire Zero, an organics hauler that was already servicing larger entities in the Berkshires. The LEC created a “Table to Farm” window decal to help the public identify restaurants that are composting their food scraps and each restaurant that participates in the program receives a few decals to display in its windows.
Businesses and organizations interested in starting a similar food waste diversion program may contact RecyclingWorks at (888) 254-5525.
–E.E.
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Greylock’s Joanne Billow receives award from CUNA
Pittsfield — The Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing and Business Development Council has recognized Joanne Billow, marketing services manager with Greylock Federal Credit Union and Greylock Marketing Group, with a Volunteer of the Year award. The Volunteer of the Year is selected by the Council leadership and honors an individual who exemplifies excellence in credit union marketing. The award was presented during the Council’s annual meeting in Anaheim, Calif. on March 24.
Billow has served on the Diamond Award judging team since 2012 and joined the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council in 2008. She has also judged the Hall of Fame award, Marketing Professional of the Year award, and Excellence Awards. Billow’s more than 30 years of broadcasting, graphic design, media, and copywriting experience make her an asset to the Diamond Awards committee and the Council.
–E.E.
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Hillcrest Educational Centers, Inc. receives award from Berkshire Bank
Pittsfield — Hillcrest Educational Centers, Inc. has been awarded $7,500 from Berkshire Bank Foundation, Inc. to support its educational initiatives and address the needs of low-income children in its care.
The donation directly supports annual fundraising events such as the Annual Fall Classic and the St. Patrick’s Reception, the proceeds from which provide long-term support to the agency and the children and families it serves.
–E.E.
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Boys & Girls Club recreational therapy program initiatives
Pittsfield — The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires has announced new initiatives through its recreational therapy program. The Lighthouse Café initiative and the transitional program initiative will run in collaboration with local school districts and social agencies.
The Lighthouse Café will be run by high school special education students who will serve lunch and breakfast to the public from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students will create the menu, shop for food, and prepare and serve meals. They will also be responsible for maintaining the café, and greeting and cashing out customers. Takeout orders will also be accepted for delivery to downtown businesses.
The transitional program will focus on helping students ages 18 – 22 from local school districts to develop the appropriate and transferable skills necessary to be independent when entering the community at age 22. The program will be individualized and include community work experience, community access, and mobility training.
For more information about the initiatives, contact Boys and Girls Club Recreational Therapy Director Rick Backer at (413) 329-6180.
–E.E.
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BCC to offer ‘Real Estate Licensing for the Salesperson’ course
Pittsfield — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will offer a Real Estate Licensing for the Salesperson (WKS 821 E1) course Monday, May 16, through Friday, May 20.
The 40-hour course will be taught by licensed real estate educator Jennifer Segala and will cover basic real estate principles and the laws governing real estate licensing.
The course will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All sessions will be held at the Conte Federal Building, 78 Center St. Tuition is $450. Registration should be completed no later than one week before the course starts. All materials are included in the tuition fee.
For more information call (413) 236-2127.
–E.E.
