BHS Announces Medical Arts Complex Construction

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) announced plans for work on the mechanical infrastructure of the Medical Arts Complex (MAC) to ensure the building's longstanding sustainability as a center for outpatient care. 
 
This work is a demonstration of BHS's continued investment in the health of Berkshire County, as part of its vision to be the region's trusted healthcare partner and community advocate for improving overall quality of life.
 
"Here at Berkshire Health Systems, we take pride in not only being the leading healthcare provider in Berkshire County but also investing in the health of our community," said Darlene Rodowicz, BHS president and CEO. "Taking this step to preserve the MAC's future sustainability is one of many investments we're proud to make in the system as a whole."
 
Construction at the MAC will begin on Sept. 5, 2023, following the Labor Day Holiday and is expected to last for 12 months. Work on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, (HVAC) systems will impact the way that people enter the building.
 
The front, upper-level entrance of the MAC Building that is typically accessed from the parking lot will be closed. All patients, visitors, and staff should plan to access the building from the rear (West) using either the ground floor entrance or the second-floor walkway from the parking garage. 
 
The patient parking lot at the front of the building will remain open with a modified driveway entrance. BHS will offer valet parking, extensive shuttle service to the rear door, and a modified sidewalk to allow access to the rear of the building to help patients and visitors adapt to the entry changes. Additional accessible parking will also be available near the rear entrance. Visit berkshirehealthsystems.org/MACProject to view a walking guide and map.
 
"The current MAC building was constructed in 1990. In the 33 years since, the building has welcomed thousands of patients through its doors," said Chris Camillo, Vice President of Physician Services and leader of the BHS medical group of clinics, many of which are housed in the MAC. "By taking this step, we are ensuring that the MAC remains positioned to serve our patients, today and for years to come."
 
 
 

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ServiceNet Cuts Ribbon on Vocational Farm to 'Sow Seeds of Hope'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Lori Carnute plants flowers at the farm and enjoys seeing her friends. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Smiles were all around as farmers, human service workers, and officials cut the ribbon Friday on ServiceNet's new vocational farm on Crane Avenue.

Whether it is planting flowers or growing fresh produce, the program is for "sowing seeds of hope" for those with developmental disabilities.

"What Prospect Meadow Farm is about is changing lives," Vice President of Vocational Services Shawn Robinson said.

"Giving people something meaningful to do, a community to belong to, a place to go every day and to make a paycheck, and again, I am seeing that every day from our first 17 farmhands the smiles on their faces. They're glad to be here. They're glad to be making money."

Prospect Meadow Farm Berkshires held a launch event on Friday with tours, music, snacks, and a ribbon cutting in front of its tomato greenhouse. The nonprofit human service agency closed on the former Jodi's Seasonal on Crane Avenue earlier this year.  

It is an expansion of ServiceNet's first farm in Hatfield that has provided meaningful agricultural work, fair wages, and personal and professional growth to hundreds of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since opening in 2011.

Eventually, the farm will employ 50 individuals with developmental disabilities year-round and another 20 to 25 local folks supporting their work.

The pay is a great aspect for Billy Baker, who is learning valuable skills for future employment doing various tasks around the farm. He has known some of the ServiceNet community for over a decade.

"I just go wherever they need me to help," he said. "I'm more of a hands-on person."

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