PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Medical Center has announced that Dionne Hamilton, a housekeeper on BMC's Environmental Services Team and Kate Heath, an RN in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) have been invited to the Super Bowl.
"I keep waiting for it to disappear. It doesn't seem real," said Heath.
The Kraft Family and the New England Patriots organization have selected Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) among a select group of hospitals across Massachusetts to provide two employees with a free trip to Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay, Fla.
In a press release earlier this week, the New England Patriots explained that this trip has two goals: "to recognize and thank a representative group of the countless healthcare superheroes in New England, and to celebrate and spread the important message of getting vaccinated."
Hamilton and Heath, who have both been fully vaccinated, will join 74 other healthcare workers from New England for the full VIP Super Bowl experience, including a two-night stay at Patriot Place, transportation on the Patriots' Plane to Tampa, plus tickets to pre-game concerts and events, as well as attendance at the game.
"We would like to thank the Kraft Family and the New England Patriots for recognizing healthcare workers with this amazing opportunity and for their advocacy around the importance of vaccination and access to personal protective equipment," Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) President and CEO David Phelps said. "We are incredibly proud of all of our staff at BMC and BHS for the work they have done since Day one of this crisis." Phelps added, "Though we can only send two employees, each and every one of our staff members is deserving of this VIP Super Bowl opportunity. Dionne and Kate are exemplary employees and we know that will represent our organization well."
As a critical care nurse, Heath has spent the past year caring daily for critically ill COVID-19 patients. Heath explained that working on a COVID floor can be isolating for frontline workers. She said it is a challenge for non-patient-facing staff, community members and even immediate family members to understand what COVID care is like and how challenging the past year has been.
"It's validating to be acknowledged by the Krafts and the Patriots organization in such a big way," said Heath.
Dionne Hamilton, who is responsible for cleaning and disinfecting COVID hospital rooms at BMC, volunteered for extra shifts at Hillcrest Commons Nursing & Rehabilitation Center when the facility was experiencing an outbreak this winter. After working a full day at BMC, Hamilton donned her full PPE again and spent her nights working at Hillcrest.
"I was just doing what I could," said Hamilton. "Everybody did a lot."
According to the BHS press release, Hamilton and Heath, who are both football fans, are looking forward to the "Big Game," along with a little sunshine and 70-degree Florida weather.
"I am smiling so hard under this mask," Hamilton said.
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Home with Comfort and Functionality
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for a nice colonial home with room to enjoy life? Then this might be the home for you.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 17 Kittredge Road.
The house was built in 1949 and includes four bedrooms and three baths. It is 2,430 square feet with 3.32 acres. It is on the market for $525,000.
The house also includes a sunroom and seasonal porch, along with a fireplace, as well as a garage. The house also features a fully finished basement with a game room, laundry room, and extra living space.
We spoke to Maggie Gavin with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
Gavin: What really makes this home stand out is the combination of neighborhood setting, square footage, and versatility. It's located in a well-established Pittsfield neighborhood while offering a larger-than-average home with multiple living areas. Between the additional family room, finished basement, and the extra garage and shed space, the property provides exceptional storage and flexibility — features that are increasingly hard to find. It's a home that offers both comfort and functionality, with space to spread out and adapt to a variety of lifestyles.
What was your first impression when you walked into the home?
Gavin: My first impression was how welcoming and functional the layout feels. The rooms flow naturally, there's great natural light throughout, and the home immediately feels comfortable rather than formal. It's the kind of space that feels easy to live in from the moment you step inside.
Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?
Gavin: One of the most special aspects of this home is that it has had only one owner, which really speaks to how well it has been cared for over the years. It was clearly a home meant to be lived in and loved long-term, with thoughtful updates made along the way. That sense of pride in ownership is something you feel throughout the property.
What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?
Gavin: This home is ideal for someone looking for space and flexibility — whether that's a growing family, multigenerational use, a buyer who works from home and needs multiple living areas, or someone who values privacy and outdoor space without sacrificing convenience. It's also a great fit for buyers who love to entertain or host holidays.
Are there any recent renovations or standout design features?
Gavin: Yes — there have been significant recent updates, including major mechanical improvements, roof and refreshed interior finishes. Standout features include the multiple living spaces, the four season sunroom overlooking the yard, and the finished lower level, which adds versatility for recreation, guests, or work-from-home needs.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
Gavin: I would encourage buyers to picture how effortlessly this home adapts to different seasons and lifestyles — cozy winter evenings by the fireplace, summer gatherings in the yard, quiet mornings in the sunroom, and flexible spaces that grow and change with your needs. It's a home that supports both everyday living and special moments.
You can find out more about this house on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 17 Kittredge Road. click for more
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