Berkshire Green Drinks: A New Vision For Protecting The Environment

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) staff members will share updates from their work in 2025 at the December Berkshire Green Drinks event on Tuesday, Dec. 16. 
 
This free hybrid event will take place online via Zoom and in person at BEAT's Environmental Leadership and Education Center, 20 Chapel St, Pittsfield, MA. 
 
The in-person social gathering will begin around 5:15 PM; the presentation and Zoom meeting will start at 6:00 PM.
 
Executive Director Brittany Ebeling will share BEAT's new vision statement, developed collectively by BEAT staff, and will introduce new Deputy Director Melanie McCarthy. 
 
No Fracked Gas in Mass Program Director Rose Wessel will provide updates on pipeline expansions and climate legislation. Chelsey Simmons, Drake Reed, and Andrew Ferrara will review the progress made in the past year on campaigns centered on stewardship, education and outreach, and watchdogging, including invasive plant removal, the annual Biodiversity Day, air quality monitoring, stopping the practice of non-native fish stocking, and more. 
 
BEAT staff will also share their plans for working upcoming in the new year as they continue to celebrate the legacy of recently retired Founding Executive Director Jane Winn by working with the Berkshire community and beyond to protect the environment for wildlife in support of the natural world that sustains us all.
 

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BHS Named WWCMA WorkWell Massachusetts Awards Honorable Mention

 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) was named a 2025 WorkWell Massachusetts Awards program Honorable Mention recipient in the large group category for exemplary worksite health promotion by the Worksite Wellness Council of MA (WWCMA), powered by Healthiest Employers.

This award recognizes BHS's achievements in providing best-in-class programs and supporting employees through a culture of well-being, stated a press release.

"This statewide recognition of our Wellness at Work team is well deserved," said Darlene Rodowicz, BHS President & CEO. "These exceptional health professionals tailor wellness strategies, including assessments, high-risk focus, robust risk reduction, on-site/virtual options, and rigorous evaluation, serving many businesses in the region and our own BHS employees."

Berkshire Health Systems Wellness at Work program prioritizes health and quality of life. Beyond mere medical treatment, it addresses total costs—absences, disabilities, compensation, productivity, and organizational impact, continued a press release.

"Due to the collective efforts and remarkable dedication of the wellness community, the competition for this year's awards was exceptionally fierce," says Barb Petersen, WWCMA Board Director and Co-Chair of the Awards & Recognition Committee. "The innovative approaches and high standards set by organizations across Massachusetts made this year's selection process particularly challenging, underscoring the significant progress we're making in advancing workplace wellness."

WorkWell Massachusetts Awards is a corporate award program created by WWCMA, a not-for-profit member organization dedicated to the advancement of worksite wellness programs. WWCMA is partnering with Healthiest Employers, in recognizing people-first organizations who a proactive approach to employee health.

"This year's awards were especially exciting with a notable increase in first-time applicants and winners," says Archana Kansagra, WWCMA Board Director, Co-Chair of the Awards & Recognition Committee, and founder of the WorkWell MA Awards program. "It's inspiring to see so many new organizations stepping up and showcasing their commitment to workplace wellness. Their fresh perspectives and innovative programs have inspired meaningful change within their organizations and we're looking forward to giving them a platform to share their best practices."

WorkWell Massachusetts Awards is a corporate award program created by WWCMA, a not-for-profit member organization dedicated to the advancement of worksite wellness programs. WWCMA is partnering with Healthiest Employers, in recognizing people-first organizations who a proactive approach to employee health.

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