Berkshire Slipcover Outlet to open in Great Barrington

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Gt. Barrington – On Saturday, May 1st, the Berkshire Slipcover Outlet moves from Prime Outlets at Lee to Barrington Plaza in the space formerly occupied by the linen store, Open House. Coincidentally, the Berkshire Slipcover Outlet will also carry a variety of linens and home furnishings including slipcovers, decorative pillows, sheets, futon covers, chair pads and rugs. Owner, Liana Toscanini, says the new store is 2000 square feet and will feature more displays, more product lines, and increased staff. After making a profit in her first year of business, Toscanini is taking a calculated risk that moving to tourist mecca, Great Barrington, and doubling the size of the store will reap similar rewards within the next 12 months. “I love the concept of the ‘community mall,’ says Toscanini, referring to Barrington Plaza, home of Kmart, Price Chopper and The Bookloft. “My local and regional customers are thrilled we’re moving to such a convenient place.” A showcase for Sure Fit brand slipcovers, the store carries a full line of discounted, readymade covers for chairs, loveseats, sofas, dining chairs, folding chairs and ottomans as well as hard-to-find catalog items including slipcovers for wingback furniture, recliners, and chair ½’s. New this season are covers for sectional furniture. Toscanini also plans to introduce some custom work. “There is a need for smaller chair covers,” says Toscanini, who is responding by partnering with designer and seamstress, Jane Hason, to make “semi-custom” slipcovers for petite chairs. Customers will provide a few basic measurements and bring their seat cushion in to be custom-covered. This two-piece cover would look more like custom-made slipcovers but wouldn’t be quite as fitted says Toscanini. The Berkshire Slipcover Outlet is unique in the U.S. and may serve as a prototype for a future franchise operation. Toscanini , a resident of Sandisfield, was a Vice President at Sure Fit, the country’s largest slipcover manufacturer, for ten years prior to starting her retail venture. The store is open 7 days a week. For more information, call (413) 528-9737 or visit www.berkshireslipcoveroutlet.com .
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FedPoint Accepting Applications for its 2026 Nursing Scholarships

PORTSMOUTH, NH. — FedPoint, a federal benefits administrator and marketplace operator, announced the window to apply for its annual nursing scholarships is now open.
 
The company will award four $5,000 scholarships, with recipients to be announced in May during National Nurses Week, which occurs from May 6-12.
 
"Nurses serve as a critical foundation of the healthcare system," said FedPoint CEO Kevin Hill. "Our scholarship program is designed to attract and develop the next generation of nursing talent and reinforce our communities' ability to meet future care demands."
 
Eligible applicants for the merit-based scholarships include graduating high school seniors, adult learners, and individuals pursuing a career change. Candidates must be U.S. citizens residing in New Hampshire, Maine or Massachusetts who are entering their first year of an accredited nursing program in the fall of 2026. More details about the scholarship, eligibility requirements, decision criteria and important dates are available at fedpointusa.com/scholarships.
 
As a benefits administrator for the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP), FedPoint employs several dozen nurses who provide care coordination and planning services to thousands of claimants and their families. The company introduced the FedPoint Nursing Scholarship in 2023 to promote nursing as a highly rewarding career and help bolster the future nursing workforce in northern New England and beyond.
 
The deadline to apply for the 2026 FedPoint Nursing Scholarship is Friday, March 20, 2026. The scholarship review panel will include members of FedPoint's own care coordination team, as well as nurses from the Cornerstone Visiting Nurse Association.
 
For more information on the FedPoint Nursing Scholarship, visit fedpointusa.com/scholarships.
 
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