A March Beneath An Arch: MGRHS Class of 2005

By Susan BushPrint Story | Email Story
Members of the MGRHS CLass of 2005 await their diplomas.
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Williamstown – The Mount Greylock Regional High School Class of 2005 stepped beneath a red-and-white balloon archway and into the future during a June 5 graduation ceremony. Strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” competed with hearty applause as the 114 senior class members approached family and friends and the milestone graduation moment. Prior to the ceremony, the red-or-white-gowned students mingled near tree-shaded, on-campus picnic tables. Several seniors talked enthusiastically about future plans. Benjamin P. McKeen, 18, of Lanesboro and Jacob Snow, 18, of Williamstown, shot a few hoops before they donned their caps and gowns. McKeen said he will continue to work as a cook at the Arizona Pizza restaurant and Snow said his plans include continuing education at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Arthur R. Raney, 18, of Lanesboro, said he is in the midst of a job search. He said that graduation is exciting but “I’m going to miss school. I like the routine and the friends.” Lauren E. Vogel, 17, of Lanesboro, said that she will continue her education at the Berkshire Community College and has plans to transfer to another school for additional studies. “Right after graduation I’m going to dinner with my dad,” said Denna A. Simon, 18, of Williamstown. “I’m going to work in a nursing home as a painter painting rooms and stuff and I’m also going to Berkshire Community College to study physical therapy.” Senior Class Co-presidents Mary R. DeMatteo and Emily J. Stinson welcomed guests to the ceremony. Mount Greylock Regional High School does not select a salutatorian and a valedictorian, opting for a faculty-selected speaker and a student-selected speaker. Faculty chosen speaker Paul W. St. Clair delivered a strong speech titled “Thinking Inside the Box,” and senior class speaker Devin A. Rock offered his thoughts with a speech titled “Beyond the Grade.” Moments after MGRHS School Committee member Robert Petricca awarded students their diplomas, 114 red-and-white tassels were turned, the graduates bid adieu to their high school days and allowed thunderous applause to carry them toward their futures. A multi-photograph slideshow of the MGRHS Class of 2005 is posted at www.iberkshires.com. Susan Bush may be reached at 802-823-9367 or by e-mail at suebush123@adelphia.net.
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North Adams Regional Reopens With Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

BHS President and CEO Darlene Rodowicz welcomes the gathering to the celebration of the hospital's reopening 10 years to the day it closed. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The joyful celebration on Thursday at North Adams Regional Hospital was a far cry from the scene 10 years ago when protests and tears marked the facility's closing
 
Hospital officials, local leaders, medical staff, residents and elected officials gathered under a tent on the campus to mark the efforts over the past decade to restore NARH and cut the ribbon officially reopening the 136-year-old medical center. 
 
"This hospital under previous ownership closed its doors. It was a day that was full of tears, anger and fear in the Northern Berkshire community about where and how residents would be able to receive what should be a fundamental right for everyone — access to health care," said Darlene Rodowicz, president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems. 
 
"Today the historic opportunity to enhance the health and wellness of Northern Berkshire community is here. And we've been waiting for this moment for 10 years. It is the key to keeping in line with our strategic plan which is to increase access and support coordinated county wide system of care." 
 
Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, under the BHS umbrella, purchased the campus and affiliated systems when Northern Berkshire Healthcare declared bankruptcy and closed on March 28, 2014. NBH had been beset by falling admissions, reductions in Medicare and Medicaid payments, and investments that had gone sour leaving it more than $30 million in debt. 
 
BMC was able to reopen the ER as an emergency satellite facility and slowly restored and enhanced medical services including outpatient surgery, imaging, dialysis, pharmacy and physician services. 
 
But it would take a slight tweak in the U.S. Health and Human Services' regulations — thank to U.S. Rep. Richie Neal — to bring back inpatient beds and resurrect North Adams Regional Hospital 
 
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