“Creating a Culture of Mutual Respect”

Print Story | Email Story
The Berkshire Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Inc. will offer a professional development training, “Creating a Culture of Mutual Respect” on Thursday, May 29th, from 5:00-7:30 pm at the Berkshire Medical Center Auditorium, 725 North Street, Pittsfield.

Confucius once said, “Before we can change things, we must call them by their real name.” Violence is part of our lives –on television, in songs, books, on the streets and even in the workplace. Dr. Martha Griffin, Director of Nursing Education and Research at Boston Medical Center will discuss the less publicized but widespread issue of nurse practice lateral violence or nurses’ hostility toward other nurses. Research indicates passive aggression and hostility causes high turnover among new RN’s and poor staff communication translates into poor patient outcomes. The solution to this problem lies in creating a culture of mutual respect through education, awareness and accountability. Dr. Griffin will discuss the categories of lateral violence, the impact it has on nursing practice and present techniques to confront this serious issue and communicate more effectively.

Program registration and a light dinner will begin at 4:00 pm in Private Dining Room B and three continuing education credits will be available for nurses. A $30 fee includes the light supper, program materials and the continuing education certificate. A late fee of $5 will apply after May 22nd and the fee for walk in registrations is $45. Advanced registration and payment are required and no refunds will be given after May 22nd.  Berkshire AHEC is supported in part by HRSA, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and University of Massachusetts Medical School as part of the Mass AHEC Network. For additional program details, visit us at www.berkshireahec.org or call Berkshire AHEC, (413) 447-2417.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Day Returns This Saturday

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
 
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center. 
 
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents. 
 
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager. 
 
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
 
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
 
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event. 
 
View Full Story

More Stories