Sweet Brook will create Memory Quilt

WILLIAMSTOWN - Sweet Brook Transitional Care and Living Centers in Williamstown invites local residents to participate in the creation of a special Memory Quilt that will be used to celebrate the lives of Sweet Brook residents who pass away.

Sweet Brook has set aside the week of Sunday, June 8 to Saturday, June 14 to create squares for the Memory Quilt. “This is a labor of love for our residents,” said Meg Greenawalt, Activities Director at Sweet Brook. “We are asking for the help of anyone who has the desire to participate, anyone who has sewing skills, and those who have no special skills but the heart to help.” Those interested may contact Ms. Greenawalt, Director of Social Services Nancy Liss, or Admissions Director David Blanchette at (413) 458-8127.

When a resident dies, the Memory Quilt will accompany the resident as they depart Sweet Brook and then will be placed on the resident’s bed for 24 hours in their honor. “This will be our way to recognize and honor the person who has passed away,” said Nancy Liss, LSW, Director of Social Services at Sweet Brook. “It’s yet another way for family members, other residents, and our staff to remember the resident, acknowledge their life here, and what they brought to us.”

Liss has expanded Sweet Brook’s memorial programs by conducting services for residents who have passed away. The program has received high praise from family members and friends, and is appreciated as a means to celebrate the life of a resident and to ease the grieving process.

Upon completion of the Memory Quilt, Sweet Brook will hold a ceremony to formally present the quilt to the community at large and provide a special blessing.

Sweet Brook Transitional Care and Living Centers includes 184 skilled nursing beds, divided into an 81-bed specialized dementia care unit and a 60-bed subacute and rehabilitation unit, 43 long-term care beds, and a separately licensed outpatient rehabilitation center. All beds are certified for the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Both the facility and the specialized dementia care unit are accredited by The Joint Commission (www.jointcommission.org).

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.