NBH 2009 Golf Tournament Raises $93,000

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The 16th annual Northern Berkshire Healthcare Open Golf Tournament, sponsored by Williamstown Savings Bank, raised more than $93,000 for the health system's annual fund, said Donald Keagan, co-chairman of the NBH Golf Tournament Committee. Forty-two teams participated on Friday, June 12, at Waubeeka Golf Links in Williamstown.

Proceeds from this year's event will benefit North Adams Regional Hospital's investment in upgraded, high-definition ultrasound equipment in the Medical Imaging department. The new device will improve breast imaging capabilities, allowing for better breast biopsies and exams. In addition, the new ultrasound equipment will mesh seamlessly with NARH's Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS), storing images as they are digitized and making them readily accessible to physicians.

 "Our sponsors' generous contributions created an unparalleled success once again,” said Bruce Grinnell, chairman of the NBH Development Committee and NBH Board of Trustees. "Williamstown Savings Bank's $15,000 sponsorship of the golf tournament is crucial in this climate. Philanthropy, and support of institutions like our local health-care system, is more important than ever.”

Bank President John Law said Williamstown Savings was pleased to support the tournament again and help NBH and NARH provide excellent health care services to the community.

"Maintaining high-quality, locally based health care is crucial for our community and our local economy," said Law. "Speaking on behalf of everyone at Williamstown Savings Bank and MountainOne Financial Partners, we want to do our part to ensure that NARH and the rest of our local health-care system are as healthy as they can be."

More than 20 major sponsors supported this year's event: SEI Investments, Schwartz Hannum PC, Alvarez & Marsal, FTI Healthcare Inc., Donoghue, Barrett & Singal, PC, Nassif's Professional Pharmacy, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Freedom Healthcare Staffing, the Weissman Group, Sodexo, the Tutera Group, Fiduciary Investment Advisors, Navin Haffty & Associates, Donald R. Dubendorf, Zurick Davis, Smith, Watson & Co., the North Adams Transcript, New England Pathology Associates, Owens and Minor, National Healing and ProMutual Group. The event also benefited from the generosity of 55 different local businesses and organizations that served as tee sign and raffle prize sponsors as well.

Rick Palmisano, CEO and president of Northern Berkshire Healthcare, offered his personal thanks to the sponsor.

"The hospital is very appreciative of Williamstown Savings Bank's long-standing commitment, and on behalf of all of the employees of NARH, I want to say thank you. This was a tremendous effort, and it produced incredible results. We also owe thanks to the many sponsors and raffle prize donors, and of course to all the golfers," he said.

"The committee also wishes to thank everyone who took part in the tournament this year," said Keagan. "The members of our committee, Williamstown Savings Bank, our business sponsors, and every individual golfer can take pride in the fact that we raised money to improve the services of our local hospital."

Members of the NBH Golf Tournament Committee include co-Chairmen Keagan and Jeff Polucci , Dianne Cutillo, Duffy Judge, Matt Storey, Rob Abel, Paul Hopkins and Kristina Foley.
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Companion Corner Grey Boy at No Paws Left Behind

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There's a cat No Paws Left Behind still waiting for his forever home.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. He was previously highlighted but he now has new information.

Grey Boy is 10 years old and is a gray and white domestic shorthair and was previously highlighted on Companion Corner.

The shelter's Executive Director Noelle Howland introduced us to him and his long journey to be ready for adoption.

"He's been here a couple months. He was a transfer from a rescue in Bennington. They were out of space, so we had taken him in with a few other cats. So he's been here a couple months. He came in with what we believed was a respiratory infection," she said. "So it took us a little bit to get him ready, and then he also needed a dental. So he has nice, clean teeth. He had some teeth removed, and then he has to go back in and have one more dental. So he'll be all ready to go."

It was previously thought that he has feline herpes but he was recently diagnosed with a palette fracture because of how bad his dental disease was, which is what is causing his sneezing. He can now go home with cats, a cat-savvy dog and children.

"He has had two dentals since being with us. Due to the palate fracture he will be sneezy for the rest of his life, not contagious sneezing, but that doesn’t stop him from living a perfectly happy life. He should be on wet food with chunks due to this and since he has had many teeth removed," Howland said.

Grey Boy loves to play with toys and enjoy treats. He would also love to have a window to lounge or bird-watch in.

"He is not afraid of anything. He's very curious, so I'm sure he'd love if you have windows for him to look out of. He still plays, even though he's 10 it does not stop him. So any home would be a good fit for him."

Now that he is ready to be adopted, he is excited. When you walk into the room with him he will rub up against your leg introducing himself and asking to be pet.

"Usually, I would say, when you're walking, he'll bonk into you so he might catch you off guard a little bit. He constantly is rubbing against you," Howland said. "He really, I would say he's lazy when you want him to be, and he's active when you want him to be. He'll play with toys. He's usually lounging away. And then when he comes out he'll play. He loves it. So, very friendly, easy going cat."

He is now perfectly healthy with his dentals all done and veterinary care up to date and is ready to find his forever family.

"I would say the friendliest, easiest cat you could have. He's just, he's just gonna be a little sneezy sometimes, but that doesn't stop him from doing anything," she said.

Grey Boy's adoption fee is sponsored by Rooted in Balance Counseling LLC.

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