PITTSFIELD, Mass. — March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting colonoscopy screening, which can help to prevent colon cancer or to catch it early when it is most treatable.
At Berkshire Medical Center, the heart and soul of the Endoscopy Unit is Jacqueline Sciola, RN, who has worked there since 1985 and who, according to Gastroenterology Division Chief Jason Bratcher, MD, "has done basically every job in the unit."
Jackie Sciola was honored recently with the inaugural BMC Endoscopy Recognition Award, for her decades of service and community promotion of the importance of screening colonoscopy and endoscopic care.
In 2021, the BMC Endoscopy Units at the main hospital and the North Adams Campus of BMC provided over 9,500 endoscopies in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Without Jackie, we could not have weathered the pandemic we are currently experiencing. She is the glue that keeps us together and deserves enormous recognition," Dr. Bratcher said. "She is an amazing leader and has the respect of everyone she works with, is always ready to pitch in and help out, and above all, she is one of the kindest people I have ever met, always willing to provide a helping hand or an ear to listen."
Jackie would also remind our community that screening colonoscopy is recommended for those who are 45 and older if at average risk of colon cancer, and earlier if higher risk. Talk with your primary care physician and schedule your screening if you are due. Colonoscopy saves lives.
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Pittsfield Holiday Inn Temporarily Closes
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Holiday Inn & Suites is temporarily shut down, and 101 Restaurant & Bar has closed its doors until further notice.
The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, after its last working elevator of three broke down. The Berkshire Eagle reported that guests were forced to evacuate because an elevator broke down.
On Wednesday, 101 Restaurant & Bar posted on Facebook that they would close until further notice due to circumstances beyond their control and the closure of the Holiday Inn.
"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We thank you and our staff for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able," the owners wrote.
The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms. Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access.
The Holiday Inn recently demolished its crumbling parking garage and is replacing it with a smaller one. The building at 1 West Street was constructed in 1972; it was formerly known as the Crowne Plaza.
101 Restaurant opened five years ago within the hotel. It is owned by John and Tucker McNinch, who formerly operated the Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox.
Signs on the hotel's entrance explain that the doors are temporarily locked. Anyone with questions is encouraged to call (413) 499-2000.
In early February, the airport was approached by a prior tenant, Leon Shabott of Hangar4Planes, about the possibility of constructing a hangar at the airport.
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The state Department of Transportation and CSX have reached an agreement for local infrastructure improvements that will be a "major step" to making the Berkshire Flyer a permanent seasonal service.
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