CHP Welcomes New Board Members

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Community Health Programs (CHP) welcomes new board members, Marlene Eichholz and Derek Scammahorn. 
 
Marlene Eichholz has been a patient with CHP since moving to the Berkshires almost 20 years ago, and her partner and mother also rely on CHP for their care. 
 
"CHP plays a critical role in delivering care, and maintaining that access, especially for those who may otherwise face barriers, is something I care deeply about," said Eichholz.
 
Her background in community health began with her service as a Peace Corps volunteer, where she worked on health and nutrition programs in rural communities. That experience shaped how Eichholz thinks about healthcare.
 
"It's a perspective I continue to carry with me," she said. "As a member of the Berkshire community, I want to do my part to help ensure that CHP remains strong and accessible, and continues to serve as a vital resource."
 
A Senior Leader at SAP Americas, Inc., since 2012, Eichholz brings experience in governance, strategy, and operational leadership, including building scalable programs, aligning stakeholders, and strengthening systems to support sustainable growth.
 
Derek Scammahorn's career spans human resources, community engagement, behavioral health operations, and creative industries. As the current Community Engagement/Public Relations Coordinator at Guidos Fresh Marketplace, a natural foods grocery rooted in the Berkshires community with locations in Great Barrington and Pittsfield, Scammahorn manages outreach initiatives, community involvement, and strategic planning to enhance the company's investment in the community. His commitment to community wellbeing drew him to CHP's mission of expanding access to health and human services across the region. 
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Victim Identified in Fatal Richmond Crash

Staff ReportsiBerkshires

RICHMOND, Mass. — A 25-year-old South County man died Thursday in the fiery crash on Route 41. 

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office on Friday reported that the victim was Christopher Lee Kilmer, 25.

The single-vehicle accident took place on Route 41 in Richmond near 2715 State Road. A Hyundai Sonata driven by Kilmer was travelling northbound when it crossed into the southbound lane and off the road; the car was engulfed in flames when first responders arrived.

According to the DA's Office, West Stockbridge Fire and County Ambulance declared Kilmer dead at 9:53 a.m. when the Fire Department "was able to extinguish the fire." 

"It was at this time (when the fire was extinguished) that first responders observed a single occupant in the vehicle and made the declaration of death," according to the press release.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has taken custody of the body. 

On Friday morning, several South County fire departments posted tributes on Facebook to Kilmer, who they reported was a member of the West Stockbridge and Alford fire departments.

"Every first responder carries a fear that one day the next emergency call will involve someone they know, a friend, a neighbor, or someone they love. But perhaps the greatest fear of all is when that call involves one of our own," the post read. 

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