Berkshire Botanical Garden Presents 'Family Fridays'

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STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Berkshire Botanical Garden's 2026 summer family programming continues with "Family Fridays." 
 
This series, held from 11 a.m. to noon, includes eight weeks of family-friendly programs on snakes and reptiles, music-making, stories, drumming, and community performances.
 
Family Fridays is free with Garden admission. Garden admission for BBG members and children under 12 is free.
 
2026 Family Fridays Lineup
 
June 26 — The Rooted Voyageurs
The Rooted Voyageurs will perform a family-friendly version of As You Like It, transforming the Amphitheatre into the idyllic Forest of Arden.
 
July 10 — The Hissing Booth
A unique, up-close-and-personal experience with snakes, reptiles and invertebrates.
 
July 17 — Tom Knight
Combining elements of Mr. Rogers' gentle spirit and the unbound creativity of Jim Henson, Knight has created an original show that entertains and enlightens young children and adults alike.
 
July 24 — Roger Tincknell
Singing, moving, dancing, and playing percussion instruments. 
 
July 31 — Aimee Gelinas African Drumming
Drumming performances followed by hands-on drumming workshops for audience members. 
 
August 7 — Grumbling Gryphons perform The Myth of Persephone
The Myth of Persephone is a spellbinding dramatization of the ancient Greek myth, which tells the story of how the seasons came to be, and exposes children to the classical Greek myth in a highly entertaining and engaging way. 
 
August 14 — Mr. Twisty's Super Silly Magic Show
Magic, comedy, and decades of expertise come together to create an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages! 
 
August 21 — Family Fridays: Reptile Shows of New England
Where do reptiles live? What do they eat? How do they defend themselves? How big do they get? Learn fun facts about reptiles, hold bearded dragons and other small reptiles and get your picture taken with a 12-foot python in this interactive and educational show.
 
Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Rd., Stockbridge, Mass. 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Berkshire Health Systems Dedicates Fairview Hospital Laboratory to Gene Dellea

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems has dedicated the renovated Fairview Hospital Laboratory to Eugene Dellea, the longtime former president of Fairview and the former Hillcrest Hospital, and a senior leader at BHS for decades. 
 
The Gene Dellea Laboratory at Fairview Hospital is designed to honor Dellea's extraordinary legacy of service to healthcare in Berkshire County,
 
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Monday, June 29, at Fairview, bringing together nearly 50 guests, including Dellea's family and friends, local elected officials including state Rep. Leigh Davis, BHS trustees and staff, and Fairview employees. 
 
Welcomed by BHS President & CEO Darlene Rodowicz, a series of speakers reflected on his decades of dedication to healthcare in the Berkshires, his leadership at Hillcrest and Fairview, and his lasting impact on patients, colleagues, and the community. Speakers included Dr. Alec Belman, Fairview chief of staff; Tony Scibelli, BHS vice president and Fairview chief operating officer; and Select Board Chair Stephen Bannon, also a Fairview pharmacist.
 
Bannon presented Dellea with a special citation recognizing his lifelong commitment to the health and wellness of Berkshire County residents. Dellea himself shared heartfelt stories from his early years managing the lab at Hillcrest Hospital and his many years serving Fairview.
 
The celebration also recognized the generous anonymous donors whose $1 million gift made it possible for Fairview Hospital to renovate and move the clinical laboratory. The upgraded space supports improved infrastructure, new diagnostic technology and equipment, and a more convenient location for patients and staff. 
 
"This meaningful investment honors Gene's remarkable legacy while strengthening the care Fairview provides to the nearly 30,000 people who rely on its laboratory services each year," said Rodowicz.
 
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