Destination Better Health Series at Fairview Hospital

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems has announced that Destination Better Health is returning to Fairview Hospital during July and August, with several informative events being held.  

Berkshire Health Systems’ Destination Better Health series brings neighbors together for free, expert-led conversations about health topics that matter most to our community. The programs, held free of charge, can help in managing health conditions, caring for loved ones, or finding smart choices for a healthier future.  

The 2026 Destination Better Health programs include:  

Wednesday July 9 at 4:30 p.m. 

The Aging Shoulder 

Presenter: Pier Boutin, MD, Fairview Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center 

That nagging ache in your shoulder may be more common than you think — and more treatable than you fear. Join our orthopedic experts as they walk through why the shoulder becomes more vulnerable with age, what symptoms to watch for, and the full range of options available, from simple exercises to surgical solutions.

Wednesday, July 15 at 4:30 p.m. 

Optimizing Your Heart Health 

Presenter: Ellen Hamm, RN, BSN, Fairview Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation 

Your heart works for you every second of every day — this session is your chance to return the favor. Learn what the latest science says about blood pressure, cholesterol, lifestyle habits, and emerging risk factors, and walk away with a practical, personalized plan to protect the engine that keeps you going. 

Wednesday, July 22 at 4:30 p.m. 

Longevity is a Daily Routine  

Presenter: Maureen Logan, M.Ed, BHS Director of Community Wellness 

Living longer isn't just about luck — it's about the small decisions you make before breakfast. This session explores the daily habits, sleep patterns, movement practices, and mindset shifts that research consistently links to a longer, healthier life. 

Wednesday, July 29 at 4:30 p.m. 

When Illness Isn't Going Away: How to Change Your Framework 

Presenter: Chris Clark, MD, Chief Hospitalist, Fairview Hospital & BHS Palliative Care Project Lead 

A chronic diagnosis can feel like a door closing, but it doesn't have to. This honest, compassionate session helps patients and caregivers to reframe living with chronic illness — shifting from surviving to thriving within a new normal. 

Wednesday, August 5 at 4:30 p.m. 

Introducing Robotic Surgery at Fairview: What It Means to Our Patients  

Presenter: Mark Taylor, MD, Fairview Surgical Services 

Fairview is proud to bring the precision of robotic-assisted surgery to our community — and we want you to understand exactly what that means to you. Our surgeons will demystify the technology, explain which procedures it's used for, and share how it translates to smaller incisions, faster recovery, and better outcomes. 

Wednesday, August 12 at 4:30 p.m. 

In a World of Diets, Choosing What's Best for You 

Presenters: Robert Hoechster, RD, LDN; Sheila Rivera RD, LDN, Fairview Hospital Nutrition Services 

Keto, Mediterranean, plant-based, intermittent fasting — the options are endless, and the noise is loud. This session cuts through the confusion with evidence-based guidance to help you understand your own body's needs and find an approach to eating that's sustainable, satisfying, and genuinely good for you.

All programs are free and take place at 4:30 p.m. in the Ground Floor Conference Room at Fairview Hospital, 29 Lewis Avenue, Great Barrington.  Due to space limitations, please pre-register here or call (413) 854-9609.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Housatonic Water Works Penalized for Delayed Treatment Facility

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The state Department of Environmental Protection has issued a $2,500 demand for payment of suspended penalty to Housatonic Water Works Co. for failure to comply with a July 2025 Administrative Consent Order with Penalty. 
 
The order required the company to complete a manganese treatment plant at its drinking water treatment facility by June 1, 2026. 
 
"It is unacceptable that Housatonic Water Works has failed to meet the required deadline for completing and placing the manganese treatment system into operation," said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield. "MassDEP expects the company to accelerate construction of the treatment plant and make it operational without further delay." 
 
Under the terms of the 2025 order, the water company agreed to complete the manganese treatment plant by March 1, 2026, to mitigate ongoing seasonal drinking water discoloration affecting the company's service areas. 
 
MassDEP agreed to suspend the full penalty of $12,360 on the condition that it complied with the requirements of the order. The company subsequently requested an extension of the March 1 deadline, citing pending litigation and related delays in acquiring required construction funding. MassDEP extended the completion date to June 1. The company requested an additional extension; MassDEP denied that request. 
 
Housatonic Water Works had failed to complete construction of the treatment plant. Based on that violation of its order, MassDEP demanded partial payment of the suspended penalty in the amount of $2,500. Penalty costs may not be passed along to ratepayers in any way. MassDEP will continue to track this matter closely until compliance is achieved. 
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