Charles Redd Recognized as 'Community Star' on National Rural Health Day

01:24PM / Thursday, November 20, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems proudly announces that Charles Redd, MS, RN, BHS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer has been named the Massachusetts 2025 "Community Star."

This honor is awarded by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) to recognize outstanding contributions to rural health care.

Redd, a Registered Nurse who has led innovative programs at BHS designed to improve access to care in the rural Berkshires, will be featured prominently on the official National Rural Health Day (NRHD) website, PowerOfRural.org, on Nov. 20, 2025. This online platform will highlight Redd's remarkable dedication to rural health alongside other Community Stars from across the nation.

On the third Thursday of November each year, NOSORH leads NRHD, an annual celebration honoring the selfless, community-minded, and determined individuals and organizations that serve the health needs of the nearly 61 million people living in rural America.

Established in 2015 in conjunction with NRHD, the Community Star Recognition Program tells the stories of those making a difference in rural communities. Since then, more than 400 inspiring rural Stars have been honored nationwide.

To learn more about National Rural Health Day and to read the stories of this year's Community Stars, visit PowerOfRural.org.

Tags: BHS, BMC,

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Pittsfield: No E-Bikes on Sidewalk

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:33AM / Wednesday, October 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The city will place signage downtown to remind people that e-bikes are not allowed on the sidewalk.

On Monday, the Ordinances and Rules subcommittee heard an update about e-bike enforcement in response to a petition from Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso and Ward 3 Councilor Matthew Wrinn.

Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales confirmed that under Massachusetts law, it is illegal for any motorized bicycle, regardless of the class, to ride on the sidewalk.

"So, at this point, we will start installing some signage in the North Street area," he reported.

"Doing so for the whole city is going to be very cumbersome, and we're not going to be doing that, but I think there's something to be done in terms of education and outreach and enforcement citywide for that."

Pittsfield has begun to develop what that signage will look like in the downtown corridor. Amuso has received many complaints about the North Street and Elm Street areas; Morales said they could work to locate some key spots on Elm Street for signage.

"I know it's a citywide problem, but I think if we start on North Street and work our way out and come up with a plan, that would be good," she said.

The councilors petitioned to increase enforcement of bicycle and e-bike use on Pittsfield streets, install signage in high-traffic areas, and launch an educational program for kids.

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