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

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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.  


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Thistle 'N Thorn Floral Announces Closing

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Another North Street business has announced their sudden closure.

Thistle 'N Thorn Floral announced on Instagram that its doors will close. 

"What many people don't see behind a creative business is how much it grows, shifts, and eventually asks more of you than one person can realistically carry. Between the rising costs of flowers, increasing rent, and the sheer volume of work, the business has become almost too successful for one person to sustain alone."

Owner Ashley Davidson opened the shop at 393 North St. a couple years ago and was selling flowers long before that according to her social media history.

Thistle 'N Thorn sold floral arrangements for events like weddings, funerals, and more. She also sold gifts, bouquets and wreaths according to Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Davidson also hosted events and workshops for those to create their own arrangements. 

"While this chapter is closing, I want to be very clear about something. This is not the end for me," Davidson wrote on Instagram.

"I'm incredibly proud of what I built. It took vision, grit, creativity, and a lot of courage. Those things don’t disappear just because a business chapter ends. If anything, they’re the reason I’m confident stepping into whatever comes next."

She also said she will be honoring the weddings and events she has already scheduled and plans to offer more workshops.

 
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