BHS Named WWCMA WorkWell Massachusetts Awards Honorable Mention

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) was named a 2025 WorkWell Massachusetts Awards program Honorable Mention recipient in the large group category for exemplary worksite health promotion by the Worksite Wellness Council of MA (WWCMA), powered by Healthiest Employers.

This award recognizes BHS's achievements in providing best-in-class programs and supporting employees through a culture of well-being, stated a press release.

"This statewide recognition of our Wellness at Work team is well deserved," said Darlene Rodowicz, BHS President & CEO. "These exceptional health professionals tailor wellness strategies, including assessments, high-risk focus, robust risk reduction, on-site/virtual options, and rigorous evaluation, serving many businesses in the region and our own BHS employees."

Berkshire Health Systems Wellness at Work program prioritizes health and quality of life. Beyond mere medical treatment, it addresses total costs—absences, disabilities, compensation, productivity, and organizational impact, continued a press release.

"Due to the collective efforts and remarkable dedication of the wellness community, the competition for this year's awards was exceptionally fierce," says Barb Petersen, WWCMA Board Director and Co-Chair of the Awards & Recognition Committee. "The innovative approaches and high standards set by organizations across Massachusetts made this year's selection process particularly challenging, underscoring the significant progress we're making in advancing workplace wellness."

WorkWell Massachusetts Awards is a corporate award program created by WWCMA, a not-for-profit member organization dedicated to the advancement of worksite wellness programs. WWCMA is partnering with Healthiest Employers, in recognizing people-first organizations who a proactive approach to employee health.

"This year's awards were especially exciting with a notable increase in first-time applicants and winners," says Archana Kansagra, WWCMA Board Director, Co-Chair of the Awards & Recognition Committee, and founder of the WorkWell MA Awards program. "It's inspiring to see so many new organizations stepping up and showcasing their commitment to workplace wellness. Their fresh perspectives and innovative programs have inspired meaningful change within their organizations and we're looking forward to giving them a platform to share their best practices."

WorkWell Massachusetts Awards is a corporate award program created by WWCMA, a not-for-profit member organization dedicated to the advancement of worksite wellness programs. WWCMA is partnering with Healthiest Employers, in recognizing people-first organizations who a proactive approach to employee health.


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Pittsfield Council OKs Underground Fiber Network

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — More underground fiber internet cables will be installed in Pittsfield. 

On Tuesday, the City Council approved Gateway Fiber's request to install an underground fiber network infrastructure within the city's right-of-way.  

The company was given the go-ahead for an aerial network last year alongside Archtop Fiber, marking the beginning of construction with a ribbon-cutting at the Colonial Theatre. Gateway Fiber will offer subscription plans ranging from $65 to $150 per month, depending on speed. 

Wards 3 and 4 will see the most work in the first phase, according to an underground fiber deployment plan.  Fourteen streets in Ward 4 will see underground fiber deployment; 13 streets in Ward 3.  

Ward 4 Councilor James Conant voted in opposition for personal reasons, as he signed up for Gateway Fiber briefly last year and said he had poor service and poor communication from the company. 

Some councilors and community members appreciated bringing competition to Spectrum internet services. Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey pointed out that it costs about $90 per month for 500 megabytes per second with Spectrum, and that all three fiber services that have come to Pittsfield are cheaper. 

Operations Manager Jennifer Sharick explained that they were seeking approval for underground fiber deployment as part of the next phase in Pittsfield. The city was found to be a "very" viable community for underground fiber. 

Gateway Fiber, she said, originally served a community of 250 residents outside of St. Louis, Mo. 

"Following the pandemic, we saw the need, and what people need for fiber and reliable internet service to bring residents and businesses the opportunity for connectivity," Sharick said. 

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