Berkshire County Student Awarded FedPoint Nursing Scholarship

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Lamke passed the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam at the age of 17 and has been accepted to 18 accredited nursing programs located across the country.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Brooklynn Lamke, a Pittsfield resident attending Lenox Memorial High School, was awarded a FedPoint $5,000 scholorship to go towards her pursuit of licensure as registered nurses (RNs) as she enters an accredited academic program this fall. 
 
She was selected among others from a field of more than 350 applicants. Each awardee will receive $5,000.
 
Lamke passed the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam at the age of 17 and has been accepted to 18 accredited nursing programs located across the country. In her application essay, she attributed her interest in nursing to the care a family member once received, saying it motivated her "to commit to providing the same support for future patients and families."
 
FedPoint's application review committee, which is comprised of nurses from its care coordination team and staff members from community partner Cornerstone VNA, was impressed by the strong work ethic, motivation and demonstrated readiness to help others that came through in the awardees' applications, essays and recommendations.
 
The number of applications received this year tripled since the scholarship program's inception in 2023, reflecting an increased regional awareness of the program as well as a growing number of individuals pursuing a career in nursing. This year, FedPoint expanded eligibility to include qualified non-high school applicants.
 
Each year, the FedPoint Nursing Scholarship awards four $5,000 scholarships during National Nurses Week, which occurs May 6-12. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors, adult learners and individuals seeking a career change who are entering the first year of an accredited U.S. nursing program.
 
FedPoint is a Portsmouth, NH based benefits marketplace operator and third-party administrator.
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Pittsfield Holiday Inn Temporarily Closes

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Holiday Inn & Suites is temporarily shut down, and 101 Restaurant & Bar has closed its doors until further notice. 

The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, after its last working elevator of three broke down.  The Berkshire Eagle reported that guests were forced to evacuate because an elevator broke down. 

On Wednesday, 101 Restaurant & Bar posted on Facebook that they would close until further notice due to circumstances beyond their control and the closure of the Holiday Inn. 

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We thank you and our staff for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able," the owners wrote. 

The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms.  Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access. 

The Holiday Inn recently demolished its crumbling parking garage and is replacing it with a smaller one.  The building at 1 West Street was constructed in 1972; it was formerly known as the Crowne Plaza. 

101 Restaurant opened five years ago within the hotel.  It is owned by John and Tucker McNinch, who formerly operated the Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox. 

Signs on the hotel's entrance explain that the doors are temporarily locked.  Anyone with questions is encouraged to call (413) 499-2000. 

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