Williamstown Apothecary Set to Open on Wednesday

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Williamstown Apothecary, a new retail pharmacy in Williamstown, will open on Wednesday, Aug. 19. 

The Williamstown Apothecary is a collaboration between Berkshire Health Systems and Williams College that will expand access to prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and many other products, in close proximity to the Williams campus. The Williamstown Apothecary is located at 72 Spring St. in Williamstown, a property owned by the college.

The hours of operation for the Williamstown Apothecary are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

"Williams has been excited to work with BHS to bring pharmacy and related services to the heart of Williamstown," said Matt Sheehy, Williams' associate vice president for finance and administration. "This should be a major convenience for the community, including Williams students, faculty and staff. It also will complement nicely the goods and services available in the middle of town."

The Williamstown Apothecary will be operated by Berkshire Health Systems through its Berkshire Community Pharmacy, as a full retail pharmacy with access to prescription medications and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, including an automated system allowing for pick-up of prescriptions and select over-the-counter medications after-hours.

The Williamstown Apothecary carries a variety of vitamins, supplements and medications that are common to pharmacies, but also has several items of interest to the college community. The Apothecary has a selection of herbal medications and teas, flower essence tinctures, a line of high quality skin care products, local organic hand-made soaps, and essential oils and diffusers, among other items of interest.

"While COVID-19 has necessarily delayed the original planned opening date, Berkshire Health Systems is happy to partner with Williams College on the Williamstown Apothecary, which will expand the Williamstown and North Berkshire community’s access to prescription and other pharmacy needs," said David Phelps, president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems.

The Berkshire Community Pharmacy currently operates two other pharmacy locations that are open to the public, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield and the North Adams Campus of BMC.

Hancock School Celebrates Thanksgiving by Highlighting Community

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:51AM / Sunday, November 24, 2024

The children perform music and a play during the luncheon.

HANCOCK, Mass. — For many, Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and unity. Hancock Elementary School embraced this spirit on Thursday by hosting a community Thanksgiving feast for seniors.

 

The children had a major role in organizing the event, from peeling the potatoes to creating the centerpieces to performing. 

 

"Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what we have. To be thankful for the communities that we live in. Thankful for the families that we have, our friends," Principal John Merselis III said. 

 

"And by opening our doors and inviting people in, I think we just embrace that idea." 

 

More than 50 seniors visited the school for a Thanksgiving lunch prepared by the school's students. In addition to those who attended, the students made enough for 40 takeout orders and to feed themselves and the school's staff. 

 

The lunch was kicked off with student performances on the drums, playing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" using boomwhackers, and a play showcasing the preparation of a Thanksgiving feast, which caused rumbles of laughter. 

 

"[The event] gives [students] a great opportunity to practice their life skills such as cooking and creating things for people, and also [build] their self-confidence and just public speaking," said Samantha Lincoln, first and second-grade teacher.