Ranch Life 101 Summer Program Opens at Berkshire HorseWorks

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RICHMOND, Mass. — Berkshire HorseWorks' Ranch Life 101 summer program, now in its third season, is open for registration. 
 
The program, held on a private seven-acre ranch in Richmond, is designed for children ages 5-12. 
 
Running for six weeks from June 30 to Aug. 7, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Ranch Life 101 offers an immersive experience for young horse enthusiasts.
 
Co-facilitated by early education specialist Chris Ciepiela and Eagala advanced certified equine specialist Hayley Sumner, the program focuses on life skill development through interaction with horses. Activities include ground-based and mounted exercises, basic riding skills, yoga, trail walking, ranch chores, and nature-based arts and crafts.
 
The program emphasizes personal growth, fostering patience, friendship, trust, confidence, responsibility, and mentorship. Scholarships and sliding scales are available to ensure accessibility for all interested children.
 
Berkshire HorseWorks is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that has been providing equine-assisted therapies and activities for 10 years. They have served over 3,500 individuals, including at-risk youth, veterans, and families. For more information or to register, contact Berkshire HorseWorks at 413-698-3700 or info@berkshirehorseworks.com.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Fairview Hospital Recognized as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has announced that Fairview Hospital has been named among the 2025 Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the 13th straight year Fairview has been so honored. 
 
Chartis' annual Top 100 award program honors outstanding performance among the nation's rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX.
 
"The South Berkshire community expects and relies on only the highest level of care from our caregivers and staff at Fairview Hospital," said Tony Scibelli, BHS Vice President and Fairview Chief Operating Officer. "This ongoing recognition epitomizes the commitment our staff makes each and every day for each and every patient who walks through Fairview's doors."
 
"The Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals award program elevates the very best performers and helps create a roadmap for those seeking to improve financial and operational performance while continuing to care for the communities they serve," said Michael Topchik, Executive Director, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. "This is our 15th year recognizing the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals and we're thrilled to be able to celebrate this milestone with this year's winners."
 
According to a press release, the INDEX is the industry's most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is utilized nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.
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