Although the Bascom Lodge at the summit of Mount Greylock has been closed and boarded-up for the last six months, and consequently not directly or indirectly exposed to the COVID-19 virus, the ban on the operation of all restaurants, bars, hotels and lodging facilities, as well as on all gatherings of 10 or more people does, and will continue to, impact its plans for the 2020 season. 

 

Given the minimum two-to-three week startup time required to ready the lodge for opening, it is not possible for the lodge to open for May. The new opening date is set for Thursday, July 1, barring any changes at the state level. In the interim, the lodge's operators plan to clean and make some improvements to the building and plan some new menus. 

 

Community Development Corp. of South Berkshire was recently awarded an allotment of 2020 Community Investment Tax Credits in the amount of $150,000. In the letter outlining the award, Gov. Charlie Baker stated that the award is based on the CDCSB's past performance and its strategic plan for creating more affordable housing and economic opportunity in the Berkshires.

 

The credits were created to increase the capacity of certified community-based organizations like the CDCSB, a Berkshire nonprofit responsible for providing low-moderate income housing and working to help the local economy. The allow a 50 percent tax credit for charitable gifts of $1,000 or more to individuals, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and businesses. 

 

"At a time when providing our essential services are more important than ever, this is a remarkable opportunity to double the impact of your giving, creating affordable homes and living wage jobs for low and moderate-income families," said Tim Geller, executive director.

 

As a nonprofit organization, CDCSB actively seeks support for its many ongoing projects and programs. To make a donation or for further information about CDCSB, visit cdcsb.org or call 413-528-7788.

 

Stop & Shop and the United Food and Commercial Workers International issued a joint statement calling on federal and state governments to designate associates at grocery stores as "extended first responders" or "emergency personnel."

 

Stop & Shop and UFCW additionally announced that a 10 percent increase in pay for union hourly store associates would be extended through May 30. Stop & Shop and UFCW first announced the pay increase on March 22, along with flexible hours for associates and up to two weeks of additional paid sick leave for associates required to quarantine by government authorities or by the company.

 

Stop & Shop President Gordon Reid and UFCW International President Marc Perrone released the following statement:

 

"Stop & Shop workers, who are also UFCW members, across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York have worked to make sure that families have the food and groceries they need during these difficult times. Make no mistake, Stop & Shop associates are essential workers and they deserve essential protections. 

 

"Stop & Shop and UFCW have worked together to provide these workers with benefits and protections during this health crisis, including emergency pay raises, additional paid sick leave, and access to KN95 masks and face shields, but even more can be done for these workers. 

 

"We are urgently requesting our nation’s state and federal leaders temporarily designate these workers as first responders or emergency personnel. This critical status would help ensure our states' essential grocery workers have priority access to testing, emergency childcare, and other protections to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy.

 

"For the sake of workers, their families, and our nation's food supply, this action will provide grocery workers with the vital protections they deserve."

 

Pittsfield Co-operative Bank has launched a new website at pittsfieldcoop.com. With a fresh new look and mobile responsive design, the new site is designed to provide a user-friendly, modern experience allowing users the ability to view content from a variety of mobile devices. The site also conforms to current ADA guidelines, making visitor usability a priority.

 

"The needs of our customers are changing, and technology has reshaped the way customers engage with us," said J. Jay Anderson, president and CEO. "We recognize the role technology plays in the banking space. Launching our new and improved website — designed with the end user in mind — moves the bank forward toward our digital goals."