Market 32 Supports Local Food Banks Through May

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Market 32 has launched its two-month-long "Fill A Glass with Hope/Fill a Plate with Promise" campaign in partnership with the Northeast American Dairy Association, Garelick Farms, and local food banks. 
 
From May 1 to June 30, customers will be given the opportunity to round up their totals at the register to help provide local food banks with the means to purchase milk and other nutritious foods for the families they serve.
 
When school lets out this summer, more than 22 million children lose access to free or reduced-price meal programs. For many children in need, even basic staples like milk – and the nutrients that help power the simple joys of summer – are missing. Participating in this campaign will help get milk and food items to those who may miss it most.
 
"The American Dairy Association continues to go above and beyond in its efforts to bring fresh milk to those in need," said Pam Cerrone, Price Chopper/Market32's director of community relations. "We are proud to support their work in helping local families, especially during these times of increased food insecurity."
 
The American Dairy Association is leading the way to bring fresh meals to families in need. Milk is one of the most requested items at food banks, yet it is rarely donated. Raising funds through grants, individual donors and corporate sponsors, the American Dairy Association keeps 100 percent of all donations local to help deliver milk and essential nutrition to families with children in need in the community.
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Ex-Miss Hall's Teacher Indicted on Rape Charges

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A former Miss Hall's School teacher accused of sexually assaulting students at the girls' school has been indicted by a Berkshire grand jury.
 
Matthew Rutledge, 63, was indicted on Tuesday on three counts of rape following testimony provided by Melissa Fares and Hilary Simon, former students.
 
Pittsfield Police opened an investigation into Rutledge in 2024. Rutledge was alleged to have sexually assaulted students while serving as a teacher at Miss Hall's School dating back to the 1990s. In October 2024, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office announced that there were no charges able to be brought forward at that time; however, the office kept the investigation open. 
 
In late fall 2024, Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue took over the investigation, then tasked a team of special prosecutors and the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit, including resources from the Unresolved Cases Unit, to continue investigating the allegations.
 
In 2025, a summary of a report authored by Aleta Law Firm was released to the public. The report, which was commissioned by the Miss Hall's Board of Trustees, consisted of numerous interviews examining the school's culture. The report detailed a pervasive and chronic pattern of inappropriate staff conduct.
 
Using information gathered by both the DA's Office and the Aleta report, the team of special prosecutors say they found Rutledge to have violated state law. 
 
"It took a long time to get to Tuesday's indictment. I commend the prosecutors and detectives who worked tirelessly to bring this case forward," said Shugrue in a statement. "Most of all, I would like to recognize and commend Melissa Fares and Hilary Simon for their bravery and continued cooperation throughout this long, arduous process. 
 
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