Greylock Welcomed Families For Youth Week 2024

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Greylock Federal Credit Union celebrated Youth Week 2024 with a kick-off event at its Community Empowerment Center (CEC) and week-long festivities throughout all of its branches Aug. 5 through 10. 
 
"For us at Greylock, we recognize and understand that financial wellness isn't a one-and-done concept, but rather, a way of life that involves individuals of all ages. That's why we were especially thrilled to welcome more than 170 young people and their families to our Youth Week 2024 event on Aug. 5," said Roberta McCulloch-Dews, vice-president of Marketing. "It was great to see our guests having a good time as they made their way through the center learning about the importance of savings, the basics of investing and online safety. This is financial wellness in action."
 
This year's theme, the "Amazing Savings Race," featured a map that included key financial wellness stops, including the benefits of a savings or checking account, the 50-30-20 rule, and the power of compound interest, among other things.
 
Outside in the parking lot, guests enjoyed face painting, sand art activities, and games. Krispy Cones was on hand serving hot dogs and hamburgers and Operation Copsicle, led by the Pittsfield Police Department, shared refreshing treats.
 
Throughout the week, new and existing Greylock youth members, 17 and under, were invited to visit any of Greylock's branches, which were also outfitted in race decorations to match the theme. Inside, youth members had an opportunity to meet with branch staff to perform transactions noted on their Amazing Savings Race map, enjoy free giveaways, enter a raffle for an Amazon Fire tablet (one winner per branch), and sign up for a new Youth Club CD special, available for that week only.
 
"We had such a great time. It was really fun and everyone was so nice and fun to be around. It was such a great way to spend time with our community," said Greylock Member Diana Lotero, who attended the kick-off celebration with her daughter and youth Member, Isabella. "Greylock is always thinking of us."

Tags: Greylock Federal,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories