MountainOne Participating Lender in ONE, ONE+ Mortgage Program

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MountainOne Bank is proud to be a participating lender in the ONE+ Mortgage Program, now offering both ONE and ONE+ Mortgage products to eligible homebuyers in Massachusetts.
 
Through the new ONE+ Mortgage program, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), MountainOne helps income-eligible first-time homebuyers achieve homeownership. The program is designed to empower low-moderate income households to achieve homeownership by removing barriers to homeownership.
 
"We're excited to offer these highly sought after mortgage products to the communities we serve," said Jay Bianchi, AVP, Community Mortgage Lending Specialist. "MHP programs provide Massachusetts homebuyers additional financing options and benefits, including significantly discounted fixed rates, low down payment requirements, and down payment and closing cost assistance. By providing access to these products, we are supporting our community's financial goals and strengthening the path to sustainable homeownership."
 
For more information on the ONE and ONE+ Mortgage programs and benefits, visit Programs - Massachusetts Housing Partnership.
 
All loans subject to credit approval.  

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Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Mason Langenback calculated that Clarksburg would get almost $1 million if the $60 million was allocated equally.
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Eighth-graders at Clarksburg School took a lesson in civic advocacy this week, researching school funding and writing letters to Beacon Hill that call for fully funding rural school aid. 
 
The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.
 
"They all address the main issue, the funding for rural schools, and how there's a gap, and there's the $4 million gap this year, and then it's about the $40 million next year, and that rural schools need that equitable funding," said social studies teacher Mark Karhan.
 
A rural schools report in 2022 found smaller school districts cost from nearly 17 percent to 23 percent more to operate, and recommended "at least" $60 million be appropriated annually for rural school aid. 
 
Gov. Maura Healey has filed for more Chapter 70 school aid, but that often is little help to small rural schools with declining or static enrollment. For fiscal 2027, she's budgeted $20 million for rural schools, up from around $13 million this year but still far below the hoped for $60 million. 
 
Karhan said the class was broken into four groups and the students were provided a submission letter from Rural Schools Advocacy. The students used the first paragraph, which laid out the funding facts, and then did research and wrote their own letters. 
 
They will submit those with a school picture to the governor. 
 
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