MountainOne Wins Award for Storybook Program

11:33AM / Sunday, July 27, 2025Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— MountainOne is the recipient of a Silver Bell Ringer Award, announced during the 57th Annual PR Club Bell Ringer Awards ceremony, held June 3 at the Museum of Science in Boston.

The Bell Ringer Awards recognize public relations and communications work that demonstrates excellence in creative planning and superior execution, stated a press release.

MountainOne earned Silver in the Communications Campaigns – Content Marketing category for its Mo's Storybook Program, a multi-faceted initiative promoting financial literacy and personal growth among children. Central to the program is the original 24-page illustrated book, "How to Climb a Mountain," featuring Mo the MountainOne Spokesgoat. The campaign also included strategic marketing, public relations, and community outreach efforts designed to bring Mo's message to life.

Over the past year, there have been more than 20 live readings across the Berkshires and South Shore, at schools, libraries, and community centers. To date, more than 2,000 copies of "How to Climb a Mountain" have been distributed, earning praise from educators, parents, and young readers alike.

Following the program's initial success, MountainOne recently launched "Something to Save," the second book in the series, continuing its mission to empower kids through storytelling and smart financial habits.

"We're incredibly proud to see Mo's Storybook Program recognized with this Silver Bell Award," said Jill Amato, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Banking at MountainOne. "What began as a creative way to promote reading and financial literacy has truly grown into something special. These books help spark meaningful conversations with kids about confidence, goal-setting, and smart saving habits."

MountainOne extended its gratitude to HATCH The Agency, storybook author Doug Murphy, illustrator Laura Salafia, and PRfirst for their integral roles in bringing Mo's storybook to life.

The Bell Ringer Awards ceremony brought together leading PR and marketing professionals from across the region. Founded in 1948, PR Club is one of the nation's oldest nonprofit public relations organizations, committed to advancing excellence in the communications industry.

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Berkshires Remember First Responders, Military Personnel Lost at 9/11 and Aftermath

By Jack Guerino & Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:30PM / Friday, September 11, 2026

North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey, with Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre speaks at Friday's memorial.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The county's two cities held memorials on Friday morning to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Great Barrington was scheduled to hold a dedication of piece of steel from the World Trade Center at 6 p.m.

North Adams held its ceremony in the fire station's side garden starting at exactly 8:46 a.m., the time Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center's North Tower.

The small square of grass was packed with police officers, firefighters, wire and alarm personnel, dispatchers, and Northern Berkshire EMS employees, and city employees, officials and community members.

After the ceremonial tolling of the bell, an honor guard presented the colors.

Mayor Jennifer Macksey said it felt odd welcoming people to a very solemn event.

"What happened 25 years ago put a mark on emergency services. It put additional pressure on police, fire, EMS, and dispatchers," Macksey said. "While we remember those who lost their lives during 9/11, and those who ran to help as many as they could during 9/11, we have to pause and appreciate those who continue to serve despite that awful threat that occurred 25 years ago."

She said it was a direct attack on the United States and all of its people.

"It was a question of our freedoms and our ability to be safe in our communities," the mayor said. "I can say today that here in North Adams, it could happen to us, but I know with the professionalism of our Fire Department, Police Department, EMS, and our dispatch team, we are a better community; we are a safer community than we were 25 years ago."

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