'Spanish for Bankers' helps Greylock Better serve the Berkshires

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Early in 2026, Greylock will offer its fifth cohort of Spanish for Bankers, a free class offered to all Greylock employees who wish to gain and improve Spanish language skills. 
 
The 16-week course is taught during business hours to allow for convenience and flexibility, beginning with eight weeks focused on vocabulary and punctuation, followed by eight weeks of cultural perspectives shared by native speakers and real-world scenario practice. 
 
"When you better understand your members, you're better able to serve them. Spanish for Bankers gives our employees fundamental basics for simple interactions while also taking a deeper dive into Hispanic and Latin cultures," said Lowenstein. "It's been really successful."
 
Recent graduates have experienced ongoing benefits both professionally and personally, stated a press release.
 
"I spoke very minimal Spanish," said Branch Specialist Antonio Cimini who was in the last cohort. "The class 100 percent helped. It's strengthened my relationships with our Spanish-speaking members. I have one member who will always wait for me to handle his transactions. Sometimes I see him out in the community, and we'll say hello to each other. That connection has been the greatest benefit."
 
This initiative is part of Greylock's ongoing commitment and service to Hispanic and immigrant communities. Four Greylock branches hold the national designation Juntos Avanzamos, meaning "Together We Advance." The designation is bestowed on credit unions who serve and empower Hispanic and immigrant consumers, helping them navigate the U.S. financial system while providing safe, affordable, and relevant services. Greylock's four Juntos Avanzamos-designated branches include West and Kellogg streets in Pittsfield, Lee, and Greenport-Hudson, N.Y.
 
"As Greylock continues to see an increase in Spanish-speaking members, and as our outreach and engagement with immigrant communities continues to grow, we've seen a true need to bring enhanced language access to Greylock," said Vice President, Culture and Brand Rachel Mabee.
 

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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.

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