Market 32, Price Chopper Introduce 'Double Exchange Day'

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Market 32 and Price Chopper are inviting customers to turn their spare change into double the value, and to help keep cash transactions running smoothly. 
 
On Sunday, Nov. 16, the grocer will host a Double Exchange Day from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at all store locations.
 
During this one-day event, a penny is worth two cents when shoppers exchange them for a Market 32 or Price Chopper gift card twice their total amount. This means $10 in pennies could earn a $20 gift card, redeemable toward future in-store purchases.
 
To participate, guests simply bring their rolled or loose pennies to the Customer Service Desk, where the total will be counted and matched with a gift card reward on the spot. Exchanges must total a minimum of 50 cents (earning a $1 card) and may not exceed $100 (earning a $200 card).
 
With the U.S. Treasury planning to discontinue penny production in 2026, fewer coins are being minted and even fewer are recirculating into the economy. As a result, the nation's penny supply is shrinking, making it increasingly challenging for retailers to provide exact change for customers who prefer to pay with cash. Market 32 and Price Chopper are committed to delivering exceptional service, which includes ensuring every transaction remains smooth, seamless, and accurate.
 
"Cash transactions remain an important part of how we serve our customers, and for those who prefer to pay with cash, we want to make sure we can continue providing the same great checkout experience—right down to the penny," said Blaine Bringhurst, president of Market 32 and Price Chopper. "Double Exchange Day gives our customers an opportunity to partner with us in that effort, while being rewarded for supporting us in managing our coin inventory responsibly as the nation prepares for the phase-out of pennies. We also know a lot of families across our six-state footprint are facing hardships right now, and this is another unique way our team is working to provide support."
 
Double Exchange Day will also coincide with the kickoff of the grocer's Holiday AdvantEdge Rewards Doubler on November 16, a seasonal program that helps shoppers stretch their budgets even further while earning free holiday favorites. Later this week, Market 32 and Price Chopper will unveil additional Thanksgiving promotions also launching November 16, focused on pairing abundance with affordability for families across the Northeast.
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Pittsfield Celebrates Arbor Day at Taconic

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Mayor Peter Marchetti presented the framed original cover art for the day's program. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Generations of Taconic students will pass the tree planted on Arbor Day 2026 as they enter school. 

Pittsfield's decades-long annual celebration was held at a city school for the first time. Different vocational trades at Taconic High School worked together to plant the Amelanchier, or flowering serviceberry, mark it with a plaque, record the ceremony, create artwork for the program's cover, and feed guests. 

Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath said the students' participation reflects the spirit of Arbor Day perfectly: learning by doing, serving the community, and helping Pittsfield grow greener for generations to come.

"It's not unknown that trees help shade our homes, help clean our air and water, they support wildlife, and make our neighborhoods and public spaces more beautiful and resilient," he said. 

"And Arbor Day is our chance annually to honor that gift and to remember that when we plant something today, we are investing in the future of our green world."

The holiday was established 154 years ago by J. Sterling Morton and was first observed in Nebraska with the planting of more than a million trees.

CTE environmental science and technology teacher Morgan Lindemayer-Finck detailed the many skilled students who worked on the event: the sign commemorating this Arbor Day was made by the carpentry and advanced manufacturing program, specifically students Ronan MacDonald and Patrick Winn; the multimedia production program recorded the event, and the culinary department provided refreshments. 

The program's cover art was created by students Brigitte Quintana-Tenorio and Austin Sayers. The framed original was presented to Mayor Peter Marchetti. 

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