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 Considers Repairing East Part Cemetery

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Historical Commission will consider grant opportunities for repairs to East Part Cemetery.

A resident reached out to the city with concerns about degradation in the half-acre burial ground at the top of Williams Street. East Part Cemetery was established in the early 1800s and has about 300 interments. 

“It's a nice old cemetery, and basically, (the resident) had had concerns that the stone wall had taken some damage, the gravestones have taken some damage, and was wondering if there's anything that could be done to repair the gravestones and the wall," City Planner Kevin Rayner told the commission on Monday.

In cooperation with cemetery leadership and residents, the Historical Commission will consider applying for Community Preservation Act funds to support repairs. West Part Cemetery, on the other side of Pittsfield, has previously used CPA funds for revitalization work. 

The 1080 Williams St. property is owned by the city and managed by the Pittsfield Cemetery Commission. Rayner presented photos of broken and overgrown gravestones, parts of the stone wall collapsing, and knocked-over obelisks. 

Some aspects could use general maintenance and restoration, he observed. 

According to the Pittsfield Cemetery and Crematory's website, East Part Cemetery was established around 1808 on land owned by Nathan Webb, who permitted and authorized its use as a public burying ground.  

In 1842, Nathan Webb's son, also named Nathan Webb, deeded the property to the Methodist Episcopal Society of Pittsfield as a public burying ground, and in 1893 the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Society transferred their control of the cemetery to the Proprietors of the Pittsfield Cemetery. Their action was confirmed by the Berkshire Probate Court.

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