Co-op Supports Berkshire Nonprofits with Cash Cube Events

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) successfully concluded its year-end community giving initiative, combining direct donations with interactive "Where's the Action Cash Cube" events to benefit local nonprofits across Berkshire County this holiday season.
 
Each participating not-for-profit organization received a $500 contribution from Co-op Bank, along with an on-site Cash Cube visit that gave them the opportunity to catch up to an additional $500. 
 
All events were held at the nonprofits' locations and shared on Co-op Bank's social media channels to spotlight the essential services they provide throughout the region.
 
Through the Cash Cube events, the nonprofits grabbed the following additional amounts:
  • Pittsfield Community Food Pantry: $75
  • UCP of Western Massachusetts: $87
  • Christian Center of Pittsfield: $187
  • BC Arc: $151
  • Girl's Inc of the Berkshires: $219
  • Elder Services: $137
  • BFAIR: $394
  • Berkshire Choral International: $211
  • Hinsdale Food Pantry: $231
 
"These events were more than just moments of enjoyment, they created meaningful opportunities for our members to feel seen, valued, and connected to the broader community, while also shining a light on the important work happening every day," said Randy Kinnas, CEO of UCP of Western Massachusetts. "The support from Co-op Bank, both financial and through visibility, helps strengthen our ability to serve individuals and families throughout the Berkshires."
 
Co-op Bank contributed $4,500 in direct donations, with an additional $1,692 raised through the Cash Cube events, bringing the total combined contribution to $6,192 in support of Berkshire County nonprofits in December.
 
"We are incredibly grateful to Co-op Bank for their Cash Cube initiative and for their generosity in supporting our mission. Watching our staff and students rally behind Abby was a powerful reminder of the community spirit that helps to define the Brigham Center. Congratulations to Abby on raising an additional $219, each dollar raised strengthens our ability to support children and families in our community," said Girls Inc. CEO, Kelly Marion.
 
In total, Co-op Bank's year-end initiative reinforced its commitment to investing in local organizations that strengthen Berkshire County and improve quality of life for residents across the region.
 
"Our nonprofit partners are addressing some of the most critical needs in Berkshire County, from food security and housing stability to arts, early childhood development, education, and human services," said Gregg Levante, President of Co-op Bank. "The Cash Cube events brought a little holiday cheer while highlighting organizations that truly make a difference. Supporting them is core to who we are as a community bank."
 
 
 

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Pittsfield Council OKs Underground Fiber Network

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — More underground fiber internet cables will be installed in Pittsfield. 

On Tuesday, the City Council approved Gateway Fiber's request to install an underground fiber network infrastructure within the city's right-of-way.  

The company was given the go-ahead for an aerial network last year alongside Archtop Fiber, marking the beginning of construction with a ribbon-cutting at the Colonial Theatre. Gateway Fiber will offer subscription plans ranging from $65 to $150 per month, depending on speed. 

Wards 3 and 4 will see the most work in the first phase, according to an underground fiber deployment plan.  Fourteen streets in Ward 4 will see underground fiber deployment; 13 streets in Ward 3.  

Ward 4 Councilor James Conant voted in opposition for personal reasons, as he signed up for Gateway Fiber briefly last year and said he had poor service and poor communication from the company. 

Some councilors and community members appreciated bringing competition to Spectrum internet services. Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey pointed out that it costs about $90 per month for 500 megabytes per second with Spectrum, and that all three fiber services that have come to Pittsfield are cheaper. 

Operations Manager Jennifer Sharick explained that they were seeking approval for underground fiber deployment as part of the next phase in Pittsfield. The city was found to be a "very" viable community for underground fiber. 

Gateway Fiber, she said, originally served a community of 250 residents outside of St. Louis, Mo. 

"Following the pandemic, we saw the need, and what people need for fiber and reliable internet service to bring residents and businesses the opportunity for connectivity," Sharick said. 

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