Market 32, Price Chopper Launch Fundraising Campaign for Special Olympics

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Through Jan. 30, Market 32 and Price Chopper customers will have the chance to help Special Olympics athletes score big by rounding up their change at checkout in all 129 stores.
 
The campaign will raise funds for Special Olympics programs that provide year-round athletic training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities—promoting inclusion, confidence, and a sense of belonging through sports.
 
Every dollar raised will help provide the coaching, equipment, and opportunities needed for these athletes across Market 32 and Price Chopper's six-state footprint. Market 32 and Price Chopper will also match donations, up to $10,000.
 
"Market 32 and Price Chopper are committed to nourishing life by supporting organizations that strengthen families and communities," said Pam Cerrone, the company's director of community relations. "Special Olympics plays a vital role in creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities to compete, connect, and succeed. Through this round-up campaign, our guests can make a meaningful difference by directly supporting an organization that champions inclusion."
 
The round-up campaign for Special Olympics is one of many ways the company partners with guests to give back to causes that reflect its mission of helping people feed and care for their families.
 
"Retail campaigns like this play a powerful role in advancing the Special Olympics movement and ensuring inclusive opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities," said Stacey Hengsterman, president and CEO of Special Olympics New York. "Thanks in large part to partners like Market 32 and Price Chopper and their customers, we are able to provide opportunities to athletes at no charge to them or their families. Please choose to round up; every donation helps change an athlete's life." 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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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