Market 32 and Freihofer's Launch Campaign for Parkinson’s Research

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Market 32 and Price Chopper have partnered with Freihofer's Baking Company to launch an in-store fundraising campaign benefiting the Parkinson's Foundation.

The initiative, running through March and April, provides financial support for research, patient care, and efforts to find a cure for Parkinson's disease.

During the two-month promotion, $0.10 from every purchase of select Freihofer's products will be donated to the foundation. Participating items are identified by specially marked shelf tags in most Market 32 and Price Chopper locations.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition and the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States. According to the organizations, the disease affects nearly one million Americans, with a new diagnosis occurring approximately every six minutes.

"Parkinson's disease touches countless families across our communities," said Pam Cerrone, director of community relations for Market 32 and Price Chopper. “By partnering with Freihofer's, we're inviting our customers to join us in making a tangible difference."

The collaboration is part of a decade-long charitable history between the retailers and the baking company. Since 2014, the partnership between Market 32, Price Chopper, and Freihofer's has raised a total of $2.5 million for various non-profit and charitable organizations.

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BCC Sees Another $1M for New Trades Program

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College was allocated more than $1 million from the state for an HVAC and heat pump trades program.

This will help BCC renovate an existing space into a lab and classroom, with the hope of welcoming the program’s first students in early 2027. Executive Director of Workforce and Community Education Linda Clairmont said there is "clearly" an interest, a lot of momentum, and demand for the skilled trades.

"We are beyond excited about this opportunity, not only for the college, but for the region, to be able to create a skilled trades program for adults, and it's a complement to what is already happening at the college," she said. 

The $1,188,635 award was announced on Tuesday as part of $13.4 million to 13 state community colleges through the Mass Clean Energy Center’s new Heat Pump and HVAC Training Network.  Between state and federal funding, the college has recently been allocated more than $2 million to diversify its educational offerings. 

Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal visited the college to highlight the $995,000 he secured through congressionally directed spending for a Trades Academy

The nearly $1.2 million in state funds will support a renovation on the first floor of the field administration building for an HVAC heat pump and lab classroom, along with two cohorts of ten students. 

"We have made a lot of progress," Clairmont reported. 

"We've identified a location, right on campus. We are working with architects and engineers right now to design the space, along with some expertise in what is state-of-the-art for HVAC training in real-world environments." 

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