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Mark Rondeau holds a sign declaring the Al Nelson Friendship Center at a memorial for his co-founder in creating the North Adams food pantry. Rondeau is taking on the challenging role of director of the Berkshire Food Project.

Berkshire Food Project Names New Executive Director

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Berkshire Food Project has named Mark Rondeau of North Adams as its executive director.  
 
The agency serves a free lunchtime takeout meal Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at First Congregational Church on Main Street.
 
"I am humbled and honored at this opportunity to lead the Berkshire Food Project. I want to thank the board of directors for hiring me," Rondeau said. "I look forward to working with our staff, volunteers, host church and the entire Northern Berkshire Community in advancing our mission to feed our neighbors in need."  
 
Rondeau has held leadership positions at the former Advocate weekly and at the Bennington (Vt.) Banner newspapers, and has a long familiarity with food insecurity issues as Board President of the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry, North Adams. 
 
The BFP has operated since 1986. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency transitioned to takeout meals while the need for food greatly increased.  
 
At the BFP, Rondeau joins kitchen manager Darlene Ellis, kitchen assistant Caitlyn Johnson, and some 20 volunteers.  
 
"We're delighted that Mark is joining the Berkshire Food Project," said board President James Mahon. "He inspires confidence as a leader dedicated to caring for people and building community."   

Tags: Berkshire Food Project,   

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MassDOT Warns of Toll-fee Smishing Scam

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation was alerted that a text message-based scam, also known as smishing, is fraudulently claiming to represent tolling agencies from across the country. The scammers are claiming to represent the tolling agency and requesting payment for unpaid tolls.

The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads.

Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from EZDriveMA or another toll agency should not click on the link.

EZDriveMA customers can verify a valid text notification in several ways:

  • EZDriveMA will never request payment by text
  • All links associated with EZDriveMA will include www.EZDriveMA.com

The FBI says it has received more than 2,000 complaints related to toll smishing scams since early March and recommends individuals who receive fraudulent messages do the following:

1. File a complaint with the  Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov; be sure to include:

The phone number from where the text originated.
The website listed within the text

2. Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.

3. Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.

4. Delete any smishing texts received.

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