Greylock Announces New Challenge Grant for Berkshire Opera

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Photo courtesy of Nick Atlas
For over 70 years, Greylock Federal Credit Union has been an important staple in our region. In recent years, Greylock has become a truly indispensable friend to the arts community and a crucial part of the continuing cultural expansion in Pittsfield. Now, we are thrilled to announce an expanded collaboration between Greylock and Berkshire Opera Company, built around our shared commitment to youth outreach and arts education.

In addition to a contribution to the company's annual fund, Greylock has made an additional contribution in the amount of $1,000 to the health and well-being of the Berkshire Opera, in support of its new education and community outreach initiatives. In doing so, Greylock calls on other corporations and individuals to make the same commitment, and pledge additional support for the company in the same manner.

Greylock Credit Union has also made arrangements for the purchase of 25 seats to the opening night of Le nozze di Figaro, to be provided to music teachers and students from around Berkshire County. This initiative is perfectly in keeping with the spirit of educational outreach behind Berkshire Opera's sponsorship of the Behind the Velvet Curtain, the children's opera workshop presented this week by Berkshire Music School, and the Family Opera Festival to follow this weekend. All of these efforts showcase Berkshire Opera's desire to cultivate future generations of opera lovers, and its unwavering commitment to musical education.

Likewise, with its new BOLD (Berkshire Opera Leadership Development) initiative, Berkshire Opera is reaching out to young working professionals from all walks of life, in an attempt to create a social networking group that will help develop the current and future leadership of the local arts community.

To celebrate this partnership, John Bissell of Greylock's marketing department will join us on stage for the opening night of Le nozze di Figaro, which begins its 5 performance run at the Colonial Theatre Friday, August 15, at 8pm, to say a few words about the exciting developments between our two institutions.

Of Greylock's generous support, Bissell says, "Of all the community investments we make at Greylock Federal, the most important ones are commitments to families, youth and education. We are pleased to see many cultural organizations making a serious commitment to opening their doors to Berkshire County families of all economic backgrounds. That's why we agreed to make a challenge grant to the Berkshire Opera for its scholarship program, so that students from every neighborhood can have an opportunity to expand their perspective, and experience world-class performances right here in their own hometown. You never know; the next star of the Berkshire Opera - or the Met - or both -could see her first performance right here on this stage!
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Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.

Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.

The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.

Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is  appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.

Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.

Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.

Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.

The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.

The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.

Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.

Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years. 

He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.

Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.

Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve  a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.

Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.

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