MountainOne Bank Hires AVP, Community Mortgage Lending Specialist

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MountainOne hired Jason "Jay" Bianchi to join the residential lending team as AVP, Community Mortgage Lending Specialist. 
 
Reporting directly to the Head of Residential Lending, Bianchi will work out of the Berkshires, and serve as a member of the Bank's Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Committee.
 
Bianchi's primary job responsibilities will include promoting the Bank's overall CRA efforts through customer outreach, assisting potential borrowers with residential mortgages in underserved areas, enhancing community engagement through a series of financial literacy programs, and partnering with federal, state, and local affordable housing organizations on down-payment-assistance programs.
 
"We are excited to have Jay join MountainOne," said Peter Radigan, SVP, residential and consumer lending officer. "We are eager to grow our lending team in the Berkshires to meet the credit needs of our community."
 
Bianchi holds a degree in Business Administration from Berkshire Community College and brings over 15 years of banking experience to MountainOne Bank. Previously, he worked for NBT Bank – in both New York and New England – and Greylock Federal Credit Union in Berkshire County. In addition, he brings a CRA-related background and extensive experience in residential lending, community engagement, and financial counseling.
 
Bianchi has a history of volunteerism, with his efforts focused on mental health awareness and advocacy, suicide prevention, animal welfare, environmental causes, and youth sports. In his free time, you can find him digging in the garden, wandering in the woods, playing in the snow and, in general, letting the music move him. He resides in Pittsfield with his family.

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DiLego Jewelry to Close After Nearly 100 Years in Business

By Daniel MatziBerkshires correspondent

Sisters Pamela Costine, left, and Cynthia Lamore have been operating the store since their aunts retired in 1987. Both started working in the business as teens.  Lamore's decided it's time to retire. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — DiLego Jewelery Store, the family-owned business that has been a staple of North Adams for nearly a century, will be closing this summer. 
 
The closure was announced on the store's Facebook page late Sunday night, where it immediately drew comments of remembrance and well-wishing.
 
Cindy Lamore, whose great uncle Frank DiLego opened the store on Main Street in the late 1930s, said the shop will cease operations following her retirement, slated for June 30. A 20 percent off Mother's Day sale will begin immediately, with increasing discounts leading up to the closing date.
 
It took Lamore "a couple of years" to reach the decision to close. Witnessing the passing of lifelong friends or their struggles with debilitating illness prompted her to reconsider her priorities, especially considering the extensive time devoted to running a small business. 
 
"You really question what you're waiting for," she reflected.
 
While recognizing that changing consumer habits have led to a decrease in jewelry and watch sales in recent years, Lamore stressed that her decision to close was a personal one. She and her business partner and sister, Pamela Costine, wanted "to do it on our terms," she said.
 
Comments on Facebook praised the store's customer service, and friends, family, and customers alike reminisced about buying jewelry for special occasions, stopping in for watch repairs, and the perennial rite of childhood for many: getting ears pierced.
 
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