More than 600 Participate in Steel Rail Races

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Matthew Ferraro was the first runner across the finish line at the MountainOne Steel Rail Marathon.
 
Ferraro clocked a time of 2 hours, 41 minutes flat on the Ashuwilticook Rail Trail course.
 
He finished a little more than five minutes ahead of runner-up Nick Reid (2:46:15).
 
Simone Veale won the race's women's division in a time of 3:18:42. She beat out Jill Hussain, who covered the course in 3:27:23.
 
The fastest marathoner on Sunday was Stephen Gulley, a hand cyclist, who clocked a time of 2:15:03.
 
The 26.2-mile circuit was covered by 150 finishers ranging in age from 18 (William Hanley in 14th place) to 72 (Ric Nudell, who finished in 6:04:47).
 
The day also featured a half-marathon and an 8-kilometer race.
 
Mark Rabasco won the half-marathon in 1:18:41, edging Vincent Gauthier (1:22:38).
 
Kat Morrissey placed third overall in 1:23:43 and first among women in the half-marathon, which had 213 finishers.
 
Abigail Chaloux was the fastest woman in the 8K, crossing the finish line in 35:52, six seconds ahead of Caroline Kessler; the two women were ninth and 10th, respectively, overall in a field of 171 finishers.
 
Peter Hale had the fastest 8K time, 27:42. Erik Kessler was second in 30:32.
 
More than 600 people registered for Sunday's races, a record for the Berkshire Running Foundation event. Runners from 24 different states signed up to run.
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Adams Community, Pittsfield Co-op Banks Announce Merger

ADAMS, Mass. — Two local banks are joining forces to create a financial institution with nearly $1.5 billion in assets.
 
The boards of directors at both Adams Community Bank and Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced on Monday a strategic merger expected to be completed by late fall.
 
According to a statement from bank officials, the combination reflects a strategic partnership between two well-positioned community banks — each strong enough to remain independent, coming together with a shared vision to better serve the Berkshires. 
 
The combined institution will operate as a mutual banking organization with nearly 200 employees and 15 full-service branches serving communities throughout the Berkshire County.
 
"This milestone marks an important step forward for both of our institutions," said Adams' CEO Julie Fallon Hughes. "It reflects the shared values that have guided both our banks for generations and the trust our customers place in us every day. Our employees will play a critical role in bringing these two organizations together, serving as stewards of our mission and ambassadors in the communities we call home. 
 
"As we move forward, our focus is on building a unified organization that honors our legacies while expanding our ability to serve our customers and communities."
 
Hughes will be CEO of the merged Adams Savings' mutual holding company, Pittsfield Co-op's President Gregg Levante and Adams' Chief Operating Officer Andre Charbonneau will continue in those positions in the new entity. 
 
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