Berkshire Money Management Supports BCAC’s Elf Warm Program

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DALTON, Mass. — Berkshire Money Management has donated more than $7,500 in locally purchased warm clothing to the Berkshire Community Action Council's Elf Warm Clothing Program. 
 
The program, now in its 40th year, benefits more than 2,000 children under the age of 12 across the Berkshires. It is an unfunded program and relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations.
 
Due to COVID-19, many local businesses that BCAC have relied on in the past have had to close their doors, or dramatically cut back on their community giving.
 
"I've been taking envelopes off the BCAC Giving Tree for as many years as I can remember," Berkshire Money Management founder and CEO Allen Harris said. "In 2020, it's imperative that those who can, give far beyond whatever we have previously done. The children need us. Unemployed families need us. I spent more than $7,500 to acquire over 100 new coats and pairs of gloves and boots from Berkshire-based retailers. That is not enough. I challenge – no I implore – the other financial advisors in the area to come together and donate the same amount. If all of them together can collect another $7,500 of warm clothes, BMM will match it. My colleagues can help turn $7,500 of warm clothes into $22,500. Not only will their help allow families to feed and clothe their children, but we'll help our local businesses who desperately need us at this time."
 
For more information about sponsoring a child in the Berkshires, visit: https://bcacinc.org/warm-clothing-program/.
 

 


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Pittsfield Police Chief Retiring in January

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor. 

Dawley's last day will be on Jan. 9, and he told iBerkshires that it was "just time." He began his law enforcement career in 1995 at the Berkshire County House of Corrections and was appointed police chief in June 2024

"Reasons for leaving are cumulative. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. There is no particular reason for my retirement, I just feel that it is time," he wrote in an email. 

"I love the profession and love this department. The duties, responsibilities and obligations as a Chief are very demanding. It is a lifestyle, not a job. It is a 24/7–365 days a year responsibility." 

According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dawley told Mayor Peter Marchetti of his intention to retire back in April but had kept the decision quiet. Marchetti is expected to choose his successor in the next couple of weeks. 

Dawley, 52, was "honored and humbled" when he was chosen two years ago to succeed Michael Wynn, he said, and he misses being an officer out in the community, as the role of chief is more administrative by nature. He described the officers and civilian staff at the department as "the best of the best" and is proud of the "second to none" dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to work every day. 

"Policing is different than it was 10-20 years ago and the profession is being tested daily," he noted. 

"I want a new challenge and preferably something that does not involve law enforcement, but I am definitely not ruling it out!" 

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