Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Holds Annual Meeting, Elects Board of Directors

07:51AM / Friday, June 13, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) held its annual meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 and welcomed a new member to its Board of Directors.

During the meeting, members unanimously elected Linda Johnston, a veteran human resources executive with over 35 years of banking experience at Berkshire Bank, to the Board. Johnston brings extensive leadership expertise in talent development, workforce strategy, and organizational growth—making her a valuable addition to the Co-op's community-focused mission.

President and CEO Michael P. Daly reported that Co-op Bank continues to stand on exceptionally strong financial footing.

"We are proud to report that the Co-op holds the best capital ratio in the Berkshires and ranks among the strongest in Massachusetts," said Daly. "This performance reflects our commitment to conservative financial management, smart growth, and serving our customers with integrity." Daly also noted a growing sense of energy and enthusiasm surrounding the Bank, both within the organization and in the broader community."

Tags: pittsfield cooperative bank,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

RIBCO Supply

Check out our great lineup of Boss Plows, and spreaders. 2 Locations Clarksburg & Pittsfield!

ribcosupply.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action.

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature."

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures.

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis.

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.

View Full Story