'Spanish for Bankers' helps Greylock Better serve the Berkshires

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Early in 2026, Greylock will offer its fifth cohort of Spanish for Bankers, a free class offered to all Greylock employees who wish to gain and improve Spanish language skills. 
 
The 16-week course is taught during business hours to allow for convenience and flexibility, beginning with eight weeks focused on vocabulary and punctuation, followed by eight weeks of cultural perspectives shared by native speakers and real-world scenario practice. 
 
"When you better understand your members, you're better able to serve them. Spanish for Bankers gives our employees fundamental basics for simple interactions while also taking a deeper dive into Hispanic and Latin cultures," said Lowenstein. "It's been really successful."
 
Recent graduates have experienced ongoing benefits both professionally and personally, stated a press release.
 
"I spoke very minimal Spanish," said Branch Specialist Antonio Cimini who was in the last cohort. "The class 100 percent helped. It's strengthened my relationships with our Spanish-speaking members. I have one member who will always wait for me to handle his transactions. Sometimes I see him out in the community, and we'll say hello to each other. That connection has been the greatest benefit."
 
This initiative is part of Greylock's ongoing commitment and service to Hispanic and immigrant communities. Four Greylock branches hold the national designation Juntos Avanzamos, meaning "Together We Advance." The designation is bestowed on credit unions who serve and empower Hispanic and immigrant consumers, helping them navigate the U.S. financial system while providing safe, affordable, and relevant services. Greylock's four Juntos Avanzamos-designated branches include West and Kellogg streets in Pittsfield, Lee, and Greenport-Hudson, N.Y.
 
"As Greylock continues to see an increase in Spanish-speaking members, and as our outreach and engagement with immigrant communities continues to grow, we've seen a true need to bring enhanced language access to Greylock," said Vice President, Culture and Brand Rachel Mabee.
 

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Lee: 3 Miles of Route 20 Being Repaved Next Year

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LEE, Mass. — Beginning next year, the state will repave three miles of Route 20 and reinforce two bridges, one over the Massachusetts Turnpike. 

Last week, the state Department of Transportation held a virtual design public hearing for the project. In addition to milling and resurfacing of the route, bridge structures L-05-024 (over Greenwater Brook) and L-05-052 (over I-90) will see maintenance repairs. 

"We just wanted to thank MassDOT for doing this project. We're very supportive of having the road redone and appreciate the work on it," Town Administrator Christopher Brittain said. 

"The town of Lee is looking forward to having the road repaved." 

Construction will begin in the spring of 2027.  

Traffic will be maintained with short-term flagging operations, and steel plates will conceal deck patching over Greenwater Brook. There will be staged construction on the bridge over the highway, with a single alternating travel lane controlled by a temporary signal. 

The project is estimated to cost $6.8 million, 90 percent from the federal government and 10 percent from the state; it is in the FY26 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. 

The hearing included public information on activities and rights-of-way needs for tree trimming, new utility poles, grading, drainage swales, and a driveway apron along the project corridor, items identified during the late design phases. 

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