'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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Pittsfield Council Reviews Public Safety Budget, Keeps SpotShotter

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On the fourth day of budget deliberations, the City Council preliminarily approved public safety and public service budgets. 

See the first two days of budget review here; and the third day here.

Councilors deliberated the Pittsfield Police Department's $16,439,421 spending plan for more than 90 minutes. Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren unsuccessfully motioned to cut $220,000 for ShotSpotter services. 

He said the acoustic gunshot detection technology is not well used throughout the country, citing other communities that have opted out or are exploring it. 

Pittsfield has two more years on its contract; while councilors voted down the budget reduction several were willing to explore the impact data and see if those funds could be used elsewhere. 

Police Chief Marc Maddalena reported that there has been a significant decrease in shots fired calls, and attributed it to the surveillance technology assisting enforcement. He said it also comes in faster than 911 calls. 

"If people know that just by that noise alone that we're responding within seconds, that's preventing them from utilizing that weapon," he said. 

"So that in of itself is saving lives." 

It has an about 20 percent accuracy rate, and police respond to every activation. 

On Sunday, at least two homes in the area of Memorial Drive and Doyle Drive were struck by gunfire and investigators located 17 shell casings on scene. This was brought up during conversation; it was reported that there were 13 impulses on ShotSpotter during the incident. 

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