'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 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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