Market 32 and Price Chopper Raise $44K for Special Olympics

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Market 32 and Price Chopper announced the results of a recent fundraising campaign that secured $44,284 for Special Olympics. 
 
The total was finalized during a ceremonial check presentation at the Shoppers World Shopping Center in Clifton Park, N.Y.
 
Throughout January, customers at all 128 store locations across six states participated in a "round-up" initiative, contributing $34,284. Market 32 and Price Chopper added an additional $10,000 to the final total.
 
The funds are designated for Special Olympics programs in New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. The donation will facilitate year-round training, local competitions, and inclusive athletic opportunities. According to company officials, the proceeds will also assist local athletes preparing for the 2026 USA Games.
 
The campaign coincided with the recent Paralympic and Winter Olympic games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Stacey Hengsterman, President and CEO of Special Olympics New York, noted that retail campaigns are instrumental in advancing the movement and ensuring opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
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Parks Commission OKs Wahconah Park Event, Clapp Park Dugouts

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Baseball dugouts are planned for Clapp Park, and in April, the community will have one last look inside the historic Wahconah Park grandstand before it is demolished. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission approved a "Farewell to the Grandstand at Wahconah Park" event to be held on April 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Recreation and Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer explained that the event will allow the community to see the more than 100-year-old structure before it comes down later in the spring. 

"Attendees will be able to go up to the top of the ramp to get a look into the grandstand for one last chance and quick photo op, but they can't get any further due to safety concerns," she explained. 

The property at 105 Wahconah St. has drawn attention for several years after the grandstand was deemed unsafe in 2022. Planners have determined that starting from square one is the best option; a $15 million rebuild is on the table. 

There will be speeches from city officials and Baseball in the Berkshire Director Larry Moore, a slideshow with old photographs and memories shared from the community, a table with renderings of the new grandstand, a memory table, and a story booth where short interviews can be recorded. 

"Ernie the Hot Dog Guy" is also confirmed as a food vendor. 

"We're looking forward to great weather, and unfortunately, we won't be able to get everyone fully into the grandstand, but certainly we'll be able to have folks view the grandstand from the safe areas of the grandstand," Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath explained. 

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