Talking Chronicle, Greylock Federal Launch 'Financially Speaking'

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Talking Chronicle has launched its newest radio program, "Financially Speaking," created in partnership with Greylock Federal Credit Union.
 
This series is designed to help listeners build confidence and take control of their financial futures.
 
"Financially Speaking" will air Mondays at 12:30 and 7:30 p.m., with an additional broadcast Friday evenings at 7:30. Each 30-minute episode focuses on practical strategies for mastering money, offering clear, real-world guidance on topics that matter to individuals and families throughout the Berkshires.
 
The first three episodes in the series will cover:
  • How to Discuss Money as a Family
  • Preparing for Home Ownership
  • Understanding and Avoiding Predatory Lenders
The program is hosted by Cindy Shogry-Raimer, vice president and director of community development at Greylock Federal Credit Union. A certified credit union financial counselor, Shogry-Raimer brings more than 40 years of experience to the microphone. She began her career as a teller and has grown into a leadership role where she develops financial wellness programs, creates new products and services, and oversees a team of credit counselors. She also manages grant and certification reporting requirements for the U.S. Treasury.
 
Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is engaged in the community, serving on the boards of Pittsfield Community Television,Coolidge Hill Foundation, and Berkshire Training & Employment.
 
Through this partnership, the Berkshire Talking Chronicle continues its mission to provide meaningful, educational programming to the community, particularly for those who are blind, visually impaired, or print-disabled.
 
Listeners are encouraged to tune in and take the next step toward financial empowerment with "Financially Speaking."
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

15 People Displaced in Pittsfield Home Fires

Staff Reports

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Fifteen people were displaced after 2-alarm home fires this weekend on Springside Avenue and Elaine Drive. 

On Friday evening, the Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 209 Springside Ave., which took a four-hour battle to extinguish and resulted in a partial roof collapse. The next day, on Saturday evening, crews knocked down a fire at 121 Elaine Drive in about an hour. 

The garage and part of the single-family home on Elaine Drive were gutted to the frame, along with a vehicle parked in the driveway. On Springside Avenue, the top level and porch of the multifamily were burned through.  

A GoFundMe has been started for the family of the Elaine Drive home, which includes several young children.  The fundraiser, with a $5,500 goal, explains they lost their home and all of their belongings. (iBerkshires.com does not confirm or endorse fundraisers; they are provided as information only.)

There were no civilian or firefighter injuries, and both incidents are under investigation.  One dog was rescued on Springside Avenue. 

On Oct. 10, around 6:15 p.m., PFD responded to the Springside Avenue home for a reported structure fire and saw a 2 1/2-story wood frame multifamily with a heavy blaze showing from the second-floor front porch, extending out. 

The building suffered a partial roof collapse, which prolonged extinguishment. The fire was brought under control after about four hours.

“An aggressive offensive attack was mounted by first arriving crews stretching hose lines into the building as well as primary searches that proved negative. Ladders were placed around the structure to provide access as well as escape if needed. An off-duty Fire Captain had also been on scene early in the incident to help evacuate the structure and rescue a dog,” PFD wrote in a press release. 

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