Greylock Donates to Community Partners in 2021

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Greylock Federal Credit Union has released its 2021 Community Impact Report
 
The report highlights many relationships held throughout the region to show members how their credit union invests in the community.
 
"This is more than just a report to sit on a shelf," said Greylock Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer JamieEllen Moncecchi. "It is a story of the dedication and hard work put forward by our staff, Board of Directors and Members throughout the year to support our shared vision of a thriving community."
 
The stories reflect the Credit Union's commitment to the guiding principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility through company-wide learning and reflection, policy development, new products and services, and partnerships.
 
Greylock made cash donations of over $778,000 to area non-profit partners in 2021. The list of partners ranges from local Lions Clubs and after-school programs to the Berkshire Family YMCA and the United Ways of Berkshire County.
 
Greylock's continued COVID-19 response is also summarized in the document. Data shows that in the second year of the pandemic, Greylock supported 3,414 area jobs with Paycheck Protection Program loans, provided millions of dollars in loan deferrals for Members facing hardship and issued over $51 million to first-time home buyers to build for their future.
 
The Community Empowerment Center, which opened in 2018, grew to a dedicated five-person team with a branch-wide volunteer network of 29 certified financial coaches to meet the increasing need for services. The Center hosted 82 free seminars on everything from couponing to preparing for retirement. They also educated 2,805 area students on financial literacy, conducted 873 free financial coaching sessions and helped 204 immigrants enter the US banking system.
 
As a Certified Community Development Financial Institution, Greylock can be awarded federal funds to support the local economy. In 2021, Greylock was issued access to up to $23 million in emergency capital investment funding from the US Treasury (to be used over 30 years), $1.8 million in Rapid Response funds to help stabilize local households and businesses affected by the pandemic, and a $500,000 award to tackle issues of local poverty and economic mobility.
 

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Pittsfield Outdoor Fire Ban In Effect Until Further Notice

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As drought conditions spread across Massachusetts and the wildfire risk continues to grow, the City of Pittsfield is prohibiting any outdoor fires at least until further notice.

"Historically low rainfall, bright and breezy weather, and bone-dry fuel sources mean that any outdoor fire will quickly grow out of control," said Fire Chief Thomas Sammons. "Please use caution and common sense and refrain from any outdoor activity that could spark a fire."

Burning yard waste is already prohibited across Massachusetts through Jan. 15 and year-round in some communities under 310 CMR 7.07, the Open Burning regulation. This order additionally restricts the outdoor use of fire pits, chimineas, candles, cooking/heating equipment, and other ignition sources under Section 10.10.2 of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. The Code grants fire officials the authority to prohibit any and all open flames and other ignition sources under certain hazardous conditions, including extreme drought. Any requests for permits for outdoor fires, hot work such as cutting/grinding, and other activity will be decided based upon the ongoing fire risk.

All of Massachusetts, including Pittsfield, is facing an unprecedented fall wildfire season.
 
Statewide, fires in October rose 1,200 percent above the historical average, and the 133 fires reported in the first week of November represent more than six times the average for the entire month. Many have damaged homes and other properties. According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and the Department of Conservation & Recreation's Bureau of Forest Fire Control & Forestry, almost all of these fires start with human activity and can be prevented by limiting outdoor activity that involves open flames, sparks and embers, hot engines or gasoline from power
equipment, and other ignition sources.

Months without meaningful rainfall, abundant dead leaves and vegetation, bright sunshine, and gusty winds make the current and expected weather conditions ripe for a wildfire in every city and town in Massachusetts. At the same time, static water sources like lakes and ponds are supplying less water and water pressure to extinguish these fires. Because about 45 percent of Massachusetts homes are in or near wooded areas, almost any significant wildfire will threaten residential areas.

"The faster we hear about a fire, the better chance we have of safely extinguishing it," said Chief Sammons. "If you see smoke or flames, please call 9-1-1 right away so we can protect you, your neighbors, and our community."

This notice is in effect until further notice.

 

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