Veteran Financial Education Funding Applications Open

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BOSTON — In collaboration with the Division of Banks (DOB) and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), the State Treasurer's Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE) announced a new round of funding for Operation Money Wise. This grant program offers funding to veteran-serving non-profit organizations, public agencies, and higher education institutions to host financial programming that serves the Military, Veteran, Family, and Survivor Community (MVFSC). 
 
Veteran-serving organizations can apply for up to $5,000 in funding, which must be used before March 31, 2025. Applications close on May 31st, 2024 at 5 p.m.?Follow this link to learn more and apply.  
 
To date, Operation Money Wise has served over 6,648 members of the military community. A total of $262,977 has been awarded to 55 grantees in six grant rounds. The funding allows organizations to use their knowledge and expertise to design or enhance a program that would best serve their community. Many of these workshops will include strategy sessions on basic budgeting, managing debt, preparing for retirement, and making decisions with money. 
 
"We are proud to help those who serve our country achieve financial stability for themselves and their families," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. "Operation Money Wise will continue to support organizations that uplift and financially empower our veteran community across Massachusetts." 
 
Previous programs include one-day seminars or multiple sessions hosted by local colleges and financial institutions. Topics featured in past programs include career-training, information tailored to Gold Star Families, the National Guard Reintegration Yellow Ribbon Program, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.
 
Funding is possible through a Division of Banks settlement over alleged unlawful lending practices. 
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Dalton Select Board Calls for Special Election

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board has called a special election to fill its vacant seat left by former member Joseph Diver after delaying the decision on a citizen's petition.
 
Diver announced that he would be stepping down from his seat effective Oct. 1 during a meeting at the beginning of September. 
 
The board has been discussing whether to hold a special election since October but was hesitant because of cost, proximity to the presidential election, and confusion regarding state law procedures.  
 
The decision no longer became one the board could make following a citizen petition led by Robert Collins, which garnered 237 signatures from residents calling for a special election. The petition had 223 certified signatures. 
 
During a meeting at the beginning of November, board members delayed the decision to call a special election until the town confirmed that proper legal procedures were followed.
 
"I talked to our town lawyer and he said he was satisfied with everything in place, and we could go ahead and proceed with it. So, that made me satisfied," Chair Robert Bishop said. 
 
The special election to complete the last months of Diver's three-year term will take place on Monday, Feb. 3, at the Senior Center. Residents running for the vacant seat can pull papers at the town clerk's office between Tuesday, Nov.26, and Dec. 24. 
 
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