MountainOne to Launch Second Children’s Book, 'Something to Save'

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— MountainOne, a community-based financial institution, announced it has partnered once again with storybook author Doug Murphy and illustrator Laura Salafia for "Something to Save," the follow-up to MountainOne's debut book, "How to Climb a Mountain." 

MountainOne's second children's book, "Something to Save," featuring Mo, the MountainOne Spokesgoat, was released at the MountainOne Annual Meeting on April 7, 2025.

In this new adventure, Mo and his trusted friend Penny the Chipmunk set out on a journey to understand the value of saving and planning for the future. The book encourages children to understand that starting small—whether by gathering, planning, or setting aside resources—can lead to meaningful and positive outcomes in the future. The story celebrates financial education at an early age, all while remaining fun and relatable for young readers.

"The response to 'How to Climb a Mountain' was fantastic, and we're excited to continue Mo's journey with 'Something to Save,'" said Jill Amato, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Banking at MountainOne. "These books promote reading literacy and financial responsibility in a fun and memorable way. We look forward to bringing the storybook experience—with book readings, activities, and even some special appearances—to each of our communities this spring!"

Robert Fraser, President and CEO of MountainOne, emphasized the book's broader impact.

"'Something to Save' is more than just a story—it's a tool to help families start conversations about smart financial habits. We hope it encourages families to think about saving and goal setting from an early age," he said.

MountainOne invites local elementary schools, after-school programs, libraries, and community partners to request free reading events featuring a storytelling experience with Mo the Spokesgoat. Children who attend receive a copy of the book, and activity packets designed to reinforce key financial literacy concepts. Upcoming readings will be announced on MountainOne's social media pages. To learn more, request an event, or explore Mo's storybook adventures, visit mountainone.com/mo-storybook.


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North Adams Planners OK 'Model' Cabin; Support Outdoor Cannabis

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — One of Tourists' new model cabins was approved for construction on the Blackinton Mansion property this week. 
 
Tourists had pivoted to a cabin production facility in the Blackinton Mill when financing to transform it into a hotel fell through. The Planning Board approved permitting for the venture in January and the development of the "working" model on Monday. 
 
Partner Eric Kerns said the company's received more than 160 inquiries on cabins, signed up three buyers and is negotiating with six more. 
 
"What we had done back then was take a prototype cabin and put it out on our property," he said. "Just as kind of like a model that people could come and see. ...
 
"But what we're discovering is that as we get into these negotiations with getting to the next stage of this, like we need one where people can come and stay in it, give it a road test."
 
The Tourists partnership, which operates under a number of limited liability companies, purchased the historic mansion last year and has been renovating the longtime bed-and-breakfast.
 
"There's a pool that is well beyond its useful life that we're taking out on the side of the property, and we'd like to put in one of our Robin model cabins," Kerns said. 
 
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