Market 32, Price Chopper Customers Raise Over $60K for Special Olympics

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Market 32 and Price Chopper customers at 129 stores across New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire raised $50,143.72 for Special Olympics through a checkout round-up campaign in February and March. Market 32 and Price Chopper contributed an additional $10,000, bringing the total donation to $60,143.72.

The funds will benefit Special Olympics athletes in the six states where the stores operate. In March, over 30 athletes, partners, and coaches from these states participated in the 2025 Winter World Games in Turin, Italy, as part of Special Olympics USA, winning one gold, six silver, and 20 bronze medals.

Pam Cerrone, Market 32 and Price Chopper director of community relations, acknowledged the customers' contributions to providing opportunities for local athletes.

Stacey Hengsterman, Special Olympics New York President & CEO, emphasized the value of retail partnerships for their organization and the impact of customer donations on athletes with intellectual disabilities.

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Pittsfield Cannabis Cultivator Plans Dispensary

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD. Mass. — A cannabis cultivator and manufacturer has opted to sell its products on site in Downing Parkway. 

The Zoning Board of Appeals this month approved a special permit for J-B.A.M. Inc. to operate a dispensary out of its existing grow facility. There will only be changes to the interior of 71 Downing Parkway, as there will be less than 500 square feet of retail space in the 20,000-square-foot building. 

"My only concern would be the impact, and really would be traffic, which I don't think is excessive, the odor, if there was one, but that doesn't seem to be an issue, and I think it's a good location for a marijuana facility," board member Thomas Goggins said. 

The company's indoor cultivation site plan was approved in 2019, an amendment to add manufacturing and processing in 2021, and on the prior day, a new site plan to add a retail dispensary was approved by the Community Development Board. 

J-B.A.M. cannabis products are available in local dispensaries. 

The interior of the facility will be divided to accommodate an enclosed check-in area, front entrance, retail lobby, secure storage room, offices, and two bathrooms. There are 27 parking spaces for the facility, which is sufficient for the use. 

No medical or recreational cannabis uses are permitted within 500 feet of a school or daycare, a setback that is met, and the space is within an industrial park at the end of a cul-de-sac. 

"The applicant desires the restructuring of the business to be more competitive in the industry with the ability to grow and sell their own cannabis products so they have more financial stability," Chair Albert Ingegni III, read from the application. 

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