Janson Rapisarda mural ribbon-cutting
Pittsfield— Let It Shine!, with the generous support of property owner David Carver and MassDevelopment’s TDI Creative Catalyst Grant, has teamed up with nationally recognized artist Janson Rapisarda to bring a vibrant and dynamic mural to 7 North Street in Pittsfield.
Rapisarda, who has completed more than 50 murals nationwide, is known for people-centered artwork that highlights storytelling, identity, and community connection. He said, ”I’m very interested in depicting people, the interests they have, and the relationships with the world around them, so I will often use a figure to help tell a longer story about the area. Within my murals, I also include animals, birds, and plant-life to elaborate on this storytelling. I always want to use my work as a way to highlight themes like adventure, play, and wonder, using bold and vibrant color, movement, and visual abundance. For me, there is so much possibility for joy and life in murals, and I always aim to make something that celebrates that.”
Part of Let It Shine!, the mural will span more than 1,200 square feet and continue the city’s growing investment in public art and creative placemaking. There will be a community ribbon-cutting on Friday, May 29th at noon. The public is invited.
***
Beacon Bank accessibility update
Berkshire— Beacon Bank has announced free access at all branches to an on-demand service that connects visually impaired users to the Aira Explorer service, live, real-time guides who provide assistance through an app using the camera and microphone on the user’s mobile phone.
The service is available at the bank’s 145 branches, as well as for those who require additional assistance to access visual information in online banking and the bank’s mobile app. Among other things, it provides support for navigating branches, reading statements, using ATMs, making transactions, and accessing online and mobile banking. Every call is picked up by a professional visual interpreter who signs a confidentiality agreement and has rigorous training in privacy and security.
“We’re committed to providing welcoming, accessible banking services for all members of our community,” said Ian Perrault, Americans with Disabilities Act specialist and liaison at Beacon Bank. “By offering Aira Explorer online and at all of our locations, we are helping ensure clients who need additional support can bank with greater confidence, independence and ease.”
“Banking is a high-detail, everyday task that can present barriers when visual information isn’t available,” said Everette Bacon, Aira’s chief of blindness initiatives. “That’s why we’re especially pleased to work with Aira Explorer Access Partners like Beacon Bank that provide visitors with secure, high-quality visual interpreting so that they can bank with confidence.”
***
MountainOne celebrates teachers
Berkshire— In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, MountainOne recognized 75 first grade teachers through special storybook-themed deliveries created as part of MountainOne’s growing Storybook Program, which helps introduce children to themes like perseverance, saving money, goal setting, and community connection through original storytelling and interactive experiences.
Deliveries were made to first grade teachers at the following schools across the Berkshires: Allendale, Brayton, Capeless, Conte, Crosby, Egremont, Morningside, Stearns, Williams, Williamstown Elementary Schools.
Inside each custom-designed package, teachers discovered copies of MountainOne’s two original storybooks, “How To Climb A Mountain” and “Something To Save”, along with a newly released companion activity workbook filled with educational games, coloring pages, and age-appropriate financial literacy activities for students. The deliveries also featured a custom goat silhouette tote bag, a classroom flyer inviting schools to participate in future MountainOne storybook readings, a thank you card reading “You’re The G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Teachers),” and even a Mo the Spokesgoat plush for classrooms to enjoy.
The appreciation deliveries also serve as an introduction to the MountainOne Storybook Program, which brings MountainOne’s Storybook Team directly into schools for interactive classroom readings where every student receives their own storybook and activity materials, along with a special visit from Mo the Spokesgoat himself. MountainOne invites local schools, libraries, and community organizations to bring Mo’s Storybook Program to their students. To learn more or request a reading, visit mountainone.com/mo-storybook.
***
Greylock Federal staffing update
Pittsfield— Greylock Federal Credit Union has announced the promotion of Tara McCluskey to Senior Vice President, Lending Officer. In this role, she will be accountable for enterprise‑wide lending strategy and growth plans, portfolio performance, regulatory compliance and leadership development across mortgage lending, consumer lending, asset quality and community development.
McCluskey has deep experience in housing and community development, with a focus on expanding access to affordable homeownership. She has led the creation of multiple community development loan programs that remove barriers for low- and moderate-income households and for Black and African American borrowers, and she spearheaded Greylock’s accessory dwelling unit lending program to help increase local housing supply and support stable neighborhoods. She serves on the Board of Directors for Elder Services of Berkshire County.
“Over Tara’s almost 30 years here, she has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to both our members and our community. Her passion, paired with her extensive mortgage expertise, will truly enable her to be a vital contributor to the senior leadership team,” said Jodi Rathbun-Briggs, Chief Growth Officer. “I have no doubt Tara will continue to make a meaningful impact, bringing both strategic vision and heartfelt dedication to her new role.”
***
Donovan O’Connor & Dodig, LLP staffing update
North Adams— Donovan O’Connor & Dodig, LLP has announced that Attorney Samual J. Crocker has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Crocker is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and his primary areas of practice are on trust and estates, including both estate planning and probate administration, as well as real estate matters, including residential and commercial real estate transactions and land use.
Crocker graduated from Wheaton College in 2020 and subsequently attended Vermont Law School where he received his J.D. in May 2025. While in law school he engaged in research focused on federalism and preemption issues and concentrated his coursework on environmental and regulatory issues.
Gregory P. Howard, the current Managing Partner at the firm commented, “Sam is a wonderful addition to the firm and will be a strong member of our transactional practice. We anticipate that Sam will allow us to continue to offer a wide array of representation in various real estate and trusts and estates matters while upholding the standards of excellence that our clients deserve.”
***
Greylock Federal staffing updates
Pittsfield— Greylock Federal Credit Union has announced the hiring of Vice President, Consumer Lending, John Rose. In this role, he will provide strategic leadership and management of all consumer loan products and lending operations at Greylock, including direct and indirect auto lending, credit cards and personal loans.
Rose brings almost 20 years of consumer lending experience to Greylock. For nearly 10 years, Rose worked at Rhinebeck Bank where he served as Senior Vice President of Consumer Lending, leading a multi-channel division that included auto, home equity and personal loans; mortgages; and credit cards.
“I am honored to join Greylock Federal Credit Union and be part of an organization that leads with purpose. Greylock’s focus on community engagement and delivering thoughtful financial solutions reflects a strong vision for supporting its members,” said Rose. “I look forward to helping build on that foundation and driving continued success for the communities we serve.”
“Greylock is happy to welcome John to our Consumer Lending team. His experience driving product growth, building teams and expanding market presence aligns with our current goals – he’s an excellent addition to Greylock Federal Credit Union,” said Tara McCluskey, Senior Vice President, Lending Officer.
***
BCC staffing update
Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College announces the addition of Shuang (Shirley) Liu to the College as an Administrative Assistant I in the One Stop Center.
Liu brings more than 10 years of experience in the education field, including work with EF Education First and other educational organizations, where she supported students and families with college planning and transfer pathways.
Originally from Beijing, China, Liu spent a decade living and working in the Boston area before moving to Pittsfield three years ago. She most recently worked as a legal assistant in the business law and estate planning department at a law firm.
