Lenox-based Allegrone Companies completes historic restoration of the Statue of Liberty
New York City, N.Y. – Lenox-based Allegrone Companies announces the successful completion of a five-year, two-phase restoration of the masonry stone walls and terreplein deck of Fort Wood, the 11-pointed star-shaped granite fort that forms the pedestal base of the Statue of Liberty.
The rehabilitation of the stone walls covered approximately 35,000 vertical square feet of historic granite masonry, involving meticulous repair and repointing of deteriorated joints, thorough cleaning and replacement of coping stones, and precision masonry work on delicate Schist Stone elements. To safeguard the integrity of the structure throughout the process, the team implemented innovative logistical solutions, including custom-designed scaffolding, and a ramp system specialized for transporting materials. Over 500 capstones were addressed ensuring the fort’s durability for generations to come.
The rehabilitation of the terreplein covered approximately 50,000 horizontal square feet of hardscape surfaces, including two masonry stairwells leading to the base of the monument. Allegrone repaired the concrete decks, implemented a new waterproofing system to ensure a watertight museum below, introduced snowmelt infrastructure walkways for year-round public safety, and furnished and installed new granite pavers throughout.
“Restoring Fort Wood was more than a construction project—it was a commitment to preserving a symbol of freedom and resilience,” said Michael Mucci, Director of Masonry at Allegrone Companies. “Every stone we touched carried history, and our team approached this work with precision and respect.”
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BFAIR purchases building to support growth of Bottle & Can Redemption Center
North Adams— BFAIR has announced the purchase of the building located at 1000 Massachusetts Avenue in North Adams, home to the BFAIR Bottle & Can Redemption Center, effective January 9th.
This milestone marks an important step forward in BFAIR’s continued commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities while serving the environmental and economic needs of North Berkshire.
BFAIR officially acquired the Bottle & Can Redemption Center business in July 2019. The recent purchase of the building allows BFAIR to plan for long-term growth and expansion in response to a significant increase in the volume of redeemable bottles and cans being processed.
With the ability to expand the building, BFAIR will be able to add workspace and purchase a second bottle and can counting machine, made possible through support from the Berkshire Bank Foundation. These improvements will increase efficiency, enhance workflow, and support continued job creation. Future renovations may also include reconfiguring the lobby area to improve productivity and customer flow as operations continue to grow. More information can be found online.
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Lee Bank Foundation awards $48,800 in fourth grant cycle of 2025
Lee— The Lee Bank Foundation has awarded $48,800 in its fourth grant cycle of 2025 to support thirteen Berkshire-based nonprofit organizations, continuing Lee Bank’s long-standing tradition of community reinvestment through the Foundation’s formal grantmaking efforts.
Grant awards in this cycle ranged from $1,000 to $10,000 and will support initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s core focus areas, including education, food security, economic development, health and human services, and workforce development.
The latest grant recipients are:
- 18 Degrees
- Becket Athenaeum
- Berkshire Agricultural Ventures
- Berkshire County Head Start
- Berkshire Grown
- Berkshire Immigrant Center
- Berkshire Pulse
- Latinas413
- Neighborhood Ninjas
- NESEA for Cooler Communities
- Outreach, Inc.
- Sheffield Farmers’ Market
- The Nonprofit Center
Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for the next round of funding, with applications due by March 2nd. The application can be found online.
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Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires seeks nominations for ninth annual Berkshire Nonprofit Awards
Great Barrington— The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, in partnership with The Berkshire Eagle, will present the ninth annual Berkshire Nonprofit Awards breakfast on Tuesday, May 19th from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Country Club of Pittsfield. The awards recognize individuals who work tirelessly in the nonprofit sector to serve the Berkshire community.
Nominations are being solicited from across the Berkshires in seven categories: Executive Leadership, Board Leadership, Unsung Hero, Volunteer, Rock Star, Lifetime Achievement, and the Samya Rose Stumo Youth Leadership Award. Honorees—one in each category—will be selected by a committee of business and nonprofit leaders.
“This event creates space for joy and recognition, which is essential in this moment. If you know someone making a difference, please take the time to nominate them,” said McCaela Donovan, Associate Director of the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires. Nomination forms are available online. The deadline for submissions is March 13th.
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Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network Berkshire Office presents ‘Beyond Passwords: Untangling the Security Alphabet Soup,’ a virtual tech talk with Rob DelMastro
Berkshire— On Wednesday, February 4th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network Berkshire Office presents “Beyond Passwords: Untangling the Security Alphabet Soup,” a virtual tech talk with Rob DelMastro.
Feeling overwhelmed by passwords, passkeys, and multi-factor authentication? You’re not alone. Join Rob DelMastro for a practical, easy-to-follow tech talk that breaks down today’s security options and helps small businesses choose what actually works. From authentication apps to biometrics, you’ll learn to cut through the jargon and make sense of it all.
Topics that will be discussed include:
- The difference between passwords, passkeys, and MFA
- What SSO and behavioral biometrics really mean
- What happened to security questions
- How to choose the right security mix for your business
Each session includes a 15 to 20 minute overview followed by an interactive discussion and Q&A. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started, this is a welcoming space to learn, ask questions, and better protect your business. The virtual talk is on Wednesday, February 4th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Zoom. Registration and more information can be found online.
