Berkshire Bank Bites 

Banker & Tradesman’s readers are serious men and women of business: They wear suits and enjoy a fine scotch while reclining regally in leather furniture (we know we sure do).

They are not, in other words, swooning teenage girls.

But even B&T’s readers must have heard about the Twilight books and movies; Twilight is an insanely popular series featuring a mopey, stoned-looking vampire who inexplicably falls in love with a sullen human teenager (this series, The Teller must add, also commits the unforgivable sin of making vampires sort of harmless and insipid, instead of dangerous and awesome. We aren’t really fans).

The series is the object of obsession for thousands upon thousands of people worldwide, who adore its moody romance and gothic drama. If any of them read this, we fully expect a deluge of indignant e-mails.

Now it appears Berkshire Bank is getting in on the mass hysteria. The bank wanted to multi-task a number of good deeds at the same time: Promote the opening of a downtown Pittsfield movie theater – a key community development landmark – as well as encourage people to give blood. So, it facilitated an exchange: donate blood to the Berkshire Health System Bloodmobile, and you get a free ticket to the new Twilight movie “New Moon,” compliments of the bank.

The Teller could easily have made some crack about a bank going so far as to demand blood, but we’re keeping it classy this time. Actually, it’s a pretty good idea. The event itself includes some kind of gala involving live music, dance performances, Twilight trivia and a character look-alike contest… yes, these are things Twilight fans consider perfectly normal. Dorky though this might be, if it supports the theater and gets people to give blood… heck, why not? If the scourge of bland vampires will roll on unabated, might as well get some good out of it.

Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re off to put on our smoking jackets and take in a showing of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Those vampires emote sometimes, but they also, you know, kill things. The way it should be.