PV Squared participates in Arts Economic Impact Summit
NORTH ADAMS — PV Squared, a worker-owned solar design and installation cooperative based in Greenfield, participated in the 2025 Western Massachusetts Arts Economic Impact Summit at MASS MoCA on Nov. 14, joining more than 100 leaders from across the state’s creative, municipal, nonprofit and cultural sectors.
The summit brought together state officials, arts advocates and community partners to explore strategies for strengthening the region’s cultural identity through housing, energy, funding, workforce development, partnerships and long-term sustainability.
Representing PV Squared was Marketing and Outreach Specialist Brittany Hathaway, who emphasized the alignment between the arts and renewable energy sectors.
“Creativity and climate action share essential qualities: imagination, problem-solving and the willingness to build something better ahead of the curve,” Hathaway said. “Artists help people feel the future,” she added, underscoring the key role cultural institutions play in accelerating a just energy transition in western Massachusetts.
The summit underscored the strength and scale of Massachusetts’ creative economy, which contributes nearly $30 billion annually — approximately 4% of the state’s economy — and supports more than 130,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. With more than 15,000 cultural organizations and 112,000 working artists, according to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the sector is a major driver of statewide economic development, community identity and civic engagement.
PV Squared highlighted how energy infrastructure is central to the creative sector’s stability. For cultural organizations, energy provides gallery lighting, climate control for archives, fabrication studios, media labs, performance technology and more. Many cultural venues — particularly those housed in historic mills and industrial buildings — face inefficiencies that make energy planning a priority.
Hathaway emphasized that investments in weatherization, heat pumps and solar energy are not only environmentally responsible, but fiscally and operationally strategic. Such upgrades help organizations strengthen long-term financial stability, reduce operating costs, protect cultural assets, reinforce community leadership, and expand creative capacity and programming impact.
Real Pickles to be featured on CBS Sunday Morning
GREENFIELD — Real Pickles, a worker-owned cooperative specializing in organic, fermented vegetables, will be featured on this week’s episode of CBS Sunday Morning. A film crew visited the company’s Greenfield facility last week to learn more about the craft, sourcing and values behind its Good Food Award-winning organic sauerkraut.
“It was exciting to welcome the CBS Sunday Morning team into our space,” Kate Hunter, sales and marketing manager and a member-owner at Real Pickles, said in a statement. “They were especially interested in how we make our organic sauerkraut, from our partnerships with Northeast organic farms to the traditional fermentation methods we use. It’s a chance to highlight how our cooperative model and shared values shape the way we make food.”
The CBS crew discovered Real Pickles through the Good Food Foundation, which honors food crafters that are committed to exceptional flavor, ingredient quality and responsible business practices.
“It’s fitting that CBS found us through the Good Food Awards,” Hunter added. “The awards recognize not only delicious food but also social and environmental responsibility, both core to who we are as a cooperative.”
The segment will appear on CBS Sunday Morning hosted by Jane Pauley. The episode airs Sunday, Nov. 23, at 9 a.m. on CBS and is also available to stream on Paramount+ and the CBS News app.
One-day fundraising drive to support military families
SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union is inviting the community to take part in a one-day fundraising drive on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, with all donations made at any branch being matched dollar-for-dollar by Freedom Credit Union, up to a total of $2,500. Money raised will support the Westover Galaxy Community Council, a nonprofit that provides morale-boosting programs, events and resources for military personnel and families stationed at Westover Air Reserve Base.
Located in Chicopee, the Westover Air Reserve Base is home to more than 5,500 military and civilian personnel. The Galaxy Community Council helps enhance quality-of-life initiatives, strengthen community ties, and ensure service members and their families feel supported by the region they protect.
“Westover ARB is a cornerstone of our community, and the people who serve there deserve our appreciation and support,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said in a statement. “By matching donations, we’re giving our members and neighbors a way to double their impact and stand behind those who stand ready for us every day.”
Residents can visit any Freedom Credit Union branch on Dec. 2 to participate. There are branches across western Massachusetts, including in Greenfield and Turners Falls.
‘Fabulous ’40s Films’ continues with ‘The Man Who Came to Dinner’ screening
GREENFIELD — The next installment of the “Fabulous ’40s Films with Jonathan Boschen” series will feature the 1942 holiday comedy classic “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” starring Monty Woolley and Bette Davis. The screening will be held at the Garden Cinemas on Monday, Dec. 1.
Prior to the screening, Boschen, a local film and theater historian, will discuss the backstory of the movie and share additional facts about the film. Boschen’s introduction begins at 6:30 p.m. and the screening will immediately follow.
Admission is $11 for adults and $8.50 for seniors. Children ages 14 and under will be admitted for free.
Woolley plays the popular, egotistical and charismatic radio personality Sheridan Whiteside who injures himself during a visit and proceeds to take over his hosts’ home while recovering. As chaos erupts, his demanding behavior, eccentric visitors and meddling in other people’s lives lead to a series of hilarious complications. The movie was adapted from a 1939 stage play of the same name by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman.
Small Business Saturday approaches
GREENFIELD — The Garden Cinemas will celebrate Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29, inviting residents to shop local. Guests who show a same-day receipt from any local business in Franklin County will receive a size upgrade on any popcorn or fountain drink.
“We’re proud to be your hometown theater — run by local people, for local people,” Angela Mass, co-owner of the Garden Cinemas, said in a statement. “This is where our community gathers to spend time together. When you see a movie here, you’re supporting your neighbors, other local businesses who depend on foot traffic and helping our community stay vibrant and connected.”
By showing a same-day receipt from any local business in Franklin County, Garden Cinemas patrons who order a small popcorn or soda on Small Business Saturday can get a medium popcorn or soda, those who order a medium can get a large, and those who order a large can get an extra-large with free refills.
Additional Small Business Saturday events
At 10 a.m., while launching the annual $5 movie poster sale, the Garden Cinemas will also offer $5 T-shirts and $5 movie bucket tins. Upon request, staff will fill a customer’s bucket with popcorn when they leave the theater.
At 10:30 a.m., Liberty Tax Service’s free holiday movie screening will feature “It’s a Wonderful Life” starring Donna Reed and Jimmy Stewart (1946), with a special introduction by local film and theater historian Jonathan Boschen.
Small business partnerships
The Garden Cinemas will also offer combined gift cards valued at $60 for the theater and either The People’s Pint or Terrazza Ristorante for only $50.
Anyone who comes to the Garden Cinemas on Small Business Saturday can enter to win a $20 gift certificate for the new Freedom Café at the corner of Main and Chapman streets.
Brad’s Place will offer a free “Wicked For Good” muffin with the purchase of any omelet on Small Business Saturday.