Freedom Credit Union’s ‘Month of Giving’ campaign to support Shriners Children’s New England
SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union is inviting members and the community to support Shriners Children’s New England in Springfield through its Month of Giving campaign in March. Donations will be accepted at all Freedom Credit Union branches throughout western Massachusetts.
“Supporting children and families in our region is central to our mission,” said Glenn Welch, president of Freedom Credit Union. “Shriners Children’s New England provides extraordinary care and compassion, and we are proud to rally our members and neighbors to support their work.”
Each month, Freedom Credit Union selects a local nonprofit to benefit from its Month of Giving campaign, which helps strengthen the communities it serves. Funds collected during March will support Shriners Children’s New England as it continues providing highly specialized pediatric orthopedic, urology, rheumatology and cleft lip and palate care using advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. All care is provided regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
Greenfield Cooperative Bank to host first-time homebuyer information session in Shelburne Falls
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank will host a free first-time homebuyer information session on Wednesday, March 25 at the Shelburne Falls branch community room, located at 33 Bridge St. The event will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and is open to all prospective first-time homebuyers.
Led by Missy Tetreault, GCB’s vice president and community engagement mortgage officer, and Kim Gates, mortgage originator, the session is designed to demystify the homebuying process and provide attendees with practical knowledge to confidently navigate their path to homeownership.
The session will also feature industry professionals, realtor Ted Hanna and attorney Leah Phillips. Guest speakers will discuss the home search process, negotiation strategies and legal considerations such as the closing process.
For more information, visit greenfieldcoopbank.com/events
Franklin County CDC hosts free branding and website design virtual workshop
GREENFIELD — Franklin County Community Development Corporation is hosting a free branding and web design virtual workshop on Monday, March 9, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Attendees will learn how to strengthen their business brand, improve their website and make a lasting impression. The 90-minute session features presenter Sara from East House Design Studio.
To register, visit http://bit.ly/402Ps7T
The spring Entrepreneurship Accelerator application deadline is March 9
GREENFIELD — Limited spots remain for the Franklin County Community Development Corporation’s spring Entrepreneurship Accelerator. This 12-week course runs Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m., starting March 18 through June 3. Applications close Monday, March 9, and accepted participants will be notified on March 11.
The course follows a hybrid format, combining virtual sessions with in-person meetings. During the final two weeks, participants will meet in person to pitch their business plans. Classes meet at the Franklin County CDC’s Venture Center, located at 324 Wells St. in Greenfield and via Zoom.
The sessions are for owners within one year of opening or established businesses who are looking to grow into their next phase. Classes will cover business planning and entity formation to insurance, marketing, financials and more.
To register, visit https://bit.ly/4sGLkqv
Greenfield Garden Cinemas to pair silent classics with iconic alt-rock music soundtracks
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Garden Cinemas is launching “Silents Synced,” a new film series that pairs restored silent movie classics with landmark alternative rock albums. The series kicks off Monday, March 16 inside the Garden’s historic 1929 theater, blending expressionist cinema with the sounds of the 1980s and 1990s.
The series will kick off on March 16 with the 1925 film, “A Woman of the World,” synchronized with music from Pearl Jam’s “Vs.” and “Vitalogy” albums. On April 20, the 1922 film, “Nosferatu,” will feature synchronized music from Radiohead’s “Kid A” and “Amnesiac” albums. On May 18, the 1924 film, “Sherlock, Jr.,” will feature synchronized music from R.E.M.’s “Monster” and “New Adventures in Hi-Fi.”
Created by drive-in pioneer Josh Frank, the program aims to introduce a new generation to silent film.
“Silent movies were never meant to be silent,” said Isaac Mass, co-owner of Garden Cinemas. “They were meant to be felt. Presenting them with the music of Pearl Jam, Radiohead, and R.E.M. inside our historic 1929 theater with modern amenities like heated reclining seats creates the kind of unforgettable communal experience that reminds people why movie theaters still matter.”
Tickets are $11.50 for adults and $8.50 for students, seniors and veterans. For more information, visit the Garden Cinemas website.