Greenfield Business Association commissions pollinator mural to enliven vacant storefront
GREENFIELD — Just in time for May’s 16th Annual Greenfield Bee Fest, the Greenfield Business Association partnered with the owner of 220 Main St. to transform a vacant storefront into a vibrant, pollinator-themed mural that injects fresh color and energy into downtown.
Part of a growing movement to beautify Greenfield’s commerical districts, the mural was designed and painted by Monica Aguilar of Chasing Trails Art. Her whimsical, nature-inspired window paintings are already familiar fixtures at Greenfield Games, Greenfield Solar, and the Franklin Community Co-op, as well as a new cafe space opening this summer on French King Highway.
Funding for the project was secured by the Greenfield Business Association (GBA) through the Greenfield Local Cultural Council. Additional support came from the Greenfield Parking Benefit District — an initiative the GBA successfully championed in 2025 to reinvest parking revenue into downtown improvements and community events.
“We care about our businesses here in Greenfield,” said GBA Executive Director Hannah Rechtschaffen. “One of the ways we show that care is by revitalizing vacant and underutilized public spaces, to encourage people to see Greenfield with fresh eyes, while also supporting business owners in accessing storefront improvement and cultural district grants to execute their own projects.”
The mural is one example of a broader beautification movement that has been gaining momentum throughout Greenfield in recent years. Through GBA initiatives such as storefront window painting, seasonal decorating and the work of Blooming Greenfield — a beautification program housed within the GBA — business owners across the city have increasingly tended to the appearance and presentation of their storefronts.
The impact of Blooming Greenfield’s flower barrels in particular has extended far beyond the program, inspiring additional landscaping and aesthetic improvement efforts throughout the city. One example is Freedom Cafe, where new owner Chrissy Weaver has addressed the appearance of her storefront since taking ownership, incorporating seasonal window paintings, sidewalk signage and a flourishing flower garden.
“Planting flowers out front is a small thing, but it changes how people feel when they walk down Main Street,” said Weaver. “We love seeing someone stop to admire the flowers, take a photo, or simply smile on their way by. Just like at home, flowers make downtown feel a little bit more welcoming.”
Rechtschaffen notes that this kind of ripple effect is exactly what the GBA hopes to encourage. “Caring is contagious,” she said. “When one property owner invests in making a space more welcoming, it inspires the next person to do the same.”
Greenfield Cooperative Bank hosts business strategy workshop in Northampton
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank will host “Something Has to Change: A Strategic Conversation,” the second in a small business strategic planning series, featuring Business Consultant, Arian Roefs. The workshop will be held on Monday, June 22 at the bank’s Northampton Branch located at 67 King St. in Northampton. The interactive conversation with Roefs will help local small business owners gain clarity around strategic planning and long-term growth.
“We’re thrilled to have Arian return for another business strategy workshop,” said Courtney Huxley, vice president, business development officer. “Her ability to see the bigger picture and ask the right questions makes her a great resource for any business owner.”
The workshop is open to small business owners and entrepreneurs in the community. To learn more and register, visit GreenfieldCoopBank.com.
ADU seminar comes to West Springfield on June 23
WEST SPRINGFIELD — An informative seminar, “Unlock the Potential of Your Property with ADUs,” will be held on June 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Latitude Restaurant, located at 1338 Memorial Ave. in West Springfield. The event is hosted by the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley.
The seminar will focus on how Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can fit into your future plans, generate rental income, and provide flexible living space. Topics include zoning regulations, financing options and design considerations.
Expert presenters include Attorney Christine Webster of Flynn Law, Rana Morton of Goosehead Insurance, Tim O’Reilly of Back Yard ADUs and Oneida Fuentes of MassHousing.
The seminar is open to the public but limited to 100 attendees. Complimentary appetizers will be served. The event is sponsored by Country Bank and PeoplesBank. To register, RAPV members can sign up online at rapv.com/membership/member-portal. Non-members can contact Laura Herring at laura@rapv.com or 413-785-1328.
Greenfield Cooperative Bank to host workshop for teens
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank will host “Fuel Your Future: Banking for Teens,” a free financial workshop with light refreshments, on Thursday, June 25 at 10 a.m. at its South Hadley branch, located at 487 Newton St.
Key topics include why banking matters, financial safety, building good money habits, savings strategies and budgeting basics. Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager Joanna O’Leary and Assistant Branch Manager Jimmy Rosario will walk students through important issues like fraud awareness and building a financial safety net, while also answering any questions about finances. Registration isn’t required.
Greenfield Savings opens branch in Easthampton
EASTHAMPTON — Greenfield Savings Bank celebrated the grand opening of its new Easthampton branch on Monday, June 8, in a move bank officials say will strengthen the bank’s presence and long‑term commitment to the community.
Located at 1 Sierra Vista Boulevard off Route 10, the new Easthampton branch is GSB’s ninth location and its southern headquarters, offering full‑service personal and business banking, along with wealth management and trust services, residential and commercial lending, and cash management.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a custom wall mural created by local artist Jesse Morgan, featuring recognizable local landmarks. Just beyond the entry is the bank’s signature “Faces and Places” wall, showcasing community members, scenes and moments that capture the character of Easthampton.
Leading the Easthampton branch is Branch Manager Melvin Coleman, who has spent the past several months building relationships with residents, business owners and nonprofit leaders throughout the city.