Garden Cinemas plans special events for ‘Practical Magic 2’ release
GREENFELD — The Garden Cinemas is bringing “Practical Magic 2,” the long-awaited PG 13 sequel to the 1998 classic starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, to the city not only through a themed float in the Franklin County Fair Parade, but with two events.
“Practical Magic 2” opens nationwide on Friday, Sept. 11, but the Garden Cinemas will have early access on Thursday, Sept. 10, the same day as the Franklin County Fair Parade. Midnight Margaritas will be available for patrons, including a commemorative movie cup in the shape of a blender from the movie.
The theater has partnered with Alchemy of Avalon for a Saturday, Sept. 12, event called “Witches Night Out,” where the theater will have photo opportunities in front of the parade float backdrops, tarot card readings, witchy vendors in the lobby and an introduction to the film by Alchemy of Avalon owner Suzanne O’Gara. The Garden Cinemas is also offering a second event, “Salem Witch Night,” on Friday, Sept. 18, where the film will be followed by a question-and-answer session with real Salem witch, Bree Bella Cabot.
More information can be found at gardencinemas.net/content/Special+Events.
Greenfield Cooperative Bank recognized among fastest growing lenders in Massachusetts
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank has been recognized by Banker & Tradesman with a 2026 Fast 50 Award in the category Lender with the Most Growth.
The Fast 50 recognizes financial institutions and lenders demonstrating significant growth and impact in the Massachusetts lending market. GCB ranked third in dollar volume and 13th in the number of commercial loans, highlighting the bank’s continued commitment to supporting local businesses and the communities it serves.
“We’re proud to see the growth of our commercial lending team recognized by Banker & Tradesman,” said Mike Buckmaster, executive vice president, commercial banking. “Our focus has always been on building strong relationships with local businesses and understanding what they need to succeed. This recognition reflects the trust our customers place in us and the hard work of our entire commercial lending team.”
Eversource named to TIME’s list of America’s Best Companies for 2026
BOSTON — In recognition of its continued commitment to employees, operational excellence and long-term sustainability for customers, Eversource has been named to TIME’s list of America’s Best Companies for 2026, a prestigious annual ranking presented by TIME and Statista that recognizes organizations based on employee satisfaction, financial performance and sustainability transparency that benefits customers.
“We’re honored to be recognized by TIME as one of America’s Best Companies because this award reflects the dedication of our thousands of employees who work every day to safely deliver reliable energy and exceptional service to our customers with an ever-present focus on affordability,” said Eversource Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Nolan. “Our people are the foundation of everything we do, and this recognition is a testament to their hard work and commitment. As we continue investing in our employees, we’ll remain focused on operating efficiently, keeping the costs we can control as low as possible and delivering safe and reliable service for our customers.”
The TIME America’s Best Companies 2026 ranking, presented in collaboration with Statista, evaluated companies across three key areas: employee satisfaction, financial performance and sustainability transparency. Employee satisfaction was measured through surveys of approximately 217,000 employees at U.S. companies over the past three years, while financial performance and sustainability transparency were assessed using a range of publicly available business and environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics. The 1,000 highest-scoring companies earned a place on this year’s list.
This latest recognition adds to Eversource’s growing list of national honors for its customer-focused corporate responsibility, workplace excellence and sustainability, including being named one of Newsweek’s America’s Most Trustworthy Companies for 2026, one of Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2026 and a VETS Indexes 5 Star Employer for 2026.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art announces new chief curator and director of education
AMHERST — The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, in Amherst, has announced two new senior staff who will help lead the Museum: Rebecca Klassen as chief curator, and Craig Langlois as director of education.
“As we advance our strategic plan, Rebecca’s deep curatorial experience and commitment to research and scholarship will help to continue establishing The Carle as the leading voice in picture book art, while Craig’s innovative approach to education and community engagement is expanding opportunities for visitors of all ages to connect with the art, artists and stories that inspire us,” said Jennifer Schantz, executive director of The Carle. “Together, they will strengthen The Carle’s leadership in exhibitions, scholarship and educational excellence.”
Klassen joins The Carle this month after 13 years at The New York Historical, where she served as curator of material culture and decorative arts. She previously oversaw significant collections of material culture and decorative arts, including textiles, Tiffany Studios objects, political memorabilia and board games, among other holdings, managing their development and stewardship. A former magazine writer and editor, Klassen spearheaded the revitalization of the museum’s responsive collecting program.
Langlois spent more than 15 years at the Berkshire Museum, serving as director of education and public programs, chief experience officer and co-interim executive director. At the Berkshire Museum, he led interdisciplinary education and public programs, supported curatorial and exhibition development, oversaw visitor experience and museum operations and helped guide institutional planning and building management initiatives.
Prior to joining The Carle, Langlois served Pittsfield Public Schools as district data and assessment coordinator and assistant principal of teaching and learning, supporting curriculum implementation, educator professional development, instructional coaching and applied learning initiatives. Langlois began as The Carle’s director of education in January 2026.