Coats for Kids drive underway
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank is once again partnering with The Salvation Army for its annual Coats for Kids drive, a community initiative that helps ensure local children have access to warm winter essentials.
All 10 bank branches will serve as collection sites, inviting residents to donate new or gently used winter coats and other essentials like hats, gloves, scarves and boots. Community members can drop donations off during regular business hours between Oct. 1 and Oct. 15. All collected items will be distributed locally by The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army reminds donors that coats and winter gear should be in good condition, with working zippers and fasteners, and free from major damage.
“We’re so grateful to be involved with the Coats for Kids program,” Courtney Huxley, business development officer at Greenfield Cooperative Bank, said in a statement. “Every year, I’m amazed to see the number of coats and winter essentials we are able to collect from our neighbors; one simple act of generosity can spread so much warmth throughout our communities.”
MassHire holding Manufacturing Job Fair
GREENFIELD — The MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center is holding a Manufacturing Job Fair on Monday, Oct. 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Greenfield Public Library.
The event is free to attend and advance registration is not required. Manufacturing employers from a variety of industries will be in attendance, providing an opportunity to meet directly with a hiring representative. Job seekers are encouraged to bring resumes.
With questions, email bizteam@masshirefhcareers.org or call 413-774-4361.
Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘North by Northwest’ next film to be screened in 1950s series
GREENFIELD — The Garden Cinemas will continue the “Nifty ’50s” film series with film and theater historian Jonathan Boschen on Monday, Oct. 5, with Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest.”
Prior to the screening, Boschen will discuss the film’s backstory, facts about its stars, technical details and even information on its first Greenfield showing. Boschen’s introduction starts at 6:30 p.m. and the film screening will immediately follow.
“North by Northwest” is a 1959 action-adventure film starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint and James Mason. The film follows Roger Thornhill (played by Grant), an ordinary ad executive who is mistaken for a government agent and ruthlessly pursued across the country by a mysterious ring of spies.
Admission ranges from $9 to $11.50.
Oct. 6: Coffee & Conversation at Greenfield Cooperative Bank
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank invites the community to enjoy a cup of coffee and connect with Jess Thompson, the bank’s new assistant vice president of community outreach and business development, on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the main Greenfield office, located at 63 Federal St.
Thompson will welcome residents in for refreshments and a chance to make introductions or reconnect. Attendees will also have a chance to enter a drawing for a $50 gift card.
Thompson comes to the co-op with a wealth of experience in the area of community engagement, having spent several years with the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce as the director of investor and community engagement, and most recently with Community Action Pioneer Valley as associate director of community engagement.
“I’ve spent my career building relationships across the valley, and I’m excited to bring that same spirit of connection, collaboration and community to my new role at the co-op,” Thompson said in a statement. “Coffee and conversation is such a simple idea with such an important impact. Pull up a chair, meet your neighbors and talk about what they care about. I hope that many of our neighbors will stop by to talk about how Greenfield Cooperative Bank can cooperate with them to be the best partner to the people and organizations that make this the place where we all want to live, build communities and do business.”
Oct. 17: Free document shredding event
SUNDERLAND — Greenfield Cooperative Bank will host a free document shredding event in partnership with Valley Green Shredding on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the bank’s Sunderland branch, located at 18 Amherst Road.
Attendees are invited to bring up to four grocery bags or two boxes of confidential documents for secure shredding.
In addition to document shredding, Greenfield Cooperative Bank will be accepting optional monetary donations to benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
“As a local bank, we’re always looking for practical ways to help folks stay one step ahead of scammers,” Anita Michonski, branch manager of the Sunderland branch, said in a statement. “Protecting your personal information is important, and we are happy to provide a secure way to dispose of confidential documents.”
Greenfield Savings Bank taps Jermaine Crosson as chief financial officer
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Savings Bank recently named Jermaine Crosson as its chief financial officer. He brings more than 30 years of banking and financial leadership experience.
Most recently serving as CFO of LINKBANK, Crosson’s career has included leadership roles at Sunshine Bank, Members 1st Federal Credit Union and Graystone Bank, where he helped guide institutions through periods of growth and strategic change.
Crosson said Greenfield Savings Bank’s combination of community commitment and forward-looking vision made the opportunity especially appealing.
“When I first visited Greenfield Savings Bank, I saw much more than a traditional community bank,” Crosson said in a statement. “I saw an organization with a strong reputation, a talented team and a clear vision for the future. The bank has built tremendous goodwill throughout western Massachusetts, and I’m excited to help build on that foundation while continuing to support the communities we serve.”
Crosson holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pennsylvania State University.
As CFO, Crosson will oversee the bank’s financial operations and support its long-term strategic growth.
“Growth isn’t about getting bigger for the sake of getting bigger,” Crosson continued. “It’s about ensuring we can continue meeting the evolving needs of our customers, businesses and communities. Community banks play an important role in creating opportunity, supporting local economies and helping people achieve their goals, and I’m excited to be part of that mission at GSB.”
Greenfield Saving Bank President and CEO Peter Albero said Crosson’s experience and leadership style make him a strong addition to the organization.
“Jermaine brings extensive financial expertise, strategic insight and a genuine appreciation for the role community banks play in strengthening local communities,” Albero said in a statement. “His experience leading organizations through growth and change will be a tremendous asset as the bank continues to invest in its customers, employees and the communities we serve.”