Info session to inform first-time homebuyers

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank is hosting a free information session designed to equip first-time homebuyers with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the home-buying journey. Led by Missy Tetreault, vice president of mortgage originations, and Kim Gates, mortgage originator, the info session will provide insights from industry experts on various aspects of purchasing a home.

The session — which is for informational purposes only and does not offer a certificate of completion — will be held Wednesday, March 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Greenfield Community College’s Main Building, Classroom N330A.

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the home-buying process, from financing options to legal considerations. Some topics that will be covered include:

The Impact of Credit on Mortgages: Learn how a credit score influences an individual’s loan options and strategies to secure a favorable rate.

GCB’s FTHB Achieve and Attain Programs: Discover the benefits of GCB’s mortgage programs designed specifically for first-time homebuyers.

The Power of Pre-Approval: Understand how a pre-approval strengthens an offer and gives prospective buyers an edge in a competitive market.

Beyond Financing: Gain insights from guest speakers, including a real estate agent who will discuss home shopping strategies and a real estate attorney who will explain the purchase-and-sale contract and closing process.

Space is limited. For more information, visit greenfieldcoopbank.com/events.

Just Roots welcomes four new board members

GREENFIELD — Just Roots has welcomed four new members to its board of directors: Nicki Robb, Jillian Morgan, Leah Doolittle and Jen Smith.

As director of the Land Stewardship Program at The Hartsbrook School, Robb helps K-12 students engage with agriculture and wild landscapes, fostering a sense of responsibility for the natural world. Robb’s work in regenerative agriculture and place-based education also includes co-founding Brookfield Community Farm.

As director of development at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Morgan works to expand resources and support for local food security initiatives.

Doolittle, an EMT, is committed to improving health and well-being. Her perspective is a key addition as Just Roots continues developing programs that ensure healthy food is accessible to everyone.

Smith has spent most of the last 20 years growing food and preserving farmland. As the Local Hero Program Manager at CISA, she helps support farms and connect people to local food. With a background in farm management and land conservation, including co-founding Crimson & Clover Farm, Smith is knowledgeable about sustainable agriculture and community-based food systems.

Shriners Children’s New England recipient of March fundraising effort

SPRINGFIELD — During March, Freedom Credit Union is inviting the community to donate money at any of its western Massachusetts branches to Shriners Children’s New England in Springfield, which provides spinal cord and orthopedic care, cleft lip and palate repair, sports medicine and urology care to children, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

“Shriners performs miracles every day, treating children and their families with compassion as they experience unimaginable challenges,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said in a statement. “We’re proud to support their transformative work.”

Every month, Freedom Credit Union collects donations for a different charity as part of its Month of Giving campaigns. Money collected through the end of March will support the Shriners Children’s mission to provide care for children and their families.

“We’re always grateful to have such a generous community,” Welch said. “Every contribution makes an impact.”

BBB announces Awards for Marketplace Excellence

NORTHAMPTON — The Better Business Bureau of Central New England will hold the 2025 Western Massachusetts Awards for Marketplace Excellence on Thursday, April 24, from 5 to 9 p.m. at The Hotel Northampton.

The event celebrates and honors businesses and nonprofits that exemplify outstanding ethical practices, leadership and commitment to their customers, employees and communities. The evening will include a buffet dinner, a cash bar, and opportunities for business leaders to connect and network.

“We are excited to honor this year’s Western Massachusetts Marketplace Excellence Award recipients, which reflects their unwavering commitment to honesty, integrity, innovation and customer satisfaction,” Alex Guardiola, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central New England, said in a statement.

Award categories include large businesses, mid-size businesses, small businesses and emerging leaders. The winners will be announced in early April.

Tickets are on sale at a price of $50 for individual tickets or $500 for a table of 10. Tickets can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/BBBWesternMassAwards or by contacting the BBB at events@cne.bbb.org or 508-552-0353.

Talking Talkies program to feature ‘The Irish in Us’

GREENFIELD — The Garden Cinemas will feature its seventh Talking Talkies program with Jonathan Boschen on Monday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, with a screening of “The Irish in Us” (1935).

Boschen, a local film and theater historian, will introduce the movie as well as offer background information on the film and on James Cagney’s acting career. Boschen’s introduction starts at 6:30 p.m. and the film screening will follow.

Admission is $10.50 for adults or $8.50 for children, seniors and students.

“The Irish in Us” is a 1935 comedy about a boxing promoter named Danny (James Cagney), who struggles to hold a steady job while living with his mother and his two more responsible brothers, Pat (Pat O’Brien) and Mike (Frank McHugh). Trouble arises when Danny falls for Lucille (Olivia de Havilland), Pat’s fiancée.