Credit union seeks donations for Westover Galaxy Community Council

SPRINGFIELD — Throughout November, Freedom Credit Union is collecting donations at all its branches to help Westover Galaxy Community Council support military service members and their families at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee.

“At Freedom Credit Union, our members and staff are honored to support our military and the brave individuals who give so much to protect and defend our nation,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said in a statement. “Throughout the year, and especially around the holidays, being away from family is one of the biggest challenges they face. The Westover Galaxy Community Council works to ease this difficulty by helping keep the members of our military connected to their families and homes, while also providing resources to their family members.”

Formed in 1988 as a committee within the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce and incorporated as an independent organization in 1989, the Westover Galaxy Community Council is made up of veterans, local businesspeople and other citizens who support the men, women and mission of the Westover Air Reserve Base. The council raises money to contribute to events and special needs at the base.

“Whether or not you are a Freedom member, please join us in supporting those who keep us safe,” Welch added. “Stop by any one of our branches to make a cash donation.”

Freedom Credit Union has branches across western Massachusetts, including in Greenfield and Turners Falls.

House of Wax offering free car washes for veterans

ORANGE — The House of Wax car wash at 31 New Athol Road will participate in Grace For Vets, a nationwide program offering a free car wash to all U.S. veterans, on Saturday, Nov. 11. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

House of Wax will also be accepting donations for the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center in Gardner. For more information on the center, visit veterans-outreach.org.

With questions, call House of Wax at 978-544-5522. To learn more about Grace For Vets, go to graceforvets.org.

Christy Kyriacou hired at Greenfield Cooperative Bank

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank has hired Christy Kyriacou as vice president commercial operations officer.

Kyriacou has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry, with a focus on commercial lending. Her most recent role at another local community bank was as assistant vice president loan servicing manager.

“We are excited to welcome Christy to GCB,” Tony Worden, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, said in a statement. “She has a proven track record of success, and she shares our commitment to serving the needs of our local businesses and communities.”

Stoneman Brewery celebrating 11th anniversary

COLRAIN — Stoneman Brewery, which is celebrating its 11-year anniversary, will be open during the Crafts of Colrain studio tour on Saturday, Nov. 11, and Sunday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The brewery is located at 20 Stetson Brothers Road.

To mark the 11th anniversary, the brewery is releasing its Strohmenger Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout, brewed with 100% Northeast hops and grain and aged in bourbon barrels from Berkshire Mountain Distillers.

Meanwhile, customers can sign up for Stoneman Brewery’s 2024 beer CSA (community supported agriculture), through which they can get a total of four cases of beer between April and October. Patrons can sign up at the brewery during open weekends or online at growbeer.com.

Balise Auto holding ‘Tires to Inspire’ campaign

SPRINGFIELD — Balise Auto, which has nine locations across western Massachusetts, is donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every set of four tires it sells through Nov. 30 to Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts as part of its “Tires to Inspire” campaign.

“It’s an honor to once again be supporting Junior Achievement with our Tires to Inspire program,” Alex Balise, director of marketing at Balise Auto, said in a statement. “Tires to Inspire is our way of raising money and awareness for local organizations like JAWM and the incredible work they do to empower young people in our community through work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy programs.”

“Thanks to the financial support we receive from great corporate partners like Balise Auto, we are able to continue offering our academically challenging programs to local schools and community groups free of charge,” Jennifer Connolly, president of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, said in a statement. “The Tires to Inspire campaign was a huge success last year, and we’re thrilled Balise has decided to continue it.”

Balise added, “Winter will be here soon with its snow and ice; now is the perfect time for people to make sure their tires are in good shape. Even if you don’t need tires, we encourage anyone who can to support Junior Achievement through a direct donation.”

Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts provides economic education and financial literacy programs to youth, preparing them for life after graduation. To make a direct donation, visit jawm.org/donate.

‘How to Ruin the Holidays’ screening to be followed by Q&A

GREENFIELD — The Sunday, Nov. 12 screening of “How to Ruin the Holidays” at the Garden Cinemas will be followed by a question and answer session with Nikki Stier Justice, who serves as head of distribution at Buffalo 8.

The film, which begins at 3:30 p.m., is about a struggling comedian who reluctantly returns home for the holidays. Not only must she deal with her eccentric family, but she ultimately faces a life-changing decision about caring for her brother with disabilities.

Tickets can be purchased at the Main Street movie theater or at bit.ly/46fqByo.