Freedom Credit Union hosting food drive

SPRINGFIELD — Throughout the months of July and August, Freedom Credit Union is holding its annual summer food drive for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

“This cause will remain near and dear to our hearts as long as there are people in our community who suffer from food insecurity,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said in a statement. “We are collecting nonperishable food items and cash donations at all our branch locations and invite our members, staff and community to contribute.”

Last year, Freedom Credit Union raised more than $4,100 for the food bank and collected an additional 930 pounds of food for The Gray House in Springfield.

Suggested donations of nonperishable food and personal care items include: cereal; packaged rice and grains; pasta and noodles; canned beans and vegetables; canned and dried fruit; peanut butter and nuts; granola bars and crackers; powdered or evaporated milk; instant potatoes; canned chicken, fish and meat; cooking oils and spices; canned soups, stews and chili; powdered or canned baby formula; diapers, wipes and toilet paper; shampoo and body wash; and toothpaste and toothbrushes.

“Please give to the extent you are able and help us take a bite out of food insecurity,” Welch said. “Invite your friends and family to help or create a company-wide initiative at your business.”

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

Longtime bank employee graduates with honors

GREENFIELD — Vanessa Russell, compliance/Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) specialist at Greenfield Cooperative Bank, has graduated with honors from the New England School for Financial Studies at Babson College.

The program provides banking professionals with the skills needed to manage effectively in a changing industry.

“This is a rigorous and comprehensive program that covers all aspects of banking and finance,” Tony Worden, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, said in a statement. “Vanessa has shown great dedication and initiative in pursuing this opportunity, and we are very proud of her achievement.”

Russell has been working at Greenfield Cooperative Bank for more than 20 years.

Aliber’s Bridal participating in National Bridal Summer Event

GREENFIELD — Aliber’s Bridal at 18 Federal St. will participate in the eighth annual National Bridal Summer Event from Thursday, July 20 to Saturday, July 29.

The National Bridal Summer Event, scheduled annually for the third Saturday in July, has become a tradition for the bridal industry similar to Black Friday or Small Business Saturday for other retail stores. Nearly 500 independent, locally owned bridal retailers will participate in this national event that is meant to offer brides, bridesmaids and wedding guests an opportunity for substantial savings.

“It also means brides do not have to shop the internet for price,” the event’s creator, Sue Maslowski, former owner of Jay West Bridal in Haddonfield, New Jersey, said in a statement. “They can walk into any participating bridal salon across the country on that day and touch, see and feel what they are purchasing with no surprises. And often, they can take the gown home the same day.”

Select dresses at Aliber’s Bridal start at $599. Preview appointments are available.

Atlas Farm owner named Farmer of the Year

SOUTH DEERFIELD — Atlas Farm owner Gideon Porth received the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts’ Farmer of the Year Award.

According to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the award is presented annually in recognition of local farmers who donate the largest amount of vegetables. In 2022, Atlas Farm donated 88,468 pounds of food, the equivalent of 73,723 meals for individuals and families across western Massachusetts.

“It’s a great honor to work with the food bank for all these years,” Porth said in a statement. “We’re honored to receive the award and have always valued our relationship with the food bank.”

Porth has been named Farmer of the Year for the last four years (since 2019). In addition to Porth’s certified organic donations, the food bank also purchases produce from Atlas Farm through the MassGrown program.

“Atlas Farm has been a valued partner and friend of the food bank for many years,” Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Food Procurement Coordinator Brandie Taggart said in a statement. “Gideon and his team have consistently maintained a focus on community involvement and food access throughout its production and distribution activities.”

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