Bank sponsoring RiverCulture’s summer event series

MONTAGUE — RiverCulture’s summer events series is being sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

RiverCulture, has organized the series to feature a variety of cultural events in the five villages of Montague and the Turners Falls Cultural District, including live music, outdoor movies, theater performances, family activities and festivals. The series aims to showcase the diverse cultural offerings of the region and to foster community engagement and enjoyment.

“We are delighted to partner with RiverCulture and to contribute to the vibrant and creative atmosphere of Montague,” Tony Worden, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, said in a statement. “We hope that everyone will take advantage of these wonderful opportunities to enjoy some great entertainment and connect with their fellow residents.”

Paper copies of the calendar of events are available at local retail stores and restaurants. Or, download a digital copy at riverculture.org.

CISA welcomes new board members

SOUTH DEERFIELD — Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) has welcomed Hameed Bello, Samaita Newell and Jeremy Werther to its board of directors. The three were voted in during CISA’s annual meeting last month, and will serve three-year terms.

“CISA’s board members provide strategic leadership and guidance to meet our mission to support local farms and build a more resilient, diverse and just food system,” Executive Director Philip Korman said in a statement. “We’re excited to have our board slots filled by these three business owners, who bring a diverse set of perspectives and backgrounds to our work.”

Bello, the owner/operator of Agric Organics, has more than 10 years of experience in farming and managing complex business challenges. His specialties include organic farming practices, crop management, operational strategy, supply chain management, relationship building, inventory management, research and patient/customer care.

Newell is the owner/operator of Fruit Fair Supermarket and has been working on increasing healthy food access across the gateway cities of Chicopee and Springfield.

Wether, a University of Massachusetts Amherst alumnus, is the chef and owner of Homestead in Northampton. He returned to the Pioneer Valley and opened his own restaurant after six years of working at Boston eateries.

Bank employee named to 40 Under Forty list

GREENFIELD — Adam Baker, Greenfield Cooperative Bank’s vice president of commercial lending, has been selected for inclusion in BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty Class of 2023. Honorees are chosen based on their business accomplishments as well as their philanthropic involvement and community service.

Baker has been instrumental in growing the bank’s commercial lending portfolio and expanding its presence in the region. In addition to his work at Greenfield Cooperative Bank, he is managing member/owner of Alpal Properties LLC, which owns and manages a portfolio of investment real estate. Twenty percent of the profits from this business are donated to nonprofits.

In addition, Baker has been involved in various community organizations, such as Lighthouse Personalized Education for Teens Inc., Empty Arms Bereavement Support Inc. and Horizons for Homeless Children Inc. He also serves on numerous boards.

“We are thrilled that Adam has been recognized by BusinessWest for his achievements and leadership,” Tony Worden, Greenfield Cooperative Bank’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “He is a valuable member of our team and a great asset to our customers and our community. We congratulate him on this well-deserved honor and look forward to his continued success.”

Baker will be honored at a gala event on June 22 at The Log Cabin in Holyoke. For more information about BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty program, visit businesswest.com/40-under-forty.

Concert kicks off summer wine selection

NORTHFIELD — Residents Joe Bedard and Ted Thornton will perform music from the 1950s and ’60s at Cameron’s Winery and The Back Room Brewing Co., located at 1046 Millers Falls Road, as part of an event kicking off the winery’s summer citrus wine collection.

The event will be held Saturday, May 27, starting at 1 p.m. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the outdoor performance.

‘The Little Mermaid’ marks first 3D movie at Garden Cinemas

GREENFIELD — “The Little Mermaid,” now playing, marks the first 3D film to be screened at the Garden Cinemas following upgrades.

The Garden Cinemas has not had the capability of doing 3D since the industry conversion to digital almost a decade ago. However, when North Adams’ Movieplex 8 closed in February, Garden Cinemas co-owner Isaac Mass worked with management to acquire its 3D equipment.

“We missed out on being able to get the re-release of ‘Avatar’ and ‘Titanic’ because they were only released in 3D,” he noted, adding that, with future “Avatar” films already being planned, “we knew we needed to provide the format in which our customers wanted to see the film.”

To celebrate the 3D launch and the release of “The Little Mermaid,” the Garden has partnered with Greenfield Savings Bank to place a live-action mermaid in the bank’s Federal Street fountain for several hours each day on Memorial Day weekend.

“We really want to make a splash,” said Garden Cinemas co-owner Angela Mass.

“The Little Mermaid” will play in 3D daily at 3:30 p.m. only for $11.50, which is $3 more than the normal matinee price. The theater already has tickets on sale for Paramount’s “Transformers” in 3D and is looking forward to Pixar’s summer animated movie “Elemental.”

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