About 30 years ago I opened a bank account at BayBank in Newtonville. Over the years through the endless mergers, acquisitions, and consolidation in the banking industry, BayBank became Bank Boston, then Fleet, and finally Bank of America – the evil empire.
After years of being endlessly abused in one way or another by Bank of America I had finally had enough and decided to move my account to a local neighborhood bank. I was living in West Roxbury at the time so I moved the accounts to Hyde Park Savings (now Blue Hill Bank). The difference in service was night and day and better still, the bank was involved in the local community.
Since I moved to Newton six years ago I’ve noticed over and over again that Village Bank seems to be a sponsor of endless activities, events and organizations in Newton. They also give scholarships to college bound Newton students. That kind of community commitment by a major local business is a huge asset to the city.
I’ve decided that its time to put my money where my mouth is. I’m in the midst of the somewhat painful and tedious process of moving all the links to/from one set of bank accounts to new ones at Village Bank. While my meager bank accounts won’t make any difference to Village Bank’s health, I do think its important to do what we can to support any of our local businesses that are committed to our community. I hope you do to.
Give a shout below to any local businesses that you know about that regularly pitch in and support their community.
I’ll kick it off with a few personal ones
* Dunn Gaherins and Better Life Foods who are the bedrock of Upper Falls for all kinds of things but most especially for the Feast of the Falls.
* Gregorian Rugs – who has been absolutely amazing in helping to launch the Newton Nomadic Theater and has been host to every play we’ve done as well as volunteering to become the permanent home of the Nomad Story Slams (come on down this Saturday night for the next one).
* Cabot Ice Cream – One of my favorite parts of the annual NewtonServes day is ending up at City Hall for a Cabot’s ice cream sundae
Jerry – I moved my accounts to the Village Bank several years ago and couldn’t be happier. The service is excellent and VB does great things for the City.
The Newton Highlands Halloween afternoon event was a very well attended, with all or at least most of the local businesses handing out candy. It looked like great fun.
Years ago, when I was a PTSO pres., I had to ask many local businesses for donations and I found that almost always they were generous. Cabots is in a class by itself.
I love threads like this!
Eastern Bank – opened up the account years ago and finally the bank added Newton branches
New England Mobile Book Fair – I could get lost in that store for HOURS and HOURS; love how they will order the books for you and they have the Newton South reading lists.
Newtonville Books – I am a book nerd and proud of it.
Cabots – delicious ice cream, but always supports the local community, which is a big, big, plus for me.
Town Line Cleaners – Effie is amazing, and can alter all my clothes and make them look like they were made for me.
Rosenfeld Bagels – Love this bagel shop
Blackers Bakery – delicious food that is DAIRY and NUT FREE!!!!!!
New England Soup Factory – I have never had soup this amazing. And if you are a regular, Marjorie will remember you. And a community supporter.
Brookline Bank in Newton Highlands is a great contributor to the village, including at least one promotion that supported local businesses.
I never miss an opportunity to slam Bank of America, the largest criminal enterprise in the United States. If you have any doubt about that assertion, google “Bank of America, criminal charges” and get ready to do a lot of reading.
I moved some accounts to Brookline Bank in Newton Highlands after they took over the old Bank of America building. They turned an eyesore in the village to a nice looking building with windows and have added benches in front used by the many bus riders.
I’ll second
Village Bank. It conducts financial literacy education in NPS as well as hiring interns and giving out scholarships in addition to all of their other community support.
Cabots supports just about anything it is asked to or other things it comes up with plus has great ice cream.
New England Mobile Book Fair, where I did get lost for a while but didn’t care because of all of the great reading surrounding me. It also has good things to supplement elementary and special ed instruction. Not to mention free wrapping.
I will add Bread and Chocolate who had the beer garden at NH village day and among other things – great soup ready to take home. And all of the shops on Lincoln Street who kept their doors open with offerings outside.
Just to name a few.
I’d like to echo everything Jerry said. We had a BayBank account many years ago, but are now at Village Bank for exactly the same reasons.
@Marti, an update on the beer garden during the highlands village day. This was a joint effort with O’Haras who provided the beer garden with Bread & Chocolate providing the food and logistical support. It would not have happened without both parties and we are hoping to see it again this year.
Groot, yes I shouldn’t have left out O’Hara’s for sure! Heck I’ll throw in Patty’s too for their great camaraderie and food but also because of their fun 5K and party afterward. Lots of free stuff on hand.
I could go on and on. We have so many terrific businesses here.
How could I forget New England Mobile Book Fair and Newtonville Books? Two businesses devoted to keeping local book stores open under difficult conditions. We should all support them.