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2024
PLAYTIME AT PAWS PARK – Greenfield resident Ana Montague holds her dog Huckle Badger at Paws Park at Green River Park in Greenfield on Friday. 04-02-24 Recorder Photo
PICKLEBALL PALS AT PLAY – Julian Sieser, Charlie Tormanen, Luke Williams and Jonathan MacLeod play pickleball at Green River Park in Greenfield on Friday. 03-30-24 Recorder Photo
2024 WINTER CARNIVAL AWARD WINNERS – The Final Results GCTV Coverage of the Winter Carnival and the Cardboard Sled Race –
GCTV >> Jonathan Boschen hosts this latest edition of the South County Spotlight, that highlights the Greenfield 2024 Winter Carnival Friday festivities. –
FCAT Media >>
Carnival unites community – Season Switch-Up theme rings true with warm weather –
Neighbors and newcomers gathered at Beacon Field on Sunday to play Tug-of-War and cheer on dogs of all sizes that were competing in the K-9 Keg Pull to close out the 102nd annual Winter Carnival.
“It brings people together,” said Greenfield native Jackie Aiston, whose chocolate lab Tia competed for the first time this year. Dogs pulled appropriately sized “kegs” ranging from beer cans for smaller dogs to full-size kegs for larger ones. Roger, the corgi of longtime Greenfield resident Sue Louisignau, ran for the fifth time in a tiedye shirt and swim trunks, matching this year’s Winter Carnival theme, “Season Switch-Up.”
“It’s a beautiful day. We’ve had so much bad weather. … It’s just fun to be out and around people,” Louisignau said.
For many visitors, the carnival cleared a space to escape the homebody routine of winter and get outside while reconnecting with the community.
02-05-24 Recorder Article Greenfield hosts 102nd annual Winter Carnival – 02-03-24 WesternMassNews >> 102nd annual Greenfield Winter Carnival begins its three-day festivities – 02-02-24 22News >> Greenfield Winter Carnival to kick off 102nd year festivities – 02-01-24 22News >> Greenfield Winter Carnival returns for 102nd run – 02-01-24 MassLive >>
Winter wonderland or season switch-up?
– 102nd annual Winter Carnival taking on summer theme – Despite February being one of the coldest months of the year, attendees of the 102nd annual Winter Carnival can warm up with summer-style activities under this year's theme of "Season Switch-Up."
Local businesses will be lending a hand to the Greenfield Recreation Department, the Winter Carnival's primary organizer, to capture those summer vibes during the three-day event, planned for Friday, Feb. 2, through Sunday, Feb. 4. Attendees can find tropical-themed doughnuts at Adams Donuts, summertime drinks and beach music at Mesa Verde restaurant, and a beach party at Beacon Field featuring limbo, snow volleyball and other summerthemed activities. If the summer style isn't for you, there will still be plenty of other events to enjoy, such as music, dance lessons and ice skating. Back again this year are the popular K-9 keg pull and cardboard sled race. Attendees of all ages can also experience more traditional winter activities that pay tribute to the carnival's long history dating back to the 1920s.
"Friday has the Parade of Lights, warming fire, fireworks and you can see the ice sculptors working," said Recreation Commission member Heather Valenta, adding that Saturday features a lot of indoor events while Sunday's itinerary includes a lot of outdoor ones. "Any of those days you can walk downtown and view the sculptures, enjoy a drink at Mesa Verde's ice bar and enjoy another drink inside at Main Street Bar and Grille."
Whether you've been coming to the Winter Carnival all your life or will be visiting for the first time, each day will have a variety of activities to choose from. For organizers and attendees alike, everyone has an activity that's particularly close to their hearts. 01-31-24 Recorder Article 102nd annual winter carnival in Greenfield, MA gets underway Friday – 01-31-24 WAMC >>
Celebrate summer at Greenfield's Winter Carnival – If you're dreaming of summertime and the beach, then the Greenfield Winter Carnival is the place for you! This year's theme is a season switch-up, so you're invited to bring your beach chair and SPF for a day of summer tunes, lawn games, snow volleyball, and snow castles. To eliminate the winter blues Christy Moore, the Recreation Director, and Shayla Demers, the Program Supervisor, share the event details. 01-26-24 Mass Appeal on WWLP >>
SLEDDING BRINGS SMILES – Heading down the hill at Beacon Field are, from front, Layla Coffin, 11, sister Harper Coffin, 9, both of Bernardston, and cousin Forrest Russell, 7, of Greenfield. 01-23-24 Recorder Photo2023
'Creating fun for families' – Jinglefest attracts visitors downtown with array of activities – Between visits with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch, arts and crafts activities, musical entertainment and more, visitors to the city's downtown had a lot to experience as part of the weekend's annual Jinglefest celebration.
Jinglefest, organized by the Greenfield Business Association, aims to get families downtown by providing an array of activities at local businesses. The Greenfield Recreation Department, meanwhile, organized "The Amazing Race: Jinglefest Edition," a series of challenges that added to Saturday's festivities.
"It's an opportunity to have fun downtown in Greenfield," said Recreation Department Director Christy Moore. "The Rec Department is all about creating fun for families." Some of the activities along Main Street included a visit with the Grinch at Franklin County's YMCA, a free musical performance by Strings for Kids and children's craft activities with Mrs. Claus at The LAVA Center.
One of the main events at Jinglefest is The Amazing Race. The game — based on the CBS TV series, "The Amazing Race" — involves teams reading clues or completing tasks before moving onto a new location. This was the second year the game took place as part of Jinglefest.
Ten competing teams worked to finish the challenges as quickly as possible. The game provides riddles for the teams to decipher, sending them to certain businesses where they complete challenges to advance.
For example, one clue read, "Visit a place with a big screen, where classics like 'The Grinch' and 'A Wonderful Life' can be seen. Here will be your next challenge to attack, but don't worry, one part involves a buttery snack." Once at the Garden Cinemas, contestants made a garland out of popcorn and cranberries.
Teams included a group of students from Stoneleigh-Burnham School, a group from the Rec Room (an after- school drop-in program provided by the Greenfield Recreation Department) and more. 12-04-23 Recorder Article 
Jinglefest, Amazing Race kick off city's holiday season – With an array of festive events lined up starting with Jinglefest and its accompanying Amazing Race, the holiday season is entering full swing in Greenfield.
A weekend filled with holiday activities kicks off Friday at 5 p.m. with the annual tree lighting at Veterans Mall. The lighting will be accompanied by a musical performance by the Twice As Smart youth group and hot chocolate and cider courtesy of the Franklin Community Co-op.
After that, the Greenfield Business Association has a variety of events planned on Saturday, beginning with the opportunity to meet Santa at the Garden Cinemas from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Other events include a free showing of "A Christmas Carol," a social in the Social Room at Franklin County's YMCA, crafts and storytelling with Mrs. Claus at The LAVA Center, and crafts at the Franklin Community Co-op space at 170 Main St.
"We're really kicking off the holiday season," said Greenfield Business Association Director Hannah Rechtschaffen.
The Amazing Race: Jinglefest Edition, organized by the Greenfield Recreation Department, will also take place on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. "[Last year] was the first time we created [The Amazing Race] as part of Jinglefest," said Recreation Director Christy Moore, explaining the game — based on the CBS TV series, "The Amazing Race"— was an activity at the Winter Carnival's 100th anniversary in 2022. "We thought it would be nice to expand to Jinglefest. It's super fun, it's very creative and it's an opportunity to get downtown businesses involved with the Recreation Department, which is always really special."
Ten teams have signed up for the "race," which involves teams reading clues or completing tasks before moving onto a new location, according to Moore. As of Wednesday, there were still five spaces left for teams to register. It is free to participate. Teams can register online at tinyurl.com/AmazingRaceRec.
Moore added that with the 102nd annual Winter Carnival coming up in February, the Recreation Department is "ready to welcome any kind of sponsorship and donations" as it begins to book activities. 12-01-23 Recorder Article
GCTV Coverage of the 2023 Rag Shag Parade and Costume Contest – GCTV and the Greenfield Recreation Department captured all of the magic and spooktacular fun at the annual Rag Shag Parade and Costume Contest at Energy Park! See all of the wonderful costumes and see who wins in each category as your (G)hosts, Icky and Blech, talk to the contestants and attendees, as well as pass out candy!. 11-08-23 GCTV >>
Demons, dinos and dogs, oh my! –
Witches and wizards, angels and demons, superheroes and cartoon characters filled the downtown area on Tuesday evening for the city's annual Halloween festivities. "It's always so uplifting to see the streets filled with families and friends from around Franklin County," said Recreation Director Christy Moore. "There's even people here from the hilltowns."
While it was a slower start than in past years, she said, Main Street soon filled with trick-or-treaters, making their way from business to business. Twenty storefronts participated in the event.
Creatures and dragons walk the streets of Greenfield on Halloween."The [Greenfield Business Association] did a great job reaching out to try to get more involvement," Moore said."The creativity is very exciting," Moore said of the costumes seen downtown. "There's rarely duplicates."
In addition to trick-ortreating, the rag shag parade and a costume contest, the Garden Cinemas hosted a free showing of the 1966 film "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." Franklin County's YMCA hosted a "spooktacular " family fun night. 2023 Rag Shag Costume Contest Winner Photos >>
Best Homemade
• First place:Jack Chamberlain (Vermonter)
• Second place:Toby Campbell (Easy Mac)
Funniest
• First place: Liam Lewkowicz (banana)
Scariest
• First place: Zander Felix (Grim Reaper)
• Second place: Isabella Diaz (Wednesday Addams)
Cutest
• First place: Elyse Merrill (Dalmatian and fire truck)
• Second place: Contestant No. 409 (bat)
Best Cartoon Character
• First place: Lily & Brickett Allis (Curious George)
• Second place: Mykal Bloom (Bowser)
Adult Open Category
• First place: Erin Anhalt (mom from "Mean Girls")
• Second place: Rosie Caine (Feather Lady)
Group/Family Category
• First place: Meryl Latronica (storm)
• Second place: Tina, Zuzu & Adam Rule (Tooth Fairy, bad tooth, baby tooth)
Howl- O-Ween Costume
• First place: Bosch (Wonder Woman)
11-01-23 Recorder Article
Reino wins 9th title – South Deerfield resident triumphs for sixth time in a row – South Deerfield's JoEllen Reino is going to need to add another shelf to her trophy case with the way she continues to dominate the Greenfield Triathlon.
Reino, now 60 years old, has came out the winner in the women's sprint race the last five Greenfield Triathlons and made it six in a row on Sunday during the 39th running of the race, completing the course in a time of one hour, 18 minutes and 53 seconds. That time was the fastest among all women and placed her seventh overall in the race.
It was the ninth career Greenfield Triathlon victory for Reino.
"I love this race," Reino said. "It's my favorite one. Of all the races it's my favorite. I do take pride in winning this for the ninth time. I work really hard for it. I run the track and I'm always riding hard on the bike to be ready."
The 39th Greenfield Triathlon was a return to the normal format, as the swim portion of it was canceled last year.
Having it back in full was something many racers said they enjoyed, with Reino one of them. 08-07-23 Recorder Article 
Race is three times the fun - About 230 registered to compete – The longest running triathlon in New England returns this weekend.
The 39th running of the Greenfield Triathlon will kick off at 8 a.m. on Sunday at the Green River Swimming Area, with 230 athletes from all over the country registered as of Friday to compete.
While it's been a rain filled summer in Franklin County, the current forecast calls for a sunny day on Sunday with near perfect conditions for the triathlon.
"It looks like we're going to have a nice day for it," Greenfield Recreation Director Christy Moore said. "The forecast looks beautiful. It's so nice to be able to have an event where there isn't rain forecasted. It's uplifting. Last year it was super hot. It's looking like we might have a perfect day on Sunday. " Last year saw 227 participants in the triathlon, a number that went down once the swim portion of the triathlon was canceled due to high levels of bacteria in the Green River.
The water must be tested within 72 hours of the race, and it passed the test on Friday, meaning the full triathlon will be completed on Sunday.
While there are slight tweaks to the course, the main portion of the race will remain the same, with athletes competing in either the sprint or international event. Athletes can compete individually or in teams of two or three.
Those competing in the spring course will begin with a .31 mile swim down the Green River, exit the transition area and get on their bike, where they will travel 15.14 miles. Following the bike portion athletes will complete the 3.08 mile run to finish the triathlon. 08-05-23 Recorder Photos
Busy day at Hillside Park's splash pad in Greenfield – With the high heat, many families finally got to enjoy some fun in the sun with safety also in mind.
Greenfield's Hillside Park was busy Wednesday as temperatures rose to close to 90 degrees.
After a couple of weeks of rain, one family is excited to see the heat return.
Chris from Greenfield brought his son and daughter to the Park to play in the Splash pad and deck. He tells us how it's a nice green and shady spot. "There's not alot of places to swim around here and Greenfield Recreation Area, which is a local spot has been closed a lot because of the floods and this place is open so it's awesome, it's really cool," expressed Chris Marstall of Greenfield. "It's like going to a pool or a pond, it's really refreshing I don't feel hot."
A heat advisory is already in effect for Thursday, for parts of western Massachusetts. Franklin County residents can also find splash pads in Murphy Park, Unity Park and at Endelson Playground. 07-26-23 22 News WWLP.com >>
TALENTED TRAVELERS – Eric Michael of Tampa Bay, Florida, above, hits the vertical wall at the Greenfield Skate Park on Wednesday. Michael was visiting skate parks as part of the fifth annual Vermont Blade and Camp, featuring stops in western Massachusetts and Vermont. The group, planned to camp at Barton Cove on Wednesday night before heading to Brattleboro, Vermont, and beyond. 07-06-23 Recorder Photos
New skate park brings new opportunities for Greenfield Salvation Army – On Wednesday, June 21st, the longest day of the year and National Go Skateboarding Day, Greenfield, MA officially opened its new skate park. Live music, local vendors, and community organizations were present at the park's debut, giving away food, helmets, and lessons on skate safety. The Salvation Army Greenfield Corps brought their canteen to provide electrolyte freezer pops for the skaters to stay hydrated in the 90-degree heat.
The skate park had been requested by residents since 2010, when the city's former skate park was eliminated due to area redeveloping.
"In that time, local skaters had moved on to the park in the next town over. There was some concern as to whether this park would even get use now. But it's been open for a little over a month, and there are 40 to 50 people skating here every day. They come in groups of 10 or 12 at a time," says Lieutenant Paul Leslie, pastor at the Salvation Army Greenfield Corps Community Center, which is located across the street from the skate park. "Every time that the city posted photos showing the progress of the park's construction, you could see the Salvation Army corps in the background, so we anticipated that being so close would make it ideal for us," says Lt. Leslie. 07-05-23 The Salvation Army - SACONNECTS >>
LIT UP FOR LIBERTY – Independence Day fireworks attendees not deterred by hazy skies – Staff and volunteers with the Recreation Department have been organizing the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration for so long, Recreation Director Christy Moore says they have it "down to a science."
While the Recreation Department is used to preparing for rain and had set a July 15 rain date in the event of inclement weather on Saturday, the city was instead faced with hazy skies and poor air quality due to ongoing Canadian wildfires. Still, the conditions did not deter the droves of people who convened at Beacon Field to watch the annual fireworks display, nor the people who launched them from Poet's Seat Tower.
"The people who set up the fireworks were not concerned with the smoke," Moore said, "but it is a very unfortunate situation in Canada."
The Recreation Department spearheads fundraising efforts to support the annual celebration, which is growing more expensive. With a goal of $20,000, roughly $8,000 had been raised through the second annual Cornhole Tournament, event sponsors and private donations ahead of Saturday's festivities. The department continued to collect donations during the event, and online donations are accepted at greenfieldrecreation.com/fireworks.html.
With the recent opening of the Greenfield Skate Park Moore said the Recreation Department had less time to solicit sponsors than usual, but still got the festivities together in time for the big show. "Everyone who comes to this needs to make a contribution for this to continue to happen," Moore said. 7-03-23 Recorder Article
Fourth of July festivities set for Saturday – Entertainment offered at Beacon Field; fireworks set for 9:35 p.m. – One of the city's most beloved annual traditions is returning to Beacon Field on Saturday with a variety of food vendors and local performances.
"People come from all over the valley for our fireworks," Recreation Director Christy Moore said of the Independence Day festivities. "There's usually people from Amherst and all the hilltowns. It truly is a regional fireworks display."
The decades-long tradition of gathering at Beacon Field will begin at 4 p.m. with mixed music, followed by youth performances at 5:15 p.m. and live music throughout the evening. Fireworks are slated to go off at 9:35 p.m. after Frontier Regional School student Adelaide Ehle sings the national anthem.
"We have two new bands, The Uncles and AfterGlo — neither of them has played for us before," Moore said. "The military band, it wouldn't be our Fourth of July/Independence Day celebration without them … and then we have our national anthem."
There will be face painting and tie-dye shirts at the Recreation Department booth, she added. 6-29-23 Recorder Article 
Local skaters ready to shred – Skate park holds grand opening celebration – The fruition of a project that has been grinding ahead slowly for 13 years was celebrated Wednesday afternoon with the grand opening of the Greenfield Skate Park.
Skateboarders, bike riders, rollerbladers and scooter riders of all ages converged on the 10,000-square-foot concrete park at 71 Chapman St. for some test runs, while Recreation Director Christy Moore and Mayor Roxann Wedegartner praised the community effort that was needed to get construction rolling last fall.
"This is an amazing day, an awesome day — rad!" Wedegartner said. "I might be dating myself a little bit on that one."
Wedegartner said Moore had been pushing for this project for years and it ultimately became a reality thanks to $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money combined with financial contributions from a state Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant and an appropriation through Greenfield's Capital Improvement Program. The project also received significant donations from the late Lewis Scott, the Greenfield Kiwanis Club, Greening Greenfield, the Friends of Greenfield Recreation, and fundraising efforts of the skating community. 6-23-23 Recorder Article
Greenfield Skate Park Grand Opening June 21, 2023 >>
Fundraiser looks to break down barriers to skate park use – In the lead-up to the new skate park's grand opening, one local business is doing its part to ensure as many kids as possible have their own skateboards to use it.
"Skateboarding … is the most inclusive community that I've ever witnessed," said Bryan Dolan, co-owner of Ice Cream Alley, which is organizing a fundraiser to support buying skateboards for families who may not otherwise be able to afford one. "It doesn't matter if you're big or small, Black or white or in between; everyone is welcome. You're part of the group."
The aim of this fundraiser, he added, "is to make it not matter how much your parents make, either."
Although the grand opening isn't until Wednesday, June 21, to coincide with National Go Skateboarding Day, the long-awaited park, located in the northern part of the municipal parking lot behind the former Wilson's Department Store between Davis and Chapman streets, officially opened for use in late May. 06-08-23 Recorder Article
Coop music series returns – Enjoy free, live music in Greenfield's Energy Park every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m – The Coop Concert summer music series has returned to Energy Park this year for its first full season since 2019.
The series runs through Aug. 17, with built-in rain dates of Aug. 10 and Aug. 24. "We have a wonderful roster of musicians each summer," said Rob Adams of The Franklin County Musicians Cooperative.
The free music series, which was canceled for two years and condensed last summer, is hosted each year by The Franklin County Musicians Cooperative's Coop Concerts, a not-for-profit "collective of musicians and music lovers."
"It's all about putting on concerts," Adams said.
Each Thursday through August, three performances take the stage at Energy Park from 6 to 8 p.m. 6-03-23 Recorder Article
GRAND OPENING EVENT – A grand opening event for the new Greenfield skate park will be held Wednesday, June 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. 06-03-23 Recorder Photo
New skate park complete – Residents have been fundraising for more than a decade – More than a decade ago, Thomas Bullock bought a home on Hope Street, not too far from the site of the old skate park. "I was very excited when I moved in that there was a skate park on my street," Bullock recalled. "I found out shortly after that it was closing. Ever since then, we've been fundraising … and throwing benefit concerts and all sorts of things to raise money [for a new park]."
Now, 13 years after the closure of the former 17,000-square-foot skate park on Olive Street, local skaters have something to celebrate. The long-awaited new park, located in the northern part of the municipal parking lot behind the former Wilson's Department Store, between Davis and Chapman streets, officially opened for use on Friday. The fence keeping the public out of the skate park was removed Thursday. "Everyone is very excited," Bullock said. "It's been a long time coming, and it's been a lot of effort from the community."
A formal grand opening celebration is being planned for Wednesday, June 21, coinciding with National Go Skateboarding Day. Recreation Director Christy Moore said the event will include music by a local band as well as food and skate vendors. 5-27-23 Recorder Article
CONCRETE KINGDOM – Scooters and bicycles glide along on the smooth surface of the newly opened skate park in Greenfield on Thursday. 05-26-23 Recorder Photo
LOOKING SMOOTH – Employees of Artisan Skateparks smooth out fresh concrete as the skate park in the parking lot between Chapman and Wells streets in Greenfield takes shape on Tuesday. 04-12-23 Recorder Photo
JUST DUCKY – A trio of ring-necked ducks, part of a flock of about 20, at Highland Pond in Greenfield spend time intermittently diving below the surface Tuesday to feed. 04-7-23 Recorder Photo
Namaste named winner of window display contest – Nunez wins for second year in a row – Diana Nunez emerged victorious in the Greenfield Business Association's window display contest for the second year, but by funneling her creative energy into a different business. The display at Namaste, the Indian and Nepalese restaurant at 286 Main St., was called "Love is love," and featured handmade paper snowflakes, individually written heart-shaped notes, and pink and blue lights.
"We love everyone and the community loves us," Nunez, front manager at Namaste, said to describe her inspiration for the window design.
In 2022, the inaugural year of the window display contest offered by the Greenfield Business Association in conjunction with the annual Winter Carnival, Nunez won with her display at Smoke Heaven Food and Tobacco Shop at 239 Main St. That display featured a rainbow with a pot of gold, trees and clovers. "This win means more because the staff here is like family," Nunez said. She has been working at the restaurant for four years.
The prize consists of $2,500 worth of advertising on local radio stations WHAI, Bear Country, The Outlaw and EZ107.5 — a well-timed gift for Namaste as the restaurant announces big changes.
2-24-23 Recorder Article
Winter Carnival's 2023 contest winners – What a wonderful weekend it was even with the artic weather. We would like to congratulate all our winners of this weekend's contests. We are always amazed by the creativity of our community! 02-07-23 Recorder Article 2023 WINTER CARNIVAL AWARD WINNERS – The Final Results GCTV Coverage of the Winter Carnival and the Cardboard Sled Race –
GCTV >>
Winter Carnival ushers in family fun – In event's 101st year, some events
moved indoors, rescheduled amid
subzero temperatures – Despite the subzero
temperatures of Friday and Saturday,
families continued to come out all weekend
long for festivities planned as part of
the 101st annual Winter Carnival.
Most events throughout the weekend
went off without modifications. Others,
primarily outdoor activities planned for
Friday night, were moved indoors or
rescheduled for a different day to keep
people out of the cold. Some events were
canceled altogether due to the extreme
cold.
Many Winter Carnival activities,
planned by the Greenfield Recreation Department,
are geared toward people of all
ages, though a fair number of events are
planned with children in mind. Two such
events this year included the first-ever
Lasermania show and Friday's Glow
Party.
Lasermania, which was held in the
Greenfield Middle School auditorium on
Saturday, brought children together to
dance, clap and learn about the science
behind light. The Recreation Department
partnered with public schools for the
show, bringing a mix of entertainment
and education. "Every year we try to come up with
new and creative activities," said Recreation
Director Christy Moore. "We partnered
with the school because it had a
STEM piece."
2-06-23 Recorder Article
A howling good time – Athol resident Michael Legassey sculpts a pair of canines on Main Street in Greenfield on Friday as part of the 101st Winter Carnival. Events are scheduled throughout the weekend. 2-04-23 Recorder Photo 
Forecasted low temps inspire changes in Winter Carnival schedule – Due to forecasted low temperatures, the Recreation Department has announced a few changes to the schedule of events for the 101st Winter Carnival. The Parade of Lights and the fireworks, originally scheduled for Friday, will be moved to Saturday evening at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively. The Glow Party on Friday, which was originally planned for Beacon Field, has been moved indoors to the Greenfield Middle School cafeteria. Guests should enter at the back of the school by the playground. The dance party will still take place on Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. as planned. Because of the move to indoor venues on Friday, the warming fire will not be held at Beacon Field that day. However, there will be a bonfire at Beacon Field on Saturday. 2-03-23 Recorder Article
101st Winter Carnival carrying
'Warm and Toasty' theme – Recreation director
says there's
'something for
ever ybody' over
three days – This
weekend marks the Winter
Car nival's return, with a
packed schedule of events to
celebrate the annual festival's
101st anniversary.
"One of our favorite things
about this event is it is multiple
days, so whether you prefer
to do things in the
evenings or during the daytime,
there's something for ever
ybody," said Recreation Director
Christy Moore.
Though attendees will be
able to watch as artists carve
their ice sculptures throughout
the day on Friday, the carnival
officially kicks off at 4
p.m. with a torch lighting on
Greenfield Common, followed
by the Parade of Lights at 6
p.m. Decorated vehicles will
make their way from Newton
School, along Main Street
and down Federal Street,
ending at Beacon Field. A
fireworks display will commence
at 7 p.m.
"It's going to be a cold
weekend but potentially a wintry
mix on Sunday," Moore
said. "I'm glad January did
bring some snowfall for us."
Many Winter Carnival favorites
are planned, including
the Glow Party at Beacon
Field on Friday night, the
Family Fun Fest at 20
Sanderson St. on Saturday
and the K-9 Keg Pull at Beacon
Field on Sunday.
Operating within the theme
of "Warm and Toasty," Moore
said the Recreation Department
will have marshmallows
and hot dogs available for
roasting at the warming fire,
and all the ingredients necessary
for a S'mores Bar at the
Family Fun Fest.
"We 're happy to have an
expanded ice map and ice
walk this year," Moore
added, describing the annual
ice sculpture contest on
Main Street. 2-02-23 Recorder Article 
Window display
contest entries due Jan. 31 – The Greenfield Business Association is once again inviting businesses with storefronts to participate in the window display contest being held as part of the 101st annual Winter Carnival. Windows should be decorated with a focus on the carnival's 2023 theme, "Warm and Toasty." Businesses need to register by Jan. 31 to be listed online as a contestant, and displays must be visible by Feb. 1. Voting begins Feb. 3 and closes on Feb. 7 at midnight.
Free registration is available online at bit.ly/3JcAfK5. 1-26-23 Recorder Photo
Snow Day In Franklin County – Rowan Madden-Ceccarossi, 6, of Greenfield, eats
some fresh snow at Beacon Field. 1-24-23 Recorder Photo
Finally Fun – Lynn Valle takes friends Sena Madden-Ceccarossi, 8, Toni Wulfkuhle, 7, and her daughter Whitney Valle, 3, for a sled ride down Beacon Field in Greenfield on Monday. All are from Greenfield. 1-24-23 Recorder Photo2022
$16K Supports Dog Park Upgrades – Thanks to a $16,300 grant,
the dog park at Green River
Park will soon have two additional
benches and a new
storage shed, as well as its
first agility ramp.
The upgrades at Paws
Park, which also include
spreading additional pea
gravel, will be paid for with a
grant through the Cambridge based
Stanton Foundation,
according to Recreation Director
Christy Moore. Work is
underway and on track to be
completed in the spring.
“I’m thrilled to see the
community still supporting
the care and upkeep of the
Paws Park. I applaud the volunteers
who were the catalysts
for this funding,” Moore
commented. “I also want to
thank the Stanton Foundation
for coming through for the
Paws Park once again.” According to Moore, Paws
Park at Green River Park was
able to open in autumn of 2016
using a $177,872 Stanton
Foundation grant.
“This is the first grant as
far as maintenance,” she
noted. “In the past, through
the (Department of Public
Works), with the former DPW
director, we tried to put down
some sod in the grass area
and did some regular maintenance
work, but nothing as
expansive as this grant.” 12-10-22 Recorder Article 
Greenfield receives grant for Paws Park update –
The Greenfield Recreation Department has received a grant of around $16,000 for upgrades to the city’s only dog park.
This $16,300 grant is from the Cambridge-based Stanton Foundation to upgrade the Paws Park at Green River Park, according to a news release from the City of Greenfield. The grant will be used to install two additional benches, construct a small storage shed, add a dog agility feature, and spread additional pea stones. “I’m thrilled to see the community still supporting the care and upkeep of the Paws Park; I applaud the volunteers who were the catalysts for this funding,” said Recreation Director Christy Moore. “I also want to thank the Stanton Foundation for coming through for the Paws Park once again. An earlier Stanton grant helped to construct the park.” The upgrades are on track and are to be completed next Spring.
11-23-22 WWLP >>
Greening Greenfield installs info signs at Highland Park vernal pool – Looking to decrease disturbances to the vernal pool in Highland Park that might adversely affect the wood frog and spotted salamander populations, members of Greening Greenfield recently installed informational signs. Two years ago, several residents voiced their concerns to Greening Greenfield and the city’s conservation agent about the health of the vernal pool in Highland Park. After conferring with Cassie Tragert, conservation agent at the time, residents decided that because the pool is next to Bears Den Road, which is used by many people, putting up a sign about the fragile habitat would be a good idea. With the approval of the Conservation Commission and Recreation Department, Greening Greenfield received per mission to design and install two signs to highlight the sensitivity of the vernal pool and its inhabitants, with a goal of decreasing disturbances from foot traffic and pets. 11-15-22 Recorder Article GCTV Coverage of the 2022 Rag Shag Parade and Costume Contest – Our program is hosted by Trenda Loftin and Kat Miller and sponsored by Brad's Place, Greenfield Garden Cinema, Greenfield Savings Bank, Mesa Verde, Ruggeri Real Estate, Terraza Country Club and Balkan Lounge, and Thai Blue Ginger. 11-03-22 GCTV >>
Residents get creative in annual costume contest –
The unusually warm weather inspired broad attendance by residents dressed as evil clowns, superheroes, famous athletes and even inflatable dinosaurs at Monday's Rag Shag Parade and Halloween costume contest.
Participants gathered near the Mohawk Mall and paraded to Energy Park. The parade was led by the Greenfield Police Department and included the Greenfield High School Marching Band, as well as costume contest participants. The Greenfield Fire Department followed at the back.
Recreation Director Christy Moore, traveling near the front of the procession, said she has been a part of the Halloween events in Greenfield for "over a decade now." In "years past it has been windy or cold and rainy," so Moore said she was "happy to have beautiful fall weather."
2022 Rag Shag Costume Contest Winner Photos >>Best Homemade
• First place: Cupcake, Olivia Armstrong, Shelburne
• Second place: Eggs-Boxtroll, Eli Jackman, Greenfield
Funniest
• First place: Little Nicky, Graham Russin, Greenfield
Scariest
• First place: Vampire Witch, Azalea Krumholz, Greenfield
• Second place: Cemetery Bride, Becky Snow Kowal, Leyden
Cutest
• First place: Parrot, Onalee Reynolds, Greenfield
• Second place: Cat Boy, Austin James Distefano, Greenfield
Best Cartoon Character
• First place: Grinch, Mykal Bloom, Greenfield
• Second place: Inklings, Thomas Twadbell and Caitlin Von Schmidt, Greenfield
Adult Open Category
• First place: Lantern Angel, Julia Ellingboe, Greenfield
• Second place: Nun, Ann Cournoyer, Holyoke
Group/Family Category
• First place: Up, Mason and Abygail Youmell, Greenfield
• Second place: Bluey, Pollock family, Greenfield
Howl- O-Ween Costume
• First place: Devil Dog, Poco Adams, Greenfield
11-02-22 Recorder Article
Skate park project commences – Construction has begun on the new skate park slated for the parking lot behind the former Wilson's Department Store in Greenfield. 10-17-22 Recorder Photo Construction begins for Greenfield skatepark – Construction at a long awaited new skatepark in Greenfield is underway. A 12,000 square-foot site in the northern portion of the parking lot between Chapman and Davis Streets in downtown Greenfield has been designated and fenced off as the new location for the skating paradise. The design, from Arizona-based Pillar Design Studios, features street and transition elements for skill levels and boasts a special nod to Greenfield's Poet's Seat Tower.
09-21-2022 WWLP >>
Long-awaited skate park project underway – Skaters share excitement; $980K project is expected to be completed by May –
Just over a decade ago, before the old skate park had even closed, city residents began initiating conversations with local officials about their visions for a new one. Those visions began to be realized Monday morning with the start of construction of a new skate park in the northern part of the municipal parking lot behind the former Wilson’s Department Store, between Davis and Chapman streets. Contractors began work by installing temporary fencing and erosion control materials. The new structure will replace the former 17,000-square-foot skate park on Olive Street, which was demolished in 2010. “We ’re super excited,” said Thomas Bullock, one of many local skaters who have been involved in planning and fundraising efforts. “We’ve been waiting for this for a long time, and we’re very excited it’s finally here.” 09-13-22 Recorder Article Construction of nearly $1 million Greenfield skatepark begins Monday – Construction of a new, 12,000 square-foot skatepark in downtown Greenfield began on Monday morning, a nearly $1 million project funded by donations, grants and the city.
The work on Monday will begin with installing temporary fencing and erosion control materials in the northern parking lot between Chapman and Davis streets where crews will begin cutting away at the blacktop to make way for concrete work later this fall.
09-12-2022 MassLive >>
Skate park work to start Monday – Construction of the skate park, a project now years in the making, is officially slated to start on Monday. “I’m just really pleased to have the support of the City Council, the community and the administration, because we’ve needed everybody to be involved to move this project to where we’re finally ready to break ground,” said Recreation Director Christy Moore. Construction of the $980,000 skate park, slated for the northern part of the municipal parking lot behind the former Wilson’s Department Store between Davis and Chapman streets, is expected to be completed by May 2023, according to Moore. Although costs increased by roughly $200,000, the difference will be covered using $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The new structure will replace the former 17,000-square-foot skate park at the back of what is now the Olive Street Apartments. In addition to ARPA funding, the park is supported by $350,000 in capital funds, $30,000 in community donations and a $400,000 state Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant. “I know the design, based in large part on input from the community, won’t disappoint,” Moore said. 09-10-22 Recorder Article
Swimming area to close early for season –
City officials announced on Friday that the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area, which has been closed to swimmers since July 26, will close early for the season.
River use, restrooms and concessions will close for the season on Monday, August 22, according to Recreation Director Christy Moore. The playground and park amenities, however, will stay available for public use.
The swimming area, which typically closes for the season on Labor Day, was closed on July 26 due to the suspected presence of the parasite cryptosporidium. The presence of two parasites, cryptosporidium and giardia, was later confirmed on July 29, with a subsequent test on Aug. 1 confirming the continued presence of the bacteria.
"It was super hot that week, and we haven’t had a significant amount of rain since," said Moore, explaining that per state Department of Public Health guidance, further testing couldn’t occur until the area had heavy rains that would flush the river.
Moore added the Recreation Department is at the point in the season when its college students who work for the department in the summer are getting ready to head back to school.
“It just wasn’t fair to them to give them false hope that Mother Nature is going to cooperate,” Moore continued. “She clearly had different plans for us.”
08-20-22 Recorder Article
RACERS BEAT THE HEAT - Green River bacteria levels
eliminated swim for race that
welcomed back inaugural victor – With the sun
beating down and temperatures inching
into the high 80s by late morning,
Ryan Lyesiuk knew the key to Sunday
's race was pacing and fluids – and
lots of them.
Lyesiuk, 43, finished the 30.28-mile
bike and 7.17 mile-international
course at the Greenfield Triathlon in 2
hours, 13 minutes and 22 seconds.
Due to bacteria levels in the Green
River, a .31 mile run replaced the
swim leg for both the international
and sprint courses of the Recreation
Department's annual triathlon. Jennie Hanson, 37, of
Rochester, New York was the
first female finisher in the international
course with a final time
of 2 hours, 17 minutes and 11 seconds.
She placed second overall.
Eighteen-year-old Riley Cole of
Northampton finished second
overall in his first sprint triathlon in
1 hour, 3 minutes and 27 seconds.
"It felt good to beat the heat as
quickly as possible," he said.
Cole finished just a minute behind
Greenfield resident Daniel
Benson who completed the .3
mile run, 15.4 mile bike ride and
3.08 mile run in 1 hour, 2 minutes
and 24 seconds. Benson is now a
four-time winner of the Greenfield
Triathlon.
Christopher Vayda of
Southampton took third (1:04.27),
Matt Cain of Amherst came in
fourth (1:07.03) and Nathanael
Kuzio (1:08.04) earned fifth.
On the women's side, South
Deerfield resident Joellen Reino
maintained her title as the first
female in the sprint course, finishing
with a time of 1 hour, 13
minutes and 15 seconds. She
crossed the finish line with a lead
of more than three more minutes
over the second place female,
Alyssa Binczyk of Los Angeles
California.
Elena Betke-Brunswick of
Hadley took third (1:16:38), Erika
Looman of Shelburne Falls came
in fourth (1:18:31) and Melissa
Warwick of Shutesbury (1:19:58)
earned fifth.
Many of Sunday's racers were
greeted at the finish line by Sean
Moore, who returned to Greenfield
this weekend for the first
time since winning the first
Greenfield Triathlon in 1984. He
was 25 at the time, working in
Greenfield at the YMCA. "It's so good to be back," said
Moore, 63. "Coming back is an
emotional overload in some
ways. Seeing old places, old
friends … It's amazing where
time goes." 08-08-22 Recorder Article
COOLEST SPOT AROUND – Howard Hanna, of Amherst, cools off after finishing the 38th Greenfield Triathlon, Sunday morning, on Nash's
Mill Road in Greenfield. 08-08-22 Recorder Photo
Same race, different look - No swim portion due to bacteria; extra run to open event – The longest running triathlon in New England will look a bit different on Sunday. The 38th Greenfield Triathlon gets underway on Sunday, but after a sample from the Green River revealed the water had tested positive for both Cryptosporidium and Giardia, the race was forced to take out the swim portion of the triathlon this year. Instead, the event will begin with a one-third mile run around the transition area at the Green River Swim Area, heading out onto Nash's Mill Road before looping around to go along the Green River and ending where the typical transition out of the water and onto the cycling portion takes place. For points and ranking purposes, the race is still considered a full triathlon. "We knew on Wednesday that we wouldn't have the swim portion so we were able to work to make sure it would still count as a full triathlon," race director Christy Moore said. "We're seeing mixed reviews on not having the swim. Those who excel in the swim portion are disappointed but those who struggle or aren't the best at the swim, there's a little relief." Outside of the nixing of the swim portion, the rest of the race will remain the same. 08-06-22 Recorder Article Health Dept. charts out testing for Green River Swimming Area - DPW director: Samples taken from drinking water supply 'as a precaution' – The Green River Swimming Area, which has been closed since Tuesday, will require two tests negative for cryptosporidium and giardia — the two parasites detected in the river earlier this week — before it can be reopened for swimming.
Health Director Jennifer Hoffman, who met with state Department of Public Health officials on Thursday afternoon, said she expects to collect samples for testing on Monday, provided water levels are high enough to do so. Before then, the dams will be lifted to increase water flow.
"Pending what that test shows, we'll have to do another test a few days later," she explained. It remains unclear if the swimming area will be ready for the swim portion of the Aug. 7 Greenfield Triathlon. 07-30-22 Recorder Article Testing confirms multiple parasites at Green River Swimming Area – Following the lab-confirmed presence of multiple parasites in the water, the Green River Swimming Area will remain closed until further notice.
The rest of the park on Nash's Mill Road, however, remains open. "I'm equally disappointed this is happening, certainly at the peak of the summer," said Recreation Director Christy Moore. "The heat and humidity and the decreased water flow with the drought conditions certainly have affected our river and our natural water sources in the area."
As of Thursday morning, lab results confirmed the presence of the parasites cryptosporidium and giardia, as well as elevated levels of E. coli, according to public health officials. 07-29-22 Recorder Article
Swimming area closed while officials test for parasite - Results expected in 24 to 48 hours – The Green River Swimming Area was closed Tuesday "out of an abundance of caution" while officials test the water for the presence of a species of parasite called cryptosporidium.
Although its presence in the water hasn't been confirmed, there has been at least one confirmed case in the area, according to a post on the Greenfield Recreation Department's Facebook page. "It's out of an abundance of caution until we get the lab testing results back," Recreation Director Christy Moore said when reached by phone on Tuesday, noting the Department of Public Works "was sampling today."
The rest of the park on Nash's Mill Road, however, remains open, she said.
"We have amazing staff working to keep the kids cool," she said. "I'm grateful it's not as hot as it has been."
Moore said she was notified by the Health Department Tuesday morning, just before the swimming area was about to open.
"We had to rush down there and get it posted and explain to any patrons in the park, as well as our campers," she explained.
Health Director Jennifer Hoffman said the city department was notified by the state Department of Public Health of a possible infection in the area, and that the swimming area was a place that person had recently been. "With anything that could potentially be a contagion to somebody or hurt somebody, we'd close the water down," she said.
Hoffman said she expects it'll be 24 to 48 hours before test results are returned. 07-27-22 Recorder Article
Beaches draw visitors from far and wide – As Americans geared up to celebrate the nation’s independence, many celebrated their individual independence with a trip to the beach. Franklin County’s fresh water swimming spots bustled with life over the holiday weekend as tucked-away shores drew people from all over. Popular public areas, such as Greenfield’s Green River Swimming and Recreation Area and Shutesbury’s Lake Wyola, are often a visitor’s introduction to an otherwise low-key community on a broader scale. 07-04-22 Recorder Article Fireworks, July 1, 2022 >> Fireworks display in Greenfield, MA for the 4th of July celebration put on by Greenfield Recreation.
Hundreds ring in Independence Day weekend – Many attendees at Friday night’s Independence Day celebration at Beacon Field ate fried dough. A select few ate Amherst resident Dede Wilson’s cantaloupe prosciutto mint salad, salmon encrusted in a cucumber dill sauce, s’mores cake and chilled gazpacho. Members of Wilson’s group sat in camping chairs circled around on a carpeted floor. Their neighbors brought two cats, a gumball machine and free arcade games, as well as many inflatable couches. “Dede has been planning this picnic since July 5 last year,” Amherst resident Greg Anderson joked. While many attendees had showy set-ups, the real person who went all out was organizer Christy Moore, Greenfield’s recreation director. Moore spent months planning Friday ’s event and was out at Beacon Field starting at 7 a.m. on a day where temperatures rose into the 90s. “We have great music,” Moore said. “My favorite part of the night is watching the fireworks.” Some of the community members gathered at Beacon Field shared in Moore’s favorite part of the festivities. “I’ve been coming here since I was a kid,” commented Shelburne resident Chase Blair. “It’s a great tradition.” While the event was sponsored by the Greenfield Recreation Department, the city provides no funding for the fireworks. Moore raises roughly $18,000 a year for the event, but was $5,000 short when the festivities began. Volunteers circled the grounds hoping for donations from attendees. Along with fireworks and picnics, Friday’s celebration included six performances on a stage near the front of the field, as well as food vendors lining the periphery. 07-02-22 Recorder Article
Greenfield fireworks event with music and food begins at 4 PM Friday – July 4th festivities in Greenfield will take place at Poet's Seat Tower on Mountain Road on Friday. The community is invited to enjoy entertainment and food beginning at 4 p.m. with fireworks display at 9:35 p.m. The Greenfield police have a traffic plan in place for drivers to follow after the fireworks. Traffic parked on the north side of Baystate Franklin Medical Center and the middle school will be directed to continue to travel north as well as traffic on the other side will be directed to travel south. Police say to plan accordingly on the direction you need to travel after the fireworks and park on that side of the hospital and middle school. Due to the amount of traffic, police will not change the traffic flow until the majority of the attendees are out of the area. 07-01-22 WWLP 22 News >>
Fan favorites, new vendors convening at Friday’s Independence Day celebration – The annual Independence Day celebration at Beacon Field is returning Friday JULY 1st, with new vendors and food options joining the ranks of old favorites. The decades-long tradition of gathering at Beacon Field will begin at 4 p.m. with a selection of mixed music, according to Recreation Direction Christy Moore. Music will be followed by performances from Pizzazz Dance Studio and local bands Lakeside Drive and Janet Ryan & Straight Up. “It’s one of my favorite events,” Moore said. “So many people fill the field and they’re just happy; we all need some happiness.” In addition to some old food truck favorites, such as Cliff’s Smokin’ Backyard BBQ and All Things Maple, Barts Ice Cream and Cocina Lupita will also be at Beacon Field on Friday evening. 06-29-22 Recorder Article
Planning Board approves skate park design - Conditions include adding bicycle racks, crosswalks – The Planning Board approved the design of the skate park set to be constructed in the northern portion of the parking lot between Chapman and Davis streets during its Thursday meeting, with the condition that bicycle racks and crosswalks be added. The skate park is being designed by Pillar Design Studios, which has been involved in similar projects in Turners Falls, Springfield and Worcester, according to Brad Siedlecki, president of the landscape architecture firm. Siedlecki initially shared a virtual rendering of the roughly 11,000 square-foot skate park, which includes four entry points — three of which are handicap accessible — a shade structure, benches, a solar charging station for electronics and water bottle refill stations, on April 26. Construction is slated to begin on July 1, with a targeted completion date in June 2023, Recreation Director Christy Moore said Thursday. “It’s been along time coming, as many of you know, and we are very excited for this,” Moore said. The $780,000 skate park would replace the former 17,000 square-foot skate park at the back of what is now the Olive Street Apartments. The project is being funded by $350,000 in capital funds, $30,000 in donations from the community and a $400,000 state Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant. 06-04-22 Recorder Article
Recreation Department brain storms new event for fireworks fundraiser – In an effort to raise money for one of the city’s most anticipated events each year,the Recreation Department is inviting the community to take part in its inaugural Cornhole Tournament at Court Square.The event, which will take place on Wednesday, June 1, at 5:30 p.m.,will serve as a fundraiser for the 2022 Independence Day fireworks at Beacon Field, said Recreation Director Christy Moore. “It’ll be a big family event downtown,” she said. “All levels are welcome, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cornhole player. … We ’re really looking forward to it.” In addition to the double-elimination tournament, the event will feature a live disc jockey, food trucks, a raffle and children’s activities. Organizers also plan to include local breweries as vendors. To register, participants can enter at the cost of $50 per team at friendsofgreenfieldrecreation.org/x/4/. The tournament has a cap of 50 teams, according to Moore. As of Monday, about 12 teams had registered. 05-26-22 Recorder Article
Inaugural Mutts and Mayhem challenge to raise money for Paws Park maintenance – Local canines will have their chance to shine on Sunday at the Recreation Department’s inaugural Mutts and Mayhem obstacle course challenge at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area. “I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Recreation Director Christy Moore. “There will be lots of laughter. … We’ve never done this before and we’re hoping to bring people down to the park who just want to observe or volunteer.” According to Moore, all proceeds from the event, set to begin at 11 a.m., will benefit ongoing maintenance needs at Paws Park, located at 22 Petty Plain Road. Dogs will compete in one of two categories: under 40 pounds and over 40 pounds. About 20 dog owners had signed up as of Monday, with more expected to register on the day of the event. 05-21-22 Recorder Article
‘Much Ado About Nothing’ performances coming to Energy Park – The Greenfield Players, a community theater company established last summer,is bringing Shakespeare to the park for a second year with its upcoming performance of “Much Ado About Nothing” at Energy Park on Saturday.“Much Ado About Nothing,” which opens Saturday at 2 p.m., is described by Producer Rachel Cronen-Townsend as a play about the ridiculousness of romance,and the confusions and misunderstandings that can aggravate people. A second show on Saturday is scheduled for 6 p.m., followed by a show on Sunday at 2 p.m. The following weekend, on Saturday,May 21, shows will take place at 2 and 6 p.m., followed by a performance on Sunday, May 22, at 2 p.m. “I’m just really excited about the fact that the Recreation Department has given us this opportunity to have a place to perform, and the town has really embraced it,” Cronen-Townsend said. She said she is grateful for the partnership between the all-volunteer theater company and the city. “Energy Park is great, because it’s outside and Shakespeare is performed outside,” she said. With the Recreation Department as its sponsor, the show is free. 05-13-22 Recorder Article
Recreation Department unveils skate park design – $780K, 11,000-square-foot downtown space expected to be ready by next spring – Local skate-boarding enthusiasts gathered at the city’s Sanderson Street offices Tuesday evening for a reveal of the final design of the new skate park, slated to be built in the northern portion of what is now the public parking lot between Chapman and Davis streets. “It’s a dream that I had said, ‘Once I get the skate park built, I’ll officially be able to retire,’ ” said Recreation Director Christy Moore. “I don’t plan on retiring, but I’m glad that’s it happening before I’m ready to.” The project, Moore noted, has been a “true community effort.” “We’ve had fundraising in the community,” she said. “We’ve had capital funding from City Council .We received the $400,000 PARC (Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities) grant. Without everyone’s help, this would not happen.” 04-28-22 Recorder Article
Organizer looks to boost soapbox derby turnout - ‘Build parties’planned in advance of Greenfield, Montague races –
After Greenfield’s inaugural soapbox derby turned out a“lower than expected” number of go-kart enthusiasts last year, race organizer Mik Muller is hopeful that a reprisal in May will rev up prospective racers. “The derby is a fun community event for both racers and spectators, and brings in people from as far away as Albany and Pennsylvania,” Muller wrote in a press release. “Families, and even businesses, can build carts and test their mettle to win trophies and fame in front of cheering crowds.”Two “build parties” are being held in April so that interested participants can get help crafting a go-kart to their liking. One build party will be held behind Greenfield City Hall at Half Pint Homes on Sunday, April 10, at 11 a.m., while the next will be held at Court Square on Saturday, April 30, at 2 p.m.
04-09-22 Recorder ArticleFor more info: Greenfield Soap Box Races >>
TIMES PAST – Recalling Greenfield’s swimming and recreational area – To get my mind off of my aches and pains, I am writing this new story about a popular location off of Nash’s Mill Road. Fortunately, Greenfield uses the Green River for its source of water for swimming during the summer months. Many years ago, there was a smaller pool for children to use for wading and learning how to swim. I think pipes were used to get water to this pool. How often it was flushed out and new water brought in, I do not know that answer. How I got there I do not remember to this day. But I do remember many years ago this happened to me at this pool. A severe thunderstorm and lightning came upon all of us. I ran to the boy’s locker room and toilet, floundering for cover. Being a stupid kid at that time, I decided to run across the area and got into a stranger’s car. They asked me my name and eventually they brought me home to my parents. This was one of the scariest times in my life, but I still remember it happening to me. 04-02-22 Recorder Article
City seeks input on skate park design – With an eye toward construction beginning as early as this summer, the city is seeking the public’s input on the design of the skate park proposed for the parking lot between Chapman and Davis streets. The public design meeting is scheduled to take place Thursday, April 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Recreation Department, located on the second floor of 20 Sanderson St. “Half-pipe or curb, ledge or mini ramp — this is the opportunity for the community to weigh in on what should be included in our new skatepark,” Recreation Director Christy Moore said in a city press release. “There’s a lot of excitement about this project, and we want to make sure it includes the design elements our skaters want. They’ve been waiting along time for this day to come.” The $780,000 skate park, which has an estimated completion date of late spring 2023, would replace the former 17,000-square-foot skate park at the back of what is now the Olive Street Apartments. The project — to be constructed in the northern portion of what is now the public parking lot between Chapman and Davis streets — is being funded by $350,000 in capital funds, $30,000 in donations from the community and a $400,000 state Park land Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities grant. 03-26-22 Recorder Article
TIMES PAST – Beacon Field: A haven for sports, recreation and events – This field located between Beacon and Sanderson streets has a long history to talk about and write about. I do not know when the town of Greenfield acquired this piece of land or if it was ever willed to the town. The assessor’s office could possibly give us the answer to that question. Anyways, it is at a beautiful location just below Poet’s Seat Tower and Rocky Mountain. A great decision was made back then to have it as one of Greenfield’s parks. 02-19-22 Recorder Article
Winter Carnival’s 2022 contest winners – Recreation Director Christy Moore said despite freezing temperatures, Greenfield’s 100th Winter Carnival was excellent. “I think the day went really well, considering how cold and icy it was,” she said after the event’s conclusion Sunday. “We had an amazing turnout. The weather really doesn’t stop people.” Although the carnival may have been an overall success, success ran deeper for some event participants. Staff collated contest winners shortly after events concluded. 02-09-22 Recorder Article 2022 WINTER CARNIVAL AWARD WINNERS – The Final Results ICE ON THE MAIN STREET – A Winter Carnival Short Film – GCTV Production Coordinator Philippe Simon visited downtown last Saturday early evening and captured some of the lights, ice and people during Greenfield's Winter Carnival.
GCTV >> The Centennial Winter Carnival Parade of Lights – 2022 marks the Centennial celebration of Greenfield's Annual Winter Carnival! Filmed on February 4h, the Parade of Lights is a welcome kick off to a weekend of winter fun!
GCTV >>
Centennial event delights all ages – After last year’s mostly virtual celebration, what better way to return to an in-person Winter Carnival than for its centennial celebration? With a weekend full of activities,the Greenfield Recreation Department welcomed the community back to the Winter Carnival with a variety of events for all ages. In addition, historic aspects of the carnival were brought back for the100th edition, including an outdoor ice bar speak easy and a toboggan chute on the Greenfield Common, along with newer traditions like the ice sculptures up and down Main Street. Between arts and crafts events for children, salsa dancing at Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, community tug-of-war and the traditional K9 Keg Pull, there was something for everyone over the course of the sunny weekend. 02-07-22 Recorder Article Greenfield hosts centennial winter carnival – The 100th annual Greenfield Carnival was held Feb. 4-6.
The sentential celebration kicked off Friday night with ice carving and fireworks.
Western Mass News stopped by Beacon Field where we spoke with the greenfield recreation director Christy Moore, who highlighted all of the special events they had at this year’s carnival.
“Yeah we had a special ice toboggan shoot at the common we had a bleacher hide away downtown at Reed we did a lot more downtown things this year we had an amazing race in Greenfield we added some new fun things throughout the weekend,” Moore added that two of the new traditions include a cookie and chili making contest which continues to grow each year and they hope to add more and more creative contests and activities each year at the festival.
02-06-22 Western Mass News >>
Ice toboggan chute on common recalls Winter Carnivals of long ago – A century ago, an ice castle used to sit on the Greenfield Common each winter — a dominating presence of the downtown area that symbolized Winter Carnival was in full swing. Although an ice castle wasn't in the cards for the centennial celebration of the annual winter event, Christy Moore, director of the Recreation Department, said her staff still wanted to do something “to make this weekend feel magical.” “We originally thought about building the ice castle that used to be on the common,” Moore said Friday morning, as employees of the Greenfield-based Summit Ice unloaded dozens of ice blocks on to the common. “But that was too complicated and too many blocks, so we thought we could make a scaled-down version that the public and the kids and everybody who’s going to be downtown can interact and play on.” A long standing tradition,the carnival dates back to the winter of 1922,according to Moore. After a largely remote schedule of events last year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the return of the weekend-long celebration kicked off Friday with a number of events scheduled throughout the evening. The ice toboggan chute,Moore said, aims to be reminiscent of the old chute that was at Beacon Field. 02-05-22 Recorder Article Winter Carnival continues this weekend in Greenfield – The annual Greenfield Winter Carnival is celebrated it’s 100th year of winter fun, kicking off it’s festivities on Friday.
The carnival has a line up of activities featuring live entertainment, fire spinners, music, dancing and more. This year will also be the first celebration entirely held in person since the start of the pandemic.
The carnival is set to continue through the weekend. If you missed going today, tomorrow the carnival will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
02-04-22 WWLP >>
A Winter Carnival Centennial – The Greenfield Recreation Department approached GCTV about the possibility of producing a video celebrating 100 years of Winter Carnival in Greenfield. A terrific idea! We enlisted local producer and historical film buff Jonathan Boschen to take editorial lead on the project. He really stepped up!
Connections were made with local historical societies, videographers, and the GCTV archives to produce this excellent piece marking 100 years of the Winter Carnival here in Greenfield.
Check out all the activities for this weekend’s Winter Carnival brought to you by the Greenfield Recreation Department. GCTV staff and volunteers will be out filming!
02-04-22 GCTV >>
MOTHER-DAUGHTER DANCE – Greenfield resident Hannah Smeltz ice skates with her daughter, 4-year-old Linnea Giordano, at the rink setup at Beacon Field in Greenfield on Tuesday. Temperatures will climb into the low 40s this week before dipping back into the freezing zone for the weekend. 02-02-22 Recorder Photo
Winter Carnival: 100 years of ‘making memories’ - Celebration begins with a torch lighting on Feb. 4 at 4 p.m. – The Centennial Celebration of the Winter Carnival will be as much about reminiscing on celebrations of years past as it will be about looking forward to future ones. “We want people to reminisce about fun times they’ve had over the years at Winter Carnival and just share memories …and build memories that last a lifetime,” said Recreation Director Christy Moore. “And what better place to do it than Greenfield? ” After a canceled event last year due to the on going COVID-19 pandemic, the return of the weekend-long event is expected to kick off Feb. 4 with events and activities scheduled throughout the day. “We’re very happy to be able to offer this special event again, now that we’re familiar with the safety measure we need to do to keep each other safe,” Moore said. With crafts and entertainment happening earlier in the day, a torch lighting at 4 p.m. at Greenfield Common will mark the official start of the100th annual Winter Carnival. Later in the evening, a “glow party” will take place at Beacon Field followed by a “warming fire” at 5:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., the Parade of Lights — a parade of decorated vehicles — will depart from Newton Elementary School and make its way to Beacon Field by way of Main, Federal and Beacon streets. The weekend to follow includes a wide range of in-person and virtual events and activities. A longstanding tradition, the carnival dates back to the winter of 1922, according to the Recreation Department. 01-29-22 Recorder Article2021
Skate park secures funding, site decisions from council – City approves borrowing for cost of park, with $400K covered by grant, and designates Chapman Street lot for recreational purposes – With the City Council’s approval of two related resolutions Wednesday, the skate park project can continue to move forward.
The first resolution sought to dedicate the Chapman Street parking lot permanently as land
for park, playground or recreation purposes. The second resolution, meanwhile, asked councilors to approve borrowing up to $780,000 — the total estimated cost of the project, and a necessary step following the city’s recent award of a $400,000 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for
Communities (PARC) grant. 12-17-21 Recorder Article
Costume contest winners announced in 7 categories –
Fourteen contestants were awarded for their costumes during Sunday ’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat and Rag Shag Parade. 2021 Rag Shag Costume Contest Winner Photos >>Best Homemade
• First place: Jeremiah Ben of Turners Falls, dressed as a Greenfield police officer with Officer Donut
• Second place: Abygail Youmell of Greenfield, dressed as a robot
Most Original
• First place: Brooks Williams of Greenfield, dressed as an alien
• Second place: Ryker Russin of Greenfield, dressed as the Terminator
Scariest
• First place: Felicia Gallison of Greenfield, dressed as a bloody girl
• Second place: Emily Romero of Greenfield, dressed as a bunny
Cutest
• First place: Zayden Jackson of Greenfield, dressed as a baby lion
• Second place: Japera Gallareo of Turners Falls, as a sugar skull
Best Cartoon Character
• First place: Azalea Kromholz of Greenfield, dressed as Poison Ivy
• Second place: Dylan Bearmond of Charlemont, dressed as Minecraft
Adult Open Category
• First place: Joshua Moran of Greenfield, dressed as Bob Ross
• Second place: Stephen Cronen-Townsend of Greenfield, dressed as Beaker
Group/Family Category
• First place: Lila Lively and her minions of Greenfield, dressed as “Scary Stilts”
• Second place: Bullock family of Greenfield, dressed as Kool-Aid
11-02-21 Recorder Article
HALLOWEEN SPIRIT ABOUNDS – Parade marchers are escorted by Greenfield police and fire personnel down Main Street for Sunday’s Greenfield Rag Shag Parade. 11-01-21 Recorder Photo
Due to weather forecast, Rag Shag Parade postponed to Sunday – Halloween celebrations originally scheduled for today have been postponed to Sunday due to forecasted rain.
Trick-or-treating at downtown businesses is scheduled to take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, during which time the Recreation Department will be handing out free reflective bags on the Greenfield Common.
Now set to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, the Greenfield Rag Shag Parade will start at the Mohawk Mall on
Main Street and end at Energy Park for the costume contest. Categories include Best Homemade, Most Original, Best Cartoon Character, Scariest, Cutest, Adult Open Category and Group/Family Category. 10-30-21 Recorder Article
Rag Shag Parade returns – POSTPONED until SUNDAY, October 31, 2021
– After putting its traditional festivities on hold in 2020, the Recreation Department is planning a return on Sunday of its Downtown Trick-or-Treat and Rag Shag Parade.
Last year, as a health safety precaution amid the COVID19 pandemic, a drive-thru Halloween event was held at Highland Park in place of the Rag Shag Parade and Halloween costume contest. “It was an incredible experience, but it was a lot to coordinate,” said Recreation Director Christy Moore. “I’m really happy to bring all the families, the little ghosts and goblins, back downtown.” Trick-or-treating at downtown businesses is scheduled to take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m., during which time the Recreation Department will be handing out free reflective bags on the Greenfield Common. The Greenfield Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club will also be there, Moore said.
Set to begin at 5:30 p.m., the Rag Shag Parade will kick off at the Mohawk Mall on Main Street and end at Energy Park for the costume contest.
The Rag Shag Parade, which started two decades ago, was initially a march from the Mohawk Mall to the Greenfield Common, culminating with a costume contest. 10-29-21 Recorder Article
For Full Schedule >>
Big grants to help realize skate park, pool – State program doles out $400K each to Greenfield, Buckland for big-ticket projects; Whately and Orange also get grants – A skate park in Greenfield and a community pool in Buckland are among the four Franklin County projects that are one step closer to fruition thanks to state grants funding park and open space projects.
Greenfield and Buckland each received $400,000 through the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) program, while Whately received $62,588 and Orange, $83,449. “I am just so ecstatic for Western Mass.,” said Greenfield Recreation Director Christy Moore, who is also a member of the Buckland Recreation Committee. “To be recognized by Boston is always a good thing.” Greenfield
Moore said securing the $400,000 grant, which will go toward the design and construction of the skate park proposed for the upper section of the Chapman and Davis street parking lot, was “completely amazing.”
“It has been a tremendous effort by community members
and the city in supporting this project,” Moore said.
Moore previously said the total estimated cost of the skate park project is $775,000, which the city expects to fully fund with the PARC grant, a city match (from capital funding) of $350,000, plus donations and fundraising.
So far, just over $30,000 has been raised toward the project, she said, though money generated by the Greenfield Soapbox Race still needs to be added to the total. “ Any additional funds will help with amenities,” she said.
In a city press release, Mayor Roxann Wedegartner said the skate park will provide children “with an opportunity for growth, skill development and socialization in a park they will enjoy for years to come.”
“This project is the direct result of unwavering community dedication and involvement on many levels” Wedegartner said.
The skate park, which has an estimated completion date of June 2023, will replace the former 17,000-square-foot skate park at the back of what is now the Olive Street Apartments. “To say I’m pleased,” Moore said, “is a complete understatement.” 09-23-21 Recorder Article
Soapbox derby rolls into Greenfield – Soapbox racing in Franklin County experienced a quiet revival on Sunday, when 16 racers took to Nash’s Mill Road.
Although soapbox racing has been held in Montague, most recently in 2013, race organizer Mik Muller said Sunday’s event marked Greenfield’s first time hosting a soapbox race. While audience turnout was “lower than expected,” Muller is hopeful for more spectators at the race in Montague next weekend.
Greenfield’s Jim Roberge won the race for adults (20 years old and older) with a total time of 71.15 seconds (35.84 seconds in the first heat and 35.31 seconds in the second heat). Northfield’s Sam Bodenstein won the race for teenagers (13 to 19 years old), with a total time of 158.13 seconds (104.16 seconds in the first heat, 53.97 seconds in the second heat). Lastly, Elizabeth Terwilliger, of Glastonbury, Conn., took home the gold in the kids race (for ages 8 to 12), with a total time of 70.47 seconds (35.79 seconds in the first heat, 34.68 seconds in the second heat).
Two style trophies, crafted by Greenfield artisans Rachael Katz and Rick Roy, were also awarded. Katz’s trophy, the beethemed “Buzziest” trophy, was awarded to Greenfield Recorder photographer Paul Franz, who drove a replica antique fire truck cart built by Turners Falls Fire Chief John Zellmann Jr. for the 2013 race in Montague. Roy’s trophy, a wooden plaque for “The Most Creative Use of Wood,” was awarded to Sam Bodenstein.
Muller wrote that the race was a “success” on his website, greenfieldsoapboxraces.com. He added that “everyone had a great time.” 09-14-21 Recorder Article
Soapbox races return for first time since 2013 – Soapbox racing in Franklin County is kicking back into gear for the first time since 2013, with events on Sept. 12 in Greenfield and Sept. 19 in Turners Falls.
The races, which involve customizing gravity-propelled carts, were held for four years in Montague as a fundraiser for Montague Community Television. In November 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, organizer Mik Muller had an enthusiastic discussion with Montague Town Administrator Steve Ellis about reviving the races, this time as a fundraiser for recreational endeavors. “It’s my goal to bring this sport back to not only Franklin County, but everywhere,” Muller said previously. “It’s American. ... I think you could heal the country.” Muller recalled that at their peak, Turners Falls’ annual soapbox races would attract around 55 people. After saying he anticipated “at least 20” racers to show up for the comeback, he said that as of Thursday, 31 racers had registered for the Turners Falls race and 14 had registered for the Greenfield one.
Eight years removed from the most recent race, Muller said registrants are mostly “a new crew of racers.” He added that the return of familiar faces would be nice, too. “I’m working really hard to get two of the best looking carts to come back,” Muller said before explaining how significant maintenance would have to be done to get the vehicles back in racing shape.
Muller is optimistic that each race’s fundraising focus can help garner a higher turnout. Greenfield’s race will support the effort to build a new skate park, while the Turners Falls race will fund Montague Parks & Recreation Department scholarships. 09-11-21 Recorder Article
Morning, after-school programs set up – As an alternative to the recently discontinued Expanded Learning Time grant program that provided financial support for morning and after- school enrichment opportunities and summer programs, the Greenfield School Department has arranged for in-house, before-school programming at the three elementary schools. After school, families can also register for Recreation Department programming being offered at Federal Street School and Discovery School at Four Corners. Bussing will be provided for students at Newton School to go to Federal Street School. “These are alternatives we can provide to families that will allow outside-ofschool care, but also help us address the needs of the district, that need for teachers to really be able to collaborate together,” said Interim Superintendent Judy Houle. 08-21-21 Recorder Article 
THE TRICKS OF THE TRADE – Rachel Lapointe, left, junior varsity field hockey coach at Greenfield High School, runs a skills clinic through the Greenfield Recreation Department at the track at GHS on Thursday. 08-14-21 Recorder Photo
COOL CASCADE – Keeping his cool Thursday was Wyatt French, 5, of Montague, who was drenched under a bucket of water tipping at the splash pad at Hillside Park in Greenfield. 08-13-21 Recorder Photo
Skate park fundraiser brings out young crowd – Concert event raises spirits, along with more than $3,700 for park –
The Recreation Department and local interest groups raised more than $3,700 to fund a new skate park in Greenfield during a concert Sunday night. The new skate park — which would replace the former 17,000-square-foot park at the back of what is now the Olive Street Apartments — is proposed for the upper section of the Chapman and Davis Street parking lot. The total estimated cost of the skate park project is $775,000, Recreation Director Christy Moore said at a meeting about he park in June. The city expects to fund the project with a Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant, a city match (from capital funding) of $350,000, and donations and fundraising. The roughly $3,700 raised through Sunday 's fundraiser is a step toward accomplishing this goal.
Hosted at Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, the benefit drew a crowd of predominantly young people who came to see local artists Moxie, Lou Barlow, Power Trousers and The Feldons. Excitement extended to the streets as well, where skaters and painters put their skills on display. It's this youthful presence that organizers felt both necessitated investment in a skate park and makes the goal feasible. 08-10-21 Recorder Article
BACK IN THE SADDLE – Joellen Reno, Paul Mikuszewski capture sprint titles – Good luck trying to catch Joellen Reno in the Greenfield Triathlon.
The South Deerfield resident blistered through the .31 mile swim, 15.14 mile bike and 3.08 mile sprint course in a time of 1 hour, 19 minutes, 36.5 seconds Sunday in the 38th edition, first amongst women.
The win was Reno's seventh. "It's very exciting," Reno said. "The best part is so many people you know are on the course. You smile and cheer for them. It's such a local race, everyone is so encouraging. It's the whole atmosphere and I'm so grateful they put it on this year. It brings so much joy and normalcy to so many people."
With the race being canceled last year — and the course returning to it's original trail after having to switch up in 2019 due to construction — just being able to compete in the race was thrilling for Reno.
Winning it made it all the more better.
"I did miss it," Reno said. "You're running by yourself, biking by yourself. It's nice to talk in transition and see everybody."
On the men’s side, it was a successful first triathlon back for Agawam’s Paul Mikuszewski.
Mikuszewski, who hadn’t raced a triathlon in three years — got back into training during the pandemic, lost some weight and decided to see what he could do.
He shocked himself by coming across in 1:10:45, the top overall time in the sprint field.
“It was better than I expected,” Mikuszewski said. “I just wanted to have fun, test my fitness to see where I was at. During the pandemic, I did this 75-hard challenge and I lost 26 pounds and was feeling good so I decided to swim and bike again. I just wanted to come here and see what I could do.”
Not in the top heat, Mikuszewski wasn’t the first to cross the finish line. He didn’t even check where his time placed him after finishing, having to be told that he had the top time by others. “My intention was not trying to race to win,” Mikuszewski said. “I was in the general heat, I wasn’t in the elite wave that went off. It’s encouraged me to get back into triathlons. I missed it. On the run I really realized I missed doing it.”
08-02-21 Recorder Article Recorder E-Edition including more Photos
TRIATHLON SPRINT – Competitors start one of the sprint heats on the Green River in the 2021 Greenfield Triathlon.
08-02-21 Recorder Photo
'The highlight of summer' – The Greenfield Military Band will entertain listeners at Greenfield's Energy Park on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. during August. "This is summertime music with the community band spirit," said Greenfield Military Band Director Al Benjamin. "We are so excited to be playing together again. Vaccines, outdoor stage, extra space and the joy of bringing music to our community. " Benjamin advises listeners to bring a lawn chair, and snacks if they choose. Heavy rain will cancel. 07-22-21 Recorder Article
Skate park backers planning benefit – 'Great town energy': Event to raise funding, awareness of proposed – In an effort to raise awareness and money for the construction of a new skate park, a collaboration of the Recreation Department and local interest groups is hosting a benefit at Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center.
The event, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 8, will feature a lineup of area artists, including Moxie, Lou Barlow, Power Trousers and The Feldons.
"Our plan is to try and raise as much money as possible to help this project happen," said Ben Goldsher, who manages the performance venue at 289 Main St. "There's great energy with the town and the Recreation Department wanting to see this project happen."
The new skate park — which will replace the former 17,000-square-foot skate park at the back of what is now the Olive Street Apartments — is proposed for the upper section of the Chapman and Davis Street parking lot. The total estimated cost of the skate park project is $775,000, Recreation Director Christy Moore said at a meeting about the park in June. The city expects to fund the project with a Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant, a city match (from capital funding) of $350,000, and donations and fundraising.
07-21-21 Recorder Article
Crew repairing damaged properties caused by heavy rain in Greenfield – Franklin County's largest community had some serious damage from the immense amount of rain this past weekend. Greenfield's Swimming and Recreation Park at the shores of the Green River is in a state of repair. Just look at the debris along the rain-swollen river that will take days to clean up. This isn't the sort of damage that can be repaired overnight.
"Assess the damage to the building and the surrounding areas," said Chrissey Moore, Greenfield recreation director. "It's just devastating to go through this again. The water still needs to recede, the river is still dangerous, we have a logjam, a full week here it will be ready to reopen."
Throughout the day, a Greenfield Public Works crew made serious repairs to the property. 07-19-21 WWLP
Green River Swimming Area still shut — bacteria – Area lakes, Unity Park splash pad are open, providing alternatives – Through both a heat wave that brought scorching temperatures to the region and the Independence Day weekend, the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area remained closed because of high bacteria levels.
Swimming has been prohibited since June 24. The concession stand, bathrooms, playground and walking trails, however, are still available for public use.
Greenfield Recreation Director Christy Moore explained the water is tested weekly for bacteria in line with state requirements.
“We get through the pandemic as much as possible,” Moore said, “and Mother Nature slams us with a heat wave.” The one-two punch of blistering
heat and heavy rain last week complicates testing, too. Moore said these weather conditions can cause the water to be too cloudy to get an accurate test result.
“With the heat and the storm, it’s not helpful for water testing,” Moore said. “The warmer it is, the higher the potential for bacteria. We have to be within a certain range the state has set, and if we exceed that, we can’t open.” Moore said she understands why the public is upset they didn’t have a place to cool off this week or over the holiday weekend.
“We are equally disappointed,” she said.
07-07-21 Recorder Article
‘The highlight of summer’ – Community excited to be back at Beacon Field for fireworks, festivities – The community gathered at Beacon Field Monday evening for the annual Independence Day fireworks show, excited to be back after a year hiatus in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ve been going since I was little,” said Jessie Glod of Ashfield, who was there with her children on Monday. “We had to make it work last year, but it’s really nice to be back.” Her friend, Dasha Hanson of Framingham, said it was nice to see everyone singing and dancing along to the music and stage performances that preceded the fireworks show at 9:35 p.m.
“It’s definitely the highlight of the summer, ” she said.
The first to take to the stage for the celebration were dancers from Pizazz Dance Studio, who put on an hourlong performance. They were followed by the musical group Barely Standing.
“It’s so uplifting to see the field full of people, celebrating our Independence Day and about to enjoy an amazing fireworks show,” said Recreation Director Christy Moore. 07-06-21 Recorder Article
Fireworks moved to Monday due to weather forecast – Rec Department, city officials still collecting money for event – The city’s Recreation Department will continue to raise money for its annual Independence Day fireworks display, which has officially been postponed to Monday evening due to forecasted rain on Friday.
The department is still a few thousand dollars short of its $18,000 goal, Recreation Director Christy Moore said on Thursday morning.
“It’s safe to say we haven’t reached the $18,000 yet,” she said. “With the heat, we weren’t out there for two days for collecting.” Over the last week, staff at City Hall and in the Recreation Department have been at the intersection of Main Street and Bank Row collecting donations to support the Independence Day fireworks.The PayPal link is still active (bit.ly/3ycrQh1), and people can continue to drop off donations at the Recreation Department or City Hall, or mail them to Greenfield Recreation Fireworks Fund, 20 Sanderson St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Commissioners will also be at Beacon Field on Monday collecting donations.
“A lot of people will send in (donations) after, when they’ve enjoyed the show,” Moore said, noting it’s a rolling account.
Moore said she was grateful to SWM, a manufacturing plant on Silvio O. Conte Drive, for its recent $2,000 sponsorship — the most any business has given at one time.
“That was very generous,” she said. 07-02-21 Recorder Article
Recreation Dept. seeks donations for Independence Day celebration – The Recreation Department and other city officials have begun collecting donations toward the $18,000 needed for this year’s Independence Day celebration, to be held July 2.
Collections will take place through Wednesday, June 30, from noon to 1 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. at the intersection of Main and Federal streets, according to a Recreation Department press release.
“I am thrilled the Greenfield fireworks are back this year and know this event only happens with tremendous support from event sponsors and the community,” Mayor Roxann Wedegartner said in the release.
The Recreation Department also recently announced the lineup of events for the celebration at Beacon Field. Independence Day Fireworks Celebration schedule. The Greenfield Recorder is in the process of sorting through its photo archives. Timed with the upcoming Independence Day holiday, here are some staff file photos from celebrations in the 1990s. 06-25-21 Recorder Article & Photos
Greenfield fireworks scheduled for July 2 – The fireworks display in Greenfield have been announced with events beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 2. A flyer was shared on the Greenfield Recreation website Friday that lists the Independence Day Fireworks Celebration schedule. The fireworks display will take place from Beacon Field at 9:35 p.m.
06-18-21 WWLP
City seeks PARC grant to help fund new skate park – Design stage could begin next year, with construction expected to start in 2023 – The city is preparing to submit its application for a Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant to support the design and construction of a skate park.
The new skate park — which would replace the former 17,000-square-foot skate park at the back of what is now the Olive Street Apartments— is proposed for the upper
section of the Chapman and Davis Street parking lot.
“We’ve been advocating for a new skate park for many years,” Recreation Director Christy Moore said at a project update meeting on Tuesday night. “I’m happy the new administration and City Council is in support of us applying for this PARC grant, and I’m hoping that we’ll be successful and that we’ll be able to build this for our community.” The two-year PARC grant, which could be awarded in late fall or early winter, would fund the design phase in fiscal year 2022, with construction beginning July 1, 2023. 06-10-21 Recorder Article
Many hands make light work – Academy at Charlemont students spread out across Franklin County on Friday for community service projects. The group pictured cleaned, raked and leveled the gravel enclosure at the dog park at the Green River Park in Greenfield.
06-09-21 Recorder Photo
City’s holiday fireworks are back – After a year’s hiatus a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Independence Day celebration is returning to Beacon Field.
“I’m super excited to be able to have this for our community,” said Recreation Director Christy Moore. “One of the focal points of our community is the Fourth of July celebration, and seeing the fireworks launch off the iconic Poet’s Seat Tower is just breathtaking.” The 2021 fireworks are slated for Friday, July 2, at 9:35 p.m. Leading up to the fireworks, mixed music and entertainment will be followed by live band performances beginning at 6 p.m. Vendors will begin setting up at around 4 p.m.
“With all the COVID guidelines recently being lifted, that fully changes how we’re doing things,” Moore explained. “I can actually have live bands as we have had in the past. That’s what I’m trying to pull together. ” As of May 29, mask mandates
lifted in Massachusetts and gathering limits were rescinded. Beginning June 15, the state of emergency is expected to be lifted. The schedule of events is still be worked out, Moore said — a logistic that was complicated by the everchanging guidelines and restrictions posed by the state. As well as organizing the lineup, the Recreation Department is also securing vendors, many of which were interested in participating even before restrictions were lifted.
“We’re connecting again with our vendors,” she said.
As is always the case, Moore noted, the event is made possible “solely by donations and sponsorships.” “Getting a later start to get the word out means that we have less time to raise our $18,000 to put this event on,” she said.
06-04-21 Recorder Article
Energy Park’s stage, caboose get coat of paint – Energy Park reopened this week after receiving a “much-needed face lift.” The Recreation Department announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday that the park on Miles Street is once again open after being closed for two weeks while inmates from the Franklin County Jail and House of Correction gave the stage and caboose a fresh coat of paint.
“They’ve helped us paint a couple of things in the past,” said Recreation Department Program Supervisor Loren Beale. “Back in March, they repainted the Youth Center. … They were able to go down and repaint Energy Park, and they did a really great job.” Beale said the department is hoping to rent out the park for concerts this summer. 05-29-21 Recorder Article
BEGINNING THEIR TRAINING – Program supervisor Loren Beale, second from right, leads a group of students in learning the ways of the Force and mastering their skills with a light saber during the Star Wars Jedi Academy put on as part of the Greenfield Recreation Department’s “REC the NIGHT” youth series. The next event will be the Greenfield Amazing Race on June 11.
Learning the ways of the Force – Hendrick Carew, 11, practices using the Force while going through an obstacle course blindfolded during the Star Wars Jedi Academy. Johnathan McIntyre, 11, right, uses the Force and the assistance of Hendrick Carew, 11, to knock down an obstacle while blindfolded during the Star Wars Jedi Academy.
05-13-21 Recorder Photos
Mayor requests $350K for skate park – Construction could begin in 2023; city will seek 70% of project cost from state – If the City Council approves $350,000 the mayor has included in her capital budget, Greenfield could have a skate park once again in a few years.
Mayor Roxann Wedegartner said she is committed to building the long-awaited skate park. The city had one at the back of what is now Olive Street Apartments, but it was dismantled in 2010 to make way for that project. Though Mark Zaccheo renovated the building and built a parking lot where the skate park once stood, he and his wife have been avid supporters of building a new skate park.
The Recreation Department is working with Wedegartner on the project and will provide updates and information as it becomes available.
“I haven’t been that involved in the effort,” Precinct 5 City Councilor Timothy Dolan said, “but it’s something I really support. People have been working on finding a place and building a more modern skate park for many years.” Dolan said his concern as a resident and city councilor of Greenfield is that there aren’t a lot of entertainment options for teenagers.
“There’s a whole portion of the population we’re not serving,” he said. “We have playgrounds and parks and a senior center, but not a lot for teens, especially because of COVID. There was a time when there was a lot to do for teens. You just have to look at how successful the Montague skate park has been — it’s the hub of the community. It’s heartwarming to see something for teens that’s in town and walkable to get to.” Greenfield Recreation Director Christy Moore said the project is in the preliminary stage. 03-04-21 Recorder Article
THE VIEW FROM ABOVE – A lone skater takes advantage of the ice rink set up at Beacon Field in Greenfield during a snowy winter day recently.
02-13-21 Recorder Photo
Winter Carnival’s 2021 contest winners – Check out the winners of the Greenfield Recreation Department’s 99th annual Winter Carnival events . . . 02-09-21 Recorder Article
Winter Carnival reimagined – Classic activities recreated in virtual format – This weekend’s Winter Carnival, though a little different than in most years, managed to recreate several of the festival’s classic activities in virtual formats, and also included some new activities imagined just for this year.
“We talked for months to figure out what we could do safely,” said Christy Moore, director of the Greenfield Recreation Department. “Obviously, people are aware of the limitations of being in person, and are open to virtual options.” Some activities, like the paper snowflake craft contest, were held largely intact through online videoconferencing. Others, like the “K9 Keg Pull” and the cardboard sled race, were reimagined as a dog photo contest and as a cardboard sled design contest.
Some were entirely new. In a citywide scavenger hunt, 10 “golden carrots”— corresponding to a snowman’s missing nose — were hidden in parks around Greenfield. Participants were encouraged to search for the carrots with family members or members of their pandemic “pods.” By Sunday morning, Moore said, nine of the 10 carrots had been found.
“It’s been very well received,” she said.
Adam’s Donuts, a shop on Federal Street, held a drive-thru doughnut sale on Sunday morning as a fundraiser for the Recreation Department.
That also was well received. 02-08-21 Recorder Article 2021 Winter Carnival Winners
Carving out weekend fun – Michael Legassey of Athol was busy using a chainsaw to carve an angel out of solid ice for the 99th annual Winter Carnival on Friday. Other ice sculptures will be visible on Main Street in Greenfield throughout the weekend. 02-06-21 Recorder Photo
Ice Sculptures 2021 - The Greenfield Winter Carnival – Thank you GCTV for this incredible coverage of the ice sculptures downtown - part of the city's 99th Winter Carnival an ICEolation Celebration! Great work all around making downtown Greenfield even more beautiful! 02-05-21 GCTV >>
Greenfield Winter Carnival officially underway – In its 99th year, Greenfield Winter Carnival looks different. Events were brought online and barriers surrounded ice sculptors while they worked.
Nathan Peterson was one of those sculptors. Working with a chainsaw and a chisel, he chipped away at his masterpiece. “I was excited. I’m so glad that we can make showing and do something for the community,” he told 22News. 02-05-21 22 News WWLP.com
Winter Carnival a go with safety modifications – Next week’s ‘ICEolation’ celebration to feature traditional, new events – The director of the city’s Recreation Department says COVID-19 will not stop the 99th annual Greenfield Winter Carnival “ICEolation” celebration from happening this year — it will just be held in a modified form. “Nothing says ‘tradition’ in Greenfield like the Winter Carnival,” Recreation Director Christy Moore said. “Since its very beginnings, this event has brought the community together in a celebration of the season.” The Winter Carnival will return Friday, Feb. 5, and continue through Sunday, Feb. 7. A longstanding tradition in Greenfield, the carnival dates back to 1922, Moore said. It has been a way for the community to get together during a time of year that can be long, cold and dreary.
“In a year where many are feeling more isolated than ever, it’s essential that beloved traditions continue,” Moore said.
Safety, because of the ongoing pandemic, has been at the forefront of planning the annual event, and while many of the beloved activities had to be canceled or modified this year, the Recreation Department is introducing some new events and some new spins on old favorites, she said.
The celebration will kick off Feb. 5 with live ice carvings by area residents throughout downtown Greenfield. Spectators must wear masks and maintain social distancing when viewing them. They will be illuminated at dusk and throughout the night, so people can also drive by. Voting for favorites will be done online this year.
While Saturday traditionally featured the Sleigh Bell Run 4-mile road race, this year the event will be held virtually, so participants can safely complete the course anytime during the Winter Carnival on either the traditional course or a 4-mile course of their choosing. The cost to participate is $25 and the first 25 participants will receive a Winter Carnival Tshirt, as always. 01-25-21 Recorder Article2021 Winter Carnival Activities 2021 Winter Carnival Flyer
Greenfield winter carnival will be online this year – Greenfield Recreation will host their annual winter carnival online since the in-person event had to be canceled due to the pandemic. The event will begin on February 5 and end on February 7. It will host nine different activities that can all be done in a socially distant way or completely online. 01-21-21 22 News WWLP.com
2020
Greenfield Open Space and Recreation Plan 2020: Please help us plan the future of Greenfield’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space System. Your input is essential! Learn how you can participate here >>
New playground equipment installed at middle school, Four Corners – The small groups of children receiving some in-person education at Greenfield Middle School and the Discovery School at Four Corners were in for a treat earlier this month, when the installation of new playground equipment was finished. “They were very excited when they were on their outdoor break and we said they could go ahead and use it,” said Christy Moore, director of the Greenfield Recreation Department, which funded the new playground structures through capital budget requests for fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021.
According to Moore, the majority of Greenfield schools have rebuilt their playgrounds since she has been with the Recreation Department, so the new structures at the middle school and Four Corners rounded out a chain of playground improvements. Moore, who gets recertified every three years as a playground safety inspector, ensures that the city’s structures meet safety standards. 12-17-20 Recorder Article
City seeks feedback for updated Open Space and Recreation Plan – The city is working with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) to update its Open Space and Recreation Plan, something it does every seven years.
Recreation Director Christy Moore said a survey is available online that residents can fill out, or they can pick up a paper copy at the Greenfield Public Library or City Hall.
“We announced the survey on Facebook,” Moore said. “There’s a link there, as well.” The survey consists of more than two dozen questions, some just basic demographics of the person filling it out and others about their preferences.
“The answers will guide our decisions about protecting and maintaining open space and recreational space for the next seven years,” she said. “Updating our plan means we’ll be eligible for grants.” Moore said the city’s ultimate goal is to conserve land and expand open space. “We’ve done a lot based on the plan so far,” she said. “And we have a lot more we’d like to do, which will be included in the updated plan.” 11-24-20 Recorder Article
Residents have a skele-ton of fun during ‘Halloween at Highland’ – It seemed as though Highland Park was truly haunted on Friday as residents in their vehicles crept through and around graveyards, ghosts, goblins, ghouls and more for the “Halloween at Highland” drivethru experience.
The Greenfield Recreation Department, in partnership with local businesses and agencies, organized Halloween at Highland as a contact- less drive-thru celebration in place of the usual Rag Shag Parade and costume contest. Hundreds of vehicles lined up along Highland Avenue and High Street all the way to Baystate Franklin Medical Center.
Assistant Recreation Director Kelly Jenkins said she thought the turnout proved the event was a successful alternative to the normal parade and costume contest as they looked to follow health safety guidelines amid the lasting COVID-19 pandemic. Jenkins and Recreation Director Christy Moore were dressed in matching safari guide costumes Friday evening as they ushered in 570 vehicles and handed out goodie bags.
“We felt the drive-thru experience was like a safari,” Jenkins explained. “We’re introducing them to the safari, so we dressed as their guides for the night.” Jenkins said she, Moore and others had been at Highland Park getting the drivethru ready since 7 a.m., despite Friday morning’s snow. Once they entered the park, residents drove slowly along the 3/4 mile route to avoid bumping into the creatures that go bump in the night. Children, dressed in costume, peeked excitedly through car windows as they approached. 11-02-20 Recorder Article Halloween At Highland Park 2020 – Check out this awesome event footage from GCTV! Thanks GCTV! 10-30-20 GCTV >>
Recreation Department art project adds ‘a little brightness to intersections’ – Thanks to the Greenfield Recreation Department, a few more streets are a little more colorful with public art.
Recreation Department Director Christy Moore said with the recent help of a grant from the Greenfield Local Cultural Council, the department was able to offer stipends to three local artists — Sarah Adam, Mary Chicoine and Maricella Obando Moya — who painted electrical boxes at the corner of the French King Highway near Stop & Shop, the corner of High and Silver streets, and the corner of Federal and Pierce streets.
“We planned the project for the spring, so it was in the works since last fall, but it had to be delayed because of the pandemic,” Moore said. “We wanted to get them done before the first snow fell. There are three beautiful boxes covered in gorgeous art for everyone to enjoy.” 10-14-20 Recorder Article
Recreation Department offers middle schoolers a new monthly program - Coloring Between The Lines – A small group of students spent about an hour on Friday painting pictures they had designed at home on parking spaces in the Greenfield Middle School parking lot as part of the Greenfield Recreation Department's new "REC the NIGHT" series for teens and preteens.
The monthly series held its first event on Sept. 25, from 6 to 7 p.m. The program will feature a special "tween-centric" activity each month, the first being "Chalk It Up!," a socially distanced art event, at which participants each used a parking space as a canvas. "I'm not sure what it is I designed," 12-year-old Ruby Remillard said of her work. "I'm into things like aliens and funky things right now."
Remillard said she has participated in Recreation Department events in the past and is glad they're being offered again. As she loves painting, she decided to join in the fun on Friday. "I hang out with kids in my neighborhood — we keep our distance — but I thought this would be something a little different. I'm glad they're offering this," she said.
"We had planned to kick off this series in the spring, but the pandemic delayed those plans," Recreation Department Director Christy Moore said. "We needed to readjust what we were planning and offer it safely."
Moore said the department hopes to keep youths, especially middle schoolers who are at a challenging age, engaged. 09-29-20 Recorder Article
Drive-thru Halloween event planned - Pandemic concerns lead to no-contact experience – Like everything else during this pandemic, Greenfield's Halloween celebration will look a little different this year, but the city's recreation director says that's not going to stop the fun.
The Recreation Department, in partnership with businesses and agencies throughout the city, is planning a contact-less drive-thru Halloween experience at Highland Park. "Halloween at Highland" will be held Friday, Oct. 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. Recreation Director Christy Moore, who has planned numerous Halloween rag shag parades, costume contests and downtown events in the past, said this is how it has to be this year to keep everyone safe.
"We started brainstorming about a month ago," Moore said. "We decided this is the safest way to still allow everyone to participate in Halloween. The mayor is not canceling Halloween, so kids will still be able to go out trick-or-treating on Oct. 31."
Moore said the Recreation Department got input from the Greenfield Police and Fire departments, the Board of License Commissioners and Mayor Roxann Wedegartner. 09-22-20 Recorder Article Halloween at Highland Flyer Trick Or Treating Safety Guidelines from the CDC Flyer
Many hands make light work at Highland Park - Neighbors pitch in to remove abandoned campsites in woods near hiking trails – At-Large City Councilor Philip Elmer enjoys walking through the woods in Highland Park, like many other community members. So, when he came across a couple of abandoned campsites, he decided to clean up what was left behind.
"I was walking along one day and ran into a man who was living in one of the campsites," Elmer said. "It was messy, and after a heavy rain, I noticed the man had left, but no one had picked up."
Elmer spoke with city officials, ineluding those at the Department of Public Works, which provided garbage bags and gloves. The councilor then found people to help him clean the site.
"I called some friends in my neighborhood and they were more than willing to help," Elmer said. "We all wore kerchiefs over our faces and practiced social distancing." 09-17-20 Recorder Article A Forest of Trees, Highland Park, Greenfield – Arrive in downtown Greenfield and make your way to Highland Park for a self-guided tour designed by the Greenfield Tree Committee. 09-16-20 from the FALL VALLEY GUIDE 2020 >>
‘Positive spaces for kids’ - Amid pandemic, adults seek to further activities for teens, preteens – Some adults say the pandemic has only amplified their beliefs that the city must do more for its teens and preteens.
For more than a decade, Greenfield has talked about bringing back a skate park that was dismantled when developer Mark Zacchio bought the Olive Street property to build apartments. Zacchio was one of many people who worked to find a new home for the park, but without success.
Since then, the city has considered town-owned properties and is still doing so. The Greenfield Recreation Department, Greening Greenfield, Skate Greenfield and numerous individuals have discussed possibilities over the years. 08-26-20 Recorder Article
‘A little help from my friends’ - Mural delivers positive message downtown – Passersby may have noticed the downtown area looking a little brighter recently with the addition of a new mural on Main Street.
Christy Moore, director of the Recreation Department, said she saw the mural for the first time on a recent drive through the downtown area.
“The message, it’s all about community helping community … sending a letter, just reaching out,” Moore said. “That’s what we have to do to get through this.” The mural, which depicts different ways people can reach out to one another during the COVID-19 pandemic, was installed at 188 Main St. on July 23, according to Community and Economic Development Director MJ Adams. Painted in the center of the mural are the lyrics, “I get by with a little help from my friends” — a reference to The Beatles’ song, “With a Little Help From My Friends,” written in 1967.
“I love public art,” Adams said. “You can’t give me enough public art. I think it’s terrific.” The mural is located at the site of a building that was demolished in 2019, Adams said. After demolition, the city knew there would be a plywood facade there — one that could be used to host public art projects until it was decided what to do with the property.
The original plan was to coordinate an art project with the Greenfield schools.
“But then COVID happened,” Adams said.
That was when Adams and Linda McInerney, chair of the Greenfield Local Cultural Council, reached out to Jessica Marsh, 33, of Hired Hand Signs in Sunderland. The city had worked with her before.
“When there was the opportunity to put something up in the space, I wanted to do something that was going to have a positive spin on the tough year it’s been for everybody, ” Marsh said. “I thought of this design I’d made already of: ‘I get by with a little help from my friends.’ I thought it’d be a neat idea to show a few ways to be there for a friend.” 07-29-20 Recorder Article
Gardeners help homeless in Energy Park – A group of volunteers who have been gardening in Energy Park, some for more than a decade, have formed bonds they never expected with the homeless men and women who spend time there every day.
The gardeners have been bringing them water, fruit and garbage bags, and one nonprofit has installed a needle box that is emptied regularly.
Volunteer gardener Wisty Rorabacher said she’s been noticing an increase in people who are homeless and others hanging out in the park over the past few years.
“It hasn’t been negative, necessarily, but we did notice there were plants that were being stepped on and trash being left, and even human waste in some areas,” she said. “I was concerned about working there after COVID-19 hit because I didn’t want to come in contact with anything that might be contaminated.” But, Rorabacher said, one day this spring when she was there, she approached a group of about nine people to talk with them about those issues.
“They were so receptive,” she said. “They didn’t want to hang out or sleep — some sleep there — in an area that was in that condition. They offered to help us with the gardening but also offered to clean things up, saying they just didn’t have the supplies.” So, Rorabacher and others, including Precinct 3 City Councilor Virginia “Ginny” DeSorgher, brought them brooms, garbage bags and other cleaning supplies.
“They’ve been doing a good job,” she said.
“I would love to see everyone love everyone who spends time in the park,” DeSorgher said. “These are lovely people, and they’re very grateful for the help they’re receiving. Yes, there are people spending a lot of time there. They’re not on the common like they were a couple years ago. They’re in one of our parks, and everyone has the right to be in our parks.” Christy Moore, director of the Greenfield Recreation Department, said no one has set up a tent in the park at the end of Miles Street.
“These are human beings,” Moore said. “If they’re not bothering anyone, there’s no problem with them being there. We need to treat everyone with kindness and help each other during the pandemic.” That’s exactly what the city is doing. It delivered a Porta Potty and a hand-washing station there recently, so that those spending many hours there can stay clean, Moore said, while they social distance. The city and volunteers are also looking for people to donate masks — some have already been dropped off.
07-25-20 Recorder Article
Welsh a late bloomer - Buckland resident turns into impressive triathlete late in life – When he first tried to swim competitively, Bob Welsh admits he couldn’t last the length of a pool. While the swim portion has never been his expertise, he’s more than made up for it with stellar performances in the other two legs of a triathlon.
The 77-year-old Buckland resident is nationallyranked in his age category with USA Triathlon, a considerable feat considering Welsh only got into the competitions less than 10 years ago.
“When I retired, I hung around a whole bunch of people who do these things,” he began. “I’d bike with them and then they’d go
off and do Iron Man races, triathlons, crazy things. So that was kind of how it started. I’m an adrenaline junkie myself.” Welsh had long been a cyclist, but admitted he needed some direction in the other two disciplines. He went to Greenfield’s Steve and Becky Shattuck for running help, but the swimming aspect took a bit longer.
“I couldn’t do a full swim for my first race so I had to backstroke,” he explained. “I’ve done a number of triathlons since then, including some ocean swims, and while they’re very enjoyable, I’m still working at it.” Cycling is where he makes his moves during races. Welsh said it’s not uncommon for him to be well behind the pace following the swim portion of a triathlon, but he manages to pick off competitors moving through the bike course.
“I know damn well that I’m certainly not going to be a competitive swimmer,” he offered. “All I’m trying to do is get out and pass people. It’s about surviving the swim and then that’s where the real fun begins.” 07-01-20 Recorder Article
Greenfield Triathlon canceled – One of the longest-running events on the Franklin County sporting calendar will not be part of the summer slate in 2020.
The Greenfield Triathlon announced on Friday that it had canceled its race, set for Aug. 2, due to COVID-19. Race Director Christy Moore sent a statement to participants via email informing them of the decision.
“The health and safety of everyone involved in the Greenfield Triathlon remains our top priority, so in light of continued health concerns regarding COVID-19 and guidance from local, state and federal authorities, we regret to announce that this year’s triathlon will not take place,” the statement said. “We thank our loyal participants, volunteers and sponsors for their continued support, and look forward to bringing the triathlon community together again in 2021.” The race had closed registration back in April, saying it would monitor the situation and make a decision later in the summer.
The event was scheduled to be the 37th edition of the Greenfield Triathlon. The race, which brings hundreds of competitors to the Green River Swimming & Recreation Area, has held a consistent spot in the race calendar on the first Sunday in August.
With Friday’s announcement, the Greenfield Triathlon joined a list of canceled August races in Franklin County that also includes the Bridge of Flowers Classic, Montague Mug Race and New England Green River Marathon.
06-27-20 Recorder Article 
Green River swimming area opening – The Green River Swimming and Recreation Area on Nash’s Mill Road is opening today with reduced hours after a short delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Greenfield’s Recreation Department, Health Department and Department of Public Works have been busy preparing the park for opening, according to a Recreation Department press release. Starting today, the swimming area will be open seven days a week from noon to 7 p.m.
“There will be many increased safety precautions,” stated Recreation Director Christy Moore. “We have been working closely with our park staff to train and prepare them for the new guidelines we must follow.” According to the release, visitors should expect changes when they visit the park, including logging their names and telephone numbers at the gate, wearing face masks when social distancing cannot be maintained and setting up on the beach 12 feet apart to allow for transit across the beach. Currently, pavilion and group rentals are not permitted and no groups larger than 10 are allowed together. Anyone who is sick is asked to stay home and not visit the park. Throughout Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan, changing rooms, showers and water fountains will remain closed, but public restrooms will be open and available for use. The release states the Recreation Department is increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting throughout the park and restrooms. Hand sanitizer stations are also being installed.
“The health and safety of both park visitors and our staff is our top priority,” Moore continued. “We thank the public for their cooperation as we navigate this new and evolving situation together. With temperatures forecasted to reach 90 degrees, we are happy to be able to get this facility open to the public.” Season passes for the swimming area can be purchased or renewed at the park gate or renewed online. Daily rates are also available to those who don’t want to purchase a season pass.
06-20-20 Recorder Article As of JULY 10, 2020 – The Hillside Park Splash Pad is Now Open. Please review the attached COVID-19 Guidelines for use. COVID-19 Splash Pad Guidelines >> Swim Area Opening JUNE 20, 2020 PRESS RELEASE: The Green River Swim Area is Set to Open Saturday, June 20th >> COVID-19 Swim Area Guidelines >> All 2020 Summer Camp programs are Cancelled Dear Greenfield Recreation Parents, Campers, and Friends >> Greenfield Recreation Reopening Plan in accordance with Governor Baker's Four Phased Approach >>
Carefully reopening parks - Beaches and play spaces remain closed, but some areas are accessible to public with restrictions – Although beaches, parks, and some athletic fields and courts were allowed to reopen with restrictions as of May 25 per Gov. Charlie Baker’s four-phase plan for reopening the state, Franklin County’s communities are taking a cautious approach to reopening their recreation areas.
In Greenfield, many of the city’s outdoor recreation spaces — tennis courts, dog parks and the swimming area — remain closed, but the Recreation Department recently announced its own phased approach to reopening many of them.
“It’s been a constant cycle of edits and adjustments all along here to keep everybody healthy and safe,” said Recreation Director Christy Moore.
The guidelines from the state include requiring facial coverings when it isn’t possible to social distance, limiting gathering size to 10 people or less, and restricting athletic court and field use to non-contact sports where equipment isn’t shared.
Greenfield’s plan is meant to balance the benefits of recreation while operating within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines set forth for social distancing, sanitation and disinfecting measures, according to a press release from the Recreation Department.
“It is important to remember that at any time, the guidelines are subject to change and may be revised as needed,” the statement reads. Although the city hasn’t announced yet when certain facilities will be accessible to the public again, the Recreation Department’s first phase indicates tennis and pickle ball courts, as well as the dog park, are preparing to reopen. 06-05-20 Recorder Article 
Independence Day fireworks canceled – The annual Independence Day fireworks celebration has been canceled.
The event, which was originally scheduled for July 5, has been canceled due to the ongoing public health and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement from the Greenfield Recreation Department.
“While we are extremely disappointed to have to cancel fireworks this year, our primary concern is the health and safety of our community,” said Recreation Director Christy Moore. “This decision was made after very careful consideration, consultation with city department heads, the mayor, and the Recreation Commission, as well as a review of local communities facing similar challenges. We look forward to the future when we are once again able to come together and celebrate as a community.” Several uncertainties contributed to the decision to cancel, including the difficulty with adherence to social distancing and current public gathering guidelines.
In downtown Greenfield on Friday morning, several locals expressed similar feelings about the cancellation: that it was understandable, considering the fact of the pandemic, but still disappointing.
05-30-20 Recorder Article PRESS RELEASE: The Greenfield Recreation Department Announces Cancellation of 2020 Independence Day Fireworks Celebration >>
Greenfield Squirrel Census 2020 – A fun, stay at home project! Help us make sure every Squirrel is counted! 
How to Take: Part Simply scan the QR code on the top right with your Mobile Device to download the App. Add your email to log in – you’ll be sent a pin code to access the app. Once you log in, create a profile and upload a profile picture (optional).
Next: Watch for squirrels in your garden, neighborhood or on short walks. To track a sighting click the “Record a squirrel sighting” on the home screen and fill out the details. You can record the squirrel type, the squirrel activity, number of squirrels and the city and zip code of the sighting. You can also add notes if you see anything interesting, like other wildlife. Earn digital badges on your profile by recording your sightings!
https://xdfvr.glideapp.io/ 2020 Greenfield Squirrel CensusSpecial thanks to our friends at the Milwaukee County Parks for developing this program!
Recreation Department Pen Pal – Have your child practice their grammar, spelling, and penmanship by writing to a Pen Pal Our Recreation Staff are ready to write! Anyone can participate, whether they know the staff member or not. We always love hearing from our friends and making new ones. It’s easy! Pick a staff member, write them a letter, and mail it to: Greenfield Recreation 20 Sanderson Street Greenfield, MA 01301
Recreation Department Pen Pal
Are You In Need of a Face Mask? The City of Greenfield is Distributing Donated Homemade Masks to Those in Need.
Here’s How it Works
• Community members make and donate masks to the City
• We wash and package them
• You call us at the COVID‐19 Community Hotline 413‐775‐6411 when you need one
• We put your mask out front for you to pick up at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located in the John Zon Community Center, 35 Pleasant Street. Hours: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday.
The City of Greenfield is Distributing Donated Homemade Masks to Those in Need 
Donate Homemade Masks – Help protect your community and stop the spread of COVID‐19
City of Greenfield is Collecting Homemade Mask Donations – We know Greenfield is filled with talented creators and we need your help! Please consider donating your homemade cotton masks to the City of Greenfield to distribute to our community members in need. With Greenfield’s new advisory on wearing face coverings in public, we want to ensure that anyone who needs a mask can get one!
Thank you to all of those who are making masks and/or providing material to the cause.
Donations can be dropped off at the Emergency Operations Center located in the John Zon Community Center, 35 Pleasant Street Monday ‐ Friday, between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm.
If you are in need of a face mask, please call the Community Hotline at 413‐775‐6411
Mask specifications from City of Greenfield officials:
• 100% cotton is best • Multiple layers of fabric
• Do not include any metal within the mask
• Ear straps or ties for behind the head
• Must be able to be washed and dried without changing size or shape
City of Greenfield is Collecting Homemade Mask Donations 
Keep 6 Feet of Distance Between Yourself and Others
HELP STOP THE SPREAD – Need help estimating the right distance? Here are some things that are 6 feet.
Keep 6 Feet of Distance Between Yourself and Others Poster A Special Message to our Community >>
Finding new ways to lift spirits – Here are brief thoughts on recent happenings in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region.
HGetting egg-cited
Easter weekend has now come and gone, without the usual fanfare. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHAI and Bear County radio stations didn’t host their usual Easter egg hunt, nor did the Montague Parks & Recreation Department host its EGGstravaganza.
But that didn’t stop local organizers from brainstorming ways for children to have fun, while still practicing safe social distancing. While the radio stations offered a virtual Easter egg hunt, the Greenfield Recreation Department encouraged residents to display colored paper eggs in their windows for passersby to spot, and the Montague Parks & Recreation Department arranged for Peter Cottontail to travel through town, waving to residents from his “special Cottontail-mobile.”
“People are looking for creative and fun things to do while maintaining social distancing,” Greenfield Recreation Director Christy Moore commented. “Life is still happening, just in a different way right now.”
04-13-20 Recorder Editorial 
‘We want to save lives’ –
To help slow spread of COVID-19, communities restrict park access – GREENFIELD / MONTAGUE / ORANGE – Public parks are being closed off or partially restricted as towns review policies in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Restrictions so far have tended to focus on structures where people crowd together, such as playgrounds and sports facilities. Open spaces and nature trails, where people can better keep their distance, generally have not been restricted.
Greenfield, Montague and Orange all had announced partial closures of their public recreation facilities by Wednesday. Montague’s decision was Monday night, in a meeting with the Board of Health and Selectboard. Orange and Greenfield both made decisions Tuesday.
“To me, it’s inconsequential whether other towns have done such a move or not,” said Montague Health Director Gina McNeely. “This is an extremely serious issue. I would not mind at all being the leader on it.”
Greenfield and Montague both have closed playgrounds and other structures that tend to draw people into clusters, but have left open larger open spaces. Orange closed all of its parks.
Specifically, Greenfield closed its tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball court, pavilions and Paws Park. Montague also closed the playground and skate park at Unity Park.
All restrictions remain until further notice.
4-03-20 Recorder Article 
Getting Outside in our Parks –
March 31, 2020 – Effective immediately, by order of Mayor Roxann Wedegartner and Greenfield Board of Health. All outdoor equipment playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, pickle ball court, pavilions, etc. and the Paws Park are closed due to the COVID-19 emergency; however our trails and open spaces remain open. We would like to assure you that our parks, trails and open spaces remain open to allow people to go outside and get some fresh air for as long as possible. Parks provide many benefits that are essential to the wellbeing of our communities. Exercise and spending time in nature can improve both our mental and physical health. Spending just 20 minutes a day outdoors can significantly lower stress and regular exercise can boost cardiovascular health and immune system.
3-31-20 Getting Outside in our Parks 
Emergency ops center keeps preparing – A few weeks ago, depending on what time of day it was, you could walk into the John Zon Community Center on Pleasant Street and find a City Council meeting being held in the large community room, a chair yoga class for seniors happening in a smaller room on the other side of the building, or a writing group where members were sharing their stories.
On Monday, it became the city’s COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center where you now find desks set up and city officials sitting at them responding to the coronavirus pandemic in safe and responsible ways, following all of the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state Department of Public Health and state and federal governments.
Chief Robert Strahan
said, as he gave a Recorder reporter and photographer a tour of the building on Thursday that, for instance, Christy Moore, director of the city’s Recreation Department, is not only doing her day-today job, but serving as liaison for the city with different community organizations and agencies.
He said the heads of many of Greenfield’s departments are currently working out of the center, attending daily morning meetings to discuss what the city will do if things get a lot worse like in other parts of the country. “Everyone is doing at least two jobs right now,” Strahan said. 03-27-20 Recorder Article 
Resources for Children & Families - Employee & Family Well-being –
This resource guide includes community resources for children and families in Western Massachusetts. In this guide you will find resources for:1. Food
2. Mental health & recovery
3. Education and other community programs
We acknowledge that this in not an exhaustive list of resources. Please contact facilities directly for eligibility requirements and in case of schedule changes/closings.
Resources for Children and Families during COVID-19 
COVID-19 Response in Greenfield: Community Information Line is Open: (413) 775-6411
March 24, 2020 – MEDIA RELEASE
GREENFIELD – As part of the coordinated emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Greenfield has opened a Community Information Line. The line will start Tuesday March 24, 2020 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
The number is: (413) 775-6411.
The Greenfield Community Information line will provide information to residents on resources, the latest information from the Health Department, from the Commonwealth, resource for finding government benefits and services, nonprofit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and other local resources that are available to the public during the health crisis. The Information line is not designed to be used to diagnose or treat a medical issue.
Outside of those hours, citizens should call Mass 211 for information. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Mass 211 is an easy way to find or give help in your community.
If resident has a life threatening emergency, they should call 911.
COVID-19 Response in Greenfield: Community Information Line is Open: (413) 775-6411 COVID-19 Recreation Dept Postponements – March 13, 2020 The safety of the City of Greenfield and the Department’s staff, volunteers, patrons and community is our top priority and the City is taking appropriate action to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Following directives from Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Greenfield Board of Health and the CDC to limit public gatherings, the Greenfield Recreation Department will be postponing programs and services from March 13 until at least March 27th. Future program postponements will be assessed with City officials on an ongoing basis.
Beginning March 13, the following activities will be postponed:
• REC the NIGHT Dodgeball scheduled for March 13, 2020
• Co-Rec Softball Manager’s Meeting Scheduled for March 16, 2020
• Adult Basketball League held Tuesdays/Thursdays
GRASP After School Programs will continue to provide service in conjunction with the school schedule. In the event of school closure, GRASP will also be closed.
As a reminder, these are preventative measures to “flatten the curve” and protect the vulnerability of our community. We appreciate your patience during this time. Greenfield Parks and playgrounds will remain open, but patrons visiting the Parks are recommended to take preventative action when visiting including self-monitoring and practicing social distancing.
COVID-19 Recreation Dept Postponements No snow, but vintage snowmobiles to admire – The Winter Carnival, besides being a weekend of activities for locals, is also one of only a few shows for vintage snowmobiles in the state.
The machines date mostly to the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s, a period when there were many more manufacturers of snowmobiles than there are today, and much greater variation in their designs. “All the new ones kind of look the same,” said Jarod Erickson, who collects and rides old snowmobiles with his father, Karl Erickson, at their home in Barre. Of the four that they brought to Greenfield on Sunday, Jarod said his favorite was a 1969 Arctic Cat, with a blue-tinted windscreen, a leopard-print seat and a body shaped more like a pontoon than a jet ski. 02-04-20 Recorder Article 
Winter Carnival works around warmth - Some activities not possible without snow – Some of the more wintery aspects of this year’s Winter Carnival had to be tamped down due to unseasonably warm weather this weekend.
Most of Beacon Field on Sunday was without snow, making some of the Winter Carnival’s classic activities impossible. No one was building snowmen, no one was sledding, the snow sculpture contest had been called off completely.
At about 1 p.m., Greenfield Recreation Director Christy Moore was weighing whether to cancel the cardboard sled race. The hill at the back of the field had a bit of snow on it, and earlier in the morning it had been slippery, she said; but he was unsure if it would be slippery enough for the race’s scheduled start at 2:30. “But I’d rather not dwell on what we can’t do,” she said.
Other, less winter-dependent events were still popular, like the horse-drawn wagon rides around the field, the K-9 Keg Pull and marshmallow roasting around a big campfire.
An ice hockey match between the Franklin County Sheriff ’s Office and the Greenfield Police Department was not called off, but the rules of the game had to be modified somewhat. When players arrived that morning, they found that the ice wasn’t solid enough to skate on, said Barney Collins, who works for the Sheriff ’s Office and organizes the hockey team. “We opted for sneakers today, ” he said. “I don’t know how it looks, but it doesn’t feel great, and it’s a little sloppy.” 02-03-20 Recorder Article 
Ahead of the Winter Carnival pack – Tammy Richards runs to a first place women’s finish in the 4-mile Sleigh Bell Run on Saturday morning as part of Greenfield’s annual Winter Carnival. 02-03-20 Recorder Photo 
Turning ice into art for the Carnival - Popular ice sculptures on display downtown this weekend – Ice sculptors chiseled away Friday, bringing their visions to life for Greenfield’s 98th annual Winter Carnival.
The sculptures, which will be on display along Main Street throughout the weekend, range from dragons and dolphins to “Baby Yoda.” Each artist was sponsored by a different business along Main Street, where they worked throughout the day. They used anything from chainsaws, chisels, router drills and blowtorches to mold the two, 300-pound blocks of ice donated by Summit Ice. Other activities on Friday include a hot chocolate and board game social at the Greenfield Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 02-01-20 Recorder Article The 2020 Greenfield Winter Carnival Cardboard Sledding – Grab the duct tape, fire up your imaginations, piece together your cardboard, and launch yourself down the hill! Watch all of the creative cardboard sledding action at Beacon Hill during the 2020 Greenfield Winter Carnival. 02-01-20 GCTV >>
The 2020 Greenfield Winter Carnival Parade of Lights and Ice Sculpture Contest – The Opening Parade of Lights and a look at the sculptors and sculptures competing in the Ice Sculpture Contest for the 2020 Greenfield Winter Carnival, organized by Greenfield Recreation. Videos produced by volunteers. 01-21-20 GCTV >> Ten Winter Festivals happening in the Bay State – Don’t let winter’s chill keep you indoors all season. Bundle up and beat cabin fever at these ten wintry celebrations happening across Massachusetts in February. Check it out >> 
Music at Greenfield’s Winter Carnival – Greenfield’s Winter Carnival kicks off tomorrow and the Greenfield Recreation Department has assembled a weekend packed full of all types of activities ranging from breakfast with Olaf the cartoon character to cardboard-sled racing. Live music is also a part of the festivities this weekend and Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center on Main Street in Greenfield is going all out on Saturday with two musical events that embody the spirit of fun that is Winter Carnival.
Let’s start by talking about “The Winter Snowball,” a dance party happening on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. featuring barbecue rockers Trailer Park and funky soul band, Soul Magnets. 01-30-20 Recorder Article 
It’s that time of year again - Glow party, extra outdoor activities among new Winter Carnival features – During a time of year that can be cold and dreary, residents have the Winter Carnival to brighten their spirits.
This year is no exception, says Christy Moore, director of the Greenfield Recreation Department, which is preparing for the 98th annual event to start on Friday. The theme of this year’s event, which runs through Sunday, is “There’s Snow Place Like Home.” Moore said new activities include a glow party, more outdoor activities and allowing the public to participate in Sunday’s chili cook-off, which was previously only open to restaurants. The celebration starts Friday, when area artists will take to carving ice sculptures that will be on display throughout the weekend. People are encouraged to vote for their favorite sculpture via a ballot box on the Greenfield Common. After dusk, the sculptures will be illuminated. At 4 p.m., the Winter Carnival torch lighting will take place on the common, followed by a performance by MEGAdance at 5:30 p.m. A glow party will be held at Beacon Field from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and the fifth annual Parade of Lights will start at 6 p.m. Illuminated vehicles will travel from Newton School to Beacon Field. A warming fire and fireworks display starting at 7 p.m. will round out the night at Beacon Field. “There will be glow face paint, a glow stick vendor and the LED glow performance,” Moore said. “We want to get people to the field as the parade is ending and see all of the fun. We have a different performer and people like glow-in-the-dark things — especially fireworks.” Other activities on Friday include a hot chocolate and board game social at the Greenfield Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
01-29-20 Recorder Article 2019
GREENFIELD DOWNTOWN TRICK OR TREAT, RAG SHAG PARADE & CONTEST
Flexing their creative muscles – A crisp, crescent moon hung in the sky as a parade of princesses, superheroes and children’s favorite movie characters made their way to Energy Park Friday for the annual Greenfield Downtown Trick or Treat, Rag Shag Parade and Costume Contest.
“It was a little cold, but it’s always fun to see everyone’s costumes and creativity,” said Christy Moore, director of the Greenfield Recreation Department, which hosts the annual festivities.
The event drew dozens of families to Main Street in Greenfield for trickor- treating at 4 p.m. Costumed attendees could stop into the various stores for candy ahead of the parade at 5:30 p.m.
The sea of children scattered along the sidewalks with their parents and guardians was a mix of ninjas, clowns, animals and athletes. Kelly Jenkins with the Greenfield Recreation Department said attendance did not seem to be impacted after the event was rescheduled from Halloween night due to inclement weather. 11-02-19 Recorder Article
VALLEY KIDS – Hiking with kids – Check out the October-November Issue of "Valley Kids"! There is so much happening in and around the Valley. This issue features Adventures in hiking with kids - Joys, tips and treks; Shopping for bargains in the Pioneer Valley; Raising Outdoor Kids; Children's Health; Hypnosis for kids: "It's not mind control"; Easy-to-make fuel for energy and learning; and How to create the healthiest possible space. October-November 2019 - Published by the Recorder 
INSIDE GREENFIELD – The little city with big appeal – Check out this great special "Inside Greenfield" Issue from the Recorder! We are so happy to see many of our parks and events featured!! Greenfield is a great place to live, work, and PLAY!! The 2019 edition includes; A Town Common for All Seasons, Come out and play, Where the history is, and Festivals. 10-02-19 Recorder Supplement
Yoga in the park – Nick Marchese’s evening yoga class celebrates the summer solstice two days early by having class at Sachem’s Head in Highland Park on Wednesday. Far left, Marchese, at left, leads a the class, accompanied by Peter Webster and Jonathan Daen. Near left, father and daughter Bob and Charlotte Gilmore participate.
06-22-19 Recorder - Contributed Photos 
Energy Park Sunday Concert Series ready to roll – The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow kicks things off on Sunday – The Greenfield Recreation Department will kick off the 2019 Energy Park Sunday Concert Series by welcoming The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow to the park on Sunday night for a 6 p.m. show.
The group is a collective of western Massachusetts-based singersongwriters — Greg Smith, David Tanklefsky, Billy Keane, Chris Merenda, and Tory Hanna — who play a high-energy brand of Americana-folk music with rock and roots that celebrates their love of western Mass., music, brotherhood and, of course, whiskey. The band recently released a new EP, “Live at Mass Moca,” and has completed its first full-length studio recording, “Band Together. ” That album does not have a release date as the band is currently in negotiations with a Los Angeles-based label that has expressed interest in releasing the album under its name.
While the band’s five members all have musical lives beyond the band, they’re putting their solo careers on hold for now as The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow’s tour moves forward. And to think, it all started right here in Greenfield. 06-20-19 Recorder Article
That sinking feeling – The Four Rivers Charter Public School eighth-grade class capped off the school year with a little applied math and science, building cardboard boats with nothing but cardboard, glue and paint, and testing them at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area. Above: Staying relatively dry are Innis Bakey and Justin Blodgett. Top right: Using kayak paddles, Toby Sol and Jaiden Kotright-Clark made it across the Green River and back while staying dry. Bottom right: Two students paddles out to test their creation.
Not making it back to shore are Eve Macek, Parker Smith and Bre Daehne.
06-13-19 Recorder Photos 
Garth Shaneyfelt of Greenfield took advantage of blue skies, brisk air and fresh snow to get a little cross country skiing in at Highland Park in Greenfield late last month. 
02-06-19 Recorder Photo
A CELEBRATION OF WINTER • Sledders gather on the hill at Beacon Field during the 97th annual Winter Carnival in Greenfield.
• Sophie O’Brien,10, holds up her snowy owl cardboard sled during the 97th annual Winter Carnival at Beacon Field in Greenfield.
• Sylvia Guillaume, 10, slides across the finish line in a cardboard frog pond sled with a first place time of 11 seconds.
• Hugo Taggert, 9, front, shovels snow for the snow castle being built during the 97th annual Winter Carnival at Beacon Field in Greenfield.
• Attendees paid $2 to sample each of the five chilis entered by local businesses in to the chili cook-off on Sunday.
02-04-19 Recorder Photos 
Hundreds warm up to fun and games – With temperatures in the 30s after a week of Arctic deep freeze, hundreds of people gathered outside at Beacon Field Sunday to try chili, race cardboard sleds or to ride in a horse-drawn sleigh – just some of the highlights of the 97th annual Winter Carnival. The warmer temperature on the last day of the three-day festival didn’t melt any snow and a layer of ice under the most recent fluffy snow allowed children on sleds and toboggans to speed down the sledding hill.
City Recreation Director Christy Moore said Sunday was the warmest of the three days, making it tolerable for people to stay outside all day.
“It’s a wonderful turnout,” Moore said. “It’s great to see all of the people and their dogs here. We even had snow sculptures this year, which we weren’t able to have for the past couple years.” One of the most popular events of the day was the cardboard sled contest. Each sled had to be made with 100 percent cardboard – no wood or plastic permitted on the bottoms.
Parents could help make sleds and even push a stuck sled down the hill.
This year’s entries, like a polar bear with a crown and a pirate ship, were creative, but they were also fast.
The fastest sled in the youth group was Silvia Guillaume in her frog pond sled, making it down Beacon Hill in 11 seconds. Only a second later, the fastest sled of all ages was the Caron family and their sled called “What does the box say?”
02-04-19 Recorder Article
Dogs pull growlers, kegs and cans – There was paws-itive energy and a big turnout at the seventh annual K-9 Keg Pull at the Winter Carnival this year.
Whether it was their first or fifth year competing, dog owners said they enjoyed getting together with each other Sunday and running with their pets.
Kegs are matched to the dogs based on size – with empty beer cans for small dogs like Chihuahuas, fullsized kegs for larger dogs like St. Bernards and varied sizes in between.
Dogs, attached to an appropriately sized beer container with a rope, started at one end of the course and run to the other. Dog owners were tasked with calling, bribing or running with the dogs to motivate them to get the fastest time.
02-04-19 Recorder Article
Winter Carnival 2019 Cardboard Sled Race – There were some amazingly creative entries, not to mention some fast sliders, in yesterday's contest!. 02-03-19 GCTV >>
Photographing a winter wonderland – Each year, the Greenfield Recorder holds an amateurphotography contest and exhibit as part of the annual Winter Carnival. Three winners in the color category and three winners in the black-and-white category are chosen, this year from a crop of 81 entries. The winners are on display with other submissions at Wilson’s Department Store, Studio C, in Greenfield, through Saturday, Feb. 16. All photos depict winter subjects and scenes in the Franklin County/North Quabbin region.
2019 Winners:
• First place – color: Brian McHugh, Greenfield
• Josh Spring of Colrain took second place for this color photo taken on his property.
• Northfield resident Melanie Phillips won third place for her colorphoto of playing fields in Deerfield.
First place – black and white: Kaitlyn Cawthorn, Colrain
• Melissa Murphy won second place for her black-and-white photo of Doane’s Falls in Royalston.
• Brian Foley of Greenfield won third place for his black-and-white photo of a gull on a frozen Barton Cove.
02-02-19 Recorder Life & Times
Time to celebrate in the snow – Plan your weekend with Greenfield Winter Carnival schedule of events – 02-02-19 Recorder Article
Winter Carnival 2019 MEGAdance & Parade Of Lights – Just prior to the 5th Annual Parade of Lights, MEGAdance fitness program particpants strutted their stuff and even taught willing onlookers a few moves. 02-01-19 GCTV >>
6 New England towns to visit in February - Discover winter festivals overflowing with fun. Obvious alert: It’s freezing outside. However, you shouldn’t let that stop you from taking advantage of the ice sculpture-, snowshoe-, and s’mores-filled festivals taking place across the region this month.
Attend a parade of lights in Greenfield - During the 97th Annual Greenfield Winter Carnival from Feb. 1-3, you can watch vehicles illuminated with hundreds of lights snake through town during the festival’s Parade of Lights. The parade is among the kickoff events on Friday night, and it will culminate with a fireworks display over Beacon Field. Other activities throughout the weekend will include an Instagram scavenger hunt, a keg pull competition for dogs, cardboard sled races, and face painting and a paper snowflake contest for kids. Make sure you take an ice sculpture walk through the town, after which you can vote for your favorite in a ballot box on the Town Common. 02-01-19 Boston.com By Kristi Palma
SLEDDING DELIGHT – Ellie McIntyre and Madeline Nugent slide down the hill at Beacon Field in Greenfield on a sunny day after a snowfall. 
01-31-19 Recorder Photo
SLED-READY – Oliver McGuigan, 2, of Turners Falls, is all decked out for the sledding scene at Beacon Field in Greenfield on a sunny day after a snowfall. 
01-31-19 Recorder Photo
Winter Carnival returns Feb. 1 – The Winter Carnival returns for its 97th year on Friday, Feb. 1, through Sunday, Feb. 3, with a weekend full of activity.
This year’s theme is “Winter’s Majesty,” and it appears, as of now, that there will be plenty of snow.
Since its beginning, the event has brought the community together in celebration of winter. This year, the celebration kicks off on Feb. 1 with live ice carvings throughout the downtown. The ice sculptures will be displayed all weekend long — and beyond. People are encouraged to vote for their favorite on the Town Common at the ballot box. The sculptures will be illuminated in the evening. There will also be an “official” torch lighting on the Common at 4 p.m. on Feb. 1, followed by a performance by MEGAdance at 5:30 p.m. and the 5th annual Parade of Lights at 6 p.m. During the Parade of lights, illuminated vehicles will travel from Newton School to Beacon Field with displays sure to light up the night. Parade entries are required. 01-22-19 Recorder Article
2018
‘We lucked out’ – Hundreds enjoy downtown trick-or-treating – A mix of princesses, witches and your favorite movie characters marched down Main Street on Wednesday as part of Greenfield’s Downtown Trick or Treat, Rag Shag Parade & Costume Contest, hosted by the town’s recreation department.
Dozens of families decked out in costumes and makeup went trick-ortreating starting at 4 p.m., stopping by various local businesses for candy before the parade began at 5:30 p.m. Children dressed as fairies, ninjas, Boston sports players and countless superheroes sauntered around Main Street under the safe watch of parents and guardians, just as the event is designed to ensure.
11-01-18 Recorder Article Rag Shag Parade 2018 – Fun was had by all at Greenfield's Halloween festival and parade, and the costume competition had some amazing entries. 10-31-18 GCTV >> Costume Contest Winners 2018 >>
Family Halloween events around Franklin County – The Greenfield Recreation Department and Greenfield Business Association will hold the annual Downtown Trick or Treat event on Wednesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Downtown streets will be once again filled with little — and maybe not so little — ghosts and goblins. WHAI and GCTV will broadcast the event. Stop at the Town Common to pick up a free Trick or Treat reflective bag filled with dental hygiene products donated by local dentists.
Then, head to the Mohawk mall parking lot at the other end of Main Street to line up for Greenfield Recreation Department’s Rag Shag Parade, led by the Greenfield High School band — it will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will end at the Greenfield Energy Park. Costume judging and awards will follow. Anyone who wants to participate in the costume judging should pick up a number tag at the Town Common before the parade begins. Participants will march in the parade according to their costume category, and will be judged following the march (one category per participant). Each category will be called forward to march in front of the judges and GCTV. Awards will then follow. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes in several categories, including best homemade, most original, scariest, cutest and more.
The Garden Theater will show “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” for free directly following the costume judging at 6:30 p.m. The Rotary Club and other groups will be on hand to help assist with the event and hand out candy.
Downtown Trick or Treat draws around 1,500 kids, parents and other family members.
10-27-18 Recorder Article
Barbecue, music and beer lovers at Riverside Blues – There was plenty of barbecue, beer and blues at the Riverside Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival on Saturday at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.
There were also competitions, like the wing contest and the keg and barrel roll, while live music from AcousticcA, Eva Cappelli Band Du-Jour and Janet Ryan played throughout the day, and people got the chance to watch demonstrations on grilling pizza, making a rub for ribs and stacking a meatball pizza kibob.
People traveled from down the street to states away to come to the event. Rachel Guillotte, of Greenfield, said she came to the event because of her father. “I like the beer, and combined with the music, it’s perfect,” Guillotte said. “Plus the pizza demonstration looks good, too.” Rogers Epstine and Elena Alberti traveled from MIT in Boston as they were going on a trip to Springfield. “I also like barbeque, a lot,” Epstine said. “This is pretty cool.” Alberti said she had a mac supreme – a combination of barbeque and mac and cheese – which she said was awesome.
10-08-18 Recorder Article
Swing Time – Jayce Parrilla soars on the swings at the Green River Recreation Area in Greenfield earlier this month.
09-13-18 Recorder Photo
As summer ends . . . we can still find fun in the sun – Jose Carlos, center, makes sandcastles with Jose Carlos Jr., 3, left, and Merelin Rodriguez, 7, at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area in Greenfield on Saturday.
Edwin Parilla, front, flips a burger on the grill while Jesus Ortiz looks on at the Green River Recreation Area in Greenfield on Saturday.
09-04-18 Recorder Photo
Water works – Kaidence Sullivan, 6, enjoys the splash pad at Hillside Park on a recent sunny summer afternoon in Greenfield.
08-24-18 Recorder Photo
35TH GREENFIELD LIGHTLIFE TRIATHLON - Reino captures record 5th Greenfield Tri – In the weeks leading up to the 35th running of the Greenfield Lightlife Triathlon, it seemed the weather was either hot and humid, rainy or both. On Sunday, the 355 race participants were spared torrential rains, but got served a harsh dose of hot and humid. That's just what the doctor ordered, though, for perennial favorite, South Deerfield's JoEllen Reino, who grew up in Virginia. "It's such a short and sweet season up here," she said with her usual smile. "I'll take it." Take it she did — Reino walked away from the sprint rendition of the triathlon with her fourth straight title and a new record, five total wins. She finished the feat in 1 hour, 16 minutes, 21 seconds. She broke a tie with Don Dwight, who finished first four times. "I was happy with how I performed and then whatever the results were, it took care of itself," Reino said, after claiming her award to the cheers of the many familiar faces in the stands at the Green River Swimming & Recreation Area. She beat out Northampton's Tara Strassburg (1:17:09) by 48 seconds. "Certainly with this heat, I don't know where she gets her energy from," race director Christy Moore said. "She's just fun to watch and I think she has fun competing, which is why I think she's so successful." 08-06-18 Recorder Article 08-04-18 Recorder Article - Familiar faces highlight 35th Greenfield Lightlife Triathlon
Slippery slope – Oliver Audet, 5, and his brother Quincy Audet, 3, with turtle image, of Greenfield, play with their cousins Kayla Renaud,
3, Jacob Renaud, 4, and Mariah Renaud, 8, of Bernardston at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area on Wednesday.
07-19-18 Recorder Photo
Best seat in the house – Children clamber up a rock structure on the playground at Beacon Field during the Independence Day celebration last Friday evening in Greenfield. 
07-11-18 Recorder Photo
Greenfield celebrates the Fourth on a Friday - City celebrates Independence Day with fireworks at Beacon Field – People set up lawn chairs and picnic blankets spanning from Beacon Field to Federal Street on Friday night to watch Greenfield's fireworks, launched from Poet's Seat Tower.
Greenfield's Fourth of July fireworks were on July 6 this year. Many attendees appreciated that the fireworks were on a Friday night instead of in the middle of the week. "I think it's actually better because we don't have to get up and go to work tomor row," said Aaron Lastowski, who lives in South Deerfield. "I probably wouldn't have come on Wednesday."
"People do all kinds of things on the Fourth, so it's kind of easier to go (on July 6)," said Marissa Marques from Phillipston.
"There's always another town that has them on the Fourth," said Dan Burke from Rowe.
Some, like David Pinkham from Greenfield, had stronger feelings. "Personally, I think they should keep it on the date it was originally, out of respect for how it was founded," he said.
But most of the controversy on Friday had to do with where the best place to view the fireworks would be. 07-07-18 Recorder Article
High temps have residents flocking to the Green River – With temperatures reaching 99 degrees Fahrenheit in mid-afternoon, Sunday was the busiest day of the year so far for the Green River swimming area, said lifeguard Ryan Blanker.
The playground and basketball court both got heavy traffic, but swimming in the river was clearly the most popular thing to do at the park. Both banks of the river were crowded with groups of people and their lawn chairs, beach towels, picnic setups, boom boxes and so on. Blanker said usually the crowd is not large enough to fill both sides of the river. 07-02-18 Recorder Article
Splash-happy – Savannah Harris, 3, keeps cool playing at the splash pad at Hillside Park in Greenfield on Monday,
where she was with her grandmother. Water baby – Makenna Ward, 3, keeps cool playing at the splash pad at Hillside Park in Greenfield on Monday where she was with her mother.
06-19-18 Recorder Photos
Kiss of summer – Enjoying a summer-like day in May, Samantha Fabian of Bernardston gets a smooch from her 2-year-old
son Lucas Potter at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area in Greenfield on Monday. 
05-22-18 Recorder Photo
Buddy Baseball kicks off another season – I wasn’t sure how it would feel to coach Buddy Baseball last season. Buddy Baseball is the program my son, Thomas Roberts-Wierzbowski, founded in 1994 for young people with disabilities to play ball with the help of a peer buddy. Thomas was 11 years old then and had seen a newsletter photo of a boy in a wheelchair holding a Challenger Baseball trophy.
“I want to do that,” he said. My son had just started using a wheelchair because of AT, a congenital, progressive neurological condition.
And so our family, along with his physical therapist, Leslie Anderson, Greenfield’s Recreation Director (Mike Kociela at the time), and other supporters came together to create Buddy Baseball. Kids using wheelchairs or walkers or with other challenges came to the field behind the middle school in Greenfield, and we figured out how to participate in the great American pastime of playing ball.
Over the years our little band of devoted families — players, buddies and supporters — grew up. People came and went, but our program and my son and I remained, 23 years and going strong since the initial season.
05-14-18 Recorder My Turn
Parking meter painting brings together families, community – Eight-year-old Azariah Cosme focused intently as he recreated an epic battle between two iconic characters from
the massively popular video game Minecraft.
“The Ender dragon and Steve are fighting,” he said, as he painted a pixelated recreation of the battle between good and evil on a parking meter.
The scene will be adorning one of 20 parking meters on Greenfield’s Main Street soon as part of a program from the Recreation Department to bring more public art to downtown. “I think this is awesome, especially seeing your artwork around town,” Victoria Cosme, Azariah’s mother, said.
The two were painting the Minecraft-inspired parking meter together on Tuesday, though Victoria admitted that her son was the one calling the shots on the design.
“It’s all about Minecraft and I just doodled on the side,” she said.
Residents were working on their crafts over three days last week, whether together as parents and children or husband-and-wife, or by themselves. In addition to Minecraft, a number of scenes adorned the parking meters at various states of completeness, from cartoon characters to real-life locations. This is the third year of painting objects downtown. Last year, the Recreation Department facilitated the painting of utility boxes and parking meters
throughout the Downtown Crossroads Cultural District.
Funding for the projects originally came from the Massachusetts Cultural Council Adams Grant Program, as well as the Greenfield Local Cultural Council and the city, with leftover materials being used to continue the project this year. 05-08-18 Recorder Article
A community effort for nature’s gem – Volunteers keep Greenfield’s Energy Park full of botanical life – Greenfield’s Energy Park is a gem in the center of town. Main Street is all bustle and work, but a short stroll down Miles Street takes you to the peaceful gardens and shade of a town park created in 1999.
Sandy Thomas was the director of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) housed in the former railroad switch house building in the blighted area left by the demolition of the railroad station. In 1999, the town had a Master Plan that called for a public park.
05-05-18 Recorder Home & Garden Article
Thankful for
Paws Park – Over the last two months, I have begun to take our new rescue dog, Hunny, to the Paws Park in Greenfield on Petty Plain Road. Initially very timid and fearful, she is blossoming into a playful, happy dog who now chases balls instead of runs from them, and engages others to run and chase as well.
I can’t believe it’s been nearly six years since we lost our pup Charlotte to a passing car on the far side of the GCC campus where we used to run and play. That fall, I sent out a plea for others wishing to have a safe place for dogs to join me in working with the town to create a local dog park. Soon I was joined by Rachael Jaquay (whose pup, Buster, was hit on Route 2 and survived) and Christy Moore of the Recreation Department to develop plans on how to move such an idea forward and the Paws Park Initiative was born. We worked with local businesses like Mighty Clean Mutt and Base Camp Photo to raise funds and awareness and built an amazing community of committed dog lovers and owners throughout the region.
We launched the K-9 Keg Pull at the Winter Carnival which is now a community favorite each year.
We tirelessly saw the park through to its opening day in September 2016, just two weeks shy of when we lost our Charlotte four years prior. I attended the opening so proud of all their hard work and for all the dogs who would get to safely run and play in our community.
Hunny and I go just about every day and at least once a week someone comments about how much the park means to them. They describe appreciating having a safe place for their dog to run, to socialize with other dogs, and to meet other owners to learn about classes and other dogrelated things. Watching dogs like mine who have come from very sad situations open up and learn to trust and play again is such a heartwarming thing to see.
There are some amazing gems in our community and our Recreation Department with Christy Moore at the helm is one of them. Your work and that of the commission have not gone unnoticed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and Hunny’s, for making this park a reality. PAM KINSMITH,
Greenfield 
05-05-18 Recorder Readers Write
Dog park closing May 1 for repairs – Dog lovers in the city will have to wait before they can bring their pets to the dog park as improvements are being made at the location starting next month.
The Paws Park at Green River Park, located on Petty Plain Road, will have work done starting Tuesday to address issues with drainage and the turf at the park. Dogs will not be allowed into the larger grass area during that time, but Recreation Director Christy Moore said that a smaller stone enclosure in the park will remain open. “This is something we tried to do last fall but we just didn’t get to it before snow was on the ground,” Moore said. “And now that spring is finally here we want to jump on it.” Moore said that the work will include planting new grass in the park, which will then eventually take root. And while the planting will not take the entire month, visits are prohibited so that the grass does not die.
According to Moore, the area has lost a lot of grass due to the amount of foot traffic it receives. This leads to the park becoming muddy when rain comes, particularly near the entrance where water run-off drains to.
04-28-18 Recorder Article
Brrr-rr-r – Jordan Leh of Bernardston takes his first swim of the year in the Green River below the dam at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area in Greenfield on Monday.
His assessment was that it was “Still too cold.” 
04-24-18 Recorder Photo
Highland Pond ice skating could be very pricey – Could the prospect of ice skating on Highland Pond be on thin ice?
The city is continuing to mull the possibility of bringing back city-maintained skating on the pond, which could provide a nostalgic experience and a location for outdoor hockey in the winter. However, it could come at a cost because the pond needs dredging, and city officials must determine what that cost could be and if it is affordable. “We’re at the phase of determining all the challenges,” At-Large City Councilor Isaac Mass said.
These challenges were raised during a Community Relations and Education Committee meeting Monday, where Mass said roughly two dozen residents had come to show their support for restoring Highland Pond ice skating, which was last available decades ago.
“It’s a cherished memory of people who grew up in Greenfield,” Mass said. “It’s one of the first places they explored.” However, the pond needs dredging to be safe for ice skating, according to Recreation Director Christy Moore. And if the pond is to be dredged, there are questions of environmental permitting and impact.
“It is an environmentally sensitive area with fauna and habitat,” Moore said.
03-28-18 Recorder Article
Greenfield seeks fireworks donations – Even though snow is still on the ground, donations are welcome for this year’s Independence Day celebration. The Greenfield Recreation Department is seeking sponsors and donations for this year’s celebration happening July 6. According to Recreation Director Christy Moore, the department is looking to raise $18,000 in order to hold the event. The event is scheduled for Friday, July 6, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Beacon Field. It will feature live music, food vendors and of course, fireworks. “It’s an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate Independence Day,” Moore said. In order to raise the money needed to hold the event, Moore is asking businesses to sponsor to the department. Sponsors will be divided into four levels, each with their own benefits. Sponsor levels are $250, $500, $750 and $1,000. In addition, residents are asked to donate, if possible. There is no minimum donation, Moore said, as any amount is welcome.
For now, donations can be mailed to the recreation
department at 20 Sanderson St., Greenfield. Checks are requested with “fireworks” in the memo.
Moore said by next month, those interested will also be able to make donations online through the Recreation Department’s website. 
03-13-18 Recorder Article
Keeping winter traditions alive - K-9s fight off seasonal blues at Greenfield carnival – It was a chilly, overcast Sunday, but that didn’t stop adults, children and dogs from coming to Beacon Field to enjoy the last day of the 96th annual Winter Carnival before going home to enjoy the Super Bowl.
Pieces of grass and dirt poked through the snow on the ground, but plenty of young children still launched themselves down the hill on plastic sleds. The homemade sleds came later, during cardboard sled contest, but not before the county’s four-legged residents showed their strength in the K9 Keg Pull, another one of the carnival’s most celebrated events.
Recreation Department director Christy Moore expressed excitement for the weekend crowd. “The weather has cooperated and turnout is good,” she said.
02-05-18 Recorder Article Winter Carnival 2018 Cardboard Sled Race – There were some amazingly creative entries, not to mention some fast sliders, in yesterday's contest!. 02-04-18 GCTV >>
With a bang - Fireworks kick off weekend-long Greenfield Winter Carnival – As the lights were shut off, enveloping Beacon Field in darkness Friday night, the gathering crowd let out a collective hurray. The time had come.
In an instant, fireworks were illuminating the snow-covered field in hues of blue, green and red, as well as the faces of enthralled adults and children. Some lay flat on their backs in the fresh snow, some mounded together their own backrests and others sat bundled around a flickering fire below the hill.
Another hurray, louder than the first, and applause broke out as the booming, crackling and fizzling of the spectacle subsided, kicking off the 96th annual Winter Carnival.
02-03-18 Recorder Article Winter Carnival 2018 MEGAdance & Parade Of Lights – Just prior to the 4th Annual Parade of Lights, a new Greenfield Winter Carnival event took place on the town common. MEGAdance fitness program particpants strutted their stuff and even taught willing onlookers a few moves. 02-02-18 GCTV >> Snow Much Talent! – A record number of ice carvers kicked off this year's Greenfield Winter Carnival by creating some amazing sculptures. After you watch our video, which was filmed this morning, click here >> to see a few of the artists' finished projects. 02-02-18 GCTV >>
Music, ice and sleds - Carnival returns for 96th year – Since its very beginnings, Greenfield’s Winter Carnival has brought the community together in a celebration of the season.
The event, now in its 96th year, will take place Feb. 2 to 4 with a weekend full of activities with the theme, “Six More Weeks of Fun.” The carnival kicks off downtown Friday with live ice carvings by area artists. The sculptures will be on display all weekend, and people are encouraged to vote for their favorite at the ballot box on the Greenfield Common. The sculptures on Main Street will be illuminated at dusk.
Evening festivities will include the official Winter Carnival torch lighting at 4 p.m. on the Common, followed by a performance by MEGAdance at 5:30 p.m. and the 4th Annual Parade of Lights at 6 p.m.
02-01-18 Recorder Article
Joy of snow day – Recorder Photos by Paul FranzA classic tandem ride on a classic runner sled at Beacon Field during a snow day from school, January 17th.
August Zaccara, 10, of Greenfield snowboards at Beacon Field on Wednesday, January 17th.
Bryce Zraunig, 6, zips down Beacon Field on January 17th during a snow day from school.
01-22-18 Recorder Photos
Locals enjoy reprieve from freeze – Casey Hayman of Greenfield sleds with his children, Josephine, 5, and Ellison, 3, at Beacon Field on a relatively balmy winter day on Wednesday.
01-11-18 Recorder Photo2017
Deep freeze – Green River Swimming Area midfreeze as seen during this week’s cold snap.
12-29-17 Recorder Photo
A frightfully good time – Goblins, ghouls and ninja turtles took over the town Halloween night during the Greenfield Recreation Department’s Rag Shag Parade. Clockwise from top, left: Milaina McMahon, 8 months, is held by mother Nicole McMahon; ninja turtles Kaylee Gonzalez, 3, and Jayden Gonzalez, 2, reach for candy; 4-year-olds Milo Mimitz and Helen Martineau trick or treat; Ayden Whalen, 11, as a pumpkin reaper; members of the Greenfield High School band perform Halloween-themed music at Energy Park.
WINNERS
Best Homemade — First place: Elephant, Anira Dahlstrom, Greenfield; Second place: Phoenix, Phoebe Wondolowski, Greenfield.
Most Original — First place: Cotton candy, Jake Mattson, Colrain; Second place: Mermaid, Amber Kowal, Leyden.
Scariest — First place: The Corpse Bride, Breanne Biggs, Orange; Second place: The Pumpkin Reaper, Ayden Whalen, Heath. Cutest — First place: Witch, Celia Despres, Greenfield; Second place: Clown, Aza Toma-Thompson, Greenfield.
Best Cartoon Character — First place: Harley Quinn, Skyler Regan, Bernardston; Second place: Iron Man, Sigurd Hyatt, Erving.
Adult — First place: Cruella de Vil, Julia Ellingboe, Greenfield; Second place: Miss Liberty, Mareba Jos, Greenfield.
Best Group/Family — First place: Addams Family, Glenn family, Northfield; Second place: Back to the Future, Spencer and Dalton Towne, Erving.
11-01-17 Recorder Photos Rag Shag Parade 2017 – Fun was had by all at Greenfield's Halloween festival and parade, and the costume competition had some amazing entries. 10-31-17 GCTV >> Costume Contest Winners 2017 >>
Wildcat O’Halloran incorporates humor in his music – Local musician will play at Riverside Blues, Brews & BBQ this weekend – “It’s shaped like a woman but that’s where the resemblance ends, because I never had no guitar running off with my best friend,” sings Wildcat O’Halloran on the song “Shaped Like a Woman,” off his new disc, “Hot Pulldown.” On this song, O’Halloran from Sunderland muses about how he finds his guitar a lot more trustworthy than any woman he has ever known. This song is one of 11 tracks that make this disc such an enjoyable romp through the blues. 10-05-17 Recorder Arts & Culture Sounds Local 
Blues, Brews & BBQ moves to Fairgrounds – Recreation Dept. fundraiser set for Saturday – The Riverside Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival returns to town for its seventh year next weekend at a new location — the Franklin County Fairgrounds.
The festival, hosted by the Greenfield Recreation Department and Lefty’s Brewing Company, features a Northeast Barbecue Society Grilling Contest, Kansas City Barbeque Society BBQ Contest, Lefty’s Brewing Company brew tent, live blues music, People’s Choice BBQ Samplin’ Pit, vendors, contests and more. It will be held Saturday, Oct. 7, rain or shine at the fairgrounds off of Wisdom Way. The event is 21+ and IDs will be checked at the gate. “The People’s Choice Samplin’ Pit is back by popular demand,” Recreation Director Christy Moore said. 10-02-17 Recorder Article
Soup, games to benefit future skate park – Over the past decade, Greenfield has upgraded many parks, but it has taken the town years to focus on what many residents have been asking for— a skate park.
Now, plans are in the works for a skate park on a piece of town-owned property on Beacon Street near the middle school.
To kick off a fundraising campaign for the project, Greenfield Recreation, Greening Greenfield, Skate Greenfield and other supporters will hold a Soup and Games Night at Hope & Olive restaurant on Sept. 11 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. In addition to free soup and games, the fundraiser will feature baked goods, a raffle and more information about how to become part of making the skate park a reality. “We have a site and numerous partners, so now is the time to get input from the community, make a design and find the funds,” Recreation Director Christy Moore said. Last May, a public forum
filled a meeting room at 20 Sanderson St., with many residents expressing support for the project. Several people pointed out that Greenfield has done a good job of meeting the needs of young people who are interested in team sports, martial arts, dance and other endeavors, while local skaters are still looking for a safe space to pursue their sport. 09-05-17 Recorder Article
Lifeguards look back on swim season – Recreation area reports 14 saves over summer – It was another busy summer at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area, which is wrapping up its season Labor Day weekend. This summer was especially busy for the staples of the area: the lifeguards that watch over the river and save patrons.
Christy Moore, director of the Greenfield Recreation Department, which oversees the swimming area, said the lifeguards had about 14 “saves” this summer, meaning they jumped into the water to rescue a person in distress.
She said it can be hard to find great lifeguards because the training class, which costs money, can be prohibitive for interested people.
She pointed to lifeguards like 19-year-old Owen Schilling, who has been at the pool for two summers now. He saved four people this summer.
Schilling said there were
about the same number of saves last year, which is standard for a summer at the pool.
In general, there are three people watching the water throughout the day, but that increases during certain holidays and big events.
Schilling said lifeguards watch for active drowning, where someone begins to panic or loses footing. He said they blow the whistle to alert other guards and then jump into the water with the tube, make sure the person is OK and get them to shore. 09-04-17 Recorder Article
Triathlon thank you – I have been competing
in the Greenfield Triathlon for 24 years. I have the T-Shirts to prove it. It is a fun and exciting event in our beautiful little town.
But most importantly, it is so well run by the wonderful volunteers. I want to add my voice to thank them all. From the spectators along the course who cheer us on to Christy Moore, race director, and everyone in between. This includes too many people to thank here, but our local police, lifeguards, ambulance, Rick Roy, the cooks, the masseurs, people cleaning the roadway and picking up trash, handing out water and directing us along the route, and many, many more.
I am so grateful to you for what you do. You are a big part of what makes our little community a great place to live and work and play.
JUDITH ROBERTS 
08-19-17 Recorder Readers Write
34TH GREENFIELD LIGHTLIFE TRIATHLON - Reino wins third straight, fourth overall ‘Tri’ – JoEllen Reino had to travel a bit further than the .31-mile swim, 15.14mile bike and 3.09-mile run to make history Sunday morning during the 34th annual Greenfield Lightlife Triathlon at the Green River Swimming & Recreation Area. The South Deerfield resident also had a 3½-hour drive.
On Thursday, Reino decided that she would drive back to Franklin County during the middle of her Maine vacation to compete in the event and the three-time champ and twotime defending champion made history as she tied the record for most all-time wins with her fourth title. Reino won the women’s Sprint competition by 1 hour, 18 minutes, 8.4 seconds to tie Don Dwight with four all-time wins as Dwight captured four consecutive men’s International Division crowns from 1994 through 1997. The overall women’s winner was competing in the 50-54 division.
Reino was not the only person who made history. She was joined in the record books by Hatfield’s Madeline Nagy, who also picked up her fourth alltime victory with her women’s International competition victory. Nagy finished the .63-mile swim, 30.28-mile bike and 7.19mile run in 2 hours, 42 minutes, 56.5 seconds for her fourthever crown and first since 2015. 08-07-17 Recorder Article 08-05-17 Recorder Article - Champs Return For Greenfield Triathlon
Triathlon volunteers stay the course – Planning Sunday’s annual Greenfield Lightlife event a year-long endurance test – When the starting gun of Sunday morning’s Greenfield Lightlife Triathlon fires and athletes surge into the Green River, it’ll be the result of lengthy preparation by hundreds of volunteers behind the scenes.
“As soon as the race is over, we meet the next month as a debrief to see if there were any issues. Then we roll right into planning and getting things in place for the next year,” said Greenfield’s Recreation Director Christy Moore. The annual competition is one of the department’s largest
fundraisers. On Friday night, a group of eight volunteers packed bags with T-shirts, water bottles, snacks, to be given to athletes.
“This will be my fourth,” said Amy Bowse, a triathlete who’s also on the race’s seven-member planning committee, pausing as she worked. Bowse designed the T-shirts. “I loved it so much after the first year. I wanted to be a part of it,” she said.
08-05-17 Recorder Article
Taking off – A blue heron spreads its wings while standing in Highland Pond in Greenfield, Tuesday. 
07-27-17 Recorder Photo 
Becoming the bike – Christy Moore of the Greenfield Recreation Department talks with artist Ernesto Montenegro at the recent dedication of his work “The Cyclist” on Miles Street. “What I ended up with was a figure of a cyclist who sort of becomes the bicycle, and that’s indicated by a gap in the front where the person sort of merges into the wheel,” Montenegro said to Recorder reporter Aviva Luttrell at an earlier interview. 
07-18-17 Recorder Article
Fancy fireworks – Greenfield Recorder senior photographer Paul Franz describes these fireworks photos this way: “I like to take chances with fireworks. You can set up a tripod and get a cool ‘palm tree’ shot that looks like what you are seeing but playing around with the exposure, shooting hand-held, zooming in and out, panning, twisting, defocusing or any combination was used to produce the following images. I never know exactly what to expect until I see the image on the monitor. These are from fireworks in Greenfield, Mass., Sunday night.” 
07-04-17 Recorder Photos 
Town still raising money for Sunday’s fireworks show – Sunday night’s firework show at Beacon field went off without a hitch, despite the weather forcing a move from Saturday night to the much sunnier and warmer Sunday.
Christy Moore, director of Greenfield Recreation, said the department is still raising money to cover the costs of the show, and asks that those who enjoyed the show consider sending a donation to the Recreation Department, 20 Sanderson St. in Greenfield.
The event included more than fireworks, with about 15 food vendors and music playing throughout the after noon.
“Greenfield is known for our fireworks display and we want to continue that,” Moore said. 
07-04-17 Recorder Article
Splash-happy – Kacem Rudd, 7, of Greenfield plays at the SplashPad in Hillside Park in Greenfield. 
07-04-17 Recorder Photo 
Getting in the spirit – Olivia Hoyt, 5, of Hawley, has her face painted at Beacon Field during Greenfield’s Independence Day fireworks
celebration on Sunday. 
07-03-17 Recorder Photo
LIGHT UP THE SKY – The Greenfield fireworks display as seen from the roof of the Pushkin building in downtown Greenfield, Sunday. 
07-03-17 Recorder Photo 
Fireworks moved to Sunday night – The town’s Independence Day fireworks from Poet’s Seat Tower have been postponed from Saturday to until Sunday.
Prospects of rain pushed the celebration off.
Christy Moore, director of the Greenfield Department of Recreation, said the annual fireworks show, which is scheduled to go off at around 9:30 p.m., costs about $18,000.
They are still fundraising and accepting donations. Volunteers have been on the corners of Main Street and Bank Row collecting money throughout the week.
Moore asked the public to respect the no parking signs in the areas around Beacon Field, which keeps the path clear for emergency responders in case of an emergency.
Moore said there are plenty of vendors available at the park, and mixed music begins at 4 p.m.
MEGAdance, a high-energy dance fitness program, will be at 5 p.m.
Eric Lee and Co. will perform at 6. Raised in rural upstate New York, Lee’s earliest introductions to music were the sounds of his mother’s piano and the songs of John Gorka, Bob Dylan, and Jackson Browne. He began studying classical violin and traditional Irish fiddle at the age of 9, and was soon performing and recording with local artists. After moving to the Pioneer Valley, he continued playing live and in studios, branching into psychedelic rock and bluegrass, playing in the pit orchestras of musicals, and writing
his own songs and compositions.
At 7:15, the Sweet Little Bloodhound revs up soulful rock sound with a sevenpiece band.
At 8:30 the Greenfield Military Band will play, with the National Anthem at 9:30 just before the fireworks. 07-01-17 Recorder Article
Co-Rec softball action – Bath Fitter pitcher Tina Riddell lets one fly to Paddy’s Irish Pub Wednesday evening at the Greenfield Middle School, where the teams went at it in Co--Rec softball action. Bath Fitter’s Cody Pease takes a might hack at a pitch against Paddy’s and Paddy’s outfielder Brian Winslow throws toward the infield.
06-29-17 Recorder Photos 
Around and around they go
– Bicyclists race along classic criterium course against backdrop of downtown Greenfield. Cyclists competing in the second Greenfield Criterium round the corner from Main Street onto Franklin Street Sunday. The Criterium is hosted by B2C2 Cycling, a Boston-based team, in collaboration with the Greenfield Recreation Department. 
06-20-17 Recorder Photos
Greenfield Criterium bike race taking off on town streets Sunday – The Greenfield Criterium will return for a second year in a row Sunday.
Riding on last year’s success, the bicycle race will kick off an “omnium” competition of five events over the course of eight days, known collectively as New England Crit Week. With the first stop of New England Crit Week taking place in Greenfield, the day will culminate in the crowning of the series’ individual and team leaders for elite men and women.
The Criterium is hosted by B2C2 Cycling, a Boston-based team, in collaboration with the Greenfield Recreation Department. The race begins at 9 a.m. with the amateur event and concludes with the elite women’s and elite men’s races at 1:45 and 3 p.m., respectively. Course closures will begin at 8 a.m. and roads will re-open to traffic at 4 p.m. No parking will be allowed on those roads during the race.
Criterium racing is an all-American style of bicycle racing involving laps of a short, technical course. The Greenfield Criterium will travel clockwise around Church, High and Main streets before making the final turn for the finish line on Franklin Street. At just about one kilometer and with four 90-degree turns, the race represents a classic criterium course set against the backdrop of downtown Greenfield. Police and course marshals will be stationed around the course and at all intersections throughout the race day to help direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Vehicles will be allowed onto the course on a limited basis for residents during the race.
06-15-17 Recorder Article 
THE GREENFIELD CRIT - Sunday, June 18, 2017 – A competitive bicycle racing event is taking place on Sunday, June 18th, 2017 in Greenfield. The event is a collaboration between the Greenfield Recreation Department and a Boston-based cycling club, B2C2. Following a successful first year in 2016, we are excited to return to Greenfield for the second edition of the race this June. In order to run this event safely for event participants and the community, several streets will be closed from 8AM until 4PM on June 18th. If you live on the course, getting in and out of your driveway on June 18th will be a little more complicated than usual. The Greenfield Recreation Department and B2C2 are committed to minimizing any headache this may cause. Flyer Neighborhood Street Closure Information PRESS RELEASE >>
Yeah, summer's here all right – Children play in the shore of the Green River at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area in Greenfield, Sunday. 
06-12-17 Recorder Photo 
Refreshing! – The sizzling temperatures have residents looking
for ways to cool off. Above, Dezmond Castro, 6, of Greenfield, reacts as a bucket of water is dumped on him at the splash pad at Hillside Park Monday. The heat continues today with an expected high of 90. 
06-11-17 Recorder Photo
New statue is salute to ‘The Cyclist’ – Greenfield and the surrounding hilltowns are known for their picturesque roads and bike paths.
Now, the town is celebrating the freedom and joy of the cyclist, as well as Greenfield’s commitment to alternative transportation and healthy living, with a new sculpture in front of Mesa Verde that will welcome people as they walk toward Energy Park. The bronze sculpture — called “The Cyclist” — was created by Claremont, N.H.-based artist Ernest Montenegro and installed Thursday morning. “What I ended up with was a figure of a cyclist who sort of becomes the bicycle, and that’s indicated by a gap in the front where the person sort of merges into the wheel,” Montenegro said.
The project was funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council Adams Grant Program and the town. Greenfield solicited applications from artists last year, and a special committee selected “The Cyclist” out of seven proposals.
“What was really interesting is that Western Mass. and Greenfield are known for cycling, so it was really exciting to have a sculpture represent that,” Recreation Director Christy Moore said. 06-02-17 Recorder Article 
COLORFUL WELCOME – Delaney Archer, 15, of Greenfield, paints eyes
onto the face of a figure on an electric box at the corner of Main Street and Bank Row in Greenfield as part of a Greenfield Recreation Department project. 
05-29-17 Recorder Photo
Skate park would provide excellent outlet for exercise, artistic expression – Greenfield did it once. Can it do it again? About a decade ago, largely through the persistence of volunteer supporters like Mary Cohn, the town built a skate park that became home turf to many of the sport’s young local enthusiasts. But the park was closed and its plywood ramps dismantled in 2010 when the Olver Transit Center was built on the site off Olive and Hope streets.
Attempts to find a replacement home for skateboarders faded — until now. A coalition of town leaders and community activists has found a new location and promises to find the money needed. “ All the kids that are in here and many more have been skateboarding around town in places that they probably shouldn’t be, but they need to exercise and have creative outlets, as well,” Recreation Director Christy Moore told a public meeting convened to discuss plans for a new skate park.
The town and nonprofit Greening Greenfield are applying for an ArtPlace America grant to help fund a $1.1 million park on a piece of town-owned land on Beacon Street near the middle school. 05-24-17 Recorder Editorial
Skaters vouch for pushing boundaries - Town gathers input on skate park possibility – When Julia Griffin started skateboarding at Unity Skate Park in Turners Falls nine months ago, she learned to push her boundaries and started getting better grades in college as a result. “I was able to grow as a person and in the community, and learn about different people and see the different personalities that come from the skate park,” she said.
Now, Griffin, 20, hopes a new skate park in Greenfield will help others realize their own potential.
Griffin was one of about 50 community members who attended a public meeting Thursday to discuss ideas for a skate park on a piece of town-owned land on Beacon Street near the middle school. The town and Greening Greenfield are in the process of applying for an ArtPlace America grant to help fund the project.
Many children, teenagers and parents attended the meeting, which was held in the town building at
20 Sanderson St. not far from the prospective skate park. Although most supported the project, several abutters voiced concern about possible harm to surrounding properties.
Greenfield has been without a skate park since 2010, when the park on Olive Street was demolished to make room for Olver Transit Center parking.
“Since then, all the kids that are in here and many more have been skateboarding around town in places that they probably shouldn’t be, but they need to exercise and have creative outlets, as well,” Recreation Director Christy Moore said.
Since that time, the town has been looking for a central location for a new park. “Our main goal was to find a place that is in the heart of downtown so everyone can have easy access to it,” Moore said. 05-19-17 Recorder Article Public Meeting Proposed Skate Park Project Presentation Skateboard Park in Greenfield Video > >
T-Rex, meet cute baby – Zelda Rossi of Greenfield, who just turned one, plays in the sand with her friend T-Rex at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area Thursday. 
05-19-17 Recorder Photo 
Pulling their weight – Shawn Behilo of Greenfield trains his 8-month-old Staffordshire bull terrier, Boudica, pulling a tire at Hillside Park in Greenfield. 
05-16-17 Recorder Photo Brainstorming –
Meet the creative team behind the Greenfield Recreation Department's latest art installation, a display you'll only be able to see in wet weather. 05-16-17 Video provided by GCTV > >
Sniffing out spring – Dave Norris of Greenfield with his canine friend Sammy at the Green River Park Dog Park on Monday. 
04-04-17 Recorder Photo 
Team work: Green River Park wins design award – Once an overlooked and underused facility, Green River Park off Petty Plain Road underwent extensive renovations last summer, transforming it into a community gathering space.
The state has selected the park for the 2017 Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association’s Design of Facility Agency Award, which recognizes departments that create and renovate facilities that enhance their community. 03-30-17 Recorder Article
Green River Park Wins 2017 Design of Facility Agency Award – As a Playful City, USA, Greenfield prides itself in its exceptional play spaces. Green River Park is no exception. Once an overlooked and underused facility, it is now a gem of the community after extensive renovations in the spring and summer of 2016. Renovations included a new playground, pavilion, picnic tables, benches, bike racks, basketball court, pickle ball court, paved parking area, and Dog Park. The park has truly transformed into an essential community gathering space.
“A truly Greenfield municipal team effort to plan, prepare and complete this project” beamed Mayor William Martin. ‘From the beginning in 2014 as we outlined our priority projects that had the best opportunity to succeed the pieces began to fall into place.” Green River Park, only later to be designated a formal park by the Town Council, had all of the attributes that would maximize available resources. Ample land, duel access, needed repairs, services for multiple interests coupled with a grant opportunity, Foundation funds for a dog park and future expansion opportunities easily paved the way for a priority designation.
The Mayor added “when I say a team effort, I mean several departments working together for the common community good. Those involved include Eric Twarog and Maureen Pollock of Planning; George VanDelinder and Ed Reniewicz of Central Maintenance; Don Ouelette, Mike Duclos, Paul Newell and Paul Raskevitz of DPW; Christy Moore and Kelly Jenkins of Recreation; Rachel Jaquay and Pam Kinsmith, Paws Park supporters and Rick Roy, Chair, of the Recreation Commission”. Together, with the energy and leadership provided by these individuals Green River Park has been selected as the winner of the 2017 Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association’s “Design of Facility Agency Award”. The Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association’s Executive Board established this award as a way to recognize departments that create and renovate facilities that greatly enhance their community. Christy Moore, Recreation Director, accepted the award during the Awards Brunch at the 32nd Annual MRPA State Conference on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.
03-15-17 Entire Announcement
Community art to beautify downtown – Downtown Greenfield is about to get a bit more colorful thanks to two community art projects.
Local artists are invited to submit proposals to the Recreation Department for painted utility boxes, which the town hopes will contribute to the vitality and attractiveness of the streetscape and enhance the Downtown Crossroads Cultural District.
Artists may also submit letters of interest to guide youth in the creation of three separate public art projects, including a large utility box mural, parking meter painting and Rainworks art installations.
Kelly Jenkins, program supervisor at the Recreation Department, said 10 downtown utility boxes will be painted as part of the project, as well as a utility box on the corner of Main Street and Bank Row that will be painted by teens in grades 8 to 12.
“It enhances the artscape of the downtown and Main Street,” Jenkins said, “especially with the youth projects, it lets them have a say in what’s represented in the town.” Children and teens participating in the program will work on the projects after school during April and May.
The Rainworks project for grades eight to 12 will feature inspirational, humorous and uplifting designs that only appear when it rains. Designs will be created using a super-hydrophobic coating that is invisible on dry concrete, but repels water, showing designs or messages when the rest of the concrete darkens on rainy days.
Children in grades five to seven will have the opportunity to paint 20 parking meters with individualized designs. 03-08-17 Recorder Article FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Greenfield Recreation Department INVITES ARTISTS to submit project applications for TWO UPCOMING COMMUNITY ART PROJECTS IN DOWNTOWN GREENFIELD. These community projects are funded through the Massachusetts Cultural Council Adams Grant Program, Greenfield Local Cultural Council and the City of Greenfield. Artists must submit all required materials to the Recreation Department by March 20, 2017. For questions, please contact the Recreation Department at 413-772-1553 or by email at christym@greenfield-ma.gov Call To Artists: Seeking Artists for Community Kids Public Art Projects Call To Artists: Artists to Paint Town Utility Boxes
Sledder rides some serious sky – Dameon Marshall, 12, of Turners Falls, catches some air off a jump at Beacon Field on the first day of Winter Vacation, Monday. 
02-22-17 Recorder Photo 
Game on! – Brayden Abramson, 3, and his neighbor Sophie O’Brien, 8, throw snow for Dixie the dog while making a snowman at Beacon Field in Greenfield on Monday. 
02-21-17 Recorder Photo
Welcoming Winter – Joanna Chattman of Greenfield takes her dog Bodhi on a walk — or vice versa — in Highland Park on Thursday. Ainslee Flynn and Kameryn Dearborn, both 11 and of Greenfield, sled down Beacon Field hill on their day off from school. 
02-10-17 Recorder Photos 
Greenfield Winter Carnival ice sculptures – Artists armed with chainsaws and chisels turned giant blocks of ice into sculptures of a seal, a polar bear, a trout and the abominable snowman on Friday for the city's annual winter carnival. Editorial – Greenfield Recorder – We haven’t had that much snow this winter, but that has never stopped the Greenfield Winter Carnival from providing lots of cold weather celebration for Greenfield area residents.
The three-day carnival did just that this weekend in its 95th year, with popular features like the Parade of Lights, fireworks, ice sculptures, sledding, snowman building, K-9 keg pull, cardboard sled races, music and other entertainments indoors and out.
It’s wonderful to see that the town’s Parks and Recreation Department can pull off such a great mid-winter diversion each year. 
02-06-17 Recorder Editorial 
A smash success – Greenfield Winter Carnival sled races, K9 Keg Pull entertain all – Between cheering on children racing sleds and dogs dragging kegs, no one at Beacon Field Sunday afternoon seemed to notice how cold it was during the final events of the weekend’s Winter Carnival.
“It was cold. Arctic blast was the perfect theme this year,” said Christy Moore, director of the Greenfield Recreation Department.
Moore said the festival had thousands attend over the three days of the event, and several hundred attended Sunday’s events. 02-06-17 Recorder Article Photo: Brayden Keith, 10, of Greenfield topples over in his sled during the cardboard sled competition at the Greenfield Winter Carnival at Beacon Field on Sunday. Among the categories in which sled riders could win an award was “Best Crash.”
Winter Carnival 2017 Cardboard Sled Race – Catch all the fun of Sunday's creativity and mayhem! 02-05-17 GCTV >>
A winter’s tale in photos – Recorder contest winners capture Franklin County – Each year, The Recorder holds an amateur photography contest and exhibit. The winners have been chosen for 2017 and are on display with other submissions in Studio C on the third floor of Wilson’s Department Store on Main Street in Greenfield. There were three winners in the color category and three winners in the black-and-white category. Photos will be on display until Saturday, Feb. 11. All photos depict winter subjects and scenes throughout Franklin County.2017 Winners:
Cate Woolner of Northfield won first place for her color photo of icicles glimmering in the sunlight.
Vicky Griswold of Shelburne Falls won first place for her black-and-white photo showing a reflection in a drop off of an icicle.
Jo-Ann Demers of Turners Falls won second place for her color photo of snowy branches framing a bridge.
Vivien Venskowski of Gill won second place for her black-andwhite photo of this wintery view of the Quabbin in New Salem.
Brian Foley of Greenfield won third place for his color photo of reed stalks in the snow on the Quabbin Reservoir.
Cathy Roberts of Shelburne Falls won third place for her black-and-white photo of these happy sheep.
02-04-17 Recorder Life & Times
Ice fishing – Matthew Hass of Canandaigua, N.Y., puts the finishing touches on his ice sculpture of a trout on Main Street in Greenfield as part of the kick-off of the Greenfield Winter Carnival. 
02-04-17 Recorder Photo Lights aplenty – The Parade of Lights makes its way up Main Street in Greenfield Friday night as part of the Winter Carnival. 
02-04-17 Recorder Photo Keeping Their Cool – The weather cooperated this year, with a high around freezing, and the carvers who kicked off this year's Greenfield Winter Carnival were quite happy as they created art from large blocks of ice. 02-03-17 GCTV >> Winter Carnival 2017 Is Here! – Thanks to the Greenfield Recreation Department, there will be lots to do in town this weekend. We think Winter Carnival is a terrific way to beat the blues this time of year and hope you will take full advantage the opportunities to skate, sled, enjoy a fireworks display, and so much more. We've already been out looking at the ice carvings and talking with the artists who are creating them. You can see our pictures here. Happy Winter! 02-03-17 GCTV >>
Winter Carnival’s 95th celebration begins – Winter Carnival returns for its 95th year with an Arctic Blast theme on Friday, Feb. 3. Winter Carnival, which runs through Feb. 5, has been a long standing tradition within Greenfield, dating back to 1922.
The celebration kicks off with live ice carvings in downtown Greenfield by area artists. The sculptures will be displayed throughout the weekend and viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorite. Cast your vote at the ballot box in the Town Common.
Illuminated vehicles will travel from Newton School to Beacon Field as part of the third annual Parade of Lights. Following the parade, a bonfire and fireworks display will take place at Beacon Field. On Saturday, the four-mile Sleigh Bell Run kicks off. The course begins on Hope Street and continues through Highland Park. Register in advance online or at the Recreation Department and Town Hall, or on the day of the race at Hope & Olive restaurant. 02-02-17 Recorder A&E
Bundle up! – Winter Carnival returns to Greenfield this weekend – Grab your warm clothes and lace up your ice skates, because Greenfield’s Winter Carnival returns this weekend for its 95th year, bringing the community together for a celebration of the season. “It really speaks to the joy that it continues to bring our community year after year, especially in a time of year that can be dark and our days are short,” said Maddy Benjamin, program supervisor for the town’s Recreation Department, which puts on the event. “It’s nice to have something to look forward to every year that we’ve been able to look forward to for so long, so I think it’s really valuable to our community members in so many ways.”
The three-day festival kicks off Friday morning with live ice carvings throughout downtown by local artists, which will be illuminated at night and on display all weekend. The theme for this year’s carnival is “arctic blast,” which Benjamin said she hopes will serve as inspiration for several contests scheduled for the weekend, such as the third annual Parade of Lights Friday night and the cardboard sled race Sunday afternoon. 02-02-17 Recorder Article
Winter Carnival Queen ID'd – This photo from 1961 ran in a recent supplement, with an appeal for names of the two young ladies. Alert reader Jim Shortell of Greenfield writes, “The young lady on the right is my wife, Carol Shortell. Note the tiara in her hair. She was the Winter Carnival queen in 1961. Her name at the time was Carol Tetreault. She was 17, and a senior at Greenfield High. Carol and I were dating at the time. We both grew up in Greenfield and began dating while in Greenfield High School. We were married in 1963, lived briefly in Connecticut, then moved back to Greenfield in 1970 and have been here ever since. The young lady beside her, on the left, is Peggy Jean White, from Boynton Beach, Fla. Among the events locally was a winter carnival ball at the Weldon Hotel and attending the ski jumping event in East Greenfield. I was a freshman at Brown University at the time and came home to be Carol’s escort for the festivities.” 
02-01-17 Recorder Photo
Life-size artwork – On Monday, students in Greenfield Middle School art classes were busy making displays for the upcoming Winter Carnival in town. Above, paraprofessional Vanesa Ricketts supervises as Katie Adams and Eric Kelly work on a Fire Bird. 
01-26-17 Recorder Photo2016
Bravo, Green River Park – The newly renovated Green River Park is superb. Recently, on a sunny afternoon, my handicapped 94-year-old mother June had a glorious time on the handicapped access swing. She shared her time in the park with two 4year-olds running up and down the slide, a 7-year-old and their families. A total stranger (now our new friend) who was there with her great nieces took our photo. Green River Park is fun for all ages and that shared fun builds our community. JUDITH ROBERTS Colrain 
11-11-16 Recorder Readers Write Rag Shag Parade 2016 – Fun was had by all at Greenfield's Halloween festival and parade, and the costume competition had some amazing entries. 10-31-16 GCTV >> Costume Contest Winners 2016 >>
Time for a hike –
The view to the north from Sachems Head in Greenfield gives a view of tree crowns in Highland Park. 
10-20-16 Recorder Photo 
Beach Time – Ashlee Bowen, 11, tosses a clump of sand into a pile with her friend Kris Kinsmith, 13, on the beach at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area in Greenfield on Monday.
10-12-16 Recorder Photo
‘I went to the woods’ –
Amie Hyson, of Greenfield, writes in a journal on a bridge at the edge of Highland Pond in Highland Park in Greenfield recently. Hyson rides her bicycle to the spot daily for tea and meditation. 
10-11-16 Recorder Photo 
Flying franks - Rain deters crowds but not the fun at Blues, Brews and BBQ festival – Rain may have kept large crowds away during Sunday’s portion of the Riverside Blues, Brews and BBQ, but that didn’t stop the barbecue teams from showing up and competing for the event’s top prize.
The two-day barbecue festival took place on Saturday and Sunday at Beacon Field in Greenfield. It had two parts: events for the public like a hot dog toss, live music and samples, and the barbecue competition for the professional teams. The teams grilled and smoked various meats and submitted different styles each day to the judges.
The Greenfield Recreational Department organizes the event, which is cosponsored by Lefty’s Brewing Co. and the Rotary Club.
The festival was rain or shine, and the less-than-ideal weather meant smaller crowds than expected, but several of the teams competing said the weather was better than many competitions that take place in the middle of summer.
Kris Yeager of the team “Right on Que” said the event is well-known for New England barbecuers and the fact that the festival takes place in the fall during peak foliage time is also a big draw.
10-10-16 Recorder Article
Brews and barbecue back in Greenfield this weekend – If you are heading down High Street this weekend and you smell barbecue, you might want to turn down Beacon Street and join in the festivities at the sixth annual Riverside Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival at Beacon Field.
The festival happens from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8 and 9. Admission is $5 and free for children ages 10 and under with an adult. Entry to the beer saloons is additional.
It features a New England Barbecue Society Grilling Contest, a Kansas City Barbeque Society Contest (the official state championship), as well as beer, blues music, a keg toss, a beer sampling and contests for pie-eating and . . . mustaches! 10-06-16 Recorder Artlcle 
Pups in the park – Judy Gagnon of Greenfield and her Yorkshire Terrier Reggie, left, take a break from playing at Green River Park's new dog park Thursday. After more than four months of renovations, the park officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday evening. In addition to the town's first dog park, Green River Park now has the town's first Pickleball court, which was built during the renovations along with a new tree house-inspired playground, pavilion, parking lot and more.
09-16-16 Recorder Photo
Thursday, September 15th - GREEN RIVER PARK RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY – 6:00 p.m. – Come on out and help us celebrate! This was a big project and we are so very proud of how beautifully it came out. 
Just wading now – The sun sets recently over the Green River at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area in Greenfield. 
09-13-16 Recorder Photo
Enjoying the view –
A man rests on a bench beside the Green River at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area in Greenfield on Tuesday. 
09-08-16 Recorder Photo 
OUR NEIGHBOR DILLON CHEVROLET – in Greenfield is supporting Greenfield Recreation Department through the Chevrolet Youth Soccer Program and will include both monetary and equipment donations during the 2016 youth soccer season. Also thanks to Dillon, some youth soccer players will have the opportunity to attend a free youth clinic with professional soccer coaches.
“We are looking forward to a great season with Greenfield Recreation Department that will be filled with exciting games and an enhanced experience for the teams through the equipment and cash donations,” said Jay Dillon. “Chevrolet Youth Soccer is just one example of how committed our dealership is to supporting the youth and families in our community.” Thank you for your continued support Jay and Dillon Chevrolet! 08-31-16 Recorder Neighbors Column The SPLASH PAD will only be OPEN 12 NOON - 4 PM DAILY due to the press release from DPW about the voluntary water restrictions. These limited hours will be in effect until the restriction is lifted.
Thanks for your understanding. DPW Press Release >> 08-17-16 Press Release Residents asked to restrict nonessential water use – As hot, dry weather conditions continue placing a high demand on town water supplies, the town water department is asking residents to voluntarily use less water. This means curtailing nonessential uses, such as watering lawns and gardens and washing vehicles. If outdoor irrigation is necessary, it should be done very early in the morning or very late in the day, and monitored so that excess water is not used, town officials urge.
08-18-16 Recorder Artlcle 
Too hot? Park it - Soaring temps, sticky air send residents to splash park –
Thursday’s intense humidity and high temperatures sent residents and out-of-towners alike running for the nearest water to beat the heat.
As of Thursday around 3:30 p.m., Tom Bevacqua, a meteorologist and weather columnist for The Recorder, said humidity was higher than 60 percent and temperatures had almost reached 90 degrees.
At Hillside Park, Debbi Friedlander of Amherst and her 2-year-old granddaughter, Kaya Thornton, braced themselves as ice-cold water burst from sprinklers, providing a brief — and cool — respite.
08-12-16 Recorder Article
Endurance for the win – Athletes from all over the region biked, swam and ran their way to victory at the Greenfield Lightlife Triathlon on Sunday. Mark Waller of Greenfield races down Nash’s Mill Road during the Sprint individual bike leg. 08-08-16 Recorder Article 08-08-16 Recorder Article - Bensen, Cameron, Poe repeat champions 08-08-16 Recorder Article - Precocious Scotera wins 2016 Patrick Bell Award
Former champs abound for Sunday’s race –
The 33rd running of the Greenfield Lightlife Triathlon will take place Sunday morning at the Green River Swimming & Recreation Area in Greenfield, where three former champions will be among the few hundred people competing.
Last year’s Sprint Division champions Dan Benson and JoEllen Cameron are both returning to defend their titles, as is last year’s International men’s champion Carson Poe. Benson finished the .31-mile swim, 15.14-mile bike and 3.09-mile run in 1 hour, 8 minutes, 1.5 seconds to claim the 2015 Sprint men’s championship, marking the second time the Greenfield native has won the event, the other coming in 2012. Last year was also Cameron’s second title, as the 2011 champion hailing from Conway earned the Sprint women’s championship with a time of 1:17:16.3, finishing five minutes ahead of her nearest rival.
08-05-16 Recorder Article
Talk about full circle – Hank Lange remembers it well — Greenfield Triathlon, Aug. 4, 1991, he the 37-year-old overall runner-up and men’s 30-39 division champion.
Although it would be no stretch to assume that his grueling accomplishment that day could not have been topped by anyone in his immediate family at that time a quarter-century ago, such a logical assumption about his grueling ordeal would be inaccurate indeed. In fact, dead wrong. Because, you see, just 20 hours before the starting gun had sounded, Lange’s wife, Diana, had given birth to their first child, a daughter. Now, 25 years after the birth of Sarah Wellington Lange, she and her dad will return to Greenfield to participate in the 33rd annual triathlon Sunday morning at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area. The Brattleboro residents had not returned to the race until last summer, when the Langes attended the 32nd running of the event as spectators. While cheering competitors, father and daughter could feel their competitive juices begin to flow and then and there a challenge was issued for the following summer.
“The idea was hatched while we watched that day,” Hank said. “She’s out for blood, I’m afraid.” 08-02-16 Recorder Article
Celebrating freedom - Annual fireworks event gives chance to spend time with family, be thankful –
The first three fireworks
zipped into the darkening sky as the
band played the national anthem, a fitting
start to a half-hour show accompanied by
“wows” and “oohs” from captivated spectators.
Each rocket launched into the cool
night air with a bawhoomp sound, leaving
wisps of smoke billowing up from beside
Poet’s Seat Tower, which is topped by an
American flag. Each exploded with a pop,
lighting up the night sky and field below.
As the explosions came closer together
and covered more of the sky, signaling the
show’s finale, spectators cheered, whistled
and applauded and children uttered
excited squeals. The blasts were often so
powerful they could be felt.
Thousands of people turned out from
across the Pioneer Valley for Greenfield’s
annual Independence Day fireworks,
which began at 9:30 p.m. after hours of festivities
at Beacon Field. At around 7 p.m.,
Christy Moore, director of the Greenfield
Recreation Department, took the stage to
present At-Large Town Councilor Penny
Ricketts with the Fortin Family 2016 Volunteer
Award. The award is given annually
to recognize an individual for outstanding
service to the Greenfield community.
07-04-16 Recorder Article
Fireworks, festivities on tap for weekend – The night sky over Franklin County will once again be lit by explosions Saturday, during the town’s 2016 Independence Day celebration.
Fireworks will blast into the air, fired off from Poet’s Seat Tower at 9:35 p.m., about an hour after sunset and immediately following a performance of the national anthem, sung by Gretchen Tucker. “It’s one of our most popular events,” said Christy Moore, town recreation director. “It’s the largest fireworks display in Franklin County. People can see it everywhere in Greenfield because of the Poet’s Seat ridgeline.” The fireworks, which are sponsored by the town’s Recreation Department, are free to the public.
Moore said there’s limited onstreet parking, so anyone who wants to attend should plan and be prepared to walk.
Before the fireworks, festivities will kick off at 4 p.m. on Beacon Field, at 101 Sanderson St, and at the middle school, at 141 Davis St. Food, face painting, drinks and other novelty items and activities will be offered by third-party vendors.
The event will include musical performances (at Beacon Field only) by Lexi Weege (starting at 5 p.m.), Zydeco Connection (6 p.m.), Fortin Family Award (7:10 p.m.), Sweet Little Bloodhound (7:15 p.m.) and the Greenfield Military Band (8:30 p.m.).
A grant for music at the event was given by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The town Department of Public Works and Central Maintenance have also helped make the event possible.
A rain date for Sunday has been set in case of inclement weather. 06-30-16 Recorder Article
Folk/pop singer will kick off concert series –
Folk/pop artist Hayley Reardon will kick off the Sundays in the Park summer concert series at the Energy Park on Sunday at 6 p.m. She has been selected for official showcases at Folk Alliance International and New England Regional Folk Alliance, as well as The Boston Folk Festival, New York Songwriter’s Circle and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist Showcase.
Boston Globe Magazine has dubbed her “A confident, radiant teenage singer/songwriter who is helping to pen the next chapter of the Boston Folk scene.” Performer Magazine has called her music “brilliantly moving folk/pop with a lyrical depth and soul.” Bring your blankets, chairs, and a picnic and enjoy an evening of music. Suggested donation of $10. In the event of rain, the performance will be held at the Arts Block, 289 Main Street. This three-part concert series is made possible by sponsorships from Greenfield Savings Bank, Greenfield Co-Operative Bank, the Safe Schools Safe Streets Coalition, The Recorder, Bear Country 95.3, WHAI, the Hampton Inn & Suites of Greenfield, Friends of Greenfield Recreation and the Mass Cultural Council.
06-22-16 Recorder Article 
Concert Series Announcement >> 
Colorful downtown addition – Mayor William Martin and Greenfield Community College President Robert Pura have unveiled a new mural and parking meters created by nearly 80 children enrolled in the Greenfield Recreation Department’s Community Kids, Bringing Art to the Heart of Greenfield program.
The 3-by-16-foot mural, installed on the Davis Street side of the Greenfield Community College Foundation downtown building on Main Street, features a streetscape designed by the children, including cars, buses, trees and snowmen, as well as geometeric shapes in the sky.
The painted parking meters were also installed downtown.
The projects were created by youth ages 5 to 16 under the supervision of artist David Serotkin of Shelburne. 06-10-16 Recorder Article
Greenfield to unveil downtown mural - Tuesday at 4 at GCC Downtown Center –
Mayor William Martin and Greenfield Community College President Robert Pura will unveil a new mural and parking meters created by nearly 80 children enrolled in the Greenfield Recreation Department’s Community Kids, Bringing Art to the Heart of Greenfield program Tuesday at 4 p.m.
The unveiling will take place at the GCC Downtown Center on the corner of Davis and Main streets. The projects were created by youth ages 5 to 16 under the supervision of artist David Serotkin of Shelbur ne.
Serotkin is an artist and teacher who has worked on public art across New England and the mid-Atlantic region. The mural depicts the children’s view of Greenfield’s landscape in vibrant colors. “This mural was created during the winter and early spring school vacations as part of the Recreation Department’s vacation programming,” said Recreation Director Christy Moore in a news release. “We are so proud of the work these kids made.” In addition to the mural, the Recreation Department is also unveiling a number of brightly painted parking meters. Also painted by youth, Moore said the parking meters add whimsy and fun to downtown.
Both projects were funded by the town and a two-year Adams Grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
“We believe that art enlivens the downtown and creates connections within our community,” Moore said.
06-06-16 Recorder Article 
Big peace – A peace sign cut into the grass of Beacon Field in Greenfield can be seen in the outfield of the baseball field during a game, as seen from Poet's Seat Tower. 
06-01-16 Recorder Photo
Greenfield designated a 2016 Playful City USA –
Greenfield has been honored with a 2016 Playful City USA designation for the fifth time.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the national recognition program honors cities and towns across the country for making their cities more playable. Greenfield has been honored for the work of the Recreation Department in providing play opportunities throughout the community, from special events to the continued investment in the community ’s play infrastructure, like the splash pad feature at Hillside Park and a planned dog park at the Green River Park .
“I am grateful to be part of a community that values the importance of play,” Recreation Director Christy Moore said in a news release. “I look forward to continuing to create play opportunities for people of all ages.” A total of 257 communities were honored with the designation this year. 5-25-16 Recorder Article
Labor of Love – Andrew Vernon, of Greenfield, brushes the clay tennis courts on Sanderson Street adjacent to Beacon Field in Greenfield with his son, Levi Vernon, 4. 
05-24-16 Recorder Photo
Doggie paddle –
Twins Ava and Zoey, 3½, splash water at a playful dog at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area where they were enjoying the warm weather with their mother, Erin Johnston of Greenfield on Monday. 
05-24-16 Recorder Photo 
Imagination Station – The new train play structure was installed at the Energy Park on Thursday as well as two railroad-themed benches. The old style steam locomotive, flat car and caboose will be surrounded by bark mulch. 05-04-16 Recorder Photo
Greenfield officials understand value of green space –
Greenfield’s parks come in different shapes and sizes and with individual features that make them appealing for different kinds of activities. Go to the Greenfield Recreation Department’s website and you’ll find plenty of options for all kinds of active and passive outdoor recreation. Of that impressive list, there are 10 places that have “park” in their names.
At one of the parks, Green River Park, a project — long overdue in our opinion — is getting underway, breathing new life into the space.
Improvements planned for the park off Petty Plain Road, and accessible from Deerfield Street by a foot bridge, are substantial. Long a place used for recreational softball, the park is undergoing a transformation that should entice more people to discover the park and what is happening there.
It will be the site of the town’s first dog park, where canines and their humans can socialize and interact in an enclosed area. As Mayor William Martin said early in the town’s effort to get this project rolling: “We are extremely fortunate to have not only found a site most are satisfied with for a dog park, but also have the opportunity to improve another neighborhood park.” 04-27-16 Recorder Opinion Substantial renovations slated for Green River Park – The town will soon get its first dog park and outdoor pickleball court after substantial renovations to Green River Park are completed this summer.
The park, located off of Petty Plain Road, will be closed for construction beginning Tuesday until further notice. It will undergo major renovations including a new basketball court, pickleball court, playground, pavilion, dog park, parking area and Americans with Disabilities Act improvements.
The project is expected to cost $627,872, according to Recreation Director Christy Moore.
“We are thrilled to break ground on this project,” she said on Monday. “The renovations will be a great asset to our community and our four legged friends.” 04-26-16 Recorder Article PRESS RELEASE >>
Energy Park to close for playground install – The Greenfield Energy Park will be closed from Wednesday to Friday for the installation of a new play train structure.
Citizens are asked to please avoid the area, as heavy machinery will be in use. There will be limited parking in front of the Red Caboose in the Miles Street parking lot.
The town awarded the bid for the new playground to Site Specifics LLC of Rochester, according to a news release about the project. The play structure, designed by UPC Parks will feature a three-piece train with play engine, caboose and flat train car, and two train-themed benches. 04-26-16 Recorder Article PRESS RELEASE >>
Greenfield seeks request for proposals for downtown sculpture –
The town is seeking proposals from artists for a sculpture in the downtown parking area at Fiske Avenue and Miles Street to welcome people as they walk toward the Energy Park.
Artists from all disciplines and regions of the country are eligible to submit proposals, as long as they are over 21, and $14,300 will be awarded for the creation, delivery and installation of the sculpture. Completed applications are due to the town no later than May 13.
“We believe that downtown Greenfield is a great place to be and we are adding art to emphasize it,” Recreation Director Christy Moore said in a news release. “This sculpture is one more element to creating a downtown that is both dynamic and fun.”
The piece will be located on a site 10 feet wide by 30 feet long, and the sculpture must have a footprint no larger than 10-by-10 feet, according to the request for proposals. Furthermore, it must be at least 6 feet tall and made of non-corrosive materials — not wood — and have no sharp edges that might cause injury. 04-14-16 Recorder Article 
Students create mural for downtown Greenfield – Downtown Greenfield will soon get a new streetscape mural, created by 40 students who participated in a weeklong program put on by the town’s Recreation Department.
Under the direction of Shelburne Falls-based artist David Serotkin, the students created a paper collage utilizing positive and negative space, which will be transferred onto a mural board and then hand-painted by the students. The finished piece will then be installed on the Davis Street side of the Greenfield Community College Foundation downtown building on Main Street.
“It’s just really cool to involve local artists and have youth to expand our cultural landscape,” Recreation Director Christy Moore said. “We have some crosswalks and some other murals downtown, but it’s just really cool to have the kids involved in beautifying the downtown.”
The students began working on the project over February vacation and will finish the painting this month, with a spring installation date that has yet to be determined. The artwork is being done through the Recreation Department’s Community Kids Bringing Art to the Heart of Greenfield Mural Project, part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council Adams Grant Program. Moore said, “We took all those collages and blended them together to make what looks like a streetscape of things that were important to the kids,” she said, adding the finished 3-by-16-foot piece includes cars, buses, trees and snowmen, as well as geographic shapes in the sky.
The kids will return this month to finish painting the mural, which will be done by a paint-by-number system. 04-09-16 Recorder Article
Celebrating our Parks –
This year is the National Park Service’s Centennial, so I wanted to highlight the importance of our parks to your readers.
Massachusetts is home to dozens of public parks like Highland Park in Greenfield and the Cape Cod National Seashore. With children today spending more time indoors than they did just 20 years ago — in addition to the recognized health benefits of being outside — having access to public lands and parks is crucial.
But too many of our parks here in Massachusetts and across the country are threatened. From local parks to the Grand Canyon, we’ve seen years of budget cuts and threats from private interests.
The result? Less land for the public to enjoy.
Thankfully, Sen. Elizabeth Warren has traditionally supported our public lands. I hope she will stand up and use her power to keep our public lands in public hands. We need her to ensure they are wellfunded, properly maintained, and protected.
Our kids — and their kids — will thank her!
JOHN ROMANO
campaign organizer Environment Massachusetts
Boston 03-29-16 Recorder Readers Write 
Sands of play time – Brothers Wren, 4 years old, and Milo Topitzer, 18 months, play with Tonka trucks at the Green River Swimming and Recreation area on Tuesday. The Topitzer boys are from Colrain. 
03-09-16 Recorder Photo Making Art – Check out this awesome video by GCTV of our Community Kids art program! The Greenfield Rec Department ran a grant funded program over February break which engage youths in making a piece of public art that will be displayed downtown. 02-29-16 GCTV >>
Snow-day shenanigans –
Dragos Nichita, 14, of Greenfield, flies over a mound of snow on his flying-saucer sled at Beacon Field in Greenfield Monday. 
02-09-16 Recorder Photo Another succussful Winter Carnival - If you didn't make it this year, here is what you missed: 2016 Award Winners 2016 Sleigh Bell Run Results 
Winter Carnival - Hot chili, cool contests & some last-minute snow – “Bacon!” said Amber Ortiz of Greenfield. “Man, that’s delicious,” she said after taking a bite of chili at the annual chili cook-off at Beacon Field during Greenfield’s Winter Carnival on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Ortiz is one of dozens of residents who gathered around a table to sample chili. While she says she loved all the contenders, her vote goes to chili number three, which she described as a minestrone soup with bacon. Three chili batches from local Greenfield businesses were lined up on the table, in order from least spicy to most spicy. The smells of cayenne pepper, roasted tomato chunks, and sweet onions drew in crowds. Children stopped by the chili table after sledding down the hill or taking a ride in the horse-drawn carriage. Family dogs circled around the table, hoping for scraps, as chili sauce dripped from the chins of children. Only 30 minutes into the chili cook-off, the plastic jar containing ballots for “The Best Chili Around” was already half full. Organizers named chili batch #1 from Brad’s Place the winner. The secret ingredient in the winning chili batch is horseradish, said the owner of Brad’s Place, Dan Devine. He wanted to give the recipe an extra kick and the tactic appears to have worked. This is his first time winning the annual chili cook-off. 02-08-16 Recorder Article Winter Carnival 2016 Tug Of War – A quick look this year's Greenfield Winter Carnival community wide tug of war contest at Beacon Field. 02-07-16 GCTV >> Winter Carnival 2016 Cardboard Sled Race – Catch all the fun of yesterday's creativity and mayhem! After you watch this video, scroll down for links to the rest of our footage from this weekend's festivities. 02-07-16 GCTV >>
Winter’s glory - Recorder photo contest winners capture winter in Franklin County –
Sponsored by The Recorder & Wilson’s Department Store – This Amateur Photo Contest is held annually in conjunction with Greenfield’s Winter Carnival, which is Feb. 5 through Feb. 7 this year. There is no charge to enter the contest, but the photographers must be amateurs and the images should depict winter in Franklin County.Carole DeRose of Greenfield won first place in the adult color category for “Cousins Crusty-Cruising”.
Anne Nolan Wheeler of Colrain won first place in the adult category for her black and white photo of a cupola in the snow.
Henry Josephson of Greenfield received second-place honors in the adult color category for a photo at Catamount in Shelburne Falls.
Anne Nolan Wheeler of Colrain won second place in the black and white adult category for her photo of a snowy maple tire swing.
Phoebe Broussard of Greenfield won first place in youth category for her photo of a woodpecker perched at a feeder at her grandparents’ home in Vermont.
Henry Mixsell of Greenfield received third place in the adult color category for his photo of horses at Stonelegh Burnham School.
Henry Josephson of Greenfield won third place in the adult black and white category for his photo of a stonewall at Catamount.
All the winners photos will appear in Studio C on the third floor of Wilson’s Department store.
02-06-16 Recorder – Arts and Entertainment 
A cut above - Greenfield Winter Carnival starts today – Call it a stroke of luck that snowfall on Friday kicked off the Greenfield Winter Carnival, which continues through the weekend. The annual event put on by the town’s recreation department includes fireworks, sleigh rides, ice carvings and a cardboard sled contest. This year’s theme is “Winter is Magic.” Given the drought of snow this winter until Friday, events this year don’t require snow.
02-06-16 Recorder Article Winter Carnival 2016 Parade Of Lights – The second annual Greenfield Winter Carnival Parade of Lights. 02-05-16 GCTV >> Winter Carnival 2016 Fireworks – Enjoy this year's Greenfield Winter Carnival fireworks whenever you want. 02-05-16 GCTV >>
Greenfield welcomes snow for Winter Carnival 2016 – It was one messy morning for drivers in Franklin County this morning.
However, not everyone was unhappy to see the snow fall.
"I love it. We get to go sledding build snowman place we need it. It hasn't been winter around here," said Kate Lee, of Greenfield.
“I think it’s fun because I like to go in the snow and make snow angels," said Taylor Mernard, of Greenfield.
A blanket of white fluff creating a serene back drop for Greenfield's winter carnival.
“I'm loving it and I can't believe it showed up just in time for the winter carnival. It makes it super exciting," said Heather Welch-Smith, of Greenfield.
"We like going around looking at ice sculptures and stuff," said Thomas Mernard, of Greenfield.
Ice sculptor Annaliese Bischoff was one of many relieved to see Thursday’s warm temperatures disappear.
“I had ice blocks, but they melted so really didn't have time to practice before hand," said Bischoff.
Christy Moore, Director of Recreation for the city said she’s glad Mother Nature cooperated, considering there are a lot of winter events planned for the weekend.
"It’s great. We have family fun fest on Saturday a lot of activities outside at Beacon Field on Sunday," said Moore.
This is the 94th annual Winter Carnival for Greenfield.
02-05-16 Western Mass News Video 
'Magical' weekend expected as Greenfield celebrates winter carnival –
Get ready for a "magical" weekend as Greenfield celebrates its 94th Winter Carnival from Friday, Feb. 5, to Sunday, Feb. 7.
"Winter to many people is magical," said Christy L. Moore, Greenfield recreation director. "It's exciting to get outside and do something fun in the doldrums of winter."
And the weekend will have opportunities for many fun activities.
They will include ice carving, a parade of lights, a bonfire and fireworks display, an amateur photography contest, a hockey game, a 4-mile run, a family fun fest, basketball games, a cribbage tournament, ice skating, Breakfast with Olaf from the Disney movie "Frozen," sledding, a snow sculpture contest, hay or sleigh rides, a tug of war, ice bowling, a chili cook-off, the K-9 Keg Pull and a cardboard sled race. 01-31-16 MassLive Article 
Woff walk – Carolynn Laurenza of Greenfield walks her canine friends Chewie and Frankie at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area on Wednesday.
01-21-16 Recorder Photo
Birds of a feather –
From left are fifth-grade Greenfield Middle School students Aneesa Brewer, Samantha Disciullo and Leah Brown working on their relief sculptures of winter birds that will be displayed during the upcoming Greenfield Winter Carnival. 
01-18-16 Recorder Photo 
Recreation Department still seeking public art proposals – The Recreation Department is still seeking proposals from artists to develop public art projects for the downtown area working with children. The Community Kids Public Art Project is organized by the Recreation Department and the Greenfield Public Art Committee and is made possible through an Adams Grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Artists will help up to 50 children in kindergarten through grade 7 brainstorm designs, create sketches and coordinate the installation of the projects in the spring, after receiving approval from the town. Two different artists will be selected for projects over February and April school vacations and will receive a $1,000 stipend from the town, disbursed in two $500 payments at the conclusion of the vacation week and after the spring installation. Recreation Director Christy Moore said she’s received several proposals but is hoping for more by the Friday deadline.
01-06-16 Recorder Article2015
Artistic collaboration for downtown – We like what the Greenfield Recreation Department is trying to do by making connections between some local artists and public school students with the aim of creating downtown public art. As explained by Recreation Director Christy Moore, the idea is to have two artists work with a bunch of students, no more than 50 each, two hours a day during two upcoming vacations, which will lead to an artistic creation and its installation. It’s an opportunity for both artists and the assembled students to leave an impression on each other as well as with the public. We can’t wait to see what develops.
12-21-15 Recorder Editorial
Setting the pace – Eva Howard, 11 leads her father Zach Howard and Vincent on a walk at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area.
12-18-15 Recorder Photo
Greenfield seeks artists to assist students with public projects - Artists sought for public student projects –
The town’s Recreation Department is looking for two artists who will work with Greenfield public school students to create more downtown public art. The artists will work with elementary and middle school students during school vacations in February and April.
Recreation Director Christy Moore said the artists will work with no more than 50 students each for two hours a day during the two upcoming school vacation weeks, and will eventually lead the students in installing whatever they decide to create. Each artist will receive a $1,000 stipend.
Moore said some examples might be another creative crosswalk like the bee crosswalk on Court Square, a mural, parking meter painting, storm drain art or some sort of structural art. 12-17-15 Recorder Article
Keeping the ‘green’ in Greenfield: Sustainability committee heads into new year with even more to accomplish – The town committee responsible for implementing Greenfield’s new sustainable master plan is making progress every day, according to its chairwoman, and plans to continue into and through the new year.
Carole Collins, who is also the town’s energy and sustainability coordinator, said she’s proud of the work that’s been done so far. The new master plan was adopted in 2013, and the implementation committee was formed in spring 2014.
Collins said in less than two years, there have been great strides made in the areas of Greenfield’s creative economy and downtown beautification, reducing costs and climate change emissions, and enhancing education, to name a few.
“It’s all about making our town appealing to families and people of all ages from 8 to 80,” said Christy Moore, Greenfield’s recreation director. “Over the past eight months, many park upgrades have been done – the new splash park at Hillside Park, the new play equipment at Greenfield Middle School, and the recently installed playground at Newton School.” Additionally, the town made improvements to the Davis Street tennis courts and purchased a portable stage, which supports all sorts of town events, including “Movies in the Park.”
11-27-15 Recorder Article
CYCLE Kids teaches safety savvy - Nonprofit grant lets local children learn nutrition, safe riding and more –
Ten-year-old Marcellus Ortiz rode a black mountain bike with green and yellow stripes at the back of the middle school Tuesday, learning about hand signals and bike safety.
“My dad taught me how to ride a bike, but now I’m learning things I never knew,” said Ortiz, who is one of 12 students in John Hickey’s physical education class this year learning about bicycling safely, nutrition and more, all thanks to a $20,000 grant from CYCLE Kids.The nonprofit is a prevention program based in Cambridge, which aims to reduce the rates of childhood obesity through the education of children and their families about the importance of maintaining a physically active lifestyle and making good nutritional choices, doing it through the bicycle.
The town’s recreation and school departments applied for the grant for the middle school. It was enough to purchase 10 mountain bikes, 20 bicycle helmets and workbooks for all physical education and health classes at the middle school. 11-11-15 Recorder Article
Extreme Yoga – Dave Cox, of Millstone Township, N.J., holds a bakasana yoga pose on Sachem Head in Highland Park in Greenfield looking north across the Pioneer Valley. Cox, a yoga instructor, was visiting a friend in Vermont. His mother has two friends that are Greenfield residents and he decided to hike to Sachem Head, which he has not visited in 15 years, before heading back home to teach a yoga class.
11-07-15 Recorder Photo
Playground effort –
I just wanted to give a big thank you and show my appreciation for all the hard work the Greenfield Recreation Department, Newton School PTO and staff, Mayor Martin and Superintendent Harper, Greenfield DPW and the many other Greenfield citizen volunteers put into the new Newton School playground. I really enjoyed working with everyone, meeting other parents and was touched at how many people in the community came out to help. Christy Moore, Kelly Jenkins and Matt Spinale from the Greenfield Recreation Department worked tirelessly throughout the month of October to get this project finished in time for the big 100th birthday celebration this past Oct. 23. The big party was a success-another wonderful community event, and all the children were overjoyed to finally play on their new playground. It was so great to see young and old alike on this day, talking about their beloved school, sharing stories and making memories.
I am so thankful to be part of this great school and community!
Thank you again to all who volunteered.
SUZANNE GALE Newton School parent Greenfield 
11-05-15 Recorder Readers Write 
Ghouls of Greenfield - Greenfield Rag Shag contest winners – From covens of witches and creepy clowns to a motley marching band of mismatched characters, Greenfield’s annual Rag Shag Parade and costume contest once again proved a popular pre-Halloween event. Here are the winners of the 2015 Greenfield Rag Shag Parade Costume Contest:
Homemade 1st place: Samantha Murray of Greenfield, Barbie doll in a box
2nd place: Anna Haskins of Greenfield, robot
Most original 1st place: Shayley Murray of Greenfield, rain cloud
2nd place: J.L. Burt of Greenfield, traffic light
Scariest 1st place: Jason Garcia of Greenfield, scary jester
2nd place: Kailyn Santiago of Greenfield, scary bride
Cutest 1st place: Talia Goddard of Greenfield, cupcake
2nd place: Temperance Gaboury of Greenfield, cat lady
Best cartoon character 1st place: Tiffany Aubrey of Montague, Cruella de Ville
2nd place: Amber Kowal of Leyden, Snow White
Adult open 1st place: Nichole Cherry of Bernardston, Olaf
2nd place: Michelle Farr of Greenfield, peacock
Group and family 1st place: The Passiglia family of Greenfield, The Addams Family
2nd place: The Dahlstrom-Hakki family of Greenfield, Star Wars .
10-31-15 Recorder Photos
Greenfield or Gotham? –
The Beauregard family dressed as Batman villains but ran into Iron Man instead of the caped crusader at Friday’s Rag Shag Parade and downtown trick-or-treat on Main Street in Greenfield. 
10-31-15 Recorder Photo Rag Shag Parade 2015 – Fun was had by all at Greenfield's Halloween festival and parade, and the costume competition had some amazing entries. 10-30-15 GCTV >> Costume Contest Winners 2015 >>
Plenty of reasons to say ‘boo’ this Halloween – GREENFIELD - The town’s youngest ghosts and goblins will once again make their way through downtown, when Greenfield Recreation Department and Greenfield Business Association hold the annual Downtown Trick or Treat and Rag Shag Parade on Friday. Trick-or-treating will begin at 4 p.m. Businesses will have candy and treats to hand out to all. Reflective bags will be available on the Town Common throughout the event. Lineup for the Rag Shag Parade will be at 5:30 p.m. in the Mohawk Mall parking lot. The parade will be led by the Greenfield High School Marching Band and Greenfield Police. Greenfield Fire Department will follow. The parade will turn onto Miles Street and end at the Energy Park, where there will be costume judging and prizes. There will also be a free showing of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” at Greenfield Garden Cinemas at 6:30 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by the Recreation Department and GBA, along with 4SC Safe Schools, Safe Streets, downtown businesses, Greenfield Garden Cinemas, Greenfield Community Television, local dentists, WHAI and Bear Country radio stations, and the Franklin County Rotary Club. For more information about the event, call the Recreation Department at 413-772-1553 or visit: www.greenfieldrecreation.com/halloween.html.
10-29-15 Recorder Article
Chats and dogs –
Dog owners chat while their dogs play at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area in Greenfield. 
10-28-15 Recorder Photo
Triple Bs bring out mellow weekend crowd – Attendees of the the Riverside Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival in Greenfield sit in the sun at Beacon Field Saturday. Penny Ricketts of Greenfield tosses a keg during a keg toss competition. Kristen Ziter Taylor of Brattleboro, Vt., struggles to hold up a stein filled with water as Nancy Elmer of Greenfield offers moral support during a competition to determine who can hold theirs up the longest time. Dave Keller performs with his band, the Dave Keller Band on Sunday.
10-12-15 Recorder Photos
Water, water ... everywhere: Fast, heavy rains causes flooding, power outages, and damage to some apple trees –
A morning of solid rain and the localized flooding and power outages it caused had public employees and utility crews scrambling around the county Wednesday, and many bracing for a week with more of the same.
In Greenfield, the rising Green River invaded the Greenfield Recreation Department’s summer office off Nashs Mill Road, submerged the town beach and recreation area and closed the road.
Personal weather stations reporting through weather service Weather Underground reported between 4 and 5.6 inches of rainfall Tuesday through Wednesday evening.
The worst of the rain passed before the real flooding began. Recreation Director Christy Moore said as the storm went north, runoff continued to head downstream to Greenfield and the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area. “We had to leave because it was in the building at 11:30, but we did get everything out of there in time,” Moore said. Everything included recreation equipment and the contents of the freezers. The building itself is concrete up to the rafters. Moore said the beach floods regularly, but they will have to wait until the water recedes to gauge the damage. “This is obviously a lot of water in a short period of time,” Moore said. Flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene destroyed the beach in 2011. 10-01-15 Recorder Article
Summer’s fun but so is fall – An autumnally cool morning gave way again to summer warmth Sunday, and many were out making the best of the long Labor Day weekend as the unofficial last two days of summer.
Mira Weare, 2, watched the water from the beach of the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area, with a bag of pretzels and a giraffe life vest.
Her mother, Marcie Savoie, said they came to take advantage of one of the last days of the season with a lifeguard. Mira will swim here, but not in their backyard pond in Colrain, Savoie said. “She thinks it’s safer because of the lifeguard. We have a pond out back, but she doesn’t want to go in it because there’s no one in a big chair to watch her,” Savoie said.
Swimming might be about to end, but fall festivals, Halloween, and apples are ahead. 9-07-15 Recorder Article
Lovers’ lookout – Darren and Noel Labrecque of Greenfield enjoy the day on a shady bench in Rocky Mountain Park in Greenfield on Thursday.
8-22-15 Recorder Photo
Cool heads prevail – Joon French of Greenfield cools off with at the Hillside Park Splashpad in Greenfield on Wednesday where he was with his son.
8-21-15 Recorder Photo
Flower Shower – Milo Moss, 3 ½, plays in the water at the Hillside Park Splashpad on Wednesday while his father, Joseph, of Greenfield, takes a picture.
8-20-15 Recorder Photo
Out To Dry –
Competitors in the 32nd annual Greenfield Lightlife Triathlon exit the Green River after completing the swimming leg of the event at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area on Nashs Mill Road Sunday. See the story Bensen, Cameron give Triathlon local champs in Sports. 8-03-15 Recorder Article
Franklin County keeps its cool – The dog days of summer finally arrived in Franklin County this week, so locals took to the beach and cooled off with seasonal favorites.
“It’s been hot,” said Virginia Christi of Colrain, who spent her entire Wednesday at Green River Swimming and Recreation Area on Nashs Mill Road in Greenfield with four of her five children as temperatures topped 90 and humidity hit 45 percent.
According to the National Weather Service in Taunton, the high is supposed to be around 89 degrees today and drop to 85 degrees on Friday, remaining there through the weekend. It is also expected to be less humid.
“I guess we can’t call this a heat wave, because it hasn’t been hot and humid for enough days, but it’s pretty hot out there,” said Greenfield Recreation Director Christy Moore.
A heat wave is considered a period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and unusually humid weather, typically lasting two or more days, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Moore said about 200 people visited the municipal swimming pool on Wednesday. The pool is open daily.
7-30-15 Recorder Article
Community is served: Greenfield meals for kids program cooking again this summer –
Children attending the summer camp at the Green River Swimming and Recreation area on Nashs Mill Road in Greenfield eat the free lunches provided by Starr Hurd, an employee of the Summer Food Service program and a Greenfield High School kitchen staff member during the school year. School’s out but there’s still food, free, for youth who want it. The Greenfield Public School food department serves lunch and in most cases breakfast at eight open locations in town, including three schools, the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area, the YMCA and three housing developments. The program is open to anyone under the age of 18.
“It’s not a program designed just to cater to low-income folks ... its really for any child under the age of 18, you don’t even have to be a Greenfield resident. If your cousin is visiting from Nebraska and they’re under 18, they can have a free meal,” said Greenfield Public Schools Food Service Director Madison Walker.
Walker said the program served 2,609 lunches last week at 13 locations — the eight open locations and five closed — an average of 520 a day, and 340 to 350 breakfasts a day. 7-22-15 Recorder Article
Neighbors: Greenfield fireworks the best in years – Hello neighbor.
I’m sure those of you who attended the fireworks in Greenfield on Sunday night woke up Monday morning still in awe. They were magnificent — the best I’ve seen in many years.
I sat on Lunt field and watched — a little away from the more-crowded Beacon Field and the field behind the middle school, though there had to be at least 500 people at Lunt.
From the time the first shell rose into the clear night sky above Poet’s Seat Tower to the last of what can only be described as a spectacular finale, there was no time for boredom. For a half-hour, the sky was lit up with the most brilliant colors, and all types of different fireworks.
7-07-15 Neighbors Recorder Article Greenfield officials, crowd pleased with fireworks display – There wasn’t a bad seat from Beacon to Lunt fields as the sky above Poet’s Seat Tower lit up with colorful fireworks late Sunday night.
“I had goose bumps,” said Greenfield Recreation Department Director Christy Moore. “I was particularly blown away by the finale. The entire show was impressive.”
Spectators who had gathered at Beacon Field, on the field behind the middle school and on the three Lunt ballfields screamed, hooted, hollered and applauded when the last of the finale’s shells disappeared in the night sky.
The town got what it hoped for this year as Atlas Pyrovision Productions Inc. of Jaffrey, N.H., made good on its promise.
“There was a new shooter and we had explained what we wanted,” said Moore. “Atlas really impressed us. We got what we asked for.” 7-07-15 Recorder Article
‘That was insane’ – Some were expecting a bigger bang than in years past, others were surprised to hear past shows weren’t what they were supposed to be. But everyone wanted to see fireworks Sunday in Greenfield.
“It’s supposed to be the best ever, we’ll see,” said 42-year Beacon Street resident Carla Bernier before the show, waiting for the fireworks on her front steps with friends and family gathered in the yard.
The town last year learned it had not been getting the show it paid for between 2011 and 2014. In fact, the display was short-changed to the tune of half in 2014. Sunday’s show was the first Independence Day display since the town and Atlas PyroVision Entertainment Group settled their dispute out of court and town officials and the company promised a big show at a discount.
Brothers Don and Ed Creek faced Poet’s Seat Tower off to the left of the field Sunday evening. The two said they have watched fireworks displays for untold years, always from the same spot. The brothers are Greenfield natives, Ed Creek visiting from Chicopee, and both were aware of the story around this year’s show. 7-06-15 Recorder Article
Greenfield sets Independence Day Celebration for Sunday – The town is gearing up for its annual Fourth of July Celebration on Beacon Field, and this year town officials say it’s going to be the best yet.
The celebration will begin at 4 p.m. on Beacon Field and will end with a fireworks display beginning at 9:35 p.m.
Recreation Department Director Christy Moore said there will be all types of vendors and entertainment throughout the day and evening.
She said Atlas PyroVision Productions Inc. of Jaffrey, N.H. will provide the fireworks display and has promised to give a “fantastic” show.
“The one during the Winter Carnival was great and this one is going to be longer and even better,” said Moore.
She said the town did not collect donations for the event this year, as it has done each year in the past. That is because the town came to an agreement with Atlas this year, after learning last year that Greenfield had been short-changed by the company for several years.
Moore said the town is paying $4,500 for 1,338 shells this year. Last year, the company shot about half of that, with 672 shells, though the town was supposed to get more than 1,300.
Mayor William Martin said he expects the fireworks will be spectacular this year.
7-02-15 Recorder Article
Bigger bang: Fireworks display expected to be longer and better this year – The town is about to get “the best” fireworks display it has ever seen, according to the mayor and the town’s recreation director.
Mayor William Martin said the New Hampshire company that short-changed Greenfield for the past three or four years has come to an agreement with the town and promised a “most spectacular show” on Sunday on Beacon Field below Poet’s Seat Tower.
Atlas PyroVision Productions Inc. Vice President Matt Shea the fireworks display will be comparable to the town’s Winter Carnival display this past February, but will be much bigger and more exciting. “The Winter Carnival show lasted about 12 minutes,” said Shea. “When it’s cold like that you get in and out and give the most excitement you can give in a short time.”
Shea said Atlas, which is located in Jaffrey, will use the typical patriotic red, white and blue shells this year, but will also add lots of new color and different types of willows and waterfall fireworks, while providing a really strong variety of fireworks.
“When the display is over and people are done watching, they’ll be able to say they saw every type of effect they could,” said Shea. “We’re going to have a great finale.”
Shea said typically the technicians put the show together, but this year he himself designed it. 7-01-15 Recorder Article
Greenfield buys stage for events, rentals – Two years ago, when Greenfield officials discussed ways to make the town’s parks safer, especially Hillside Park, which was having problems with illegal activities, someone suggested that Greenfield have more events in them, like concerts and with that suggestion came another — the town should buy a stage.
The $105,406 mobile stage from Century Industries in Indiana will be used on Sunday during the town’s Independence Day Celebration.
Recreation Department Director Christy Moore said most of the money for the stage came out of this year’s capital budget, and the rest came from Friends of the Recreation Department and the department’s yearly operating budget. 7-01-15 Recorder Article Movie night – Hats off to Christy Moore and her Rec Department staff for the wonderful Friday evening we had watching an outdoor movie at the Town Pool. This was the first event held using the new portable stage, which was an awesome purchase for the town, that made the event look and feel like a professional production. The movie was a family-oriented “feel good” story and sitting under bright stars and moon made it feel even better! The sound was excellent and so was the free popcorn. There weren’t many of us that night, but if the Rec Deaprtment can keep this event going, I suspect we will have to get there early to get a good seat before too long. 7-01-15 Readers Write Recorder Article
Dance break – Kestral Osman, of Ashfield and Anja Alden of Brattleboro, Vt., both of the IBIT dance company of Brattleboro, perform a dance number at Greenfield’s Energy Park Tuesday. Osman and Anja will be performing at the Southern Vermont Dance Festival which takes place in Brattleboro July 16 through 19. 6-24-15 Recorder Photo
Drenched – Brendan Austin of Greenfield gets trounced by a bucket of cold water at the Hillside Park splash pad in Greenfield on a warm Friday afternoon. 6-20-15 Recorder Photo
A great place to play – Greenfield named ‘Playful City’ four years running – With hopscotch sidewalks, structured recess programs, lots of parks, a splash pad, townwide play days and dozens of recreation programs, why wouldn’t Greenfield be chosen as a “playful city” for the fourth year in a row?
Greenfield Recreation Director Christy Moore said that Greenfield was once again chosen as a Playful City USA, which is a national recognition.
Over the past few years, the town has found itself eligible for a number of construction grants, which have helped it pay for the renovations of some of its playgrounds, because of the designation.
“We don’t get money with the designation, but it allows us to apply for competitive grants, some of which we’ve received,” said Moore.
She said so far the town has received $40,000 in grants because of its designation – $20,000 for the construction of the Academy of Early Learning playground and $20,000 for the Federal Street School playground.
“I am grateful to be part of a community that values the importance of play,” said Moore. “I look forward to continuing to create play opportunities for people of all ages.” 6-20-15 Recorder Article
All ‘set’ for summer fun – Students from the Eighth Grade Academy in Greenfield hone their volleyball skills during a field day at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area. 6-18-15 Recorder Photo
‘It dumps, like, a gallon of water!’ – Perfect weather graces opening of Greenfield water playground
– Children of all ages cooled off on a steamy Friday afternoon as temperatures climbed into the upper 80s, leaping through streams of water shooting up from the ground and shrieking with excitement as buckets above their heads repeatedly filled with and dumped water. Music and laughter could be heard down the block as the kids, along with their parents, celebrated the grand opening of the new Hillside Park splash pad Friday afternoon. The ceremony coincided with the Hillside Block Party and featured a bounce house, free hot dogs and games. “We’re gonna get wet, we’re gonna have fun and enjoy our new splash pad,” Recreation Director Christy Moore announced to the crowd of several hundred as she, along with Mayor William Martin, pushed the button to activate the water park for the first time publicly. 6-13-15 Recorder Article
Cardboard conquerors – The Eighth Grade Academy of the Greenfield Public Schools raced their cardboard boats at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area on Friday. These two not only stayed afloat, they won the final heat. They also played games and had a picnic. 6-13-15 Recorder Photo Editorial: Banners brighten downtown – The banners displaying the art of Greenfield’s school-age children are a terrific addition to the downtown area. And we like that the town held a contest asking the students to draw what they love about Greenfield. The results included subjects that are familiar to many, the Poet’s Seat Tower, as well as the unfamiliar, such as one child’s friends. Some 60 banners will be hanging from light poles along Main, Miles and Federal streets and Bank Row. “These banners are really going to brighten the downtown,” Christy Moore, recreation director, said in a Recorder story. We also think they tell people what young people think of when they think of Greenfield. Well done.
6-08-15 Recorder Article 
Grab your towels –
Lifeguards Shamus Sullivan and Ryan Baker patrol the picnic area for trash at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area on Nashs Mill Road in Greenfield on Friday. The pool opens for the season today June 6th. 6-06-15 Recorder Photo
Students’ artwork hangs from downtown lights in Greenfield for all to see – There’s one more reason to visit downtown Greenfield, according to the town’s recreation director and business association head.
The art of seven Greenfield elementary school students will hang on downtown light poles until they need to be replaced some day, they said.
Recreation Director Christy Moore and Greenfield Business Association Coordinator Caitlin von Schmidt said Greenfield Rejuvenators, a group the two belong to that formed a couple of years ago to make downtown more beautiful, recently held a contest, “What I Love About Greenfield.” It was open to all students in kindergarten through third grade.
The light-pole banner design contest asked children to draw a picture of what they love most about Greenfield.
6-04-15 Recorder Article
Ready to make a splash – Water playground area at Hillside Park to debut June 12 – Children won’t have to wait much longer to cool off on a hot day, because the town will open its splash pad in Hillside Park on June 12.
“We’re training on how to use the splash pad this week,” said Christy Moore, the town’s recreation director. “Then, we’ll be ready for the kids.”
Moore said the Recreation Department will hold a grand opening on June 12 from 4 to 6 p.m., which will coincide with its Hillside Park Block Party.
“We’ll have music, games, a bounce house, food and more,” said Moore. “We want everyone to come and celebrate our park and our new splash pad.”
Moore said the new 20-by-70-foot splash pad will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. She said it will run on a timer, so it will not work at other times of the day.
“The water won’t run constantly,” said Moore. “It has hand and foot activators, so the water will spray when someone hits one of them.”
Moore said water won’t pool on the pad, so there won’t be a lifeguard on duty at any time, but rules will be posted and small children should be accompanied by an adult.
She said the town plans to place a portable toilet in Hillside Park this year, because it anticipates the park will be busier than it has been in the past due to the newest feature.
6-03-15 Recorder Article
Bike rodeo, no bull, set for Sunday – The Greenfield Public Schools are pushing bicycle safety Sunday, although they promise it will be fun, too.
A bike rodeo, behind the Greenfield Middle School on Federal Street, is intended to encourage bike riding for fun, health and green transportation, and to teach young riders habits to stay safe.
Coordinators from the state Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School program will set up a course on the blacktop behind the school, explain hand signals and supervise the ensuing riding. The event rolls in two sessions, 1 to 3 p.m. for kindergarten to fourthgrade students and less experienced riders, and 3 to 5 p.m. for grades 4 to 8 and more experienced riders.
6-01-15 Recorder Article
Ready to dive in?–
Shane Stout and Rick Peterson of the Greenfield Department of Public Works reinstall the ladders to the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area on Tuesday getting ready for the opening weekend June 6. 5-20-15 Recorder Photo
Game of pickleball, anyone? Hidden park may become one of Greenfield’s most popular after $700K renovation – When renovations are completed on one of Greenfield’s parks next spring, the town’s recreation director said she believes the hidden park will become one of the town’s most popular.
An almost $700,000 makeover is planned for Green River Park, which is accessible from Deerfield Street, and the town’s first dog park will be located there.
Renovations will also include a new playground with updated equipment, new basketball and pickleball (a tennis-like game played with a Wiffle Ball and paddles) courts, new picnic pavilion and a bike path and walkway. Renovations are expected to begin in late fall and be completed in spring 2016.
“We are really excited about the new recreational opportunities for our residents — those with two feet, and for our four-legged friends,” said Greenfield Recreation Director Christy Moore.
5-05-15 Recorder Article
A mother and daughter enjoy the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area this past summer. 4-09-15 Recorder Photo Support the Greenfield Recreation Department at April’s Free Soup & Games Night! - Monday, April 6th from 5:00-7:30 pm at Hope & Olive Bar & Restaurant. Enjoy the delicious free food, great company, and awesome raffles. Flyer Councilors mull how to spend precinct money – While Town Council Vice President Karen “Rudy” Renaud said she hopes to spend the $10,000 the mayor gave Precinct 7 last fall on the dog park planned for Green River Park, other councilors said they’d like to put their precinct money back into the town’s budget.
Mayor William Martin announced last October that he would be giving all nine precinct councilors, as well as the four at-large councilors, $10,000 each from “free cash” surplus for a total of $130,000.
He said each councilor could do something for his or her precinct or could combine money with others for a project that would be for the greater good of the entire community.
3-10-15 Recorder Article 
Pond preponderance – Greenfield eyeing Highland Park revival – If the town is going to revive Highland Park and its pond, returning it to the busy park it once was with skating, fishing and other recreational activities, it is going to take a lot of work that will have to be done in phases, according to the task force assigned to look into it.
The task force, which has met twice since Mayor William Martin charged it with studying the needs of the park and its pond in the Parkway Street and Highland Avenue area, said the first phase can most likely be done quickly and with little expense.
The first phase would include adding dog “poop” stations, more trash cans and signs throughout the park. It would also include maintenance of some of the trails and the path around the pond.
The second phase would be much more expensive, though estimated costs have not yet been determined, according to the task force.
That phase would include dredging the pond if that’s what the task force and town decide is feasible and desired and the town and state allow it.
Mayor William Martin decided late last year that he wanted two tasks forces to review two “underutilized” areas in town.
Highland Park and its pond is one of them and the other is Veterans Memorial Field on Silver Street, said Martin.
“I would like to see both of them become recreational centers once again,” he said.
The task force will take comments from the public over time to find out what residents want. It will also hear from abutters and other interested parties, said Martin.
2-27-15 Recorder Article
Slick learning curve – Andrew Allen of Petersham helps his 4-year-old daughter Anastasia learn to skate at Beacon Field on a frigid day. 
2-25-15 Recorder Photo
Bundled up – Kamren Richardson and her friend Hazel Andrade, both 8, take a break from sledding at Beacon Field on Thursday, where they were with the Greenfield Recreation Department Winter Vacation Camp.
2-25-15 Recorder Photo 
Hitting the ice – Greenfield Brothers Tony Velez, 17, and Matteo Velez, 15, play a little pond hockey, using their boots for goal posts, on the skating rink set up at Beacon Field. Except for around the edges, the ice is very nice they reported.
2-24-15 Recorder Photo
Romp in the snow – Kamren Richardson and her friend Hazel Andrade, both 8, play with Dixie the dog at Beacon Field on Thursday where they were with the Greenfield Recreation Department Winter Vacation Camp.
2-21-15 Recorder Photo
On line at the bank – Jackson Day, 5, and his sister Lillian of Turners Falls take a breather on a nearby snowbank while skating at Beacon Field on Monday. Their father Destin Day (not shown) created the snowbank while clearing the rink of snow for them and other skaters.
2-18-15 Recorder Photo
Low temp, high speed – Odongo Makokha, 11, of Greenfield spends a snow day sledding at Beacon Field.
2-18-15 Recorder Photo
Cold but happy – Nicki Shipman of Greenfield takes her dog “Hyper” Piper, a 1-year-old yellow lab, out for a sprint at Beacon Field on Monday.
2-17-15 Recorder Photo
Frozen Fun – GCTV Cable Access TV for Greenfield – More video from Sunday's Greenfield Winter Carnival events at Beacon Field. Thanks GCTV for the great coverage of Winter Carnival 2015!!
2-10-15 GCTV >> 
Conditions A-OK for Winter Carnival – Photos by Micky Bedell – Photos include: Everett Connelley, 6, and Katie Paul, 13, usher 9-year-old boxer Finnigan through the third annual K-9 Keg Pull at Beacon Field on Sunday during the Greenfield Winter Carnival. Eileen Naughton of Greenfield helps her daughter Maya Tzoc, 2, toast marshmallows over a bonfire at Beacon Field on Sunday during the Greenfield Winter Carnival. Minions from the movie “Despicable Me” sit at the opening of the Greenfield Winter Carnival Arendelle Snowman Village on Sunday. Jacob Markwell, 3, of Greenfield crawls out of an igloo at the Arendelle Snowman Village at Beacon Field. Josianna Martini of Greenfield pulls her son Theodore, 4, through Beacon Field on an antique sled Sunday. A Greenfield Recreation Department volunteer serves up chili samples on Sunday for participants to judge the Chili Cook-Off. Greenfield Winter Carnival broomball players as seen through a net on the Beacon Field outdoor skating rink Sunday. The “conductor” of a cardboard train sled pulls her group toward the finish line at Beacon Field on Sunday during the Greenfield Winter Carnival Cardboard Sled Race.
2-09-15 Recorder Photos
Movies fuel cardboard sleds – Greenfield Winter Carnival contest fun for all – Three days of winter festivities culminated Sunday with flying snow and collapsing cardboard in the perennially popular cardboard sled race as young pilots put their home-made, and generally parent-engineered, sleds to the test. Organized by the Greenfield Recreation Department, the 93rd annual Winter Carnival began Friday with ice carving, fireworks and an illuminated parade and included basketball games, a road race, hockey, ice skating and sleigh rides. Sunday afternoon, children shot down every slope in Beacon Field on plastic sleds until organizers cleared the main hill and marshaled the children and their parents for the cardboard competition and a procession of rickety, collapsing sleds took off one-by-one with laughing pilots.
2-09-15 Recorder Article
Cardboard Sled Race 2015 – GCTV Cable Access TV for Greenfield – Catch all the fun of yesterday's creativity and mayhem!
2-08-15 GCTV >> 
Greenfield’s Winter Carnival 2015 – Photos by Paul Franz – Kickoff lives up to "Frozen" theme. Photos include: Mike Legassey of Athol carves Heat Miser and Snow Miser characters out of ice for the Winter Carnival Friday night. Greenfield residents Chloe Schriver and Jasper Tobey, both 15, skate on the ice at Beacon Field Friday night. Carnival-goers roast marshmallows around the bonfire at Beacon Field on Friday night. Fireworks light up Poet’s Seat Tower as seen from Beacon Field. Kids play on the piles of snow at Beacon Field waiting for the fireworks. 2-07-15 Recorder Photos Winter Carnival 2015 Parade Of Lights – GCTV Cable Access TV for Greenfield – A new tradition began this year with the Greenfield Winter Carnival Parade of Lights.
2-06-15 GCTV >> Cool! – GCTV Cable Access TV for Greenfield – Meet the carvers who kicked off this year's Greenfield Winter Carnival by creating their very best Frozen inspired ice sculptures.
2-06-15 GCTV >> Cold As Ice – GCTV Cable Access TV for Greenfield – Time-lapse video of John Passiglia's Ice Carving in front of the GCTV studio. 2-06-15 GCTV >> 
Parade, fireworks kick off festivities – A parade of illuminated vehicles makes its way down Main Street en route to Beacon Field on Friday night, kicking off the Winter Carnival – With temperatures in the teens, this year’s winter carnival lived up to its name, “Frozen Over.” The blustery cold didn’t stop people from coming out to watch the carnival’s first Parade of Lights. Throngs stood on street corners to watch fire trucks, buses, police cruisers and float-towing pickups pass by decked out in Christmas lights. “I want to see the fireworks,” said Kylie Dennett, 6. “The ice sculptures are nice, too.” Many of the ice sculptures featured characters and scenes from the popular children’s movie “Frozen.”
2-07-15 Recorder Article
Bea the dog is ready for Greenfield’s Winter Carnival ... are you? – Story by Kathleen McKiernan –
On Sunday, Bea, a four-year-old German shorthaired pointer, and her owner, Nate Bernard, will head to Beacon Field in Greenfield, where they will meet dozens of other dogs and owners waiting expectantly for the third annual K-9 Keg Pull during Greenfield’s 93rd annual Winter Carnival. At around 1 p.m., Bea will get strapped into a harness that’s tethered to a “half-size,” empty beer keg. Then, she will race the length of Beacon Field’s outdoor ice skating rink and toward the finish line, where Bernard will be waiting for her. “Her focus is to run to me at the finish line. She has separation anxiety. That’s what her advantage is,” said Bernard, who lives in Turners Falls. Bea is the reigning champion with the fastest overall time last year and will be racing to defend her two-time, first-place title in her size class. While some pups need motivation like treats, others, like Bea, are natural athletes. She doesn’t train for the race since she is already fit from running alongside Bernard when he mountain bikes and hikes. “We don’t take it too seriously,” said Bernard. “It’s a great idea to donate and see Bea have fun.”
2-05-15 Recorder – Arts and Entertainment 
Winter Carnival promises fun for all – If you’re craving chili, cookies or Breakfast with Olaf, have an urge to play in the snow, or simply want to get out and catch up with neighbors you haven’t seen all winter, head to the town’s Winter Carnival this weekend. The theme for Greenfield’s 93rd annual Winter Carnival is “FROZEN Over” for Disney’s hit movie, “Frozen.” The carnival will kick off with its first-ever Parade of Lights – vehicles decorated with lights – Friday at 6 p.m. The parade will begin at Newton School on the Mohawk Trail and travel along Main and Federal streets as it makes its way to Beacon Field. There, participants will be judged and prizes awarded in multiple categories.
2-05-15 Recorder Article
PHOTOS FOR THE FROZEN 2015 – Sponsored by The Recorder & Wilson’s Department Store – This Amateur Photo Contest is held annually in conjunction with Greenfield’s Winter Carnival, which is Feb. 6 through Feb. 8 this year. There is no charge to enter the contest, but the photographers must be amateurs and the images should depict winter in Franklin County. Three judges from The Recorder picked this year’s winners. All the photographs entered, totaling around 180, will be on display at Wilson’s Department Store, 258 Main St., Greenfield, starting Thursday, Feb. 5, and will remain up through Feb. 18 during regular store hours. This year, there was a notable absence of images with people in them, so it’s likely there will be more categories next year to encourage more diversity. The contest organizers want to apologize to people who had difficulty getting their photographs entered on the last day of the contest’s deadline because it fell on a Saturday. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who entered.First place, color, Doni Beauregard of Colrain.
First place, black and white, Vicky Griswold of Shelburne Falls.
Second place, black and white, Myck LeMay of Greenfield.
Second place, color, Donna Billings of Charlemont.
Third place, color, Glenn Woods of South Deerfield.
Third place, black and white, Myck LeMay of Greenfield.
Honorable mention, color, Richard Rockstroh of Colrain.
Honorable mention, black and white, Vicky Griswold of Shelburne Falls.
1-31-15 Recorder Article
Dealing with the storm –
Izzy Drost of Greenfield hurls down Beacon Field sledding hill backwards in the fresh powder. 1-28-15 Recorder Photo
No swimming – A snowy lifeguard tower stands watch over an icy Green River at the Greenfield recreation and swimming area in Greenfield on Wednesday. 1-24-15 Recorder Photo
The Greenfield Winter Carnival has “Frozen” over –
For its 93rd year, the Greenfield festival that runs Feb. 6 to 8 will follow the theme of “Frozen,” the popular
2013 Disney movie.
Throughout the weekend, there will be numerous chances to meet with the “Frozen” characters, ice skate to
the movie soundtrack, run a 4-mile race named after Sven, the reindeer, or sit with a bowl of popcorn and
watch the children’s film.
On that Saturday at the Greenfield Youth Center, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., characters from the film, Anna and
Elsa, along with mountaineer Kristoff, will drop by to meet with Greenfield families.
Olaf, the snowman, also plans to head to the 99 Restaurant for breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Family and
friends can join the friendly snowman for $6 per person and $4 for children 10 and under.
The Collins/Moylan Arena is hosting a “Frozen” Friday DJ public skate from 8:30 p.m. to 10:20 p.m. where
ice skaters can bring glow sticks and skate to their favorite songs.
On Saturday at 12:30 p.m., the Greenfield Youth Center will show the movie with popcorn, pizza and drinks
available for purchase.
The Greenfield tradition since 1922 is also adding a new parade of lights in which illuminated vehicles will
travel from Newton School to Beacon Field with bright displays. 1-22-14 Recorder Article
Use what you’ve got – No sled? No problem. Lindsey McCloud of Greenfield helps her daughter Sara, 5, prepare to slid down a hill on a make-shift cardboard sled at Beacon Field Saturday afternoon. 1-21-15 Recorder Photo
All downhill – Johnny Mcintyre, 4, of Greenfield speeds down a hill in Beacon Field while out sledding with his mother and sister. 1-14-15 Recorder Photo
Wise work – Greenfield Middle School fifth-grade students Samantha Murray and Amanda Buffun work on their owl sculptures that will be displayed at the Greenfield Winter Carnival coming up Feb. 6 to 8. 1-14-15 Recorder Photo2014
Green River Park now a park in perpetuity – Green River Park on Petty Plain Road will forever be exactly what it is now — a park, a playground and a recreation area. Town Council has voted to dedicate the land permanently as a park and that decision comes just as the town prepares to do a $690,000 renovation on the park. The town will spend $50,000, while $240,000 will come from an anonymous dog park foundation and $400,000 will come from parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities grants.
12-27-14 Recorder Article Town takes next step in Green River Park renovations – The town will use $240,000 from an anonymous dog park foundation, as well as $400,000 from Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities grants, and the $50,000 from the town to pay for the project. The PARC grant is a program of the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The town is also going to improve drainage in the park, build pedestrian pathways and install benches and fencing, which will all be included in the cost. The town has already renovated several of its parks, including Beacon Field on Beacon Street, Greenfield Swimming and Recreation Area on Nashs Mill Road and Hillside Park on Grove Street, and because of that has been designated a Playful City USA three years in a row.
12-18-14 Recorder Article
Green River Park work to begin next year – Town will build dog park there – It’s going to cost $690,000 for the town to make improvements to Green River Park off Deerfield Street and build a dog park there.
The improvements will include the dog park, a new playground and pavilion and new basketball and pickleball courts, as well as accessibility updates.
The town expects to receive $240,000 from an anonymous dog park foundation, and Greenfield will match that grant with a $50,000 appropriation. Mayor William Martin said the remainder, $400,000, will come from Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities grants, a program offered through the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
12-17-14 Recorder Article
Cold-weather benefitAn ice rink being installed at Beacon Field on Thursday morning that will be filled by the Fire Department between calls. A second, smaller rink is to be erected at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area. The second rink was moved from Hillside Park due to the impending construction of a splash pad water feature.
11-21-14 Recorder Splash pad work to begin next week – They may not need it now, but residents can expect a summer cooldown to be available by the end of this year. Construction on a new splash pad at Hillside Park is set to begin next week with site preparations occurring today. Construction of the $250,000 project will be completed by the end of the year with a grand opening expected for late spring.
11-11-14 Recorder Article 
Ghostly beauty –
Rag Shag trick or treating in Greenfield on Halloween. 11-03-14 Recorder Photo
Greenfield awards best Halloween costumes –
Greenfield Halloween costume contest winners: To see photos of the winners provided by GCTV > >Best homemade costume:
1st: Corin and Luke Wiznewski, of Greenfield, as peas in a pod.
2nd: Brianna Snyder, of Greenfield, as a pumpkinhead.
Most original:
1st: Abigail Heathwaite, of Greenfield, as an Oscar award.
2nd: Tri Nguyen, of Greenfield, as an “Avatar” character.
Scariest:
1st: Alexander Gorts, of Greenfield, as “zipper face.”
2nd: Ashley Kilburn, of Bernardston, as a beheaded person.
Best cartoon character:
1st: Spencer Towne, of Erving, as the grandpa from the movie “Up.”
2nd: Kayley Jackman and Felicia Kapise, of Greenfield, as Raggedy Ann and Andy.
Adult open:
1st: Chris Richardson, of Greenfield, as “The Raven.”
2nd: Julia Ellingboe, of Greenfield, as a fairy queen.
Best group or family:
1st: The Gilmores, of Greenfield, as penguins.
2nd: The Beauregards, of Greenfield, as “Lego Movie” characters.
11-01-14 Recorder Article Rag Shag Parade 2014 – Fun was had by all at Greenfield's Halloween festival and parade, and the costume competition had some amazing entries. 10-31-14 GCTV >> Costume Contest Winners 2014 >>
Valley Gives Day –
The Friends of Greenfield Recreation will be participating in Valley Gives Day on December 10, 2014 - a 24 hour e-philanthropy event for the Pioneer Valley. Please support the Friends of Greenfield Recreation, or one of their many fundraising campaigns for the Paws Park, Skate Park, Rejuvenators, and the Energy Park! The Friends of Greenfield Recreation are able to help financially support all of the great programs and events run by the Recreation Department thanks to community donors like you. Together, we can do more. More programs, more park upgrades, more exciting events, and more of making Greenfield a great place to call home. We create community through people, parks, and programs. 
Green River Park to get face lift . . . and dog park –
The town has received a $400,000 state PARC grant to renovate Green River Park. Renovations will include a new playground, new pavilion, a basketball court, a pickleball (a tennis-like game played with a Wiffle Ball and paddles) court and the town’s first dog park. “Greenfield is thrilled to receive this grant in support of our continued effort of park improvements throughout the town,” said Christy Moore, the town’s recreation director. “Pickle ball fanatics and dog park enthusiasts will have something exciting to look forward to." 10-29-14 Recorder Article
October 31 - Safe Halloween fun planned for all on Friday –
Greenfield will begin its festivities at 4 p.m. on Friday and they will continue until after 7. You’ll start out by pick-ing up a free trick-or-treat reflective bag filled with dental products and goodies, all donated by local dentists, on the Town Common. While you’re there, check out Andrew Easton’s pumpkin-carving display. From 4 to 5:30 businesses will hand out treats and everyone will have a chance to walk up and down Main Street and show off their costumes.
10-28-14 Recorder Article
Grant comes through for Unity Skate Park, Greenfield dog park, Northfield recreation –
We are ecstatic to announce that Greenfield has received a $400,000 PARC Grant for the renovation of Green River Park to include a new playground, pavilion, basketball court, pickle ball courts, parking lot improvements, and the very first Paws Park of Greenfield! Wooohooo! Congratulations to all of the Western Massachusetts PARC Grant recipients! Greenfield applied for a grant to pay for improvements to Green River Park on Petty Plain Road, changes to include an enclosed dog park as well as the construction of a pavilion, improved drainage to the parking lot, Americans with Disabilities Act improvements, a new playground, and basketball courts. Officials hoped for up to $400,000, and that is the sum awarded.
10-28-14 Recorder Article
Greenfield youth makes Eagle Scout cleaning up Energy Park –
Eighteen-year-old Daniel Burgos will reach another milestone in his life on Sunday — one he’s been working toward for 11 years. Burgos, who actually became an Eagle Scout on July 7, will be officially recognized by his peers, family and friends at Camp Apex on the Mohawk Trail on Sunday. All Eagle Scouts have to complete a project that they facilitate, lead and present a report on. Burgos chose to clean up the Greenfield Energy Park at the end of Miles Street. The young man who graduated from Greenfield High School in the spring and plans to go into the U.S. Air Force, started in Cub Scouts years ago as a Tiger Cub and worked his way through the ranks. He said that according to Boy Scouts of America rules, he had to make Eagle Scout before he was 18.
9-13-14 Recorder Article
Gov. Patrick rolls into Greenfield on train to announce track buy – Service expected to begin Dec. 29 –
Gov. Deval Patrick rolled into Greenfield Wednesday aboard a passenger train to announce the state is spending $17 million to advance the Amtrak Vermonter passenger service, scheduled to begin Dec. 29. That money will buy 49 miles of track between the Connecticut and Vermont borders, once again carrying passenger trains through Greenfield, which was once a hub of freight and passenger train service. “Every place a train has ever stopped, it’s been good for the local economy,” Patrick said. “When we invest in ourselves and in our future, we build a stronger and a more promising, more inclusive future,” he told a group of reporters and local and state officials at the Energy Park, built on the site of Greenfield’s last passenger rail station.
8-21-14 Recorder Article
Slide Show - Rebecca Kern of Greenfield takes her daughter Cora, 1¾, down a slide on the new Federal Street School playground while her husband, Will, cheers them on. 7-31-14 Recorder Photo Greenfield splash park set to open next year -
It looks like children will have to wait until next spring or summer before they have a splash park to cool off in.
Christy Moore, the town’s recreation director, said after a few delays, the town is ready to put the Hillside Park project out to bid, which means it won’t be ready this summer.
Moore said there were discussions about the type of system the town was going to use. Originally, it planned to install a recirculated water system, but has decided to tap into the town’s system instead.
She said that means the system will use fresh water in the park, which will drain into the sewer system and go to the wastewater treatment plant.
“It was going to cost too much for upkeep of the recirculated system,” said Moore. “The town would have had to pay for chemicals and would have had to have a certified pool operator take care of it.”
Moore said the splash park, which originally had only ground sprays, will also have overhead sprays, because the town will pay for the more elaborate park with the money it saves by eliminating the water recirculation system. 7-30-14 Recorder Article
It's a Bird, It's a Plane . . . -
Emilia Rodriquez, 7, of Greenfield leaps from one of the new Federal Street School playground installations yelling “Superman!” on Monday evening. 7-24-14 Recorder Photo
Beacon Field fireworks worth traveling for - Area man returns from Oklahoma for show - For Cole Wickman, the annual fireworks display in Greenfield is one that is simply not to be missed and he was dead-set on making it to this year’s show — even if it meant traveling 1,600 miles from his home in Yukon, Okla. to do it.
Wickman, who grew up in Franklin County, was even more determined to get the best spot possible on Beacon Field: just to the right of second base and directly in front of Poet’s Seat Tower, where the fireworks would be launched. The feat required Wickman and his family to stake out the spot and set up long before anyone else: He’d been there since 11:30 in the morning.
7-07-14 Recorder Article More photos from the Recorder
Playful ground -
Volunteers helped install a new playground at the Federal Street School in Greenfield, made possible by a $20,000 grant the town recently received for being named a “Playful City USA” for the third year in a row. 7-05-14 Recorder Photo
Greenfield swimming pool closed until Sunday as town cleans up after storm -
It looks like the town’s swimming pool will be closed until Sunday.
“We’re working diligently to clean up after the heavy rains that hit on Wednesday night,” said Public Works Director Arthur Baker. “A lot of debris got washed down the river and created blockages.”
Baker said the Green River overflowed after absorbing 3.51 inches of rain on Wednesday night and covered the swimming area’s concession stand floor with 6 inches of water and lots of silt.
He said the stand, playground and other areas were not damaged.
“We’re removing the silt and will have to replace the sand that was washed away from the beach,” he said.Baker said the town will end up paying some overtime to public works employees, but it won’t be anywhere near as devastating as it was when Tropical Storm Irene hit in 2011.
“We should have this all cleaned up by Saturday and be ready for a Sunday reopening,” said Baker.
6-27-14 Recorder Article
Green River Swimming and Recreation Area open for season -
As summer officially begins today, the town is seeing more people heading to Green River Swimming and Recreation Area on Nashs Mill Road.
Recreation Department Director Christy Moore said the swimming pool is now open seven days a week.
“Nothing has really changed this year,” said Moore. “Our rates are the same.”
Moore said that, as usual, the town will have the Green River’s water tested each week to make sure there aren’t high levels of bacteria or parasites.
The swimming area is one of the most widely used of Greenfield’s parks, according to the Recreation Department.
There is a playground, basketball courts and a bike path there. There are bike racks, picnic tables, park benches, restrooms and showers, as well as The Snack Shack in the 22-acre park.
Moore said people can rent the pavilion for special events like birthday parties.
6-21-14 Recorder Article
$20,000 grant allows update of Federal Street playground - The town will soon renovate another park with a $20,000 grant it recently received for being named a “Playful City USA” for the third year in a row. The designation, and the grant that comes with it, is a mark of recognition for efforts to improve parks and recreation locally. This time, it’s Federal Street School’s playground that will be rebuilt.
6-19-14 Recorder Article Greenfield Rec. Dept. revamps website -
The town’s Recreation Department has a new, improved, more user-friendly website at which people will be able to do everything from learn about programs and events to register for activities and camps to volunteer or learn about Greenfield’s parks and trails. “It’s up and running,” said recreation Director Christy Moore. “It’s a lot more clear and organized. We’re really excited. Moore said users will also be able to buy or renew season passes to the town’s swimming pool. “Different tabs will take people to different places, including events, our history and different programs”.
6-19-14 Recorder Article Greenfield fireworks fund drive starts this week -
The town will begin this week raising the money it needs for its Fourth of July celebration. Christy Moore, the town’s recreation director, said there will be donation cans in local businesses, and volunteers will once again be on Main Street asking for donations. Moore said the Recreation Department needs to raise $18,000. “We always do it,” said Moore. “I’m hoping it’s the same this year.”
6-18-14 Recorder Article 
Dog park and more slated for Green River ParkIt looks like the town may finally get a dog park, and a few improvements to one of its parks in the process. Greenfield will apply for a state grant this month to pay for improvements to Green River Park on Petty Plain Road, which will include an enclosed dog park, as well as the construction of a pavilion, improved drainage to the parking lot, Americans with Disabilities Act improvements, a new playground, and basketball and pickleball courts. According to Christy Moore, the town’s director of recreation, Greenfield could receive as much as $400,000 for the project. 6-03-14 Recorder Article
Council approves Greenfield splash park money -
The town’s children should have a splash park to cool off in by late July or early August. This week, Town Council approved $50,000 the town needed to pledge to receive a $200,000 grant fromthe state. The money will come from the state’s Our Common Backyard Grant program after July 1, according to Christy Moore, the town’s recreation director, who plans to put the project out to bid. The program encourages towns and cities across the state to building new playgrounds and spray parks.
5-24-14 Recorder Article
Greenfield named ‘Playful City USA’ -
The town has been named a “Playful City USA” for the third year in a row — a mark of recognition for efforts to improve parks and recreation locally. Moore said Greenfield is committed to enhancing play spaces. Most recently, the town decided it will build a splash park inside Hillside Park, one of its more recently renovated parks. Greenfield also plans to replace the play structure at Federal Street School.
5-16-14 Recorder Article
Splash park! Greenfield secures $200,000 grant, needs $50,000 from town to install water playground at Hillside Park!
5-03-14 Recorder Article
Spring is finally here, and the Greenthumbers are inviting everyone to help get the Greenfield Energy Park ready for summer concerts and events. The Greenthumbers volunteer group is offering two spring-cleaning opportunities: Sunday April 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. and May 10, between 9 a.m. and noon. No prior gardening experience needed.
4-10-14 Recorder Article
Hot spot: The playground on Beacon Field in Greenfield on Wednesday was a popular spot for families to enjoy the warm spring weather and sunshine. 
4-09-14 Recorder/Micky Bedell
Our 2014 Spring & Summer Programs schedule is all set. 2014 Spring & Summer Programs Brochure
Come join us for Greenfield's Annual Winter Carnival 92nd Celebration January 31st - February 2nd, 2014. Brochure Flyer
Thanks GCTV for helping get the word out for Greenfield Winter Carnival 2014! Video >>
Our 2013-2014 Winter Programs schedule is all set. Winter Programs Flyer
2013
A big thank you to the Greenfield Business Association for their Summer Sidewalk Sales donation to the Recreation Department! We appreciate your support and collaboration for downtown events! The Greenfield Recreation Department is extremely excited to announce that we have received a $20,000 Let's Play Construction Grant from Dr. Pepper Snapple Group and National Non-Profit KaBOOM for a second year in a row! We were eligible for this grant thanks to our designation as a Playful City USA Community. We were one in only 25 communities across the country to receive this grant! Last year, this grant was used to replace the playground at the Academy of Early Learning. This year's grant will be used towards the replacement of the Federal Street School Playground! We look forward to building and revitalizing another playground for the residents of Greenfield. Greenfield truly is a Playful City USA! 9-12-13 Recorder Article