Here are brief thoughts on some of the events taking place around Franklin County and the North Quabbin area.
Starting last weekend, schools from Franklin County and North Quabbin have been busy celebrating the accomplishments of those students who have achieved that all-important milestone: graduation.
Already The Recorder has covered the graduations of several high schools and Greenfield Community College. More are scheduled next weekend.
Many of the high school grads will go on to further their education at colleges and technical schools. Others will join the military or enter the work force right way.
As for those who graduated from college, their aim will be to find gainful employment in their field of study — or even continue their education through an advanced degree. For some, the route to graduation was perhaps not a direct one, so we commend your determination and perseverance.
Graduates, whatever path you choose, we hope you make a positive and lasting contribution to the world.
Congratulations.
Art created by students at Greenfield Community College will get some nice exposure via an exhibit at the State House in Boston.
Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, arranged for the exhibit, which has an official opening June 6. The works, created by alumni and current students, are in a variety of mediums, including computer art, drawing, photography and painting.
It’s a State House tradition that senators typically sponsor an exhibit during their two-year term. As a rookie senator, this was Comerford’s first opportunity to showcase art from her district, and we are pleased she chose to highlight talent from GCC.
This past weekend, Greenfield turned its attention to a very important pollinating insect — the bee.
The city’s Langstroth Bee Fest began 10 years ago when organizer Sandy Thomas asked her church’s pastor who Lorenzo Langstroth was and why there was a memorial for him in front of the Second Congregational Church on Court Square. It turns out not only was Langstroth a pastor of the church in the mid-1800s, he is considered the father of American beekeeping.
Over the years, the free event has grown to celebrate bees via a variety of ways from a parade to performances, children’s activities to art — and this weekend, the unveiling of a large-scale bee sculpture and an audio-visual immersive installation inspired by the life of bees. Even some restaurants offered at least one item made with honey that weekend. But an important component to the fest is educating the public about the importance of bees.
Community events such as the Bee Fest help bring attention to Greenfield in a good way. We hope the event continues to thrive.
Volunteers — how would our communities survive without them — gathered Thursday to help build a community labyrinth on the campus of the Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew on Federal and Church streets in Greenfield.
About 30 people, including inmates from the local jail, lay bricks to create a specific pattern that is one way as it winds its way to and from the labyrinth’s center.
Among the volunteers was Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan, who said “It’s a wonderful project. It helps people find peace and clear their minds. This is great for people in recovery and victims of crime. It’s a harmonious spot.”
The labyrinth is open to anyone who is seeking a quiet place for contemplation and restoration. In our often busy lives, here’s a spot to stop and find stillness. What a wonderful place for the community.