As we begin 2020, I want to reflect on some very special moments that happened last year here in Franklin County and in my world.
Here are a few of the highlights in my world in 2019: I first want to thank the Greenfield Recorder for inviting me to begin writing Bobby’s World in June. Writing a column was something I had never done before — this has turned out to be very fun for me because of the wonderful community we live in.
In August, I was blessed with my fourth grandson and fifth grandchild, Liam, who holds a very special part of my family’s lives. Back in April, I was awarded the Valley Advocate Reader’s Poll best DJ for the seventh straight year, which is a true honor and I thank everyone who voted for me as I continue to entertain the community I love.
In November, we all rallied as a community to raise enough money to feed 1,300 people a Thanksgiving dinner, which was a record. A few weeks ago, TRIAD officers dropped off 100 hams for area senior citizens through our Hams for Seniors Fundraiser, which also was a record.
In 2019, our community saw many things happen, such as the approval of a new library in Greenfield. We saw the change of ownership of the historic Garden Theater on Main Street in Greenfield; we saw the election of a new mayor in Greenfield, Roxanne Wedegartner; we saw a record number of people attend this year’s Franklin County Fair; we saw record numbers at this year’s Green River Festival; we saw the Frontier Girls Volleyball team win a state championship.
Unfortunately, we also saw the loss of the Turners Falls High School’s football program, which meant no annual Thanksgiving Day game between Greenfield and Turners for the first time in 100 years. We saw the closing of the Channing Bete Company after employing hundreds of people for decades in Franklin County.
On a positive note, we also saw the largest freshman class ever (159) enter the Franklin County Technical School — which says a lot about where our high school kids are focusing their attention.
And the most important thing I saw in Franklin County this year was generosity toward one another, which is why I love this community so much — we truly care about one another in time of need.
Thanks for reading Bobby’s World. May 2020 bring you success and happiness.
As a local personality for radio stations WHAI 98.3, Bear Country 95.3, WHMP 99.3 and Bobby C’s DJ Service for the past 36 years, Bobby C. Campbell has been connected to the community for a very long time. If you have an event that needs promotion or an idea for a future column, e-mail him at bobbyleslie25@gmail.com.