Here are some brief thoughts on recent happenings in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region.
Eugene Litchfield was having a difficult time getting around the home he has lived in since June 1955. But then volunteers got involved to make the house wheelchair-accessible and more comfortable for the 93-year-old Orange resident.
Led by Paul Anderson, owner of Trail Head Outfitters and General Store in Orange, volunteers spent a week recently undertaking the necessary work, such as building ramps to the front and back doors. Residents and businesses donated and contributed time and supplies. Contractors and businesses offered materials for free or at a cost.
“You can’t say enough about the local businesses here. And the one thing we want to try to promote for the businesses is these are little businesses that care,” Anderson told a Recorder reporter in Litchfield’s backyard as volunteers worked inside the house.
Litchfield now can cruise in his new electric wheelchair that was donated by REquipment, a durable medical equipment reuse program offering free refurbished wheelchairs, scooters and shower chairs to Massachusetts residents.
Litchfield, a U.S. Navy veteran who grew up in Orange and served in World War II and the Korean War, said the community has been so generous. “People have been really, really good,” he said.
Anderson also had praise for those who got involved. “These are just neighbors and people who live in town,” he said.
Here’s to like-minded neighbors and people who live in their town, who look out for others and do what they can to make a difference. They certainly have in Orange.
Sunday, July 11 was officially “Village Pizza Day” in Greenfield. And this mayoral proclamation was part of the celebration honoring Village Pizza’s 60th anniversary.
Crowds gathered even in the rain for a five-hour block party on Court Square just a short distance from the Bank Row business founded by George Balis, who emigrated from Greece. Son, Chris Balis, a co-owner, said the best part of the business has been the relationships one builds.
“Look at all these people. They’re all family,” he said of the party-goers.
As a reporter found, the revelers were more than happy to share their stories about Village Pizza.
One question that comes to our mind, however, is how many pizzas the restaurant has made in 60 years. We imagine it would be staggering amount. Anyone want to venture a guess?
Congratulations on a great run, Village Pizza. Here’s to another 60 years.
The stormy weather last Thursday didn’t stop a 51-kilometer commemorative walk taken by Daniel Zinn and his grandson, Owen Zinn, 17. Neither did wet feet or sore muscles.
The two walked along Route 2 and the streets of Colrain, Greenfield and Shelburne Falls on what would have been the 51st birthday of Daniela Zinn — Daniel’s daughter and Owen’s mother. Daniela Zinn died of breast cancer in November 2015.
The grandfather-grandson team left at 6:30 a.m. and expected to end the walk in about 11 hours. Daniel Zinn walked 50 kilometers last year; he plans to add one more kilometer each year.
Another way to remember Daniela is through contributions to two causes dear to her: Chances for Children, which helps orphans and families in Haiti; and METAvivor, which does metastatic breast cancer research. The duo appreciate the community’s support but they had planned to make the trek donations or not.
“To honor the memory of our daughter, that’s the most important part,” Daniel Zinn said.
Donations in honor of Daniela can be made to Chances for Children at chances4children.org/donate. Donations to METAvivor can be made at metavivor.org/take-action/donate.