SWIFR Team to provide update on recycling rollout

GREENFIELD — The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Team will provide an update on the rollout of automated, single-stream recycling and introduce the SWIFR outreach coordinator at the John Zon Community Center on Friday, Aug. 15, at 1 p.m.

The city’s new, grant-funded tractor trailer is being used to haul away the recyclables for processing. However, the arrival of the automated recycling vehicles is still delayed. The city hopes to receive the vehicles in early 2026. Prior to the start of automated recycling collection, two citywide mailings will be distributed to announce the delivery of collection carts and the start date of automated collection.

Since the first outreach meeting in June 2024, the SWIFR Team continues to implement the public engagement phase of its three-year grant. SWIFR Outreach Coordinator Marisa Shepherd is fostering communication with residents through tabling events at the Greenfield Public Library, the Greenfield Senior Center, area markets, residential housing complexes and more.

For more information, visit the Automated Recycling Transition Webpage at greenfield-ma.gov/residents/automated_recycling_transition_/index.php.

Aug. 18: Learn about CPA funding

GREENFIELD — Members of the Community Preservation Committee will answer questions at the Greenfield Public Library on Monday, Aug. 18, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Adopted by Greenfield citizens in 2020, the Community Preservation Act is a state law that allows municipalities to adopt a surcharge on property taxes, to be matched by state funds, that can be invested in affordable housing, historic preservation and outdoor recreation/open space.

For more information about the CPA, contact Anna Oltman at 413-772-1548, ext. 5 or email anna.oltman@greenfield-ma.gov.

Library offering Back to School Fair

GREENFIELD — Join Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Greenfield Public Library’s Community Meeting Room for the annual Back to School Fair, open to all youth entering seventh grade through college.

Attendees can pick up free school supplies and learn helpful skills, including:

  • How to use a combination lock.
  • How to find a part-time job.
  • How to make a quick after-school snack.
  • How to manage stress.
  • How to start a college search.
  • How to make new friends.
  • And how to deal with peer pressure.

Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be awarded.

City Clerk’s Office to test voting equipment

GREENFIELD —The City Clerk’s Office will conduct a test of the optical scan voting equipment on Friday, Aug. 22, in advance of the city’s preliminary election on Sept. 9.

The test will begin at 10 a.m. in City Clerk’s Office inside Greenfield City Hall at 14 Court Square. For more information, call 413-772-1555, ext. 6162.