Across Franklin County, neighborliness will be front and center as several organizations celebrate Good Neighbor Day before and after the state-designated holiday on Monday, Sept. 28, which is intended to foster social connection and belonging.
This is the third year that Gov. Maura Healey has recognized Sept. 28 as Good Neighbor Day, according to the Massachusetts Coalition to Build Community & End Loneliness, a cross-sector network that seeks to increase awareness about social isolation and loneliness alongside methods for boosting social connection and community belonging. With the state recognizing Sept. 28 as Good Neighbor Day, the coalition is also spearheading efforts to get communities involved with Good Neighbor Week from Sept. 25 through Sept. 29.
“Good Neighbor Day reminds us that building stronger, more connected communities is something all of us can be part of,” Sandra Harris, Jean Bushnell and Jennifer Raymond, co-leaders of the Massachusetts Coalition to Build Community & End Loneliness, said in a joint statement. “A conversation, a shared meal, an invitation or simply taking the time to say ‘hello’ can help someone feel seen and valued. When those small acts happen in communities across Massachusetts, they can become something much bigger — a commonwealth where more people know they belong.”
Jen Audley, project coordinator for the Franklin County/North Quabbin Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Network, said there will be plenty of representation from western Massachusetts, with Franklin County being “leaders in neighborliness.”
“We want our region to get the credit it deserves for our work on this,” Audley said.
On top of some of the public events, Audley mentioned some of the private Good Neighbor Day festivities happening, such as gatherings at facilities owned by the Greenfield Housing Authority and Franklin Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority. Good Neighbor Day is also something that individuals can celebrate independently, with Audley mentioning having done some of her own neighborly activities that the Franklin Regional Council of Governments’ (FRCOG) website suggests.
“Increasing social connectedness is a priority of our CHIP all year round, because
isolation and loneliness are a serious public health issue in our region,” Phoebe Walker, director of community health at FRCOG, said about Good Neighbor Day. “This Good
Neighbor Day, help build resilience and connectedness by joining one of these events
or hosting your own.”
Sept. 24 through Sept. 27
In advance of Good Neighbor Day, numerous events are lined up for the weekdays and into the weekend.
On Thursday, Sept. 24, at 3:30 p.m. at Peskeompskut Park in Turners Falls, the Massachusetts Coalition to Build Community & End Loneliness will hold the “Benches to Belonging” initiative that Montague resident Jenna Weld worked to bring to town. In an email, Weld mentioned the event will be a chance for the community to network, with a “Happy to Chat” bench available for residents to connect with one another.
The Montague Community Fair, hosted by the Montague Public Libraries in collaboration with the CHIP Network, returns to Unity Park on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 2 to 5 p.m. This is a free, family-friendly event that brings together local organizations, community groups and residents for activities, music and education on local resources. Activities include face painting and music by the Jazz Queens. This will also be the first year that Derek Birr of The Village Project will offer a resource binder, stickers and other small giveaway items.
“Good Neighbor Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations that make our community strong,” Angela Rovatti-Leonard, youth services librarian at the Montague Public Libraries, said in a statement. “We’re excited to bring neighbors together for an afternoon of music, activities and connection while highlighting the many local groups working to support the Montague community.”
To round out the weekend of Good Neighbor events on Sunday, The Village Project and the PEER Ambassador Program will be in Turners Falls for a free community potluck where there will also be face painting, crafts and yard games from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Second Street and Unity Park. Guests are encouraged to bring their own dish to share.
On Sunday, the Hilltown Resilience Network will also host a potluck from 4 to 7 p.m. at the intersection of Water and Main streets in Shelburne Falls. Guests are encouraged to bring their own dish, a blanket or chair, with lawn games also welcome.
At The LAVA Center, 324 Main St. in Greenfield, a benefit event hosted by Greenfield’s Elderly and Disabled Taxation Fund Committee seeks to raise awareness and collect donations to support low-income seniors and those with disabilities. The program will run from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, with refreshments and music by the Farley String Band. City Councilor Patricia Williams will share information about the fund.
Sept. 28 through Oct. 3
For its celebration of Good Neighbor Day, Greenfield Community College will co-host an event on Monday night: a free screening of “A Man Called Otto” and the locally made film, “How Are You a Good Neighbor?” at the Garden Cinemas, 361 Main St., from 6:30 to 9 p.m. RSVP at gcc.mass.edu/events/a-man-called-otto.
Also on Monday night, the Sunderland Public Library at 20 School St. will participate in Good Neighbor Day with a sing-along and potluck from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Director of Healing Harmonies Eileen Ruby will lead an accessible sing-along of popular songs, with pianist Jerry Noble to accompany the singers. Lyrics will be projected for singers to follow along. Guests are encouraged to bring their own dishes to share, along with their own plates and utensils to reduce waste. The library will also provide food.
To continue with GCC’s Good Neighbor Week events, an ice cream social will be held at the Core Patio on the 1 College Drive campus from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Then on Saturday, Oct. 3, GCC will conclude its Good Neighbor Week with the third annual Franklin County Softball Tournament, co-hosted by the college and the Greenfield Business Association from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Murphy Field. No team is required; attendees will be placed on teams. All experience levels are welcome and lunch will be served. Registration is required online at gcc.mass.edu/events/softball-tournament.
Also on Saturday, Just Roots will host its second annual Hootenanny from 7 to 10 p.m. at its 28 Glenbrook Drive community farm in Greenfield. Music will be provided by the Celebration Brass Band of Vermont, with snacks and drinks available from local businesses. A silent auction with donated local goods and services will also be part of the festivities.
Each ticket includes complimentary snacks and wood-fired pizza from Hearthstone Artisan Bakery, with local beer from Incandescent Brewing and signature cocktails for sale. Tickets are available at justroots.org/event/hootenanny.
