We are nearing that time when newspapers often review what has happened during the past year via special features. Certainly, the Greenfield Recorder does.
So, our editorial team has identified our top news stories from 2020 — many are on the ways the 30 communities in our coverage area have reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic in what most would say has been an extraordinarily difficult year.
That includes how governments must now meet, schoolchildren learn, local businesses keep going or not — oh, the list goes on. Certainly, the pandemic has inspired an outpouring of support for those in need done in ways that are conducted as safely as possible.
Of course, there has been other news.
Likewise we have developed our list of top newsmakers. Other features are a year-long collection of quotes from our front page stories, Best of Blotter culled from police logs, and photographer Paul Franz’s pick of his best photos. Sports will have its own coverage.
Also, we will be announcing and profiling the Recorder’s Citizen of the Year. That is usually done at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s December breakfast, but this year, like most events, it has been canceled.
Reporters will also look ahead to what we can expect news wise in our communities.
So, here’s what we ask of our readers — we’d like you to be a part of our year-end coverage by sharing your reflections about 2020.
How did you manage to get through this year and what are your hopes for the new one? Have a story to share? We’d love to receive them.
As for length, we are hoping for 300 words or so. However, we will accept longer pieces.
We will use them for a spread on the op-ed page around the end of the year.
The rules remain the same. Please include your name and community. Email your piece to: letters@recorder.com or via mail to the Greenfield Recorder, 14 Hope St., Greenfield, MA, 01302-1367. It would be helpful to put “2020 Reflections” in the slug.
As for a deadline, please submit by Monday, Dec. 28.