GREENFIELD – Past and present military members and their families had the chance to skate for free at the Collins-Moylan Skating Arena in Greenfield last weekend, in honor of Veterans Day, which is Friday, and the late World War II Army veteran Stanley K. Holmes.
Event organizer Shirley Holmes, Mr. Holmes’s daughter, said the event drew about 50 people throughout the few hours of skating Saturday. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department also sponsored the event. Holmes said she intends to host a veterans skate party again next year.
Among those circling the rink, Air Force veteran Vincent Sarno was there with his sons and girlfriend, Rachael Otto, and her children. Otto is also an Air Force veteran.
“It was a great time, a good family event,” Otto said while taking off her skates. “It was great to come out and skate with my kids.”
Sarno, who said he’s “a lifelong hockey player and youth couch,” used the event as a chance to enjoy time with his family and other veterans. The Air Force veteran, now a member of VFW Post 3295, said he worked in Airborne Early Warning and Control planes flying reconnaissance missions. Otto served as a chaplain’s assistant.
“Shirley came here last year with her father,” said Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Barney Collins, while relating how he had pushed Stanley Holmes, who was in a wheelchair, around the rink. Ms. Holmes said she planned the event hoping to honor her father but he passed away in August.
Funds for the event were donated by the community, and food and raffle items were from businesses, including Adams Donuts, Clarkdale Fruit Farms, Hager’s Farm Market, Pine Hill Orchards, Stone Soup Cafe and Foster’s Supermarket.
After skating, the Belchertown Police Department faced off against the Franklin County Sherrif’s Department in a hockey match.
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