Water, sewer rates increasing Jan. 1
GREENFIELD — Rates for Greenfield water and sewer users are set to increase by 9% on Jan. 1, 2027.
The Mayor’s Office announced on Monday that the water rate will rise from $4.76 to $5.19 per 100 cubic feet, and the sewer rate will increase from $8.01 to $8.73 per 100 cubic feet.
In a statement, Mayor Ginny Desorgher said the increase will help the city keep up with operation and maintenance costs.
“I know that many of our residents are feeling strapped for cash right now,” Desorgher said. “Unfortunately, our aged infrastructure continues to need maintenance and replacement. We also need to prepare for emergency responses as our weather becomes more extreme and less predictable.”
June 25: Final round of Take the Floor pitch contest
GREENFIELD — Take the Floor, Franklin County Community Development Corporation’s business pitch contest, is now in its fifth year, and on Thursday, June 25, the final pitch event will detail five business pitches by five entrepreneurs.
Take the Floor has been reconfigured this year in an effort to better support established businesses that are ready to grow. The updated program focuses on existing businesses seeking a $10,000 investment to take their next step.
After a qualifying round on May 19 where 13 business owners made their five-minute pitch, five finalists advanced to the final event, where one winner will receive that $10,000 investment, donated by Franklin First Federal Credit Union. The event will be held at Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, 289 Main St., from 5 to 7 p.m. All are welcome and light refreshments will be served.
“I am really inspired by what Take the Floor has accomplished over the past five years,” Michelle Dwyer, president and CEO of Franklin First Federal Credit Union, said in a statement. “I am especially excited about the growing role this event will play in helping to build thriving businesses and create higher-paying jobs in our region.”
“We’re proud of the entrepreneurs who have used Take the Floor to start, grow and energize their businesses while creating jobs locally,” John Waite, executive director of the Franklin County CDC, said in a statement. “As we expand the program, we expect to see meaningful impacts across the region’s business ecosystem.”
Registration is requested, but walk-ins are also welcome. RSVP at bit.ly/4tON0hu.
Community invited to plant trees at Just Roots
GREENFIELD — Greening Greenfield and Just Roots invite everyone to assist in planting 30 trees, clipping invasive species and touring the farm at 50 Glenbrook Drive with Just Roots Co-Executive Director Meryl LaTronica on Saturday, June 27, from 9 a.m. to noon.
“We are thrilled to be planting trees along the edge of our production fields that will serve as habitat for native pollinator population and expand biodiversity within our farm ecosystem while getting to work alongside volunteers,” LaTronica said in a statement.
“Our goal is to help improve crop production by attracting pollinators, beneficial insects and birds who will support pollination and pest control,” added Nancy Hazard, a member of Greening Greenfield.
After the trees are planted, LaTronica will lead a tour past production fields, a pollinator meadow that is being established in a dry rocky area and a pollinator garden with shrubs. The tour will end at the barn renovation project while sharing the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a small, diversified community farm.
The group will gather at the Just Roots parking area and then walk to the fence line along the southern edge of the property. Participants are asked to wear gloves and are encouraged to bring any tools they have for cutting invasives. Shovels will be supplied, as well as an electric auger, which will be used to dig most of the holes for the 30 trees.
Register by emailing info@GreeningGreenfieldMA.org or by calling 413-774-5667.
Letter-writing, card-sending booth coming to Greenfield Farmers’ Market
GREENFIELD — Local artisan Eveline MacDougall of Sweet Pea Cottage Industries will be at the Greenfield Farmers’ Market on Saturday, June 27, providing all the materials needed to mail or hand-deliver correspondence to a loved one: stationery, cards, envelopes, multicolored pens, a table and chair, even postage stamps, all free of charge.
“Participants just need to bring their loving thoughts and sentiments,” MacDougall said in a statement, adding, “If they know the address on the spot, I’ll even mail it for them.”
MacDougall, who still exchanges letters with her childhood best friend, hopes to introduce youngsters to the art of letter writing and card sending. She also aims to encourage people of all ages who used to write to loved ones to resume the practice, if even for a day.
“I cherish packets of correspondence written by my parents and other relatives,” she said. “Those letters, in French and English, are precious. Emails and texts are useful, but they’re just not the same. And you can’t tie them up in silky ribbons.”
MacDougall is dedicating Saturday’s booth to her longtime friend, Greenfield resident Mary Ellen Preston, a retired educator and community organizer who died on June 6.
“Mary Ellen wrote wonderful letters and cards,” MacDougall said. “This feels like a great way to honor her.”
Taylor Lopatofsky, the new manager of the Greenfield Farmers’ Market, is grateful that “customers will have a beautiful opportunity to brighten someone’s day.”
The Greenfield Farmers’ Market is located at Court Square in Greenfield. It is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Brown bag program returns July 6
GREENFIELD — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts’ monthly brown bag program for income-qualifying seniors will be held at The Weldon apartments at 54 High St. on Monday, July 6, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Senior Center starting monthly ‘Ask the Lawyer’ program
GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Senior Center will start a monthly “Ask the Lawyer” program on Wednesday, July 8, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Greenfield residents ages 60 and up can reserve a 30-minute time slot for a free elder law
consultation with attorney Peggy Torello. This consultation pertains to elder law issues only — no divorce, bankruptcy, lawsuits or other issues.
Advance registration is required. Stop by the Senior Center’s front desk or call 413-772-1517, ext. 0, to make an appointment.
‘Mah Jongg for Beginners’ held on Mondays
GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Senior Center hosts “Mah Jongg for Beginners” on Mondays from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Attendees can learn from experienced players in a supportive, friendly atmosphere as part of this drop-in program. Senior Center membership (free) is required.
Six-week program on fall prevention starts July 7
GREENFIELD — Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice is offering a free six-week program on fall prevention on Tuesdays from July 7 to Aug. 11, at 1:30 p.m. Each session will run for one hour and participants are asked to commit to attending all six.
Falls are often preventable through strength, balance training, education and home safety. Physical and occupational therapists with Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice will lead sessions on determining the risk of falling and managing medications, as well as share strengthening exercises, balance activities, visual concerns and home safety tips.
Practical items such as strengthening devices, medication organizers and visual
aids will be given to series participants. A grant from The Roy Foundation covers program costs. Advance registration and Senior Center membership (free) are required.
To sign up, call 413-772-1517, ext. 0, or stop by the center’s front desk.