April 25: Mayor to host downtown cleanup

GREENFIELD — In the spirit of Earth Day on April 22, Mayor Ginny Desorgher is hosting a downtown cleanup on Friday, April 25, from noon to 3 p.m. The cleanup will span from the Main Street/Federal Street intersection to Conway Street and some terrain on Bank Row, Federal Street and Hope Street.

“Our downtown features a beautiful blend of local businesses, vivid art displays and Franklin County’s distinct regional charm,” Desorgher said in a statement. “This cleanup day will be a great opportunity to connect with all of you as we show our support and appreciation for the downtown community.”

Volunteers will meet at the Greenfield Common. Attendees are asked to bring gloves, although some will be available on location.

The cleanup effort continues Saturday, April 26, when the Greenfield Business Association and Blooming Greenfield will hosting a cleanup of the downtown bee sculptures starting at 11 a.m. Volunteers will convene at the Greenfield Common.

YMCA offering free Safety Around Water program

GREENFIELD — Franklin County’s YMCA has announced the return of its Safety Around Water program, a free initiative designed to teach essential water safety skills to children ages 6 to 10 years old.

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in children, and the YMCA is committed to reducing this risk through education and training. The Safety Around Water program teaches children how to be safe in and around water, with lessons that include floating, treading water, and safely exiting a pool or body of water. No prior swimming experience is necessary.

“We believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn water safety, regardless of their background or experience,” Lisa Woodall, aquatics director at Franklin County’s YMCA, said in a statement. “Through the support of Gagne Wealth Management Group, we are able to offer this vital program for free and help keep our community’s children safe.”

Classes are open to all non-members on a first-come, first-served basis starting April 28 and continuing on Mondays through May 19. Families can secure a spot for their child or learn more about the Safety Around Water program by calling the YMCA at 413-773-3646, ext. 0.

GCC revives ‘Plum’ literary journal at public reading

GREENFIELD — Writers and artists featured in the latest edition of “Plum,” the Greenfield Community College literary journal, will present their work at a reading celebrating the relaunch of the publication on Wednesday, April 30, at the Greenfield Public Library. The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room with a viewing of art followed by the reading.

The publication of this edition of “Plum” marks the first time GCC has published the journal since before the pandemic. It features poetry, fiction, nonfiction and visual arts in the print version, as well as electronic media and bonus material in the online version.

Cindy Snow, co-coordinator of peer tutoring at GCC, served as faculty advisor and editor of “Plum,” guiding three student editors through the process of creating the literary journal: Maura Ronan, Tommy Nielsen and Lindel Hart. The team has shepherded the project from reenvisioning the publication and soliciting submissions to selecting works and preparing the journal for publication. Selections for “Plum” were made through an anonymous process in which submissions were evaluated without the editors knowing the identity of the contributors.

“There are so many talented writers and artists in our community,” Hart said in a statement. “We’ve included not only students from GCC but also employees and alumni, as well as members of our regional community.”

“I am incredibly proud of everyone who contributed to this edition and grateful to the team who made it possible,” GCC President Michelle Schutt said in a statement. “This publication not only celebrates the written word and visual arts but also affirms GCC’s commitment to nurturing the liberal arts for all.”

For more information about “Plum,” visit gcc.mass.edu/english/plum.

Self-taught painter Steven Howe to display work

GREENFIELD — The LAVA Center at 324 Main St. will host an exhibit featuring work by Steven Howe throughout May. An opening reception will be held Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Howe, a western Massachusetts native, has been painting for five years and is self-taught. While serving in the Navy, Howe also trained in photography at the‬‭ Naval School of Photography, and he believes the two mediums of painting and photography complement one another.

“Since I started painting, I am much more aware of color variations and the effects of light and shadows,” Howe wrote in an artist’s statement. “Presently, I am experimenting with different ways of‬‭ combining the two mediums.‬”

However, unlike photography, Howe said painting allows him to create his own color palette, using a combination of colors, shapes and textures to craft landscapes that can “evoke a powerful emotional response.”

“I tend not to work from photo references but rather create my own imaginary landscape,” Howe wrote. “The addition of paper collage helps to add depth and shapes to the‬‭ composition. I enjoy trying various techniques and tools for applying paint. It is often when experimenting that I discover new and exciting results. I primarily use wood panels for my‬‭ work as it allows me to scratch or sand between layers and expose what is underneath.”