Greenfield Notebook: May 23, 2024

“Missing the Deadline”
Published: 05-22-2024 3:50 PM
Modified: 06-08-2024 3:06 PM |
GREENFIELD — Members of American Legion Post 81 will distribute red poppies to community members on National Poppy Day, May 24.
“Wearing a red poppy is an internationally recognized way to honor those who served and died fighting for their country,” Rick Clark, Post 81’s chaplain, said in a statement. “We hope to rekindle public awareness of the true purpose behind Memorial Day.”
In 2017, Congress designated the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, but members of the American Legion have been wearing them since 1920. Poppies became a symbol of sacrifice and honor following the publication of the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian officer and World War I veteran John McCrae.
Legion representatives will be at Foster’s Supermarket in Greenfield and Food City in Turners Falls on Friday between 2 and 5 p.m., or until their supply runs out. Though no donations are expected, any contributions will go to support local veterans.
GREENFIELD — In celebration of a new “Garfield” movie, the Greenfield Public Library invites patrons on Tuesday, May 28, from 3 to 4 p.m. to make air-dry clay cats, draw cartoons, have lasagna-inspired treats and more.
This program, sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for middle and high schoolers. For more information, contact Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov.
GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Public Library welcomes Buckland author Joan Livingston on Wednesday, May 29, at 6 p.m. to discuss her seventh novel in the Isabel Long mystery series, “Missing the Deadline.”
As private investigator Isabel Long has discovered, a case can come from unexpected people and situations. This time, it’s at a poetry reading, where she is approached by Cyrus Nilsson. Once a suspect in a previous case, the noted poet wants her to investigate the shooting of his first literary agent.
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Gerald Danielson was found shot in the head at his home in Meadows Falls. He survived but isn’t the same successful agent who moved there from New York City. The police ruled it an attempted suicide, but Cyrus has his doubts. There are people, including a vindictive ex-wife, a jilted local writer and even an apparently devoted sister, who might have motive. It doesn’t take much to convince Isabel to take on this case.
Livingston, author of novels for adult and young readers, is a longtime journalist who worked her way up from being a correspondent to editor-in-chief for award-winning newspapers in western Massachusetts and New Mexico. Her most recent position was top editor for the Greenfield Recorder, Athol Daily News and Daily Hampshire Gazette. She left journalism in 2022 to concentrate on writing fiction.
Livingston draws upon her own experience as a journalist to create Isabel Long, a sassy, savvy widow who uses the skills she acquired in the same business to solve cold cases in the fictional hilltowns of western Massachusetts. Most of her 14 books published thus far are set in that part of the state. She is now working on the eighth in her mystery series, plus a young adult novel.
Hr books will be available to purchase for a discount at $10 each, cash or check only.
GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Police and Fire departments invite families to Community Safety Day on Sunday, June 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Greenfield Middle School. This tradition, organized by the Greenfield Recreation Department, showcases the critical work of the city’s first responders and reinforces important safety tips.
“Community Safety Day is always a highlight on our calendar,” Fire Chief Robert Strahan said in a statement. “We look forward to showcasing our department’s work to preserve the city’s public safety.”
“The Greenfield Police Department is thrilled to participate in Community Safety Day,” Police Chief Todd Dodge said in a statement. “We welcome the opportunity to connect with the community and emphasize important safety measures.”
Community Safety Day features a variety of safety-focused programs. Police officers and firefighters will demonstrate first responder practices, such as climbing a fire truck ladder and evacuating a crashed vehicle. The Greenfield Kiwanis Club will host a bike rodeo that includes the distribution of free helmets to cyclists. The Police Department’s K-9 Frank will also be present to greet attendees.
Community Safety Day also serves to reinforce important public health information. For example, certified technicians will be in attendance to ensure the correct placement of children’s car seats.
Other attendees and offerings include the Greenfield Health Department, Massachusetts State Police, American Medical Response (AMR), pet first aid and K-9 demonstrations.
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 Thursday, June 6, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Call 413-247-9738 or visit foodbankwma.org for more information and applications.
GREENFIELD — American Legion Post 81’s election of officers will be held Wednesday, June 5, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the John Zon Community Center. All paying members are asked to attend.
GREENFIELD — Libby Volckening will lead “Yoga for Wellness” sessions at the Greenfield Senior Center between June 5 and July 24 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. each Wednesday. There won’t be class on June 19 and June 26.
These classes are open to people ages 55 and up with any level of flexibility or experience, including beginners. This is a mat yoga class held in the fitness studio, so clean footwear (not worn outdoors) is required. Participants must be able to get onto and up from the floor unassisted.
Register for the series with a $40 payment at the Senior Center by June 1 to reserve a spot. Space is limited. For more information, visit yogalibre.net.