GREENFIELD — Maxwell Ward of Greenfield graduated from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont, on May 15 with a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in mathematics.
GREENFIELD — The Department of Public Works is scheduled to begin the second phase of reconstruction on West Street on Tuesday, May 31.
The project, totaling $778,542, will include replacement of a 104-year-old water main, upgrades to the sewer and drainage systems, and road repaving between Conway and Elm streets, according to a city press release. The work is funded by $572,000 from the Community Development Block Grant program and $206,542 from the city’s Water and Sewer Enterprise funds. Ludlow-based Caracas Construction is performing the work.
“This is yet another project where we’re completely reconstructing a heavily populated stretch of street,” DPW Director Marlo Warner II said in the release. “I want to thank the mayor for prioritizing critical infrastructure upgrades that improve the quality of our residential neighborhoods.”
The work is scheduled to be completed by December.
The first phase of the project, which reconstructed West Street between Western Avenue and Elm Street, was completed in the fall of 2021 at a cost of $577,810.
GREENFIELD — The LAVA Center at 324 Main St. will display two new art exhibits for the month of June: the “Words on Words” community art show and “But Not Without Purpose,” a photography exhibit by Blake Soule.
The LAVA Center will be open for gallery hours on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as for special events, such as the Greenfield Arts Walk on Friday, June 24.
“Words on Words” is an exhibit of art that combines words and visual elements that respond to and reflect upon language and/or writing, according to a LAVA Center press release. A reception is planned for Saturday, June 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be story, discussion and poetry at 1 p.m.
The exhibit is curated by Michael Travisano and The LAVA Center team, and features the works of: David Andrews, Sue Blaunder, Candace Curran, Jaime Forsythe, Nina Gross, Daniel Hales, Scarlet Kitchen, Jan Maher, Cindy Snow, Suzanne Travisano and Kimberly Wilson.
In addition to the reception, attendees can join Michael Travisano and other artists for poetry readings, stories and discussion during the following times: Thursday, June 9, 7 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, June 11, noon to 1 p.m.; Friday, June 24, 7 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, June 25, 1 to 2 p.m.
Photographer Blake Soule finds his expression in landscape, street and documentary photography, the release explains. Imagery of odd or overlooked spaces is common in his work, when he isn’t exploring the isolation within themes of gender and the self.
A reception for Soule’s exhibit will be held Thursday, June 9, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Soule is originally from Northampton and currently resides in Springfield. His appreciation for photography developed while studying at Greenfield Community College and State University of New York (SUNY) at Purchase. “But Not Without Purpose” is Soule’s first solo showing of his photos, following various group shows at the colleges he attended as well as online exhibits amidst pandemic restrictions.