FCCPR holding quarterly meeting post-election

GREENFIELD — Franklin County Continuing the Political Revolution (FCCPR) will hold its quarterly meeting on Sunday, Nov. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Guiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St.

“We invite people to come together to discuss what our community will do in the face of the looming Trump presidency and to discuss the failure of the Democratic Party to address concerns of working people in this country,” FCCPR member Ferd Wulkan said in a statement

FCCPR focused on supporting two Massachusetts ballot questions in the Nov. 5 election, both of which passed: Question 2, eliminating MCAS as a high school graduation requirement, and Question 1, authorizing State Auditor Diana DiZoglio to audit the state Legislature.

Sunday’s discussion will ask, “Where do we go from here?” and “What direction should FCCPR’s organizing take in 2025 and beyond?” Attendance is open to all.

DESE conducting site visit at Greenfield schools

GREENFIELD — The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has scheduled a site review of Greenfield’s public schools for the week of Nov. 18 to Nov. 22.

Visit tinyurl.com/DESEGreenfieldVisit for more information on what this site visit entails. Additionally, parents and guardians are invited to be interviewed by the DESE representatives, but advance registration is required at tinyurl.com/DESEInterviews.

Musica Franklin welcomes Adam Matlock for concert

GREENFIELD — Musica Franklin will hold its fourth community concert of the year on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, located at 25 Church St.

This free event includes a student performance and family-friendly concert with Adam Matlock, followed by a community meal. Matlock is an accordionist, composer, vocalist and music teacher from New Haven, Connecticut. Under his own name and numerous aliases, Matlock has written original songs, working within existing genres like ambient, progressive rock, electronica, hip-hop and others.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Greenfield Cultural Council.

Alicia Jo Rabins to perform at Temple Israel

GREENFIELD — Temple Israel at 27 Pierce St. will host a live performance with nationally acclaimed artist and Jewish educator Alicia Jo Rabins on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m.

Rabins’ “Girls in Trouble” project is a series of indie folk, bluegrass-inflected songs that interpret the complex lives of biblical women. Using vocals, plucked violin, a loop pedal and guitar, Rabins weaves music and poetry together.

The ticket price is a suggested sliding-scale donation of $15 to 20, or $5 to $10 for Temple Israel members and attendees under 18 years old.

Nov. 22: Google Drive workshop

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Public Library invites residents ages 16 and up to attend a workshop on using Google Drive, led by Tech Foundry, on Friday, Nov. 22, at 10:30 a.m.

Workshop attendees will learn to store, organize and access Google Drive files. The session will discuss how to create and edit documents, spreadsheets and presentations with Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Slides.

This program is free, but space is limited and registration is required. Register for the hour-long session at greenfieldpl.libcal.com/event/12711515?hs=a. For more information, contact Pamela McBride at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 413-772-1544, ext. 5124.

Author of ‘Confessions of a Weekend Warrior’ coming to library

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Public Library will welcome author Paul “Greg” Smith on Monday, Nov. 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, where he will discuss his book, “Confessions of a Weekend Warrior.”

Smith, who served for 37 years in the Army and Massachusetts National Guard before retiring in 2014 as a brigadier general, will describe his personal journey during these years, from a cadet to a commander leading military forces in response to Hurricane Irene, the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings and other emergencies. Smith will provide a glimpse into the inner workings of this military organization while offering portraits of the men and women who served with him.

Smith’s writing has been published in many periodicals such as Country Living, Career World, ARMY, Military History and Canada’s History.

For more information, contact Lisa Prolman at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 413-772-1544.

Library launching ‘Community Conversations 413’

GREENFIELD — On Wednesdays from 4 to 5 p.m. starting Nov. 13, the Greenfield Public Library will host “Community Conversations 413,” a casual conversation group for English language learners.

For more information, contact Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia at 413-772-1544 or francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov.

Greenfield High School Marching Band attends Band Day at UMass

AMHERST — Greenfield High School’s Marching Band performed at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for Band Day on Oct. 26.

Greenfield High School, along with dozens of high school bands from across Massachusetts and neighboring states such as New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut and Rhode Island, joined the university’s Minuteman Marching Band for the annual event.

“We are thrilled that our high school marching band students had the opportunity to experience performing on a college campus,” Superintendent Karin Patenaude said in a statement. “This was a great way for students to expand their understanding of how they can continue to grow and learn in their musical pursuits after high school.”

Greenfield High School Marching Band students started their morning at the university’s McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Students joined together with participating high school bands for a large rehearsal and icebreaker activities. After a lunch break, all performers put on their uniforms to watch the UMass football game. During halftime, the Greenfield High School Marching Band joined the UMass Minuteman Marching Band and other high school bands to perform on the football field.

“For some of our students, this was their first time performing live for a large audience,” Band Director Hannah Cherry said in a statement. “All were excited to be there and just full of energy. I’m incredibly proud of how they played — it’s a testament to the hard work they’ve put in and their passion for music.”