Life is full of surprises. One surprising thing is when you open the Recorder and find a letter to the editor with your name under it but which you never signed.

This was recently the case (“Farmers Market musicians stipend,” Dec. 29). Clearly, there is a need for a behind-the-scenes discussion amongst those whose names are on the letter. But I’m also surprised to learn that the Recorder did not confirm the signatories on this published letter. As our local paper of record, it is important to get this right.

The weekly Farmers Market in the center of Greenfield plays an important role in community life during the growing season. Located on the Town Common, the public is welcomed for free and can linger as long as they want. A lot of hard work goes into making it happen, first and foremost by the farmers themselves. No one is required to purchase anything, but if you do, you are directly confronted with the fact that it usually costs more —  yet generates less profit — to produce healthful food grown by local toil — in many cases organically — at small scales. At times it all seems a thankless proposition. The Market organizers work mostly behind the scenes to ensure a smooth and attractive operation. By bringing in live music, they add to the enriching social experience that makes the Market a worthwhile destination. I hope that the Greenfield Farmers Market will find a way to resume its practice of paying a modest stipend to the local musicians who play on Saturday mornings. But mostly, I encourage the Recorder to verify any signatory of its published letters before they go to press.

Michael Mauri

South Deerfield

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