Editor’s note: Here’s a collection of quotes harvested from the front pages of the Greenfield Recorder in 2022. This is the last of three installments.

September

“That, to me, is a slap in the face to the council and also to the town itself. A number of people … complained that they wanted him gone because he was found guilty of racism. ... They want him to be held accountable.” — Precinct 8 City Councilor Doug Mayo on the Sept. 1 reinstatement of Greenfield Police Chief Robert Haigh Jr., who was found guilty of racially discriminating against a former officer.

“I lost my little brother. I miss him dearly. To all those suffering, my heart goes out to you.” — Robert Ramirez on losing his brother, Michael, to opioid addiction during a vigil for Overdose Awareness Day.

“We are here … because public safety requires trust, and trust requires accountability.” — Rachel Gordon, who organized a protest against the reinstatement of Police Chief Robert Haigh Jr.

“9/11 carries a heavy burden of memory that we can never forget. Those dead shall not die in vain.” — Veronica Mard, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, on the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

“I just can’t believe it’s happening. I want to pinch myself.” — Cynthia Schwartz, chair of the Buckland Recreation Committee, after the ceremonial groundbreaking for a $2.1 million community swimming pool.

“We all live off the river. I don’t want to go to the beach and have it look like this.” — Neal Leno on a cleanup of the waterways in Greenfield.

October

“There was a lot of COVID relief that came, but it didn’t necessarily trickle into people’s securing their housing. There were unexpected costs, like the inflation that we’re experiencing now, as well as heating oil costs; those kinds of things that have all increased.” — Heather Bialecki-Canning, executive director of the Athol-based North Quabbin Community Coalition, on the homeless issue worsening due to the pandemic.

“We’re in a crisis at the Fire Department and we’re extremely short-staffed right now.” — Firefighter/paramedic Dan Emerson at an Orange Selectboard meeting on a request for raises.

“People are frustrated with the length of time for in-person early voting. We have been working seven days a week and we are not receiving any extra compensation.” — Orange Town Clerk Nancy Blackmer on challenges by early and mail-in voting.

“This is good news and bad news. The good news is this committee has the power and authority to fight for this request on behalf of educators. The bad news is it seems they believe it can’t be done.” — Jackie Pinger, a math coach and interventionist, on getting competitive pay for Greenfield teachers.

“We’re at a bare minimum service level right now. If we lose anybody else, we’re going to be dismantling the detective bureaus. If we have any supervisors that retire, I’m not going to be able to replace them as well.” — Greenfield Police Chief Robert Haigh Jr. on impacts following $425,000 in budget cuts.

“What we’ve realized over the last decade is enrollment has declined, completion rates have declined and retention rates have declined. Something has to be done with the architecture, the core, of the community college experience.” — Dean of Social Sciences and Professional Studies Charles Jordan on the decline of enrollment over the last decade at Greenfield Community College.

“There is no better community. I came here in ’76 with my mother and my sister and my brother. My father was here prior to us. When we came here, they accepted us and welcomed us with open arms, and they haven’t stopped.” — Village Pizza co-owner Chris Balis, speaking about the Greenfield community, after it was announced the restaurant would be sold to Walter Pacheco and his family.

“My heart goes out to you. I am really sorry for your loss, and I deserve what I’m getting.” — Gary Gregoire to the family of Stephen Karpovich, who was killed in a fatal crash Gregoire caused in 2019 while he was driving 102 mph on Route 63 in Leverett.

November

“So far, the instructors that we’ve been so lucky to work with say that she’s a keeper.” — Erving Police Officer Laura Gordon speaking about tracking and comfort dog Ziva, the new addition to the Police Department’s K-9 program.

“Less than 1% of the population of the United States joins any of the branches of the military. That makes us a special breed of people. We have done things overseas and stateside that other people may not even begin to imagine. … We made great sacrifices to serve.” — Joshua Anderson, deputy director of the Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans’ Services District, speaking during the Veterans Day ceremony in Greenfield.

“I’m really touched by the fact that so many people have latched onto this crazy idea. It makes me proud to be a part of a community that cares so much and is willing to do strange, unusual things for reasons of kindness.” — Christopher “Monte” Belmonte on the support his Monte’s March fundraiser has seen over the last 13 years.

“This is the time we stand together. Strength in numbers.” — Franklin County Pride committee member Cynthia Fritz at a vigil held in Greenfield after the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs.

“We all help each other. It’s not competition. If we don’t have something here, go there.” — Fran Bates, co-owner of Bates Crafters Gallery and Bates Down Under in Orange, speaking about the local business community on Small Business Saturday.

December

“This project is a true collaborative effort involving everyone to get something done that is desperately needed.” — Gov. Charlie Baker on providing high-speed internet to every town in Massachusetts during a speech in Ashfield.

“We want to serve people better, especially teens because they have no space.” — Tilton Library Director Candace Bradbury-Carlin on a proposed debt exclusion to fund an expansion of the South Deerfield library.

“I was somewhat surprised. I hadn’t gotten wind about it at all. They were surprised I didn’t know, but I didn’t.” — Colrain Town Administrator Kevin Fox on the impending closure of Barnhardt Manufacturing Co.’s Main Road plant.

“It was time, and that being said, it is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made in my life. It’s like still being in love with someone, but it still being time to move on.” — WRSI 93.9 The River radio personality Christopher “Monte” Belmonte on his decision to step down.

“The collection will finally come out of the attic.” — Greenfield Public Library Director Ellen Boyer on the construction of a new library, which will feature a local history room showcasing items that are housed in the current library’s attic.

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