Class of 1969 planning reunion weekend

GREENFIELD — Greenfield High School’s Class of 1969 will present a reunion weekend, Sept. 27 to 29.

Friday has a Migratory Way walk and casual gathering at Smitty’s Pub, Saturday will see the main event at Terrazza Ristorante, and Sunday will include a downtown Greenfield history walking tour and a screening of “Easy Rider” at the Garden Cinemas.

Details are available on the “GHS Class of 1969 55 years since” Facebook page or by emailing ghsma1969@gmail.com.

Pre-applications for CPA funding due Sept. 16

GREENFIELD — The Community Preservation Committee is seeking proposals for projects requesting Community Preservation Act funding for fiscal year 2025.

One-page pre-applications, which are required for determining project eligibility, are now available at greenfield-ma.gov/cpcfunding and are due by Monday, Sept. 16. Applicants whose projects are deemed eligible for funding will be invited to submit a complete application by Nov. 15.

The committee has approximately $193,000 to allocate toward projects submitted by individuals, community groups, nonprofits, businesses and city government that enhance affordable housing, historic preservation and outdoor recreation/open space.

The CPA funds are generated through the city’s participation in a state program that allows a 1% surcharge on property taxes to be dedicated to these priorities. That amount is then supplemented each year by state funding.

“The community interest in CPC funds has grown each year since we started the program,” Community Preservation Committee Chair Susan Worgaftik said in a statement. “We’re really looking forward to seeing what exciting project ideas people have lined up for this round of funding.”

After a review of applications with public input, the committee will vote to recommend funding for projects in spring 2025. A City Council vote is required to appropriate CPA funds for the selected projects.

Those interested in learning more about the process or submitting an application are encouraged to attend one of the committee’s meetings or contact Economic and Community Development Assistant Christian LaPlante at 413-772-1548, ext. 4 or cpc@greenfield-ma.gov.

Traprock to offer screening of ‘Where the Olive Trees Weep’

GREENFIELD — The Traprock Center for Peace and Justice will present a screening of the new documentary “Where the Olive Trees Weep” in the Greenfield Public Library’s Community Room on Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

“We look forward to showing this film to help us all better understand the devastating impact of the Israeli/Palestinian situation,” Traprock board member and event organizer Emily Greene said in a statement.

The film explores themes of loss, trauma and the quest for justice, offering a window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. Those featured include Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, Israeli journalist Amira Hass and Canadian-Hungarian trauma expert Dr. Gabor Maté.

A post-screening discussion will be moderated by Adrienne Craig Williams. Palestinian snacks will be provided by Mohawk Falafel and Shawarma.

Closing reception set for father-daughter art exhibit

GREENFIELD — Exhibiting artists Jessica Beck and her father Daryl Beck will offer a closing reception for their exhibit, “Sequence,” at The LAVA Center, 324 Main St., on Friday, Aug. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Jessica Beck grew up taking road trips and going to museums with her family. She became a fan of street art in its varied forms and drew influence from video games, hip-hip and graffiti on YouTube. Jessica is currently a student at Greenfield Community College with a focus on computer programming. She also writes and records music.

Daryl Beck, after studying at Landmark College, transferred and completed the GCC art program in 1994. He has also studied at the San Francisco Art Institute. His past artwork has been in the realm of photography, metal sculpture and multimedia installations. He is interested in the sense of motion, the visual patterns and the cultural messaging that are ever-present in the natural and the human-built world around us.

The closing reception includes a bring-your-own-art party, which means The LAVA Center will have extra space set up to showcase community members’ artwork. Space is limited, so attendees are advised to only bring in what they can carry. The LAVA Center also advises that, due to the gallery being in a mixed-use space, its insurance does not cover artwork. Those who opt to bring artwork acknowledge The LAVA Center’s release from any liability.

DeMelo to lead theater, storytelling workshops

GREENFIELD — The LAVA Center at 324 Main St. will host a theater and storytelling workshop led by Brazilian actor and director Alex DeMelo.

The workshops will be offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays between Aug. 21 and Oct. 5, with public performances on Saturdays, Oct. 19 and Oct. 26.

“Together, we will weave tales, explore emotions and uncover the transformative power of performance,” DeMelo said in a statement.

Admission to this workshop is on a sliding scale, from $1 to $10 per session, though no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. To secure a spot or to inquire further, contact Matthew Barlow at matthew@thelavacenter.org. Space is limited.

This program is made possible by a grant from Mass Humanities, with funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Artspace to display ‘It’s Never Too Late to Create’ exhibit

GREENFIELD — “It’s Never Too Late to Create,” a solo exhibit by Tim Gorts, will have an opening reception at Artspace Community Arts Center, 15 Mill St., on Friday, Sept. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m.

There will be an artist demonstration as part of the Greenfield Arts Walk on Friday, Sept. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through Friday, Oct. 11.