City seeks feedback on uses for CPA money

GREENFIELD — Ahead of the next Community Preservation Act funding round, the Community Preservation Committee will host a public hearing to gather feedback on community priorities on Thursday, July 25, at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Meeting Room and remotely via Zoom.

The committee allocates funding to projects submitted by individuals, community groups, nonprofits and members of city government that enhance affordable housing, historic preservation and outdoor recreation/open space. The funds are generated through Greenfield’s participation in a state program that dedicates a 1% surcharge on property taxes to CPA funding. That amount is then supplemented by state funding.

“We want to hear which funded projects you liked, which you didn’t like and how you want the CPC to prioritize funding in the different categories this year,” Community Preservation Committee Chair Travis Drury said in a statement. “The projects receiving CPA funding should reflect the community’s needs and priorities, and this is the best way the public can help us determine what those are.”

Members of the public can view the committee’s current Community Preservation Plan at greenfield-ma.gov/government/boards_and_commissions/community_preservation_committee.php.

Feedback gathered at the public hearing will be incorporated into the plan as part of the committee’s annual update. Written comments will also be accepted and can be mailed to the attention of Christian LaPlante, 14 Court Square, Greenfield, MA 01301 or emailed to cpc@greenfield-ma.gov. They must be received by Thursday, Aug. 1, at noon.

Applications for proposed CPA projects will be available in August. Pre-applications must be submitted by Monday, Sept. 16; final applications are due by Friday, Nov. 15. The Community Preservation Committee will review proposals before making recommendations to City Council, which then votes on which projects will ultimately be funded.

To join the July 25 meeting on Zoom, visit tinyurl.com/GreenfieldCPCHearing. Meeting ID: 925 1204 0541; Passcode: 548247.

July 25: DIY skincare workshop

GREENFIELD — In a do-it-yourself skincare workshop at the Greenfield Public Library on Thursday, July 25, at 11 a.m., participants can make skincare products themselves using natural ingredients.

The program, intended for middle schoolers and teens, is free to attend, but space is limited and advance registration is required. Visit forms.gle/6spcp8fSKVDsjpNd9 or see Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia to register. For more information, contact Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov.

July 26: Collection drive for Summer Cooling Kits

GREENFIELD — The Three County Continuum of Care will hold a collection drive on the front patio of the Greenfield Public Library on Friday, July 26, from noon to 4 p.m. to support the creation of Emergency Summer Cooling Kits for those in need. For a full list of items to donate, go to conta.cc/45E0YIJ.

Donations will only be accepted between noon and 4 p.m. that day. The library will not accept donations before or after the collection event.

For more information or to arrange a donation, contact Shaundell Diaz at sdiaz@communityaction.us.

Library hosting Summer Olympics party

GREENFIELD — Residents ages 13 to 20 are invited to drop by the Greenfield Public Library’s Teen Room on Friday, July 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. for a Summer Olympics party, featuring sporty virtual reality games, Parisian treats and more on the opening day of the Summer Olympics.

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

Historical Society holding annual ice cream social

GREENFIELD — The Historical Society of Greenfield’s annual ice cream social is set for Saturday, July 20.

This year, the event will honor Peter Miller, former president of the society and beloved historian who died in January 2021. Attendees will hear stories about Miller from three scheduled speakers and are welcome to offer a few words themselves.

The event will begin at noon on the lawn at 43 Church St. with music from the Falltown String Band and ice cream from Herrell’s Ice Cream & Bakery of Northampton. At 1 p.m., attendees will hear from Sandy Thomas, Ed Gregory and John Passiglia about their memories of Miller. More music by the band will follow the speakers and attendees are invited to tour the exhibits inside.

The event, made possible by a grant from the Crossroads Cultural District and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, is free to attend.