By Deb Humphrey
In March, I was appointed to the Agricultural Commission at the Selectboard meeting, fill-ing the remainder of a vacated three-year term. Having previously attended several Ag. Com-mission events and observed their recent Febru-ary and March meetings, I sought to understand the commission’s role and how I could contrib-ute as a new member. True to form, my initial approach involved thorough intensive research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. I became particularly interested in the recent evolution of our local farms. Ques-tions arose regarding the potential impact of climate change and the strategies farms are em-ploying to mitigate it. I also pondered whether local farms were proactively adapting to poten-tial disruptions in the global food chain, similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 pan-demic, and if they were leveraging technologi-cal advancements to navigate these changes.
Driven by a desire to educate myself as a commissioner, I visited Southwick’s three larg-est farms that significantly contribute to our lo-cal food supply: Blossoming Acres, Calabrese Farm, and Ray’s Family Farm. At each estab-lishment, I was warmly received and engaged in insightful discussions about various facets of their operations. While these three farms, stra-tegically located on busy routes entering South-wick, may initially appear similar with their thriving farm stands offering a diverse array of fresh produce and plants, their production methods and approaches to adaptation proved to be quite distinct.
At Ray’s Family Farm, situated at the northern intersection of Routes 10 and 202, Heidi Brzos-ka, wife of Raymond “Skip” Brzoska, gracious-ly paused her work in one of their numerous greenhouses to explain their contribution to the community’s food supply. When asked about changes in their practices, Heidi characterized her husband as adhering to a more traditional farm-ing approach, reminis-cent of “maybe 1950”, building upon the lega-cy established by his fa-ther, Raymond Senior. They utilize time-tested techniques common among many farmers while staying abreast of current trends in vegetable varieties. Heidi highlight-ed a popular new sauce tomato called “Blue Beech,” an heirloom variety with origins tracing back to Italy during World War II and brought to Vermont. It struck me that sometimes prog-ress involves revisiting our past.
Despite the year-round demands of farming in New England’s climate, spring marks a par-ticularly busy period. Consequently, my next interview took place within the bustling envi-ronment of a greenhouse at Blossoming Acres, located on the southern side of Routes 10 and 202. Lenita Bober, along with her dedicated team, was actively seeding trays of vegetables for transplanting. Greenhouses play a crucial role in extending our short growing season.
Our conversation centered on the changes implemented at the farm. Notably, rising fer-tilizer costs during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift towards composting. I ob-served two substantial compost piles in vary-ing stages of decomposition. Blossoming Acres operates a highly diversified farm stand, fea-turing a bakery/kitchen and a variety of locally sourced products. Further diversifying their of-ferings, they began raising hogs last spring. The USDA-certified pork proved so popular that they acquired more feeder pigs, which were recently processed. These hogs contribute valu-able manure for natural fertilization and help aerate the soil. This past winter also saw the in-troduction of beef cattle to the farm, promising locally sourced beef in the future. While Lenita indicated no immediate plans for organic cer-tification, they prioritize the use of natural and organic soil amendments. Discussing soil en-richment, Lenita described the sandy compo-sition common to their farm and the other two featured in this article.
Addressing increasing concerns about wa-ter conservation and periodic droughts, Blos-soming Acres has modified its cover cropping prac-tices. Tradition-ally, rye grass was sown in fallow fields and then plowed under to enrich the soil and suppress weeds. The new approach involves a diverse mix of cover crop seeds to introduce a wider range of nutrients. This more fertile soil, cou-pled with drip irrigation under plastic, helps to significantly reduce water consumption. Many of these contemporary farming techniques blend pre-1950s wisdom with modern scientific advancements.
My final conversation was with Donna Ca-labrese of Calabrese Farm, situated on Route 57 on the eastern side of Southwick. Calabrese Farm is a multi-generational operation encom-passing approximately 250 acres. While they also maintain a farm stand, the majority of their vegetable and fruit production is wholesaled to Big Y supermarkets. Given their large-scale production, Calabrese Farm has embraced tech-nology and scientific advancements to address climate-related challenges.
Donna described specialized equipment that aids in soil fertility management and erosion control. Instead of conventional deep plow-ing, they utilize an aerator. Their tractors are equipped with GPS systems, enabling precise seed placement and minimizing waste. Another significant change is the transition from granu-lar to liquid fertilizer, allowing for targeted ap-plication directly to the plants, reducing waste and minimizing environmental runoff. Consis-tent with many larger farms, drip irrigation un-der black plastic is employed for efficient water conservation.
All three of these dedicated local farm fami-lies are following their hearts, committed to providing our community with nutritious pro-duce and a variety of other goods. If we, as a community, value the scenic beauty of our town and its open farmland, it is imperative that we prioritize local businesses and actively support our farms. The COVID-19 pandemic highlight-ed the fragility of the global food chain.
Amidst uncertainty regarding future food costs, availability, and safety, let us ensure our local farmers feel our unwavering support. To assist residents facing food insecurity, various programs are available. Blossoming Acres ac-cepts Farmer’s Market coupons from the Eat Fresh Farmers Market Coupon program. Ray’s Family Farm participates in SNAP (Supplemen-tal Nutrition Assistance Program), the Farmers Market coupon program, and HIP (Healthy In-centives Program). Calabrese Farm accepts both SNAP and HIP. All three farms maintain a pres-ence on social media, and I encourage you to follow them on Facebook.
By Clifton J. Noble, Sr.
May 1, Monday. Jerry Jr. (born 9:05 a.m. April 21, 1961) was fed at 12:30 a.m. and slept until 6:00. Elizabeth is fine with her little son. I took rinsed dia-pers from pail with some other things to Glen Launderette at top of Route 20 hill in Russell. During half-hour wash cycle (25 cents) I walked part way up Punch Bowl Moun-tain on south side of Route 20. During drying (10 cents for each 10 minutes) I got groceries at A&P on Franklin St. in Westfield. Mrs. Coash from Blandford clerks there. Got home by 12:30 p.m. Practical nurse, Jean Watson, came at 8:30 and had dinner on the table. I watched her to learn the bottle-sterilization and formula-making pro-cess. She left 4:30 to 6:15 to get supper for her own family. With baby ready for bed I quieted him in living room with TV till 9:15. Then he was ready to stay in bassinet and go to sleep.
May 2, Tuesday. I got my mother from the old ladies home while I did errands, then to Montgomery so she could hold her grandson. A letter from Westfield City Clerk requested birth certificate information about baby.
May 3, Wednesday. My cousin Lester Em-erson came. We made a little claw-rake out of guard rail wire, opened septic tank and probed unsuccessfully 70 times for diamond ring Eliza-beth accidentally flushed while cleaning toilet.
E began twitting me about liking Jean too well. I was angry and she knew it. Unfounded jealousy reminds me of the worst of my late Aunt Florence Noble Boyce and I hate it.
May 5, Friday. Baby weighs 7 pounds. New formula got him burping with gas and loose bowels. We used up 7 nightgowns, 3 shirts, 4 blankets, 24 diapers and patience.
May 6, Saturday After night of no sleep both E and I were in bad shape. She said she’d better go to Westfield and let her mother take care of her. Jean got baby to sleep. I worked on stone retaining wall. My mother was disappointed when I phoned to cancel her visit. Uncle Ralph came, but I told him not to try to see E or baby. He asked, “Troubles beginning, eh?” and had tears in his eyes as he drove away. Baby slept more normally but still has gas.
May 7, Sunday. Rain all day. Minister Shears came to church alone. His little girl has chicken pox. Atwaters visited 3:30-4:00 p.m. I put box for my cat Fluffy under roof on top doorstep, but it got wet. Elizabeth doesn’t want Fluffy in the house and he is good about staying out on step when door is open. However, Elizabeth’s father, Collins, stood talking in the open door for ten minutes, and Fluffy finally ran in.
May 8, Monday. I am on vacation from work until E gets used to Jean and baby. Jean arrived soon after ten. Cartose gives baby lots of gas. At launderette I did biggest wash yet. Used three dryers. 11:50 at home I folded 42 diapers.. I took mother Hester to Springfield 12:40 p.m and got her a good gray coat at Anderson Littles for $18.30. She was back to Sarah Gillette Home at 2:45. Did errands including getting groceries at A&P and bought three Carters infant night-gowns at Kute Kiddie Shop. E made creamed eggs on toast for me. At 9:00 p.m. I put baby tummy-down in bassinet and he slept.
May 9, Tuesday, 4:30 a.m. After seven hours, baby started making small noises. Fluffy cat slept peacefully in his new box on doorstep.
May 10, Wednesday. I picked 1,700 dande-lion blossoms out of lawn. E still has pain and worries about herself. I napped 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. E woke me to say her folks had come. (She had hematoma during birth.) Mr. Atwater got me and nurse aside to ask, “Do you suppose Dr. Wonson didn’t get all that hematoma out?” “Of course he got it,” Jean replied, “if he didn’t she’d have tem-perature. Foreign matter in the body causes tem-perature.” Nurse laid baby on couch where he looked pleasant. I got a vegetable soup supper, and read E to sleep with Little Men. Changed baby 9:45. Bottled him and had him back to sleep by 11:30.
May 11, Thursday. Phoebe has built nest over schoolhouse door again. I washed dande-lion greens for lunch. They tasted fine. Picked 350 more blossoms. E opened door to air house so Fluffy walked in. I put him on woodshed roof where he remained for twenty minutes until he found a way down. I mowed lawn and took my first bath in brook this year. Atwaters came while I napped 3:00 to 4:30. Baby cried and inter-rupted our supper. E got excited. Baby stopped crying and filled pants. Cleaned up and got him into bassinet by 9:30. E kept me awake worrying about herself till 11:30.
May 12-17. Routine of diaper changing, bot-tle feeding, launderette and getting meals con-tinues, but I find a few hours to take my mother to ride.
May 18, Thursday. I am back to work. Hen-ry Lundgren is low bidder on the next section west of Route 57 in Agawam. That runs south of Cooper Street and parallel. When I phoned E at noon she put Jean on to tell me not to overfeed baby at night.
May 19, Friday. Lots of showers give time to help my men study for next civil service exam. At quitting time John Manzi told me he had something in his car for me. He came over all smiles, put a big Steiger bag on my front seat and dashed off. It was a cute, blue suit for baby.
May 20, Saturday. Jean helped with wash at launderette and took E for check-up to Dr. Won-son. Baby weighs 8 pounds 1 ounce and is 21 inches long.
May 21, Sunday. 34 at church. E cooked steak for my mother and I took it to her 1:30 p.m. Launderette was busy and I had to wait.
May 22, Monday. I have a Polaroid camera. Manzi’s horse, Ambidexter, won again.
May 23, Tuesday. Atwaters visited and E’s father enjoyed wheeling baby carriage.
May 28 Sunday. While doing laundry a state cop stopped to ask if I heard cars last night. Someone broke into Williston’s Herrick place and stole things.
May 29, Monday, State police caught the boys who damaged Williston property. In addi-tion to survey work Dick Barker teaches dance and is set for a four-act recital June 10th.
May 30, Tuesday, Memorial Day. Glen Launderette in Russell was not open so had to take laundry to Westfield where mother Hes-ter helped me. Saw American Legion drilling on Broad Street and met parade traffic. Arrived home about ten as Jean was starting Jerry’s bath. E got a nice dinner of cabbage salad, noodles, and hot dogs.
May
1961
By Phil Pothier
The day was wet and dreary,
And my heart was growing weary,
For I had so many vital things to do!
First the winter, now the rain!
How disgusting, how insane!
Wouldn’t this discourage even you?
I’ve many things I want to plant.
But with this rain I really can’t!
I really feel upset, I must confess.
The ground is wet and still too cold,
Too early yet, don’t be too bold!
But patience is a thing I don’t possess!
Then I looked across the lawn
And all the ice and snow was gone.
The grass was almost glowing, green and bright!
It is a pleasure, after all,
In winter, summer, spring or fall,
Great beauty is still there, both day and night!
So be encouraged, every thing’s all right!
Everything’s
All Right
May 2014
Exploring Southwick’s Agricultural Landscape:
Adaptation and Innova-tion
By Elaine Aubrey
Are the old movies we once knew slowly disap-pearing? Oh, I know there are still TV channels that run the classics occasionally. I also remember a movie house in a nearby town that would sometimes feature one, but not often enough. Now though, new technology is taking over, you know, like the streaming subscriptions for current shows. Yet, when the need to see a good movie arises, I resort to my small library of DVDs that I’ll never part with. I tell myself DVD players will always be around, like classic cars.
Maybe the school boards would consider add-ing history classes on movies? Now, before you laugh and say that’s ridiculous, read on.
After retirement, I went to a local college and took an English course. I wanted to write and thought I should brush up on a few things since high school. This class was not what I expected and not anything like high school. But it worked out, oh happy day, the class involved showing movies, yes movies, and our assignments were to write essays about the movies in general. I didn’t question the professor, especially when I saw him come in wearing a cape. I smothered a laugh and thought maybe he’s a director somewhere. Regardless, I loved the class, earned an A, and even went on to get a degree in journalism.
Today, I still enjoy the old movies starring my favorite actors and actresses. And I’m still im-pressed by the number of pictures they all made. That’s what made them stars. They earned that distinction with real talent. I went to the movies every week and bought tell-all magazines just so I could learn about their private lives.
One particular star that I love to this day was Humphrey Bogart (I named my yellow Lab Bog-art). The human Bogart didn’t become a celebrity by chance; he earned it by making some of the best pictures, with stories so riveting and intense you could hear a pin drop in the movie theater. Some of them I’ve seen more than once.
Bogart’s background was not unusual – born in New York City on Christmas Day 1899 to a prominent surgeon father and commercial art-ist mother – served in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War I – during the 1920s and 30s had better luck with plays on Broadway than he did in films. These kinds of backgrounds could de-scribe any number of the hopeful young actors and actresses that were drawn to New York City and Los Angeles. But there was one distinction – Bogart’s biggest success on the Broadway stage was as the ruthless killer Duke Mantee in 1935’s “The Petrified Forest.” The next year he reprised the role in Warner Brother’s film adaptation. That got Hollywood’s attention.
During the next five years, he played gang-sters in numerous supporting roles like “Angels with Dirty Faces” and “Dark Victory.” The turn-ing point in Bogart’s career was in 1941 when he made “High Sierra” and “The Maltese Falcon.” The next year he had leading roles in “All Through the Night” and “Across the Pacific.” At this point, I’m thinking it can’t get any better, but then here comes Bogart as Rick Blaine in “Casablanca.” Oh, how I love that film! He was Oscar-nominated for the role and became Warner Brothers’ top male star.
Bogart continued to make quality films throughout the 1940s and 50s - “To Have and Have Not,” “The Big Sleep,” “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre,” “Key Largo,” “The African Queen,” “Sabrina,” “The Caine Mutiny,” and more. In fact, he made over 80 films. Bogart was nominated for Best Actor many times but won his first and only Oscar for his role in the 1951 film “The African Queen.”
As busy as he was making films, his private life was just as chaotic. Bogart experienced three difficult marriages but found lasting happiness when he married Lauren Bacall in 1945. They had a son, Stephen, and a daughter, Leslie.
In 1956, while still in the prime of his career, Bogart was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Surgery failed to remove the growth, and he died at age 57 on January 14, 1957.
As to where Bogart is now, he’s buried at For-est Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Los Ange-les County, California. Yet, to me, he will live on in all those wonderful films.
One of the biggest keys to staying young is simply this: You have to have a reason to get out of bed in the morning. You have to have a purpose. You have to feel needed. The minute you stop feeling needed in life is the minute you start to check out. Here’s the key: A lot of people aren’t happy because they’ve allowed themselves to get ingrown.
You should be living for something that’s big-ger than you. If you’re only focused on yourself, you won’t reach your highest potential because you were born to be a blessing. You were cre-ated to help someone, to encourage those who are down, to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.
You need to have a cause that you’re pas-sionate about, some way that you can make the world a better place. It may be to volunteer at a woman’s shelter, to mentor young men, or to do repairs for your elderly neighbors.
Here’s what I’m saying: You don’t want to wake up in the morning and think, I might as well just stay in bed. I don’t want to deal with these problems. No, your attitude is: I’m on a mission. I have an assignment. Somebody needs what I have and they’re counting on me. I’m go-ing to be a positive force.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Ask God to open up youreyes to opportunity.
You want to be like David in the Bible. When David was 17 years old, he was working as a shepherd, just taking care of sheep. It looked as though he was stuck there. He didn’t come from an influential family. He didn’t have an impor-tant position. All the circumstances said that he would live an average, ordinary life and never do anything great.
One day his father asked him to bring some food and supplies to his brothers. His older brothers were in the army, stationed on the front line against the Philistines.
David could have said, “Dad, I don’t want to do that. I’m not an errand boy. Find somebody else.”
He could have refused, but this small act of obedience – doing something kind for his broth-ers, going out of his way to be good to them – is what led David to his destiny.
Don’t discount the small things you can do for people. Bringing someone a cup of coffee, making dinner for a neighbor who’s not feeling well, staying late to help a coworker. Those are all small acts of obedience that can lead to big blessings.
When David arrived at the army camp, he heard this 9-foot-tall Philistine giant, named Goliath, taunting the Israelites. For more than a month, Goliath came out twice a day, in the morning and the evening, shouting threats. When the Israelite soldiers heard him, they were terrified. “He’s huge!” they said.
But something rose up in David – a righteous anger. He said, “Who does he think he is, defy-ing the armies of the Living God?”
Everyone said, “David, you can’t do anything about this giant. Look how small you are!”
David could have been offended. David could have gotten into an argument. Instead, he answered back, “Is there not a cause?” He was saying, “This is a cause worth fighting for! You may be afraid. You can be passive. But not me. This giant is not going to dishonor my God.”
Something was born in David at that moment – a fire, a passion to bring Goliath down.
What took David from the shepherd’s field to the Throne Room was… a cause. He was will-ing to get involved in something bigger than himself. He didn’t have to care about Goliath. He wasn’t in the army. Goliath wasn’t taunting him. Goliath wasn’t insulting him.
He could have gone back home and lived an ordinary life. But when you fight giants for someone else – when you stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves – you’re not just helping them, that cause is going to launch you!
David walked out onto the battlefield and faced that giant. And his heroic victory made David famous from one end of Israel to the oth-er. That catapulted him to the throne of Israel.
What’s interesting is that the crown was in the cause. Without the cause, he would never have become king. Like David, your crown is going to be found in your cause. Your promo-tion, your happiness, your fulfillment, your blessing is found in being a blessing.
When your dream is connected to helping others, to lifting those who are down, you may think you’re helping them, but what you don’t realize is that you’re helping yourself. Ask God to open your eyes to opportunity. Then…
2. Start small.
I heard about a little boy in a small town in Kentucky. His family was dirt poor, and they didn’t have much. But from the time he was a little boy, he had a desire to help other children who were poor and in need.
When he was 8 years old, he saw an ad on TV that said he could support a hungry child in an-other country for $15 a month. He didn’t have any money, so he started mowing lawns in the neighborhood so he could support a child.
He himself needed the funds, but he was living cause-driven, fighting for someone else. When he could have been out playing, he was mowing lawns, making sacrifices for a child he never met.
That is a nice thing to do, and it’s great to be compassionate but it’s more than that. When you tap into your cause, there’s a crown that’s connected.
By the grace of God, he was able to go to col-lege. In the summers, he took overseas trips with doctors to help care for children who were like the children he supported.
He ended up going to medical school and opening up his own practice. He became very successful, all the while doing what he could to take care of children.
One of his medical suppliers heard how he supported children and asked if he needed any-thing. The supplier started giving him all kinds of medicine, supplies, and antibiotics. It grew and grew to where he had to get a warehouse to contain it all.
Today this man, Dr. Todd Price, and his wife, Sue, have given over a billion dollars in medical sup-plies to children all over the world. His organization has treated over six-ty million chil-dren.
He said, “From the time I was a little boy, I always prayed that God would send a wealthy person to help chil-dren in need, I never realized that I would be-come that person.”
The Bible says, “When you help the poor, when you feed the hungry, when you lift the fallen, then your light will break forth like the dawn.” Your light, your blessing, your break-through, your abundance will come.
Dr. Price didn’t have to help those children. He didn’t have to take risks, use his vacation time to travel around the world, or stay in a remote little village. He could have enjoyed a nice average life. But he never would have seen God’s blessing the way he’s seen it. He never would have been this fulfilled.
He discovered that the cause was connected to the crown. The cause opened doors greater than he could imagine.
I realize that we’re not all going to start big organizations or travel around the world help-ing the needy, but there’s someone you can fight for, there’s some giant you can take down, there’s something you can do outside yourself to make your community better, your school better, your family better.
Ask God to open up your eyes, start small, and …
3. Stay determined, stay focused.
God didn’t bring you here to leave you. Dig deep down. Stay focused. Keep doing the right thing.
God sees you giving, helping others, being good to people, and taking on the giants. You didn’t have to, no one would have faulted you, but like David you stood up and faced the giant. Now get ready. The king in you is about to step out. Your crown is about to show up. I believe you are leaving the ordinary and stepping into the extraordinary.
I watched the love, care and almost reverence of the beloved oak tree. A sight to behold as I observed grandpa sitting beneath his mighty oak. He spoke gently as he explained that as a very young boy he had planted this tree in this special spot so it could be seen from all the win-dows in his beloved farmhouse. He pointed out it’s strength, girth and roughened bark and the ever bending resilient branches as strong as a wrestler’s arms.
He asked if I knew that the tree spoke. Be-ing five years old I found that to be an amazing revelation. He continued, you must listen with your heart and not your ears. The wind whistles through with secret messages. The rain drops pitter patter hitting the leaves and the ice forma-tions melting in the winter sun plop, plop, plop. Then the soft singing of the breezes rustling the new green branches as summer slowly emerges and the process begins again.
He often spoke of this being his apartment building and the many tenants that dwelled within. He introduced me to the caterpillars, the mother birds singing to their babies, the bugs that secured themselves under the roughened bark, and the squirrels chasing to and fro doing morning calisthenics.
He explained this tree gives life, sustains life and provides protection to the smallest of god’s creatures then abruptly changes into it’s winter garb awaiting the burrowing to begin beneath to absorb the earth’s elements. This tree will stand and the process will repeat over and over long after I am gone.
As a five year old I had one more question of course, grandpa, what else can this tree do? Lovingly he pondered my question rubbing his beard in thought. That is a very good question perhaps I have missed something important. I think that within this tree lies music, adventure, freedom and travel.
It didn’t take long for my answer. A couple of days later as I approached grandpa’s beloved oak I beheld an amazing sight. There before my eyes hung the most beautiful, rope swing with a sturdy wooden seat. His eyes were shining as he gave me my instructions: pump your legs as if you are running towards something wonderful, sing at the top of your lungs, discover new places in your mind and dream always. Remember I will see you from every window.
We still have the farm and the oak still stands swing less. I stand beneath its protective veil and watch the youth of the family screaming by on their quads, their bikes and various machines and I sigh with pity. I slowly walk to the tree hear-ing grandpa say “just listen it will talk to you”. He was right, as I stood before the beloved oak, embracing it’s rough, scratchy bark I heard the mighty oak say “Tell them your story. Grandpa would want it passed on. Remember to tell them all that he is watching from every window.”
By Southwick Historical Society, Inc.
Do you remember the movie “Saving Pri-vate Ryan”? Young Ryan’s mother had four sons, and three of them had been killed before D-Day, June 6, 1944, during the Second World War. A detachment of the Second Ranger Battalion was sent by the United States Depart-ment of the Army to find Private James Francis Ryan and send him home out of combat. Such was not the case for Rachel (Kellogg) Greany, mother of five sons serving in the United States Navy on Navy Day, November 27, 1942, when she was honored as a Navy Mother. Unlike Pri-vate Ryan’s mother, her five sons all survived the war. (Navy Day was first celebrated in 1922 and was officially stopped in 1949, when Armed Forces Day replaced it. It is still celebrated on October 27 each year, though without official sanction.)
Rachel’s sons mentioned were James, John, Ralph, Edward, and William. Four of those men were still in active service in 1956 when their father, James E.R. Greany, died. He and Rachel had twelve children: eight boys and four girls, all born in Springfield between 1914 and 1932. The younger sons, Frederick, Richard, and Pe-ter, also served in the United States armed ser-vices in World War II and/or Korea.
Unlike many families of that era, all of James and Rachel’s children survived and lived full lives. By 1930, the family had moved to South-wick from Springfield, and they lived on North Loomis St.
The first to die was John Arthur Greany, born June 24, 1923, in Springfield; he died May 2, 1979, at Noble Hospital in Westfield. He was 56 years old and had served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1961. His wife, Lorraine (Moore) Grea-ny, also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Registered Nurse. They were both buried at Pine Hill Cemetery in Westfield.
Frederick John Greany came next. His dates were March 9, 1918, to June 27, 1980. Born in Springfield, he died in New Britain, Connecti-cut, and was buried in Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in Plainville, Connecticut. His wife, Margery (Sierastki) Greany, was still living in Florida in March 2016. (Because Frederick served in the United States Navy from August 29, 1944, to April 15, 1946, his name was not included when his mother was honored as a Navy Mother in 1942).
William Patrick Greany died on July 29, 1980, only one month after his brother Frederick. William, born on July 27, 1924, in Springfield, served in the United States Navy during World War II. He likely died in San Diego, California, and was buried in El Camino Memorial Park there.
On April 17, 1983, Ralph Thomas Greany died in Mount Ida, Arkansas, and was buried in Rest Haven Memorial Park in Norphlet, Arkansas. Ralph served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1959 after serving an earlier hitch dur-ing World War II. He married Regina Brzoska in 1946. They lived in Newport, Rhode Island, after the war and had returned to Southwick by 1957. Regina outlived Ralph by 20 years, dying in 2013. She was buried with her parents, grand-parents, and two sisters in Saint Joseph’s Cem-etery, Westfield, Massachusetts.
The oldest son of James and Rachel, Edward James Greany, was born in Springfield on April 8, 1916. He served in the United States Navy from 1936 to 1959, retiring with the rank of Lieu-tenant Colonel. He resided in several places, in-cluding Hawaii and San Diego, California. Ed-ward married Evelyn Hildamae Coleman, born in Ludlow, Massachusetts, on January 14, 1919, daughter of William H. and Evelyn (Mayo) Coleman. Edward died December 30, 1986, in San Diego and was buried in El Camino Memo-rial Park in San Diego. Evelyn was a widow for many years, dying October 31, 2009. She was also buried in El Camino Memorial Park in San Diego.
James Robert Greany was born in Springfield on November 24, 1920. He served during World War II in the United States Navy. When his fa-ther died in 1956, he was living in Saint Louis, Missouri. In June 1961, James married Anne M. Valecce, born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 28, 1920, only four days after her husband. Her parents were Michele “Mi-chael” and Mary Jane (Melfi) Valecce. Anne and James were both serving at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico (site of the first test of an atomic bomb in 1945), when their engagement was announced in March 1961. Anne served in the United States Army as a Registered Nurse from 1955 to 1962, having attained the rank of Captain. James was living in Jessup, Howard Co., Maryland, when his mother Rachel died in December 1980; he died September 28, 1992, and was buried in Indiantown Gap National Cem-etery, Annville, Lebanon Co., Pennsylvania. His widow, Anne, died about 10 years later, on January 5, 2002, in Philadelphia. She was bur-ied in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, the same cemetery as her parents and at least three of her siblings.
Richard Francis Greany, born December 22, 1925, in Springfield, served in the United States Navy in World War II and Korea. In 1948, he married Shirley Grace Matott, daughter of Wal-ter Stanley Matott and Mabel Alice (Dewey) Matott. Shirley was born in Westfield on April 5, 1926, and died there at age 80 on April 20, 2006. She was buried in Saint Marys Cemetery (Me-morial #68769750) next to her husband Richard, who had died November 1, 1999.
James and Rachel’s youngest son, Robert Pe-ter Greany, was born January 15, 1930. After his family moved to Southwick, he stayed in that town for the rest of his life, except for his ser-vice in the United States Navy during the Ko-rean Conflict (1951-1953). On April 18, 1959, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Robert married Mary Cecilia Kelleher, born there December 26, 1929, daughter of Paul R. and Cecilia (Neilan) Kelle-her. Some of you may remember Mary, a Reg-istered Nurse who worked in the Southwick schools, or Bob, who worked for the New Eng-land Telephone Company. Robert died July 16, 2013, about 10 years after his wife Mary. They were buried in the New Southwick Cemetery. All twelve children of James and Rachel Greany grew up in Southwick, yet Robert is the only one buried in Southwick.
The
Greany
Family
Current day photo of the of the Greany House on
North Loomis Street in Southwick.
Grave of John A. Greany and his wife Lorraine (Moore)
Greany. He served in the US Navy from 1941 to 1961.
Grave of Robert P. Greany and his wife Mary C. Greany.
Robert worked for the New England Telephone Company and Mary worked as a nurse for the Southwick Schools. Robert is
the only one of 12 children who is buried in Southwick.
Grandpa’s
Oak Tree
by Peg
Live Cause
Driven
.png)
Humphrey
Bogart
Humphrey Bogart and Ida Lupino in High Sierra (1941), directed by Raoul Walsh. © 1941 Warner Brothers, Inc
Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942). © 1942 Warner Brothers, Inc
In today’s fast-paced world, fostering strong friendships is crucial for children’s emotional and social development. Friendships provide children with a sense of belonging, a support system during tough times, and a safe space to celebrate their successes. Developing social skills equips children with the tools they need to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and understand the emotions of others—skills that are essential for both their personal growth and their future relationships.
As parents, you play a key role in helping your child build these essential social skills. Here are some effective strategies you can im-plement to nurture your child’s social growth:
Encourage Active Listening: Active listen-ing is the foundation of effective communica-tion. Teach your child to listen attentively by modeling this behavior yourself. Encourage them to maintain eye contact, avoid interrupt-ing, and show genuine interest in what others are saying. This not only helps children build stronger friendships but also enhances their ability to resolve conflicts and understand oth-ers’ perspectives.
Model and Promote Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Teach your child to recognize emotions in themselves and others. This can be done by discussing emotions openly, reading books with emotional themes, and encouraging your child to reflect on how others might feel in different situations. Empathy helps children build deep, supportive friendships and navi-gate social challenges with kindness.
Foster Inclusivity: Encourage your child to be inclusive by inviting others into their social circle. Being open to new friendships helps chil-dren develop valuable social connections and learn different perspectives. Remind them that it’s important to make everyone feel welcome, whether it’s a new student at school or someone sitting alone during lunch. Inclusivity teaches children kindness, acceptance, and how to em-brace diversity.
Teach Conflict Resolution Skills: Friend-ships often come with challenges. Help your child learn to manage disagreements in a healthy way by teaching them how to express their feelings calmly, listen to the other person’s point of view, and work together to find a so-lution. Role-playing different conflict scenarios at home can be a helpful way to practice these skills before they face real-life situations.
Encourage Open Communication: Cre-ate an open environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their friendships, the ups and downs they experience, and any worries they may have. Regular conversations about their social life will help you understand their challenges and give you the opportunity to offer guidance. By promoting open commu-nication, you can ensure that your child feels supported as they develop their social skills.
Celebrate Positive Social Interactions: Rec-ognize and celebrate when your child demon-strates good social behavior, whether it’s mak-ing a new friend, sharing, or showing empathy. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and reinforces the importance of healthy social interactions.
Conclusion
Friendships are not just about playtime; they are about developing the emotional intelligence that will serve children throughout their lives. By supporting your child’s social development, you’re giving them the skills they need to build meaningful connections and handle life’s social challenges with confidence and resilience.
As a parent, your role in nurturing these skills is invaluable. Encourage your child to listen, empathize, be inclusive, and communi-cate openly. By doing so, you’ll help them build friendships that last a lifetime.
By Michael Dubilo
Envision a picture true to your heart that sparks joy. Be still and envision the prize ahead – not material wealth, but your personal aspira-tions. “Without a vision, people lose their way,” a well-known truth. Let us explore this treasure together, illuminating our path for those who resonate with this thinking. Can two walk to-gether unless they agree? Let us move forward with shared purpose and spirit, bold and confi-dent.
My wife Susanna and I exemplify a shared vision of growth. From day one, we recognized our potential as a fruitful couple. Susanna’s strengths complement my weaknesses, and above all, we are bound by unconditional love. Serendipity paved the path for our wedding, setting our journey in motion. Though the path isn’t always easy, we ascend together, hand in hand. You too can find such partnership.
Currently, we await the rebuilding of our home, damaged by fallen trees on a stormy night. Insurance support is challenging, yet our vision, coupled with a skilled construction crew, sustains us. We trust things will work out for the best, believing the outcome will be even better: “Everything ultimately works together for good for those with positive intent.” This hopeful idea fuels our expectant vision.
Without a future-oriented vision, we might struggle with present troubles, questioning their purpose. Our tarp-covered roof, enduring two months of seeping rain, is a test. But we will not grow weary.
Imagine a swimmer facing rough waters, sinking in the water, sees a boat and, filled with determination, swims with all might, expecting their effort to be effective. Sustained hope lifts the spirit, inspires confidence, and builds cour-age. Without it, we falter. Our inner strength is not a small spring, but a powerful geyser.
We often hear “no pain, no gain.” While we focus on the immediate discomfort, the ultimate gain is more significant. The end result must justify the present struggle. Therefore, envi-sioning the future is essential to endure current hardships. Susanna, 80, and I, 75, healthy, mo-bile, and serving each other, is our anticipated future.
Consider the recent return of astronauts af-ter nine months in space, a mission initially planned for eight days. Astronauts Butch Wilm-ore and Sunita “Suni” Williams shared a vision of contentment, health, and safety. Together, through sheer resilience, they persevered and became living examples of trusting to gain the final reward.
We urge you, to forget what lies behind and focus intently on what lies ahead, approaching your goal. It is within reach.
Stir your mind, body, and soul to consistent, productive action. Labor diligently, envisioning a positive outcome for yourself and loved ones. Believe in your dream, and the stream of power will flow.
A Psychologist’s Guide
Inside the Young Mind:
The Power of Friendship
and Social Skills
By Dr. Simone Phillips
Envision Your
Future
Tolland Cultural Council
Music in the Hills
Saturday, May 17th: Saturday, May 17th, 6:30pm, Tolland Town Green presents “The Meanies”, playing folk, rock, country & originals. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic! If raining, event will be held indoors at the church on the green.
Our Lady of the Lake Church
The Journey of the Chosen
May 21st at 6:30 pm: Our Lady of the Lake Parish at 224 Sheep Pasture Road in Southwick is pleased to have our Sister in Christ Cecile Fragoso share her experience as a cast member of the television series THE CHOSEN. This promises to be an awesome evening. The presentation will be held in our Marian Hall with refreshments at 6:30 on Wednesday, May 21,2025. Please join us as we will have an opportunity to walk alongside the journey Cecile was blessed to experience. This presentation is free to everyone but if you could bring a donation for the Food Pantry, it would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please call Deb Briancesco at 413-786-9131
Stanley Park
Sunday Night Concert Series
June 1st: The Floyd Patterson Band, has been a Pioneer Valley favorite since its formation in 1986. Widely known for their high energy showmanship and crowd interaction, the Floyd Patterson Band features classic rhythm-n-blues along with the contemporary sounds of today. Winner of the Valley Advocate Readers Polls 1995, 2001, 2003 and 2004. Don’t miss the Floyd Patterson Band. This performance begins at 6:00 p.m. and it is free of charge. Chairs will be provided and a food service will be available.
Salmon Brook Historical Society
Tour the Wilcox House on May 24th
Saturday, May 24th: The Salmon Brook Historical Society is excited to announce an open house for one of its most historic homes, the Wilcox House. The home, built in 1800, by Sadoce Wilcox will be open on Saturday, May 24th from 10 a.m. - Noon. Enjoy a walk-through tour of the historic home, a weaving demonstration on the antique loom, and, new this year, a hearth cooking demonstration! Location: 143 Simsbury Road, Granby, CT. Donations are gratefully accepted and allow us to maintain the homes and host these demonstrations. Tours of our homes on our main campus start on June 22.
Southwick High Class of ‘75 Reunion
Saturday, July 19th: Southwick High School’s class of ‘75 is holding their 50th class reunion on Saturday July 19th from noon to 6pm. at the Lake George Sports on North Loomis Street in Southwick. Further details will e posted on the reunion’s Facebook page: Southwick Class of ‘75. If you are on Facebook join that page by clicking “Follow”. If you are not on social media but want to attend email SHSfifieth@gmail.com and information will be emailed to you as it becomes available.
Poetry Slam
Saturday, April 26th: Share a poem, your own or an old favorite, or just listen and enjoy others! Bring a friend. No admission will be charged. Light refreshments will be served. All local poets and poetry lovers are welcome. Granville Public Library, Sat. June 7th 11:30-1:00
Mosso
Springfield Chamber Player’s Quartetto
Thursday, June 12th: Springfield, MA: The Springfield Chamber Players outreach ensemble, Quartetto Mosso returns to The Longmeadow Adult Center for the third consecutive year, with an outdoor performance on Thursday, June 12, at 6PM. (The concert will be moved indoors in case of rain, so advance reservations are required, as space is limited.) Quartetto Mosso is the Springfield Chamber Players’ education and outreach quartet, which had its premiere last year in the Berkshires, and has since performed in Springfield, Amherst, Westfield, and Longmeadow. The Longmeadow Adult Center will host a Strawberry Festival before the performance (sponsored by East Village). Tickets are free, but advance reservations are required by calling 413-565-4150, Option 1. (In case of rain, only a limited number of people can be accommodated indoors) People can bring lawn chairs or blankets. Picnics are permitted.
Southwick Land Trust
1st Annual Billy Mac Memorial
Saturday, June 21st: 1st Annual Billy Mac Memorial benefitting the Southwick Land Trust (SLT). Hosted by the New England Disc Golf Center, 51 John Mason Rd, Southwick, MA. June 21, 2025 from 10 am to 3 pm. Play a tournament! Or come learn how to play and visit the beautiful woodland course. Also featuring a native plant sale to fundraise for SLT! Food trucks and cocktail truck will be onsite! www.SouthwickLandTrust.org for more info.
Stanley Park
Park Tours
June 1st: Stanley Park invites you to take a walking tour through the beautiful grounds of the Park. Your personal guide will show you the many inviting areas this picturesque Park has to offer. You will learn some historical facts of Stanley Park as you stroll through the gardens. Unlock the secret of the Enchanted Oak. Take in the beauty of the newly restored Carillon Tower, which is a landmark of the Park. Travel through the Colonial-era Village while enjoying the scenic route around the ponds. Take a moment to stroll through the Veteran’s Memorial before crossing over to the Tea House in the Asian Garden. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended for these tours. Tours meet in front of the Carillon Tower at 9:00am, ending at approximately 10:30 am. Tour Dates: May 17, May 24, June 14, June 28, September 6 and September 20 To make a Tour Reservation, please contact Stanley Park’s Development Office at (413) 568-9312 ext. 108 or by email development@stanleypark.org
To include your event, please send information by the 1st of the month. We will print as many listings as space allows. Our usual publication date is around the 10th of the month. Email to: magazine@southwoods.info.
10-5
COUNTRY PEDDLER
CLASSIFIEDS
GOODS & SERVICES
DELREO HOME IMPROVEMENT for all your exterior home improvement needs, ROOFING, SIDING, WINDOWS, DOORS, DECKS & GUTTERS extensive references, fully licensed & insured in MA & CT. Call Gary Delcamp 413-569-3733
RECORDS WANTED BY COLLECTOR - Rock & Roll, Country, Jazz of the 50’s and 60’s All speeds. Sorry - no classical, showtunes, polkas or pop. Fair prices paid. No quantity too small or too large. Gerry 860-402-6834 or G.Crane@cox.net
GOODS & SERVICES
Lakeside Property management - For all your landscaping needs. Mowing, new lawn installs, sod, mulch/stone installation, bush trimming, retaining walls, snow plowing/removal, etc. Serving Southwick, Suffield, Granby, Agawam, Westfield, Simsbury. Residential and commercial. Call Joe 413-885-8376. Give us a call and let us get that property looking the way you want it! Now accepting major credit cards.
St. Jude’s Novena - May the sacred heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now, and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you St. Jude. ..- GR
St. Jude’s Novena - May the sacred heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now, and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you St. Jude. ..- MM
St. Jude’s Novena - May the sacred heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now, and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you St. Jude. ..- DG
.png)
