There is always a lot more going on in Greenfield than meets the eye. Things seem to ramp up as fall comes around, and there is never a dull moment.
Crotched Mountain reunion planned
Crotched Mountain School and Village, a program of Seven Hills New Hampshire, is looking for all and any former employees of Crotched Mountain School, from the 1950’s through the past few years.
Crotched Mountain School was founded in 1953 by Gov. Hugh Gregg, who was the grandfather of Judd Gregg, a longtime Greenfield resident.
The Greggs are descended from some of the first settlers in Greenfield, and a member of the Gregg family even helped raise the Meetinghouse in 1795. Longtime Greenfield residents remember when Judd and Kathy Gregg lived on East Road.
Before founding Crotched Mountain School, Hugh Gregg founded and ran a Fresh Air Fund camp on Sunset Lake. Large docks from the camp, which closed in the 1970s, still remain. In 1942, he purchased the former Russell dairy farm at the top of the hill (called Russell Hill) to found a “crippled children’s camp.” The school opened as a rehabilitation center for children with polio in 1953.
Crotched Mountain School has gone through many iterations, but has always served children with illness, disability or special needs. For decades, the school, which for many years included a brain injury hospital, was the largest employer in Greenfield, with hundreds of medical and educational professional and support staff.
Deborah Tighe, director of development for Seven Hills Crotched Mountain, is on the hunt for former employees of the school.
“We’re planning an open house for former Crotched Mountain employees — a chance to reconnect, share memories and get folks excited about what’s happening here now,” Tighe said.
Tighe said former employees frequently stop by to share stories about the “old days,” and many are looking to connect with former coworkers.
The event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m-1 p.m. in Carter Hall.
Former employees are invited to join the Former Employees of Crotched Mountain Facebook page. For information, send email to Tighe at dtighe@sevenhills.org.
Fall retreats at the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center
Greenfield’s Barbara C. Harris Center, a summer camp and conference center owned and run by the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, is often confused with the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock. The BCH campus at the north end of Otter Lake, formerly Camp Union, hosts sleep-away and family camps all summer.
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the BCH is offering a one-day retreat, “Becoming an Episcopal Outdoorswoman.”
Participants interested in learning more about outdoor skills and wilderness practices are invited to come and spend the day learning how to identify mushrooms, build a fire, cook with the coals, navigate, use a recurve bow and more. All are welcome to spend the day connecting with creation and one another, and learning valuable skills together in an environment of cooperation and Christian community.
The retreat is coordinated by NH Episcopalian and naturalist Linden Rayton of Living Water Nature Programs. All workshops are led by Episcopal women, including Linden, the Rev. Spencer Hatcher, the Rev. Louise Howlett, Tina Pickering, Sarah Loy, and the Rev. Kate Siberine. For information, go to bchcenter.org.
The BCH is also hosting open guest weekends this fall on Oct. 10 to 12 and Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. Both cabins and lodge rooms are available for individuals or groups. Weekend packages include two nights and six meals and access to hiking trails, the gym and Saturday night s’mores by the campfire. For information or to register, contact the BCH at 603-547-3052 or send email to info@bchcenter.org
Joyce Maynard to host writing retreat at the BCH
On Sept. 4 to 7, New Hampshire writer Joyce Maynard will host a women’s memoir-writing retreat a the BCH. Maynard, an internationally known writer, is a New York Times bestselling author of three memoirs, 12 novels and countless essays.
The weekend will include meals, time around the fire pit and two days of writing craft with Maynard with discussion, sharing of writing and feedback.
For information or to register, go to joycemaynard.com.
Greenfield Town Forest tour
On Saturday, Sept. 6, the Greenfield Town Forest Committee will host an open house and tours of the 98-acre Greenfield Town Forest on Savage Road. The event is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The land includes frontage on Rand Brook, a pond and varied forest habitats. Savage Road can be accessed from South Francestown Road.
The Greenfield Sportsman’s Club will have a sporting goods flea market table, and hot dogs and hamburgers will be available.
Guests will be able to take a guided tour of the town forest in a 4X4 vehicle. Children under 16 must wear a motorcycle helmet. Families can bring their own helmets or there will be helmets available to borrow.
For information, contact Gary Russell AT 603-547-7174.