THE RECORDER, April 10, 2012

GREENFIELD — Retiring Congressman John Olver spoke softly and carried a big walking stick at Greenfield Community College on Monday.

The walking stick was presented to Olver by GCC President Bob Pura at a gathering meant to thank the congressman for all he has done for GCC and Franklin County over his 43 years of public service.

"This congressman may not be a show horse," Pura told the audience of about 100 in GCC's Stinchfield Auditorium, "but he is an incredible workhorse who has helped this college significantly."

After a short presentation by Pura that highlighted Olver's career, Olver stood before the audience, engraved walking stick in hand, and said that being an ardent supporter of GCC has always been easy because of the reputation of the college and the impact it has on Franklin County.

"In this college there is an enormous impact on the life and economy of Franklin County," said Olver. "To be a supporter of GCC was easy. Everybody who is anybody has been through GCC. So many people got their start here."

Olver, who announced his retirement from Congress in October, has a long history with GCC. After serving five years on the GCC Foundation in the late 1960s when the college was first founded, Olver never forgot his ties to the college. Over the years, Pura said, Olver was an integral part in securing federal funding for educational programs for the college and the resources needed to make recent improvements to the facility, like the geothermal system that cools the building's new core.

"If there was no GCC, this area would be much poorer in many different ways," said Olver.

Pura also touted Olver's indirect influence on the college through his consistent efforts to improve the quality of life in Franklin County. Among these efforts, said Pura, is the broadband system that is going into place around the county, an emphasis on the importance of renewable energy and the new transportation center in Greenfield, named for Olver.

"He has always been there when we needed him most," said Pura, "and our college has benefited greatly from his service."

After the presentation, Olver toured the campus, making a stop at a greenhouse that is currently under construction using funding he helped secure. Olver said that the college is an educational and economic force in the county and will continue to be for years to come.

"President Pura and I are in total unison about the role of GCC as an educational and economic force," said Olver.

"You are about to begin your next 50 years," said Olver, "and I wish the college the very best for all the good things it has done."

You can reach John Tilton at: or 413-772-0261 ext. 264

Rep. John Olver, D-Amherst, stands with a cane presented to him during a ceremony in his honor at Greenfield Community College Monday. Standing with Olver is GCC President Robert Pura. 

By JOHN TILTON, Recorder Staff

###