Thursdays in the Park returns to Greenbush on May 28 with food, fellowship, and fresh beginnings
Samantha Alme
samantha.tribunepaper@gmail.com
There’s something special about summer evenings in a small town — neighbors visiting over a good meal, kids running and playing, and the community coming together simply because that’s what small towns do best. That spirit will once again be on full display as Greenbush Community Partners kicks off the 2026 season of “Thursday in the Park” on Thursday, May 28, with more than just the first community meal of the summer. This year’s opening night will also celebrate the official opening of Greenbush’s new walking path, giving residents even more reason to gather, connect, and enjoy the outdoors together. The May 28 meal will be served by Greenbush Community Partners from 5-7 p.m. at the Greenbush Community Shelter on Main Street. The menu for the evening will feature burgers and hot dogs, with community members encouraged to stop by for supper, conversation, and a chance to celebrate another exciting addition to the community. Organizers say the evening is about much more than food. It’s really about bringing people together. Small towns thrive when neighbors spend time together, support one another, and create opportunities for families and friends to connect. This summer’s “Thursday in the Park” season will continue every Thursday from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with a different local organization serving a meal each week. Due to road construction on Highway 11, all events this summer will take place at the Greenbush Community Shelter on Main Street. Over the years, Thursday in the Park has become a favorite summertime tradition for many area residents — offering not only affordable and delicious meals, but also a chance to catch up with neighbors, meet new people, and enjoy the strong sense of community that makes Greenbush special. The 2026 lineup includes a wide variety of local groups, menus, and familiar faces: June 4 — 6th Grade: Charcuterie Box June 11 — REED Youth Group: Loaded Baked Potato June 18 — Sons of the American Legion Squadron 88: Perogies and Farmer Sausage June 25 — BGMRTC High School Wrestling: Pulled Pork July 2 — Claybusters: Burgers July 9 — UFLC Youth Group: Taco in a Bag July 16 — St. Gianna’s Home: Smoked BBQ Chicken Nachos August 6 — BGMR Gator Football: Taco in a Bag August 13 — BGMR Gator Volleyball: Sub Sandwiches August 20 — Lil Chompers Child Care: Menu To Be Determined August 27 — Greenbush WOT: BBQ, Pasta Salad, Chips, and Cookies September 3 — Greenbush Community Partners: BBQ Ribs There will be no events on July 23 or July 30. From youth groups and athletics to service organizations and community volunteers, the summer schedule showcases the many groups that help make Greenbush a vibrant and caring place to call home. As another summer season begins, organizers encourage residents — whether lifelong locals or first-time visitors — to pull up a chair, enjoy a meal, and take part in a tradition built around friendship, fellowship, and community pride. After all, as the Thursday in the Park slogan proudly says: “Great Food. Great Friends. Right Here at Home.”
The Bergeron Family's impact on GMR and the community
Samantha Alme
samantha.tribunepaper@gmail.com
Some people leave behind memories. Others leave behind legacies. For the Greenbush-Middle River community, Todd and Mel Bergeron have done both. During the May meeting of the GMR School Board, the board officially accepted the resignation of paraprofessional Mel Bergeron as she and Todd prepare for a new chapter in life. But while their titles may soon change, the impact the Bergerons have had on generations of students, athletes, families, and community members will remain woven into the heart of GMR for years to come. Principal Jamie Lunsetter perhaps said it best during the meeting. “The Bergerons are absolutely top-notch and will be greatly missed,” he shared. “But we wish them the best as they move on in their adventures.” That simple statement carries tremendous weight in a small town where relationships matter, schools become second homes, and educators often become lifelong role models. Todd Bergeron began teaching at Greenbush-Middle River in 2003, and over the years, he became far more than just a teacher. Like so many educators in rural communities, Todd wore countless hats — mentor, coach, leader, encourager, role model, and steady presence for students navigating both school and life. While many remember him from the classroom, countless students and families will forever associate Todd with Gator wrestling. For years, Todd poured his heart into the wrestling program, helping shape not only successful athletes, but resilient young people. Wrestling is a sport built on grit, discipline, accountability, and perseverance — and those who coached alongside him or wrestled under him know those values were never just talked about. They were lived. Long bus rides, early morning practices, late nights in crowded gyms, weekend tournaments, pep talks after tough losses, celebrations after hard-earned victories — Todd was there through it all. He invested in kids long after the final whistle blew. In communities like Greenbush and Middle River, coaches often become some of the most influential adults in a young person’s life. They teach lessons that extend far beyond sports. Former students may not remember every practice drill or match score years down the road, but they remember how someone made them feel — believed in, supported, challenged, and cared for. That is the kind of legacy Todd leaves behind. And alongside him every step of the way was Mel. Known for her kindness, compassion, and quiet dedication to students, Mel served the district faithfully as a paraprofessional, helping support children both academically and emotionally. Those roles are often some of the most underappreciated positions within a school, yet they are also among the most important. Paraprofessionals are the calm voices during hard moments, the extra hands when students need support, the encouragers who celebrate small victories, and the caring adults children know they can trust. For many students, especially young ones, those relationships become deeply meaningful. Together, Todd and Mel embodied what makes rural schools and communities so special — people who serve not because they seek recognition, but because they genuinely care about the people around them. The Bergerons didn’t simply work at GMR. They became part of its foundation. Their impact stretches far beyond school walls. Through athletics, activities, classrooms, volunteerism, and simple everyday interactions, they helped build community. They celebrated successes, supported families through hardships, cheered on students, and helped shape the culture that makes GMR such a close-knit place. And while awards, records, or years of service may help tell part of the story, they cannot fully measure what the Bergerons truly gave this community. That is found in the former student who gained confidence because a coach believed in them. The child who felt safe and supported at school because of a caring paraprofessional. The countless families who knew their children were surrounded by adults who genuinely cared. Communities are not built by buildings or programs alone. They are built by people like Todd and Mel Bergeron. As the Bergerons begin their next adventure, one thing is certain: Greenbush-Middle River is better because of them. And for that, an entire community is grateful.
Standing ovation for world premiere of "The Gift of Days"
Krista Pietruszewski
nsnreporter@wiktel.com
Wednesday, the 13th of May, was a beautiful evening to take in the Arts at Tri-County Schools. With artwork by students on display created throughout the year, there was much to see.
The Choir performed first to start the show. With excellent 4-part harmonies throughout the songs, it was enjoyable to listen to. Kathy Englund stepped into the Choir Director position this spring. Along with accompaniments by Robin Waage, they made a successful team to finish out the school year.
The Elementary band then performed, followed by the High School band. The World Premiere Piece "Gift of Days", written by Randall Standridge specifically for the Tri-County Band and Brad Thompson, was played and was felt by all in attendance. The audience gave a standing ovation after a pause once the band had completed the song.
With an outpouring of emotions, Thompson said, “This is something I would normally only dream about, but now it’s a reality. We wanted to commission a piece that could be played by bands like ours—smaller schools that deserve music just as amazing as the big schools.” Thompson then thanked the band, students, and parents for their support throughout this difficult last year while he underwent chemotherapy, which he continues to do. He shared that continuing to make music with the students has been deeply therapeutic and meaningful for him. He expressed gratitude for their focus, dedication, and encouragement, and said he hopes to return next year. He also reminded everyone that the band still has two upcoming performances—graduation and Memorial Day—and encouraged attendees to stay after the concert to talk with the students. He closed by wishing everyone a happy spring and summer.
It was a beautiful evening to take in the Arts at Tri-County Schools and to witness a World Premiere.