Rotary sing praises to Piano Player
Community accompanist Edna Greenfield chosen Citizen of the Year
By Scott Woodhouse Express Staff

Edna Greenfield has brought music into many people's lives over the years and she was honoured for her commitment and dedication at a special reception at the Meaford Area Training Centre.

It was fitting that her award was presented at the military base, close to her family's homestead at Cape Rich, where she was born and learned to play the pump organ at an early age.

"My mother knew the value of a few notes and she taught me to play," Mrs. Greenfield told the audience after accepting her award and a bouquet of flowers from Meaford Rotary President Graham Comly.

However, she didn't get serious about her music until the family moved to Meaford in the 1920s. Recognizing that young Edna had an ear for music, her mother arranged to buy a used Mason and Risch piano in Toronto and have it shipped to Meaford on the train.

Young Edna started taking music lessons from the organist at the Anglican Church - 25 cents a lesson, every two weeks. "I used to get out of doing the dishes by practicing piano," she said laughing.

But she really got serious about playing after her brother bought himself a saxophone and started playing with local dance bands that provided entertainment at several local dance pavilions.

"He used play with the McQuinn family at their dance pavilion on Lakeside Avenue every Saturday," she said. "And I had to practice with him all the time."

As her brother became involved in more dance bands and the Meaford Citizen's Band, the more she had to practice with him.

Later, in the 1940s, Mrs. Greenfield moved to Oshawa, where she became employed as a kindergarten/music teacher. During her first few years at her new job, she was required to learn more than 100 new songs. It was a job she loved for 30 years.

She moved back to Meaford after retirement to help look after her sister-in-law's four children after she was injured in an accident. And she's been helping local people ever since, noted Rotarian Al Kerr.

"Edna Greenfield has made a significant contribution to our community, not only in the past year, but for many years," said Kerr.

"She has volunteered at the Big Apple, worked on the Communities in Bloom Committee, helped organize the fall fair, and has been a long time volunteer at the Meaford Nursing Home, playing the piano, visiting residents, and taking them for drives and visits," he said.

Kerr also noted that she assisted in many local children's programs and gave free piano lessons to children who might not otherwise receive them. She has also helped children take swimming lessons and has played the piano and organ at church for over 20 years.

"She has provided piano accompaniment at church, at the Christian Ladies fellowship Club, and the 55+ Club, as well as for some out of tune Rotarians," said Kerr.

Mrs. Greenfield was quick to point out that she was never professionally trained as a musician, but "music is my first hobby and I love it."

She also noted that after playing the piano for the Rotary Club sing-a-longs for over 20 years, she felt like a member of the club.