Brief thoughts on some of the events making news from around Franklin County and the North Quabbin area: Promoting public transportation is a good idea, whether for short jaunts or long trips, especially when the alternative is a whole bunch of driver-only vehicles on the road. The “Ride the Bus” campaign, involving the Franklin Regional Transit Authority, helps foster that thinking. And the tie-in with Greenfield Community College and its student population not only targets a specific rider base but provides them with a truly convenient and cost-saving way to get around. We suggest people give it a try.
The Massachusetts Senate sent a strong message last week in support of raising the minimum age for buying cigarettes and other tobacco products in the state from the 18 to 21. They obviously heard the message from the more than 100 communities in Massachusetts that already took matters into their own hands to hike the age. Now the bill rests with the House of Representatives, which we would like to think will follow suit.
A shout out to Musica Franklin, the after-school music program, and its expansion to some new schools. The program got its start in the area last year at Greenfield Middle School and now is bringing the joys of music-making to students at Sheffield Elementary School in Turners Falls. The importance of music in the lives of students is well known and Musica Franklin is another way the connection is made.
A tip of the cap to state Rep. Paul Mark for an amendment to the House’s budget proposal to include at least $100,000 to help with furnishing the new senior center/community center building in Greenfield. The community was going to have to find ways to raise money for furnishings since the Town Council had recently approved a scaled-back version that reduced the overall cost. Having the state kick in some cash will hopefully make additional fundraising easier. The House budget still has to be reconciled with the Senate’s version, so Greenfield residents should keep their fingers crossed about the money.
Tuesday is the day set aside for “Valley Gives Day,” an effort now in its third year whereby residents can help nonprofits such as service organizations, churches and others by making online donations. One can see all the various groups that could use help by going to: valleygives.razoo.com
As Michael DeChiara, the Community Foundation’s senior program officer for capacity, said, “It runs really the whole spectrum of organizations and interests … it really touches all the different parts of the valley and people’s lives.” Chances are, people will find some organization that they have a connection with, so why not make a donation?