Brief thoughts on some of the events making news from around Franklin County and the North Quabbin area: Today, the Northfield Food Mart on Main Street, with its distinctive “Super IGA Market” sign, begins a new chapter. After the last 67 years under the stewardship of the Barnes family, a new owner takes over ownership and the running of the grocery store. We want to wish Jody James of Greenfield plenty of luck. Undoubtedly, he knows that such a store is a vital part of life in Northfield. At the same time, let’s wish the Barnes family well in retirement and whatever else might be ahead. During those 67 years, the family saw plenty of changes in the business, including competition from bigger or fancier stores. We suspect that customer service helped the Barnes family through the many challenges and that’s something James would be wise to maintain.
Time is running out on helping the United Way of Franklin County meet its fundraising goal for this campaign. The organization that provides money for a number of members that have a direct impact on the lives of county residents would like to reach at least $500,000. While the United Way says it’s roughly 96 percent to that goal, there are only 10 days left to push the drive over the top. Anyone interested in making that happen can do so by visiting: uwfc.org/give
We suspect that the nomination process for the vacancies on the state’s Supreme Judicial Court will be completely different than what the public is seeing with the U.S. Supreme Court. Perhaps it’s because all the parties involved from Gov. Charlie Baker to the Governor’s Council that eventually must approve the nominations understand the value of putting the public’s interests first ahead of petty politics. The U.S. Senate could learn a thing or two here.
We’re glad to see the Franklin Regional Transit Authority continue to tweak its fixed route bus service. Having heard from the public that more evening hours are needed, the FRTA will be extending evening hours come Aug. 1. Being responsive to suggestions of riders and nonriders alike can only help improve what’s offered.
Today is the summer solstice, otherwise known as the longest day of the year. It’s always something of a contradiction that after this day, we actually start losing daylight while for many people, summer is just getting started here in the Northern Hemisphere. In any case, enjoy the summer.