Brief thoughts on some of the events making news from around Franklin County and the North Quabbin:
Bernardston is one of the many communities in the area that has a proud and productive agricultural heritage. A recent study by the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, however, found that a key ingredient may be missing when it comes to the town’s farmland — 90 percent of it is not permanently protected. Deeded agricultural restrictions on land limit the owner’s ability to develop the property, keeping it for farming only. “Our hope is that by providing real data to illustrate the state of farms in the town, the community can use this data in making strategic choices for helping to conserve individual farms and ensure that they are passed on to the next generation of farmers,” Jamie Pottern, a land conservation specialist with Mount Grace said in a Recorder story. At the very least it should start a conversation in town.
We have long held that the value of graffiti is in the eye of the beholder. Some people see it as vandalism. Some view it as a political message board, while others consider it as an artistic endeavor. We like that the Sunderland Public Library was the organizer of an event that approached graffiti as an art form. Youngsters in the area were invited to get involved and learn about not just technique but also how graffiti is viewed by those who appreciate it and those who don’t.
With big improvement or rehabilitation projects, like the county courthouse, a bridge or a dam, there always is the possibility that once the work starts, something will be uncovered that will add time or money to the work, delaying the completion. It’s always good, then, when a project is on track, even when issues have arisen. That’s the case with the rehabilitation work involving the dam off West River Street in Orange. What was discovered is that the dam’s concrete was eroded more than first thought and the steel crest grates were rusted. This has all been repaired and replaced and it still looks like the work will finish around Oct. 1 as planned. That’s great news for the town.
August is here and while it is truly rooted in summer, it is also a month of transition. In just a couple of weeks, for example, the school year will be starting up. Franklin County Fair sign ups have already begun, and the area’s farms are ramping up for full harvest mode (apples and pumpkins are just around the corner!) Our advice: take advantage of the summer days ahead before it’s too late. Summer goes a lot quicker than winter does. Make time this month for one more ear of fresh corn, one more ice cream cone, one more swim on a hot day.