Here are brief thoughts on some of the events taking place around Franklin County and the North Quabbin area.
No matter what town you’re in, ice cream has a way of bringing people together. Residents of all ages can appreciate a refreshing cone at the end of a hot day, and the simple act of visiting the ice cream stand means catching up with friends, neighbors and co-workers.
That’s exactly what happens from May through Columbus Day each year at the Northfield Creamie.
“There’s music, delicious smells, happy, friendly faces in the windows — neighbors you haven’t seen since December are suddenly in line,” said Northfield Area Tourism and Business Association (NATABA) co-founder Steve Stoia during the organization’s annual picnic last week.
As one of the summertime staples in a community of just over 3,000 people, Northfield Creamie’s owners Tim and Mary Bowen were honored with NATABA’s 2019 Community Service Award. We’re thrilled to see this well-deserved recognition go to “two of Northfield’s greats,” in the words of Joan Stoia.
Speaking of taking pride in Northfield’s business owners, let’s not forget about Mim’s Market. After 24 years as owner, Kim Farmer has put her business and the building it resides in up for sale.
Mim’s is indeed a pillar of the Northfield community, and we’re sure the news was a shock for residents who are hoping a new business will offer the same friendly service and delicious sandwiches that the establishment has a reputation for. We share the same hope, and wait in anticipation to hear what life’s next phase will mean for the store.
In the meantime, we thank Kim for her service to the town, and wish her luck in her own next chapter, whatever that may be.
Agriculture is undoubtedly a huge part of Franklin County’s way of life. We’re lucky to live in an area where fresh produce is readily available at your local farmstand or co-op, and where you can sometimes meet the very cows who produce your dairy products.
That’s why having a wholesome, agriculture-focused fair like the Heath Fair is all the more heartwarming. Various demonstrations were held each day, mainly related to agricultural activities. For example, Saturday saw a showcase from both Winterberry Farm Herd Dogs and a demonstration on sheep shearing by Kevin Ford.
Attending an event like the Heath Fair, a notable 102-year tradition, makes it even easier to feel connected to our farming community. Certainly, as we head into fall, more events will be popping up that give us the opportunity to meet local farmers and their animals, and that put their products at our fingertips, primarily the Franklin County Fair next month. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by.
There may be no foolproof guide when it comes to raising children, and raising a child with special needs can present additional challenges. But now, there’s books, fliers, brochures and other information available at the Greenfield Public Library, courtesy of Greenfield public schools’ Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).
Jodi Falk, a Greenfield resident and member of SEPAC, says it’s not always clear where to turn to for help when raising a child with special needs, and hopes to raise awareness about the resources SEPAC can offer.
We thank SEPAC’s members for stepping up to lend a helping hand in a situation that can make parents feel isolated and unsure, and we thank the Greenfield library for providing the group with a platform for raising awareness. It’ll no doubt make a difference for our community’s children and parents.