If March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, and April showers bring May flowers, then it must be time for another mailbag.
As always, these are mostly real questions, the majority of which come from real people doing real things at home right now — like wearing sweatpants and a shirt and tie on their company’s Zoom call, or spending their morning putting together a sourdough starter. If you feel personally attacked, just know that I’m onto you.
Who would be on your council to re-open sports in Franklin County? – Mike S., Shelburne
Taking the national committee idea and thinking about it in local terms? Count me in.
OK, here’s what I’m envisioning: heads of the five families sitting around a long table in the back room of a pizza parlor or Italian restaurant. For argument’s sake, let’s use Terrazza in Greenfield.
Now, we need a diverse intersect of people, chalked-full of wisdom on life and sports. These need to be people we can trust, who care about Franklin County and the student-athletes that compete here.
First off, I’m taking Jim Smith with my No. 1 pick. The long-time Deerfield Academy football coach also had successful stints at Mohawk Trail and Franklin Tech before retiring after more than 50 years and 227 wins. The Godfather of Franklin County football, if you will. He’d give it to us straight.
With Smith leading the charge, I’m already feeling confident in this council. But he’s going to need some right-hand men and women, so let’s fill out the staff.
Next up I’m going with Donna Woodcock, former Greenfield High School coach and athletic director. Another straight-shooter who will have everyone’s safety in mind. Another Greenfield face I’m turning to is Peter Bergeron, because if I can get a former Major Leaguer and current MLB scout on the council, why not?
Gary Mullins, the Professor of Powertown, is also on the council. He has over 700 wins as a softball coach, that’s a lot of games and experience. Important, in my eyes.
And I’m rounding it out with former GHS star Kelly Doton, the field hockey coach at Boston College. We’re keeping a wide array of sports involved here, and since field hockey is probably the sport with the most successful history in Franklin County, having Doton and Woodcock on the council works for me.
Where’s the love for board games? That’s what quarantine time is all about, right? – Jeremy L., Greenfield
See, now you’ve opened yourself up to a whole new world of gaming options during this time of unprecedented couch sitting.
Shoutout to our friends at Greenfield Games, who, like many local businesses are closed for the time being. The Main Street shop hopes to re-open on May 5.
I’m in for some of the classics, a Trivial Pursuit or a Scrabble. But the hardcore board gamers (i.e. my brother) have so many more options. If someone wants to teach me how to play Magic: The Gathering for a column, heck, I’m in. I once bought The Settlers of Catan as a gift for someone, but I’ve never played it and have no idea what it involves. Do the people settle in Catan, or is that the objective? Can their wagon fall apart on the ride there? Do I just equate every game to The Oregon Trail?
Are they like Stratego? Because that was an awesome game. Even Risk is something I’ve never played once in my life. Am I weird? Is this thing on?
You mentioned coffee last week. I’ve been ordering through Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters online for years. I always brew my own at home. What flavors do you normally go with? – Patricia W., Deerfield
I just did the same. With the store closed for the time being, ordering some grounds seemed like the best way for me to pretend that life was normal. That’s more important than ever now that I’m working mornings, which is just unheard of for someone so used to working night shifts. In fact, that’s part of the reason any sportswriter gets into the business. But I digress.
As for my power rankings of Shelburne Falls flavors? Give me Toasted Coconut Cream at No. 1 – its versatility in both the hot and iced game puts it over the top. Chocolate Raspberry is next, and it’s always a treat when that flavor is available. I’ll go Roasted Chestnut at No. 3 and Christmas Morning at No. 4 — the latter of which is in my No. 1 spot when it’s available, but since its particularly seasonal, I can’t have it hold down the top spot. I’m sorry, I don’t make the rules I only follow them.
Jeff Lajoie is the sports editor of the Recorder. Send him mailbag questions, story ideas, music recommendations and food recipes at jlajoie@recorder.com