Here are some brief thoughts on recent happenings in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region.
The iconic marquee of the Greenfield Garden Cinemas sports current film offerings again with its reopening Friday following a four-month closure due to the pandemic. For downtown boosters and fans of the big screen, it’s a welcome sign of a return to something approaching normalcy. Movie-going may feel a little different, at first, cautions co-owner Isaac Mass and his wife, Angela. For one thing, patrons won’t experience the elbow-to-elbow proximity that is part and parcel of the shared blockbuster. And for another, the popcorn will come prepackaged (although employees will add salt and butter as requested). But the owners have come up with a model that meets all of the governor’s guidelines, allowing only 25 people in each of the theaters at a time, and adding time between showings for staff to disinfect seats and armrests using ultraviolet wands. For those who may not feel ready for a public re-entry, Isaac Mass promises to continue to offer live-streaming of some films at home. Other patrons yearn to see those movie posters (available for sale) and the historic theatre organ on display in the lobby. “I think just being back will make people happy,” Mass said.
To which we say, with a flourish, “Showtime!”
On a sadder note, a landmark coffeeshop of 50-plus years, Adams Donuts on Federal Street, announced its permanent closure last week, leaving its regulars (and irregulars) bemoaning their loss. As Recorder columnist Chip Ainsworth put it, “Unlike the bland conveyor belt brands, no two Adams doughnuts were alike. Each had its own crispy nook and cranny to nibble on.”
It was only a few years ago that Adams surmounted a huge obstacle by raising (with the help of its friends) the money to install a new fryer hood. But the coronavirus proved its undoing. Following a four-month closure, owner Carrie Brown announced in a Facebook post that it will not be reopening. Like Wilson’s Department Store, the loss of Adams Donuts is a body blow to residents of a certain age. “It’s been a real institution here in Franklin County,” Diana Szynal, president of Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, said.
COVID-19 disease caused by the novel coronavirus is top-of-mind these days, but it’s not the only threat to our health. Lyme disease, which you get from infected ticks, is still one of the most prevalent communicable diseases in the country. But before people can be treated for it, they have to know they have it.
That’s why the work happening inside a University of Massachusetts Amherst laboratory is so important, especially at this time of year, with tick season in high gear. Scientists at the Laboratory of Medical Zoology test ticks that people find on themselves or their pets for diseases such as Lyme, babesia and anaplasma.
According to Public Health Nurse Lisa White, the laboratory has operated without any break in testing and are hitting the real peak of the season, with 1,000 ticks per week.
This year, the lab is partnering with at least 10 towns in the county to offer discounted tick testing that can help treat tick-borne diseases.
Since its founding in 2006, LMZ has tested more than 18,000 ticks. About 25 percent of those tested positive for Lyme disease. Most of the testing, however, has taken place since 2014 thanks to innovative partnerships designed to reduce test costs for residents in many cities and towns.
The LMZ tests normally cost $50 per tick, but that cost is $15 for individuals who live in one of the following 10 towns in Franklin County: Charlemont, Conway, Deerfield, Erving, Gill, Heath, Hawley, Leyden, Shelburne and Rowe.
Not only is the testing critical for treatment plans, but the thousands of ticks sent to the lab from around the country are also helping scientists determine where ticks are found, what diseases they carry and how they spread. The information is shared with doctors, town health departments and civic organizations, and used to educate people on how to avoid tick bites in the first place.
This area is in the thick of tick season. It’s important, therefore, to remain vigilant when coming into contact with these pests. And if you do get bit, get it tested.