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It’s easy to love Franklin County Massachusetts in good times, but it’s in these difficult times that the reasons to love our community are highlighted even more. So many local businesses have stepped up in the past few weeks with the outbreak of COVID-19. Some have done their part to protect our community by shutting their doors, offering services which are in line with social distancing, or even offering ways to help financially.
Two of our local banks, Greenfield Savings Bank and Greenfield Cooperative Bank, have updated their mortgage payment policies to help those who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The following statements are taken directly from each banks’ websites:
Greenfield Savings Bank COVID-19 Residential Loan Relief Program
Effective immediately, Greenfield Savings Bank is offering to defer up to 90 days of mortgage and/or equity line or equity loan payments to all our Residential Loan customers who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- This program is available during the National COVID-19 emergency
- It is available on residential mortgages and/or equity lines, secured by one-to-four family properties
- There are no processing fees
- Your Credit Report will not be affected by this program.
- Customers can select 30, 60 or 90 days deferment of payments
- The program will include your property tax escrow payment, if applicable
- It is open to all residential loan customers economically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including job loss, reduced wages, etc.
Visit Greenfield Savings Bank online for more information and to opt-in to this special relief program.
Greenfield Co-operative Bank Announces New Payment Option for Customers as a result of Coronavirus (COVID-19) issues
Michael E. Tucker, President & CEO of Greenfield Co-operative Bank and its Northampton Cooperative Bank division, was pleased to announce that our community bank board has approved a program to provide a “Payment Holiday” for existing GCB customers who have a portfolio loan at GCB to defer making their monthly payments coming up in April and May for up to 60 days. For eligible customers who wish to “Opt In”, there will be a simple form to complete. The payments usually due for April and May would simply be added to the back end of the loan term. Customers would then not have to make those payments until the end of the original term. The term would be extended 2 months to allow those payments to be made at the end of the original term.
If you have a fixed rate Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) loan that is serviced by GCB, we regret we are unable to offer this program at this time. We are contacting FNMA to see what might be available and will notify the public if circumstances change.
Visit Greenfield Cooperative Bank online for more information and to fill out the mail-in or online Opt-In Form.
Sunrise Farms, Colrain
North Hadley Sugar Shack, Hadley
March is the time of year to start planning your garden and to get ready for spring! When planning your garden, it’s a good idea to first select some plants that will thrive in your yard. Check out this list of 
Purchase beautifully handcrafted pottery and art while supporting Artspace’s music and art programs at the same time. Over 30 talented potters and artists will be present, offering incredible unique items for purchase. While you shop, enjoy performances by Strings for Kids students. Also, there will be the opportunity to win door prizes, generously donated by the artists. 
Sales of single family homes in Franklin County were down 5.3% and median price down 9.1% in January 2020 compared to January 2019. The sales were up in Hampshire and down in Hampden County. Median price was up in both Hampden and Hampshire Counties. 
Here in Franklin County, we are lucky to have a variety of special restaurants offering delicious food. These restaurants are owned by locals and use locally sourced ingredients, as well. You can expect the vibe at these places to be true to The Valley and that the food will always be fresh and of the season. While the list of wonderful places to eat in Franklin County goes on and on, here are a few that really stand out to me as exceptional restaurants in our area. (Photo right: The Farm Table at Kringle Candle, Bernardston)
Hope & Olive, Greenfield
At the end of the Bridge of Flowers, overlooking the Deerfield River, lies a historic red building which houses the West End Pub. You can hang out at the bar area or dine in the closed porch overlooking the river. The kitchen offers casual pub-style food, such as sandwiches, burgers, salads, and larger dishes. The bar has a variety of local draft beers and cocktails. Check out their menu 
Andy's and The Oak Shoppe
DiGeorge Builders has done it again. The transformation of this fabulous antique Cape is one you have to see in person to appreciate the quality workmanship and design. It is renovated top to bottom while keeping that old time charm you are looking for. The spacious, bright and sunny rooms enhanced by the beautiful wood floors makes this home a keeper. You will love cooking in the beautiful new kitchen that is open to the dining area and complete with attractive cabinetry and large center island. The first floor has a family room with fireplace and painted shiplap walls, living room, office or den, full bath and laundry room. The original curved staircase leads you to 4 bedrooms and a full bath. The builder is now completing the studio apartment that is located on the second floor of the oversized attached two car garage. Renovations include new wiring, plumbing, fully insulated, 30 year roof, windows and more! Convenient in-town location near Kringle Candle and I-91.
From now through the end of February, check out a community art exhibit at the Great Falls Discovery Center, curated by Exploded View. The exhibit includes work by regional artists in multiple media exploring maps, the significance of place, and movement across boundaries. It asks questions such as: Where do you live? Where are you from? Where do you dream? How do you find your way? Where are your borders? Do maps lie? 
