This Sunday, May 22, bring your dog to the Green River Swim Area in Greenfield for the inaugural obstacle course, Mutts and Mayhem. Hosted by the Greenfield Recreation Department, the course consists of 1.5 miles of exciting challenges for both people and their dogs. The event starts at 11 am with the small dog obstacle course, followed by the large dog course, and finishing the day with a special awards ceremony. 

To participate, register yourself and your dog online by Friday, May 20th and pay $35. You can also register on the day of the event for $40. Register online through runsignup.org.

After the race, enjoy cooling off with a post-race rinse off and then enjoy a snack or treat. You can also check out the various vendors and socialize with other racers. 

For more information and updates, go to greenfieldrecreation.com/muttsandmayhem and join the event on Facebook.

--

For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog. 

Did you know that without bees 35% of our food supply and up to 80% of all flowering plants? Bees and other pollinators are immensely important to the health of our planet. Reverend Lorenzo L. Langstroth understood the importance of bees and is considered the father of modern beekeeping. Langstroth was also the former pastor at the Second [...]

Historic c.1789 Colonial on 112 acres with land on both sides of the road, overlooking scenic protected open meadows, with picturesque hilltop views. This cherished farm was once home to beautiful horses that grazed this magical setting. The land is a rare find and features approximately 35 open acres, a wonderful barn, several outbuildings, [...]

Purchase fresh, beautiful flowers while supporting a local landmark. The Annual Bridge of Flowers Plant Sale is happening this Saturday, May 14th, 2022 from 9 AM to Noon. Every year the Bridge of Flowers draws visitors from around the region and further to the Village of Shelburne Falls. People love to come and enjoy the colorful display of [...]

It’s time to hit the trail again - the Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail, that is! Join local Western Mass potters and their guest potters, as they welcome you into their studios. Pottery and food have long been entwined and this trail is a celebration of the area’s rich agricultural history and cultural [...]

If you’re ready to move up, you may be trying to decide whether you want to buy a home that's already on the market or build a new one. And since the supply of homes available for sale today is low, you’re willing to consider either avenue. While home builders are doing everything they can to construct more houses and help narrow the supply [...]

As we move further into springtime, it is so nice to see bits of color everywhere and have a little more warmth and sunshine. However, if you really want to escape into an oasis in the middle of Western Mass, then Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory is the place to go. Located in South Deerfield, the conservatory is 8,000 square-feet and houses nearly 4,000 exotic and domestic butterflies. The butterflies can flutter among various tropical plants and flowers and small ponds which hold Japanese Carp, or Koi fish. If you’re lucky, a butterfly might even land on you! The best part is: they keep the conservatory at tropical temperatures, so you can enjoy the warmth, even when it’s cold outside. 

Magic Wings also has a gift shop to purchase some butterfly souvenirs and outdoor gardens for the warmer weather. They offer the option to host events in their facilities, as well, such as weddings, birthday parties, meetings, or other private parties. 

Magic Wings is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. No reservations are necessary and the cost of admission is $16.00 for adults and $10.00 for children aged 3 to 17. Children under age 3 get in free! They also offer discounts for seniors and students. So grab your friends and family and experience the warmth and beauty of the butterfly oasis at Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 

For more information go to magicwings.com.

--

For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog. 

After a 2-year hiatus, the Athol-Orange River Rat Race returns this Saturday, April 9th, 2022. The River Rat Race, an annual event for over 30 years, is a race of over 200 canoes in a “no-holds barred” 5.2-mile sprint down the Millers River from the Alan E. Rich Environmental Park in Athol, MA to Riverfront Park in Orange, [...]

Between January 15th and May 1st, open brush burning is allowed in some towns and cities in Massachusetts. Before beginning any burn, contact your local fire department to find out what is allowed in your area. You will also need to obtain a permit from your local fire warden or fire chief. The permit can be rescinded should weather conditions change, making a fire unfavorable. 

Many towns in Franklin County use the online system for residents to submit applications. This online application can be found at fcburnpermits.com. If your town does not use the online system, you can contact them by phone to inquire about how to obtain permission to burn brush. 

The Department of Environmental Protection has set up certain regulations around open burning, such as that any burning must be at least 75 feet from all buildings, be conducted between 10 am and 4 pm, and take place on the land closest to the source of material to be burned. There are also only certain types of materials which can be burned.

Go to fcburnpermits.com for a list of regulations around brush burning or for more specific information on how to get in touch with your local fire department. You can also go to mass.gov/service-details/open-burning-safety for more information on open burning and fire safety.

--

For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog. 

Early April is an amazing time of year in Franklin County, Massachusetts, when Winter and Spring overlap. You can ski in the mountains in the morning and bike or kayak in the afternoon. With the combination of these Winter and Spring conditions, it is the perfect time of year to hold the Berkshire Highlands Pentathlon, an annual event which [...]