This year, you can still take part in United Way of Franklin County’s Auction Fundraiser from your home! The auction has been moved online to keep everyone safe while still raising money for our community’s education, health, and financial stability. Although we’ll miss the in-person interactions, we’ll still be able to enjoy the fun and humor of the auction through a livestream video feed of the hosts John Howland and David Howe. The auction, which is themed Casino Royale, will include live music, online live and silent auction bidding, and raffle drawings. 

Online bidding opens up Wednesday, May 27 and will close with the virtual event on Saturday, May 30 at 5:30 pm EST. So keep checking back on the items you want because there’s even more time to outbid others. Visit the auction website where you can already start browsing the auction items, which includes a variety of art, household items, gift cards to local attractions, local services, and more! This year’s live auction includes some very exciting getaway packages and a year of desserts by Timberly Grout, baker extraordinaire. You can also start buying raffle tickets for restaurant gift cards and home-cooked meals! 

To start bidding, you’ll need to create an account. It’s easy! Just go to the event page here, select “Click here to register,” fill out your details, and then start bidding on the silent auction. Then on Saturday, tune in to the live event to bid on the live auction and enjoy the show!

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If you are interested in learning more about the area and what each town has to offer click here to explore Franklin County or search for homes for sale by checking out Wanda's search page here. 

The Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail is an annual event in Western Mass, which draws pottery lovers from around the region and even the country to experience firsthand where and how the potters craft their one-of-a-kind pieces. Trail-goers are welcomed to grab a map and guide themselves door to door to 9 different studios where the artists and [...]

The Connecticut River Valley has some of the richest and most fertile soils around, which makes us fortunate to have plenty of wonderful farms in our own backyards. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy delicious fresh produce all summer long. Now is the time to sign up for a summer CSA/Farm Share. Here’s a list of some Franklin County [...]

At a time when everyone needs to practice safe social distancing, business is being done virtually, and all areas of life seem to be altered, buying and selling a home has its “new normals” as well. That is why my new website makeover comes coincidentally at the right time for current and potential homeowners. The website's simplicity and [...]

During these times, it’s tough to know how to help. However, our local ski resort’s owner, Jon Schaefer, found a simple thing that many people and companies can do to help the doctors and medical professionals who are taking care of sick patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, [...]

Start Saturdays Fresh!

The Greenfield Farmers’ Market is opening in a different way this year. In order to keep the community safe while still offering local and fresh products, the Market has created important rules and guidelines for market goers. They feel that the measures they have put in place are above and beyond what other shopping [...]

Sales of single family homes in Franklin County were up 33.3% and median price up 7.3% in March 2020 compared to March 2019. The sales were up in Hampshire and Hampden County. Median price was up in both Hampden and Hampshire [...]

Are you thinking of selling within the next 12 months and wondering what type of repairs or renovations you should do before it hits the market? Here are some statistics taken from the 2019 Remodeling Impact Report. These suggestions do make sense based on our local market. However, it is always best to have this conversation with your local [...]

Sunrise Farms, Colrain

Sugaring season is in full swing in Western Mass and all the sugar houses in Franklin County are busy! The first boil for most sugar houses happens in early February so by now, the local sugar houses have already had a few boils. This year, the Lively Family at Sunrise Farms in Colrain is doing things a little bit [...]

Get Your Garden Started

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 North American plants for New England gardens, by the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment at UMass Amherst. If you’re considering planting a vegetable garden this year, the Center also has some great tips here. Another great resource I’ve found, is on gardenia.net, which has a list of perennials for New England gardens based on moisture of soil, amount of sun, and time of year.

Local Garden Shows

For more garden inspiration, check out some local garden shows happening this month in Western Mass. The Western Mass Home & Garden Show will be at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield on March 26-29. View the list of vendors and happenings at the show on their website. This is a great event for families to attend together since there will be a designated Kids’ area with creative activities, a live butterfly display, a koi fish pond, and more! 

Smith College will run their annual Spring Bulb Show from March 7-22 at the Lyman Conservatory. View a spectacular array of blossoming crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, lilies and tulips. The show’s hours are 10 am to 4 pm daily, and until 8 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Click here for more information. 

Mount Holyoke will host their Spring Flower Show as well on March 7. For 49 years, the college has hosted this show which displays thousands of colorful and fragrant blooms. View an assortment of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and more. Plus this year there will be a special art installment by four Mount Holyoke College art studio majors. The show’s hours are 10 am to 4 pm. For more information, click here.