Common Ground Fitness Center

There’s a new fitness center in Greenfield that opened up at the beginning of the year! Locally owned by Eric and Hannah Mosher, the gym is called Common Ground and occupies the space that was formerly ACD Women’s Fitness, a gym that was just for women. The Moshers are taking a different approach to the center. They want the space to be all-inclusive, an environment where everyone feels comfortable to exercise and be healthy. Hence, they chose the name Common Ground.

Classes and More

Common Ground offers a variety of classes, plus personal training ,and exercise equipment. Their classes range from PiYo which is a combination of pilates and yoga, TRX, Boxing, Zumba, and more. Eric also teaches a class called Basic, where he draws on his experiences as an Army Sergeant to push his students to their limits. They plan to add spinning classes and P90X in the near future.

Affordable Rates

Another way that Common Ground allows its center to be all-inclusive, is by offering affordable rates. Eric and Hannah want to offer the lowest rates possible so that their clients feel financially comfortable. In this way, they believe they can make a difference health-wise in the community by making their fitness center accessible to all. On top of their low membership rates, they also offer low drop-in rates for non-members who want to occasionally come in.

So if you are looking for a quality, all-inclusive, affordable gym in Greenfield, stop by Eric and Hannah’s fitness center on High Street or check out their website, www.commongroundfitness.com. Common Ground Fitness is just what our community needs to start off a healthy new year.

The 96th Annual Greenfield Winter Carnival is happening this weekend with fun events scheduled for the entire family. Here are just some of the events to look forward to, but check their website or Facebook page for a full listing of [...]

Compared to 2016 Franklin County sales for single family homes were up 3% in 2017 and the median price up 2.3%.  The Pioneer Valley sales were up 1.7% and median price 4.5%.  In Franklin County 626 homes sold in 2016 and 645 in 2017.  [...]

A survey done recently by Houzz, a home remodeling and design website, showed that more and more homeowners prefer small houses, 1,000 feet or less. Often the smallest home in the neighborhood, these homes are relaxed and easy to keep clean, according to the owners.  

However, these homeowners use certain tactics to utilize their space and make their home still feel open. One method is having a lot of natural light. Another way to make the space feel less constricted is having an open floor plan, and expanding the living space to the exterior, as well.

In line with this trend, I am proud to be a part of a new project in Greenfield, Green River Commons (pictured right). Construction of these seven sustainable, ground level townhouses began in early November, just steps from downtown Greenfield. These low-cost condominiums are designed to be energy-efficient with LED lighting, roofs to support solar panels, energy star appliances, and more. They also have sensible floor plans that utilize the smaller space to maximize comfort.

Contact me today to learn more about these new affordable, sustainable homes or visit GreenRiverCommons.com.

View the survey here.

With the holidays being right around the corner, all of the towns in Franklin County are lighting up with holiday festivities and cheer. This weekend in particular, two seasonal events are happening: JingleFest in Downtown Greenfield and A Special Day in Northfield. Support your local community and enjoy either or both of these festive [...]

Your home is still listed for sale. You might be thinking it is best to take it off the market and re-list in the spring. However if you are serious about selling, rethink removing it from the market for the following 4 [...]

Franklin County sales were down 13.1% and the median price was down 13.1% in October, 2017 compared to October, 2016.  The sales and median price was up in Hampshire and Hampden County.  I anticipate a reduction in the number of sales as we approach the winter season.  The inventory of homes for sale is low which means it is a great time to [...]

Living in Western Massachusetts, we are surrounded by tons of small, locally-owned businesses. It is easy to regularly shop local and support small businesses. However, this Saturday, November 25, is a particularly special time to visit these stores, since it is Small Business Saturday, a national shopping holiday. You can finish all of your [...]

Thanksgiving is this Thursday! While I am looking forward to spending time with family and reflecting on what I am grateful for, in the back of my mind I am thinking about Moonlight Magic. Moonlight Magic is the annual holiday kick-off event in Shelburne Falls. Every year on Black Friday, which this year is November 24th, from 4-9 pm, the Greater Shelburne Falls Area Business Association closes off Bridge Street and the Iron Bridge to host this magical event.

Vendors will line the streets, selling crafts, candles, maple and other farm products, wreaths, and other delightful things perfect for gifting for the holidays. Barberic Farm will be selling their delicious frozen meat pies, jams, jellies, pickles, plus their handmade wool and leather products. Shelburne Farm & Garden will also have a booth, selling birding supplies, pet toys, hats, and gloves. You could get all your holiday shopping done without having to even look at a mall!

School groups and other non-profits will also set up to fundraise for their special projects. Colrain Central School will be raffling off gift baskets, and Hawlemont Elementary School will sell baked goods and offer cookie decoration as a fundraiser for their Nature’s Classroom trip. Of course, don’t forget to look for the Salvation Army kettle to make a donation.

While you’re shopping around, there will be a bunch of performances, both indoors and out. Keep your ears open for roaming performers, Welcome Yule, a group of carolers, and Tom Crean, banjoist. At 5:15 pm, be sure to be outside to watch the Parade of Lights come down Conway Street to Bridge Street. Wave to Santa Claus and his crew, plus a special horse drawn wagon courtesy of Greenfield Savings Bank. Then, pay Santa and Mrs. Claus a visit at the Mason’s Lodge on Main Street. Some other acts you won’t want to miss include Ageless Waves of Rhythm, the Senior Center’s drumming group, who will perform in Greenfield Savings Bank, and Celtic Heels, Irish step-dancing group.

My favorite part of Moonlight Magic are the beautiful lights and decorations throughout the village of Shelburne Falls. Luminaria line the streets and christmas lights and garlands drape overhead, making this cozy village even more serene.

For more information and specific event details, go to shelburnefalls.com.

Colrain, Massachusetts is a beautiful town in northern Franklin County, just below the Vermont line. The town draws many artists who seek inspiration from its natural beauty. There are so many artists, in fact that each year they all come together to host Crafts of Colrain Open Studio Tour. Grab a map and a friend and take a tour around Colrain this Saturday and Sunday, November 11-12.

18 artisans will open their doors to showcase their art and offer live viewings of their processes. Their crafts include woodwork, fiber art, metalwork, painting, pottery, and more. One particular artist whose work I always enjoy is Ruby Rice. She creates visionary healing arts ranging from pillows to wall hangings to notecards and more. Her sanctuary and gallery has the feel of a chapel and is meant to comfort and make guests feel at home.

For more information and to download a free map and schedule, visit www.craftsofcolrain.com.