Relief for West County

Stillwater at the Bridge of Flowers & Iron Bridge, Shelburne Falls, MA (photo by Ben Barnhart, 2009)

I'm posting for the second time today in response to a reader comment on my earlier post (thank you Marcy for your thoughtful question). I learned that a fund has been established locally to provide relief to those in Franklin county whose homes and businesses were severely damaged by the storm (please read to the end of this post if you would like to contribute).

I just returned from a trip to the village. After a stop at the P.O. and the bank, I took a stroll over the Iron Bridge, stopping to speak with several business owners along the way. On their behalf I'd like to relay the message that many shops and restaurants are open in the village this weekend. 

The gardners are hard at  work mending the lovely gardens on the Bridge of Flowers as I type (which I hope means the bridge will soon be open for pedestrian visitors). Shelburne Falls is lovely and visit-worthy, even in its altered state. I'm sure the businesses would be glad to see you!

(note: If you're planning to visit Franklin County Mass. this weekend, please read this travel advisory.)

 

Information I received earlier today from the Shelburne Falls Business Association:

West County Relief Fund:

Shelburne Falls Area Business Association Organizes West County Relief Fund

 The Shelburne Falls Area Business Association (SFABA) with the support of the Central Connecticut River Valley Institute (CCRVI) has established the West County Relief fund to receive funds from the public to be used for relief from the damage caused by Hurricane Irene. Funds will be given out to individuals, families, and businesses to fill needs not met by funds from Federal, State and non-profit sources. Funds raised will be distributed by a committee established by the SFABA.

Donors can make donations (please make checks payable to West County Relief Fund) at any branch of the Greenfield Saving Bank, WHAI, McCusker's Market, Mocha Maya's, Keystone Market, and other area businesses.) Checks made out to West County Relief Fund may be mailed to CCRVI, 6 Warren Court, Shelburne Falls, MA, 01370, to the SFABA, PO Box 42, Shelburne Falls, MA, 01370. 

Shelburne Falls and the West County area are still very much here - please support our towns, families, and businesses by coming to visit and patronizing our shops, galleries, and restaurants.
The 3rd Annual Salmon Falls Street Fest is 12-7 PM September 17, 2011, and is dedicated to the recovery of West County. Come and enjoy the festivities in our beautiful village!

 

Thanks for reading,

Barb

Comments

[KW]

The Bridge of Flowers opened at 5:00pm today.

[Manise]

Thanks for posting this Barb! Will mail my check tomorrow. And I am so glad to hear that the B of F is open again.

[Madeline]

Unbelievable. I watched the longer video showing the water racing over the falls at the lookout area where you view the potholes. Frightening. I presume the wooden "dam" gave way. I'm glad the bridges survived.
A bit farther north in Wilmington, VT, comes this photo of the main intersection of 9 & 100, giving a devastating glimpse of what headed your way.
http://www.reformer.com/localnews/ci_18785422

Glad you and the animals are safe.

[Torre in MD]

thanks for sharing this information on how to support the community. I learned of similar efforts in VT as well. I was hoping to find a way to send direct help I knew would be used there!

[Marcy in California]

Thank you so much for doing the research and posting the info on your blog. I think every dollar will help the recovery effort and It will be a privilege to help a little bit.
Greetings and well wishes from California.
Marcy

[Thomp Bill]

It's really peaceful here. I like this scenery. It's so relaxing and alluring environment. I hope to see more next time. Thanks for sharing your page.