Fran Bates News Today

ORANGE — Fran and Mike Bates had barely opened their new store over the summer when Facebook suspended the business’ page for two days. It turns out the social media network’s algorithm thought the name was sexually explicit.But the Orange couple...

Editor’s note: Here’s a collection of quotes harvested from the front pages of the Greenfield Recorder in 2022. This is the last of three installments.September“That, to me, is a slap in the face to the council and also to the town itself. A number of...

While corporate giants thrived on Black Friday, small businesses took the next day to appreciate their own importance to the more rural communities of Franklin County.“There’s a huge support system for small businesses in the area, for sure,” said...

ORANGE — While corporate giants thrived on Black Friday, small businesses took the next day to appreciate their own importance to a places like Franklin County and the North Quabbin region. “There’s a huge support system for small businesses in the...

ORANGE — Have you heard the one about the local businesspeople who organize a comedy fundraiser? The Orange Merchants Group has arranged for a stand-up comedy show at the Boiler Bar & Grille on Sept. 30 to generate money to continue the tradition of...

ORANGE — The popular Christmas village that took up a back room inside Bates Crafters Gallery is on hiatus this year but there’s still lots to offer holiday shoppers at 80 New Athol Road. Owners Fran and Mike Bates had to dismantle the popular...