Sand and Thanksgiving
Sand
Our Highway Department would like to remind residents that its workers will be happy to deliver buckets of sand to Hawleyites who are elderly and/or in need of a little help with the ice this winter. Anyone who wants sand should please call or email me, Tinky, at the Town Office (413-339-5518; info@townofhawley.com) and leave a message. The message should include your name, your address, the best place to leave the sand, and your phone number in case there are questions. Thanks to the road crew—Gary, Chris, and Brandon—for being willing to perform this important service in addition to all the work they do to keep our byways clear and safe.
Speaking of the road crew, they are putting signs like the one above at the entrances to the State Forest. We hope people will get the message.
Tax Collector Hours
Our tax collector, Betty Nichols, has a complicated schedule for the next few weeks. Instead of holding regular office hours, she will be available by appointment. Call or email me, Tinky (413-339-5518; info@townofhawley.com), and I’ll have her get in touch with you.
Hooray for Volunteers!
As you’re listing the things for which you give thanks this Thanksgiving, think about including the wonderful volunteer spirit here in town. It was out in force last weekend.
A host of volunteers showed up at the Highway Garage last Saturday morning. In just over two hours, the group planted, mulched, and composted 72 saplings to help prevent the bank behind the garage from eroding. Thanks to the Highway Crew as well for their help and to the U.S. Forest Service for funding the project.
While the planting was taking place, our Volunteer Fire Department cleaned chimneys in East and West Hawley. I have heard nothing but compliments from residents about the firefighters’ hard work, good nature, and dedication.
And kudos to the many Hawleyites who responded to the call for help for Good Neighbors Food Pantry in Charlemont. Sheila Litchfield, one of the organizers of this community service, summed it up by telling me, “Hawley! Wow!”
People donated funds and labor to make this past Tuesday’s Thanksgiving food distribution an enormous success despite the increased need. Good Neighbors usually supplies 60 families with groceries. On Tuesday, 77 families showed up … and were helped in this difficult time.
To repeat Sheila’s words: Hawley. Wow.
Please Help Advance Rural School Aid
Suzanne Crawford of the Mohawk Trail Regional School Committee (also our non-parent representative to Hawlemont School; she’s busy!) requests that as many people as possible contact the governor and the co-chairs of the State Joint Committee on Education to advocate for rural-school aid. As you probably know, our rural schools are disadvantaged in several ways.
This link provides information about the proposed legislation and the contact information needed. Suzanne notes, “Our own Senator and Representative are already extremely supportive of this issue, so letters/emails to them are less helpful at this point…. There’s a sample to make this easier, but it is valuable to add a personal story of how lack of funding affects our schools and town.” Thank you!
Formula Recall
As you may have heard, infant botulism has been associated with By Heart infant formula. Our county health team is inspecting local stores to make sure By Heart has been taken off the shelves. In the meantime, they suggest that parents and caregivers avoid this brand. If your child has consumed it and is sick, the team urges you to seek medical help immediately. If your child has had the formula and shows no symptoms, keep a close eye out. Save any open container, but be sure to mark it “DO NOT USE.”
Sons & Daughters News
Our Historical Society, the Sons & Daughters of Hawley, has two special days coming up. First, Tuesday, December 2, is Giving Tuesday. This day calls itself a “global generosity movement.” On Giving Tuesday, nonprofits around the world ask for special donations. The Sons & Daughters have a lot of work to do, including roof replacement on the Hawley Meeting House; completion of the archive room; and “regular” but fun things like funding the Nature Supper, the Edge of Hawley, and more.
You may donate by clicking here or by sending a check to:
Sons and Daughters of Hawley
PO Box 206
Hawley, MA 01339.
The first 10 people who donate $100 or more will receive a copy of The Paintings of Jeanette Rich.
Coming up a little later in December is the annual Illumination Party. On Sunday, December 14, at 4 p.m. neighbors will gather at the Hawley Meeting House on East Hawley Road to light the chandelier, sing carols, drink cocoa, eat cookies, and otherwise celebrate light in our yearly time of darkness. All are welcome. Dress warmly (there’s no heat!), and bring cookies if you can.
Tech Support Hours
Zorah Miller’s tech-support hours at the library are about to change. She has been coming in on Thursday afternoons. Starting on December 6 (the library is closed the weekend after Thanksgiving), Zorah will be at the library to help people with their internet and cellphone needs on Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. Stop by if you need help!
Vaccine Information
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has asked all towns to let residents know that studies have shown that there is no link between vaccines and autism. Click here to read the statement from Commissioner Robbie Goldstein on this issue.
That’s all I have right now. I’ll be back next week with more news and events … including a poster for my annual holiday concert. Meanwhile, I wish you all a joyous Thanksgiving. Don’t get too caught up in the work of the day; just enjoy time with family and friends. And remember, if you are looking for a Thanksgiving home, call the Charlemont Federated Church (413-339-4294) to sign up to come to its community Thanksgiving dinner.
Warmly,
Tinky Weisblat
Gal Friday
Town of Hawley
413-339-5518
info@townofhawley.com
