On the Cusp of October

Dear Hawleyites and Friends—As fall settles in, we have lots of activities to get us through the next couple of weeks. And I have a little more information (although I hope more is still to come) on the FCC and Verizon.

Chimney Cleaning

Hawley’s Volunteer Fire Department is hoping to clean chimneys for Hawleyites a week from Saturday, on October 10. If you wish to have your chimney cleaned, please call or email me, Tinky, at the Town Office (413-339-5518; info@townofhawley.com). I will make sure you get on the list. You may also call Lieutenant Brandon Root at 413-339-5592. Be sure to include your address and a telephone number.

This is a free service. However, our firefighters always appreciate a donation to the Hawley Firefighters Association.

Apple Squeeze and HAY Help Needed

This Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School in Shelburne Falls join Hawlemont volunteers for their annual Apple Squeeze: freshly pressed cider, baked goods, and more. Sales will benefit the school’s pioneering agriculture program, HAY (Hawlemont, Agriculture, and You).

If you’d like to be an extremely part-time farmer, you’re in luck! Farm animals have returned to the barn at Hawlemont, and volunteers are needed to help feed them during weekends and school vacations. Contact Stacey Mackowiak, HAY teacher, for more information at 413-339-8316 or smackowiak@mtrsd.org.

Library Potluck Supper

Last year’s Tyler Memorial Library potluck at the Charlemont Federated Church was such a hit that the Friends of the Library are hosting another one on Tuesday, October 13, at 5 p.m. Stop by the library to check out a cookbook (even one by me, Tinky!) and get ready for a culinary adventure.

 

Fall “Clean Sweep” Bulky-Waste Recycling Day

The Franklin County Solid Waste Management District is holding the Fall 2026 “Clean Sweep” Bulky Waste Recycling Day on Saturday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to noon. The two collection locations are Mohawk Trail Regional School at 26 Ashfield Rd. (Route 112 South) in Shelburne Falls, and Whately Transfer Station at 73 Christian Lane in Whately.

Hawley residents and businesses may bring bulky items to the two collection sites. There are charges for most items (cash only). A price list for the most common items may be found at franklincountywastedistrict.org. Pre-registration is not required for Bulky Waste Day.

Acceptable items include tires, appliances, refrigerators, scrap metal, furniture, carpeting, construction debris, computers, televisions, propane gas tanks, bulky rigid plastics for recycling, and other large items. Materials will be recycled whenever possible. Please note that textiles and books are no longer accepted.

For more information, visit franklincountywastedistrict.org or contact the District at info@franklincountywastedistrict.org, (413) 772-2438.  MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 (TTY/TDD). The District is an equal opportunity provider.

Verizon and Copper Wires

Here is a guide from the state to the situation with Verizon and landlines.

Our Selectmen have written to the FCC as well as to our state and federal legislators to protest that many of us will be stranded and unable to get emergency help if our copper landlines are taken away. If you would like to see the town’s letter, you may read it here. Our own Jody Stewart Cothey inspired this recent article in the Recorder about the issue. The article includes information on how to appeal to the FCC to stop Verizon. Please file an appeal as soon as possible if you are so inclined.

We heard a few days ago that Senator Markey’s office is investigating the matter. And this morning I got a call from Congressman Neal’s office. The woman with whom I spoke wasn’t sure we could be successful, but she did promise to do her best and to force Verizon to provide additional help if there is no way to stop it from taking down the copper—perhaps insisting on longer-lasting battery backups, for example. We will keep you posted.

Reminders of Upcoming Events

Don’t forget these previously announced events!

Change in Office Hours

In case you need me next week, please be aware that I am changing my office hours for next Tuesday. I’ll be in the office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The following week I’ll revert to my regular Tuesday office hours of noon to 4 p.m. And please feel free to call and make an appointment with me if the office hours don’t suit you.

That’s it for now.  It’s getting darker outside; stay snug!

Warmly,

Tinky Weisblat
Gal Friday
Town of Hawley

413-339-5518 office/413-339-4747 home