October Sunshine and Events
A Big Thank You
Many, many thanks to those who participated in (and contributed food to) Hawley’s celebration of Good Neighbor Day last Sunday. The Fire Department grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggie burgers with aplomb. They were served with farm-fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cole slaw, as well as the usual condiments … and followed by three different desserts. Various town officials spoke about what their groups do. Best of all, participants got to share food and news with each other. The weather was spectacular, and everyone pitched in to make things easy and fun.
Return of the Hawley Halloween Hoedown
Hawley children (and adults) are invited to the town’s Halloween party on Sunday, October 26, at 2 p.m. at the Hawley Grove on East Hawley Road. We had a blast last year and are hopeful that this year’s event will also be fun. If you would like to come (or contribute to the festivities!), please contact me, Tinky, at the Town Office (413-339-5518). Costumes are highly encouraged.
Getting Vaccinated
Flu and COVID vaccines are being offered locally by our public-health nurses, but they ask us to pre-register for the vaccines by calling 413-774-3167, extension 156. The closest clinics will come toward the end of October at the Federated Church on Route 2 in Charlemont. A nurse will be on hand at the Good Neighbors Food Distribution on Tuesday, October 21, from 4 to 5:15 p.m. (If you are not participating in the food distribution, go in the right-hand door as you face the back of the church.) A nurse will also have vaccines at the Senior Center meeting the following day, Wednesday the 22nd, from 10 a.m. to noon. (Non-seniors are welcome!)
There will be a Big Y Vaccine Clinic at the Rowe Elementary School on Pond Road in Rowe on Tuesday, October 14, from noon to 4 p.m. To get more information and/or register, call Rowe town nurse Rachel Lewis at 413-339-5520, extension 107, or email Rachel at nurse@rowe-ma.gov.
In addition, public-health nurses Lisa White and Meg Ryan can make home visits with vaccines for people who need them. To request a visit, call 413-774-3167, extension 156.
Finally, our local public-health team is hatching plans for a vaccine clinic at Hawlemont School in November. I’ll keep you posted on that possibility.
Library Survey Reminder
The Tyler Memorial Library in Charlemont, which serves Hawley, is still looking for answers to its survey about library usage. Please fill out this form to help the library serve you.
An October Concert
Plainfield’s Concerts at 7 will present a special concert this Friday, October 3, at 7 p.m. Jazz double bassist (and Plainfield resident) Avery Sharpe and his double quartet will play his composition “I Am My Neighbor’s Keeper” as part of a six-town tour in Massachusetts. The concert will take place at the Plainfield Congregational Church on Route 116. Donations at the door will be gratefully accepted.
Friends of the Library Pot Luck
This coming Monday, October 6, the Friends of the Tyler Memorial Library will present their inaugural library-cookbook pot luck. Borrow a cookbook from the library and make something from it to share with the group! All are invited to gather at 5 and eat at 5:30 in the Social Rooms of the Federated Church on Main Street on Charlemont.
Hawlemont News
Our Elementary School provided the following items:
Annual Apple Squeeze
Join us at Hawlemont’s Annual Apple Squeeze on Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school. Proceeds will support construction of a new playground, made possible by Charlemont Selectboard’s allocation of recreational funding. Please note: the old playground will be removed beginning October 4 and will remain closed until October 30.
Play Groups
Free play groups for families with young children (birth to age six) continue every first and third Saturday of the month in the school gymnasium from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Barnyard Friends Return
Animals from local farms have joined the Hawlemont barnyard and pastures for the school year. These including a cow, goats, an expectant pig, and the school’s flock of laying hens.
4-H Programs Starting Up
This year’s 4-H clubs include Weaving, Farm-Animal Science, Crafts, Rabbits, and Baking. New leaders and volunteers are always welcome! Contact Liz Billings at 978-407-3812 or Sheila Litchfield at 337-4957.
Community & School Gardens
The gardens are flourishing! Community members are invited to pick fruits and vegetables from marked areas during non-school hours.
Special Education Advisory Council
The Mohawk Trail Special Education Advisory Council will meet on Thursday, October 20, at 7 p.m. This group provides support and educational resources for parents of children with special needs. For more information, email mohawksepac@gmail.com
Reminder: Crafting at the Library
That’s all I have for now. Soon I should have information about chimney cleaning … but not quite yet!
Warmly,
Tinky Weisblat
Gal Friday
Town of Hawley
