Picnics Galore and Much, Much More
A Glorious Fourth
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came, and donated food and labor, to our July 4 picnic at the Town Office. According to Suzy Groden of the Sons and Daughters of Hawley, we had at least 50 people in attendance. The building had standing room only.
Unfortunately, most of our firefighters got called away to a brush fire in Orange and missed the fun. Still, a couple remained to grill for us, help clean up, and of course eat lunch.
The food was lovely. John Sears shared a brief talk about Joseph Hawley, after whom our town was named. And the group reading of the Declaration of Independence reminded us that this document belongs to all Americans; every adult in the room took a turn reading.
Senior Picnic and Barbecue
If you are a senior and miss Saturday’s picnic, you can still catch another. The Council on Aging’s annual free food and music fest will take place on Wednesday, July 22, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Charlemont Fairgrounds. f you can, please let Jennifer Rich know you’re coming by July 10 so she’ll know how much food to bring by calling or texting 413-475-2585.
Voting Information from Ellie, Our Town Clerk
Mohawk Trail Concerts
MTC returns this weekend with renowned cellist Matt Haimovitz and local favorite pianist Jerry Noble. Join the fun on Saturday, July 11, at 5 p.m. at the Federated Church on Route 2 in Charlemont. The suggested donation is $25 per person, but all are welcome to pitch in whatever they can afford.
Mosquito Season
As you know, mosquitos can make us sick as well as itchy. A mosquito in Deerfield recently tested positive for West Nile Virus. The risk remains low (no humans in our county have contracted the disease to date), but health officials suggest taking precautions. Use bug spray. Wear long sleeves and long pants from dusk until dawn if possible. Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens. And dump standing water at least twice a week.
A Special Message from the Pioneer Valley History Network
John Sears of the Historical Commission shares this information of interest for our nation’s 250th birthday.
As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we’re delighted to relaunch Revolution Happened Here, our collaborative online exhibit showing how the Revolution was lived in the towns of the Pioneer Valley.
The site has a fresh look, easier browsing (including a new way to explore items by town), and a simpler, friendlier way to contribute your own items and stories.
Hawlemont School Update
HAY (Hawlemont Agriculture & You) News: Community-garden plots are thriving. All barn animals have returned to their home farms for the summer. Noteworthy collaborations for HAY this year included Hall Tavern Farm, Harvard Forest, and joining in the Source to Sea Cleanup of local waterways. All are encouraged to reach out to the school to join community volunteers supporting the HAY program and also to help staff the 4-H Food Booth at the Heath Fair August 21 – 23.
Summer Reading Challenge: Hawlemont students on summer break have a list of fun prizes they can earn by reading for at least 15 minutes a day. Adults who support them will also be entered into a prize raffle.
By the way, September 2 will be the first day of the 2026-27 school year.
The Shelburne Falls Military Band
The band doesn’t come to Hawley; we’re too small. It WILL be on at the Federated Church on Route 2 in Charlemont on Wednesday, July 22, at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, and enjoy the free, local music.
July Is Plastic Free Month!
That’s all for this week. Stay cool!
Warmly,
Tinky Weisblat
Gal Friday
Town of Hawley
413-339-5518
