ROAD CLOSURE and a Busy Time

Dear Neighbors:

Despite last week’s depressing weather, April has arrived. I have even seen a few daffodils! We have many upcoming activities in and around Hawley. A number of them take place this week. So please take note. But first … I must alert you that the section of West Hawley Road (Route 8A) just south of Pudding Hollow Road (going toward Plainfield) is going to be closed at least from Monday, April 15, through Friday, April 19.

As many of you know, a couple of weeks ago, that section of road started pretty much coming apart. Our road crew borrowed equipment from Charlemont and put in a temporary fix. The state has agreed to fund emergency work next week–but that work will necessitate closure of the road. If you want to get from the far side of West Hawley to Charlemont or vice versa, please make other plans. Forge Hill Road is not a valid alternative; it is not open right now. We apologize for the inconvenience–but the fissure on the road was dangerous and needed to be fixed.

Community Outreach Sessions for Schools

The 2 Districts/8 Towns Sustainability Study is hoping to engage as many residents as possible in discussions of the future of our school systems. See the flyer below for available sessions. If you can’t make the Hawlemont one, you are welcome to come to any session. But please be sure to preregister. And if you’d like a little more information about the study, here’s a recent report.

Gun Buyback Program THIS WEEKEND

The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office and the Franklin County Sheriff’s office are  organizing a gun buyback this Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greenfield Police Station (321 High Street). Guns must be unloaded, in a bag, and in working condition. Ammunition will also be accepted. People will receive a $75 gift card for a handgun, rifle, or shotgun–or a $150 gift card for an assault rifle. After the collection, the firearms’ will be destroyed.

Volunteers Needed for Cemetery Saturdays

The Poudriers of Pond Road write:

It is that time of year again!  Snowdrops and crocuses are blooming at Meadowsweet farm.  So, please join us for any of THREE Work Parties to tidy up your nearby Cemetery. This is strictly a volunteer effort, but as they say, many hands make light work.

All work parties will take place from 9 a.m. to noon. (If we finish sooner, all the better!)

What to bring:  Work gloves, pruners, lopping shears, leaf rake, metal rake, pruning saw, energy.

We will be moving broken branches and fallen limbs to a central area for later disposal. There will be a bucket loader for moving the brush to that area.

And maybe some neatening of the stone wall perimeters?

With the prediction of some rain and a fairly mild week, we will begin this Saturday, April 13. All sessions are weather permitting… Could there be more snow to come?

Bozrah Cemetery, Bozrah Road, Saturday, April 13 – there will not be a bucket loader since we can drag most of the debris to the pasture.

Doane Cemetery, Forget Road, Saturday, April 20

East Hawley Cemetery, Plainfield Road, Saturday, April 27

Grass mowing has been the only maintenance that has been on-going. So, it’s time for a bit more TLC.  Thank you for your help!

               Ray and Melanie Poudrier

I’ll have lots more news soon at this busy time of year. Meanwhile, don’t forget the Charlemont Forum tomorrow night!

Your Gal Friday,

Tinky