September Song
Happy September! We have a couple of town announcements and then a whole bunch of upcoming activities. I keep thinking things will settle down now that autumn is approaching … but there is still a lot to do. I hope you get to at least some of the events listed below.
Town Clerk Out of Town
For the next two weeks, town clerk Elizabeth Van Iderstine will miss her office hours. She will be hiking in the Grand Canyon! Ellie will return on Friday, October 3. You may leave her a message at townclerk@townofhawley.com. Have a great trip, Ellie….
Cemetery Plot Rates to Go Up
As of Monday, September 15, the cost of purchasing a plot in our town-owned cemeteries is going up from $350 to $500. If you want to purchase a plot at the current rate, please leave me a message (info@townofhawley.com; 413-339-5518) before then. People who have purchases “in progress” when the rate hike goes into effect will be grandfather in with the old rate.
We know this is quite an increase, but as you know inflation has been high in recent years. The Historical Commission, which oversees the cemeteries, is working on allowing people to pay for plots in installments … and also on a fund that will help people who have financial need if they need to purchase a plot. More on those efforts soon, I hope!
West County Resource Fair
This coming Wednesday, September 17, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. the Mary Lyon Foundation and others will present a resource fair at Mohawk Trail Regional School. You can learn about all sorts of local programs, from fuel assistance to food pantries. You can also have a nosh, get your face painted, receive COVID and flu shots, and much more. All are welcome.
The Charlemont Forum: Fresh and Local
On Thursday, September 18, at 7 p.m. at the Charlemont Federated Church, the Charlemont Forum will present a panel discussion about the future of food in New England, touching on issues such as fairness, sustainability, and expense. The speakers will be Cathy Stanton, whose book Food Margins prompted the scheduling of this program (click here to read my interview with her about the book!); Martin Philip, the brand ambassador for King Arthur Baking (my interview with him will run in the Recorder on Tuesday!); and Andrew Kendall, the executive director of the Kendall Foundation (I haven’t interviewed him yet, but I probably will!). Hawley’s own Ken Bertsch will moderate. If you can’t go in person, watch with this link.
Hawlemont School Open House
On Wednesday, September 24, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. the public is invited to visit all the classrooms at Hawlemont, including the Community Gardens and barn animals. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served. All are welcome.
Good Neighbor Day
Hawley will celebrate Good Neighbor Day on Sunday, September 28, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Town Office. We hope lots of people will join us to eat lunch, get to know town officials, and chat with neighbors.
No one will be turned away that day, of course, but we would love to get a preliminary count so we know how much food to provide. Please get in touch with me, Tinky, at the Town Office (413-339-5518; info@townofhawley.com) by Sunday, September 21, to let me know that you will join us. And if you can bring something to share—bottled water, paper cups, a salad, a side dish, or a dessert—please let me know about that as well. It should be a fun afternoon!
Talking Tech
As many of you may know, the Tyler Memorial Library has started a tech program, thanks to funding from the Municipal Digital Equity Improvement Program. Zorah Miller of Charlemont will be on duty every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. to help you try to figure out your own technological issues; bring your own laptop, smartphone, or tablet, or use one of the computers in the library.
And on Tuesday, September 30, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the library GCC and Codeforce Consulting will present a public workshop on introductory smartphone skills.
Harvest Moon Pot Luck
On Monday, October 6, beginning at 5 p.m. the Friends of the Tyler Memorial Library will present a library cookbook pot luck in the Charlemont Federated Church social rooms. Take a cookbook out of the library, try a recipe, and bring both your dish and the cookbook to the dinner. (Yes, of course you may use a cookbook that’s not from the library … but we are encouraging people to check out the cookbooks!) If you don’t have time to cook that afternoon, there will still be plenty of food! Please join us.
Apple Squeeze and Community Tag Sale
Hawlemont’s PTO will present its annual Apple Squeeze on Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come press your own cider and/or purchase apple pies, grilled cheese, hot cider and chocolate, or baked goods.
If you would like to reserve a tag sale space please contact the Hawlemont PTO at hawlemontpto@mtrsd.org.
That’s all I have for the moment .. but I’m sure there will be more events to announce soon, including Fire Department chimney cleaning, more vaccine clinics, Cider Days, and (if I can find enough volunteers) the return of Hawley’s Children’s Halloween Party. Enjoy these gorgeous sunny days….
Warmly,
Tinky Weisblat
Gal Friday
Town of Hawley
