Spring Is in the Air (or is it?)
Dear Hawleyites and Friends—We still have a lot of snow on the ground, but if you look closely you can see some patches of brown. Spring is coming, and the sun is getting brighter. Enjoy this season of hope! I have a few items for you today.
From the Town Clerk’s Desk
Ellie Van Iderstine sent in this news:
A reminder that the Town Election (5/4) and Annual Town Meeting (5/11) are right around the corner! This is your time to participate in the purest form of democracy, see your neighbors from the other side of town, and maybe join a committee or two. I’ve also heard a rumor that we may soon be looking for a new Town Moderator… If you think you may be interested in a position, come grab a nomination form!
I am still welcoming anyone who wishes to assist with this year’s elections as a poll worker. Thank you to those who responded to my last request and I do apologize for the confusion and frustration it may have caused. One of my favorite parts of municipal politics, and why I work in multiple town offices, is that, for the most part, one’s national political leanings are set aside in favor of what is best for the community and one’s neighbors. Some parts of the election process, however, such as the Board of Registrars, do require a balance of parties.
Please know that however you vote, my door is always open & judgement free… please just VOTE!
2026 Elected Positions Available:
Select Board/ZBA/BOH – 3-year term
Moderator – 1-year term
Auditor – 1-year term
Assessor – 3-year term
Hawlemont Regional School Committee – 3-year term
Mohawk Trail District K-12 Rep – 3-year Term
Round Up for Charity and Support Good Neighbors
The other day at Aubuchon Hardware in Shelburne, I was pleased to see that the store is collecting extra funds for Good Neighbors Food Pantry through its “round up for charity” campaign. Cashiers ask customers whether they would like to add the extra change (to the next dollar) from their purchases for a good cause. At the end of the campaign (this one concludes at the end of March), Aubuchon donates the funds and matches them up to $2500 through its charitable foundation. Bravo, Aubuchon! If you need some hardware, friends, be sure to stop in and purchase it this month. As you may know, Good Neighbors helps feed people in Hawley as well as the surrounding towns, and several Hawleyites volunteer at the pantry’s monthly food distributions.
Paul Mark’s Visit
About 20 townspeople showed up to greet State Senator Paul Mark earlier this week. Issues discussed included funding for rural schools and the desire for a municipal and safety complex here in Hawley. Thank you to all of you who stopped in. If you missed your opportunity to talk to Paul (or even if you didn’t), you can email him at Paul.Mark@masenate.gov.
Mark Your Calendars!
Franklin County Solid Waste District’s 2026 Collection Dates
Spring “Clean Sweep” Bulky Waste Recycling Day: Saturday, May 16
Household Hazardous Waste Day: Saturday, September 19 (Pre-registration is required for Haz Waste Day; registration will open in mid-August.)
Fall “Clean Sweep” Bulky Waste Recycling Day: Saturday, October 17
Fees are charged for most Clean Sweep items. Pricing subject to change. Household Hazardous Waste Day is free for residents of most towns.
For more information on these events, including locations, participating towns, hours, and pricing, click on this link.
One More Chance to See Something Rotten
Hawley’s own Landon Clark stars in the festive, funny spring musical at Mohawk Trail Regional School. The last performance takes place this evening.
That’s it for this week. Enjoy Saint Patrick’s Day! I leave you with the traditional Irish blessing. I’d sing it for you—of course, it’s in my repertoire—but I don’t want to take up too much bandwidth on our website.
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Yours,
Tinky Weisblat
Gal Friday
Town of Hawley
413-339-5518
info@townofhawley.com
