Shadowbrook clay artist to exhibit this fall

Shadowbrook neighbor and clay artist Bonnie Bandolin will be participating in the first day of Easthampton Clay’s pottery sale on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 10am to 5pm in the Eastworks building at 116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton MA. This is part of the 2-day Eastworks Open Studios event.

Bonnie will also be offering her work locally at the annual Second Baptist Church fall craft fair on Monday, October 14, 2024 from 9am to 3pm at 589 Granby Road, South Hadley. This and other events, including numerous tag sales across town, make South Hadley a festive place to be over the Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day long weekend.

Friday, October 11 Gaylord Library WineDown (+Cider!)

The air is crisp and the leaves are changing… What a lovely time to join the Friends of the Gaylord Library to sample some WINE, or maybe some CIDER, and some festive FALL SNACKS!

OCTOBER WINEDOWN (and CIDER!)
Friday, October 11, 2024
5:30pm to 7:00pm
21+ only

Kick off the weekend with wine tasting and appetizers at the historic Gaylord Library.
This month we will be showcasing some local ciders along with the wines.
Feel free to visit our BOOK SALE (downstairs) while you’re there!

Hope to see you there!

October 2024 at our South Hadley Public Libraries

With so many good things happening inside the libraries, people can sometimes miss the wonderful grounds that surround the South Hadley Public and Gaylord Memorial libraries. Have you seen the pollinator garden and temporary outdoor reflective sculpture at Gaylord? Have you viewed the Connecticut River and historic South Hadley Canal from the pergola at SHPL? Spend a few extra minutes during your next visit to check out all we have to offer.

Adult Programs at SHPL

Genealogy Program #1: Search to Failure- It’s Not a Mortgage Application! by Dave Robison on Wednesday, October 2 at 6:00. How many Smith’s can you find with all the genealogical details: dates, life events, locations, etc.? How many Smiths can you find the last name only? The answer is close to 125 million! How do you find the right one? On-line search failures that can easily be cured. Learn how with expert genealogist Dave Robison.

Bigfoot in Western Massachusetts by The Vogel Brothers on Saturday, October 5 from 10:00-12:00. Are they living in our towns, forests, and farms or are they moving through Western Massachusetts? Do they even exist? Explore the Bigfoot legend and stories with the Vogel Brothers.

Genealogy Program #2: The Dangers of Online Family Trees by Dave Robison on Wednesday, October 9 at 6:00. How can your great-grandmother have had three children shortly after she died at age 87? Do you automatically believe the online family trees that others have created, or do you double and triple check the information to confirm you know who is on that tree and the information is correct? Learn how with expert genealogist Dave Robison.

Our Between the Covers Book Club will be meeting on Tuesday, October 8 at 3:00 to discuss The Guest Cottage by Nancy Thayer. Copies are available at the library. Booklist says “the family relationships and challenges ring true and add depth to this light, fun read. The combination of summer-at-the -beach living and a second chance at love will prove irresistible to fans of women’s fiction.

Local Folklore: Cryptids, History and Storytelling by Jordan J. Hall on Wednesday, October 16 at 6:00.
Jordan J. Hall, author of Mammoth, Massachusetts, will join us for an hour of cryptids, history, and storytelling as he details some of the monsters found in Western Massachusetts.

Halloween Costume Swap (For All Ages) on Saturday, October 19 at 10:00. Dressing up on October 31? Drop off gently used Halloween costumes for babies through adults.  We will accept items beginning Monday, September 30 through Friday, October 18. You will receive a ticket for each costume you donate. Then come to SHPL on Saturday, October 19 to pick up the same number of costumes you donated.

SHPL: Celebrating the Past Decade. Can you believe the “new” library is ten years old? Join us on Saturday, October 19 from 11:30-12:30 for a combination of reflection and celebration. We’re marking the first decade of the new South Hadley Public Library building with a look back over the past 10 years: where we were, where we’ve been, and where we’re going. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library.

Dreams: Introduction to Symbolism and Interpretation with Winnifred of AwenTree on Wednesday, October 23 at 6:00. What are your dreams telling you? Our soul speaks to us through our dreams, but how do we interpret those messages in a way that makes any sense to our waking self?  Join Winifred to learn techniques to help you get started unpacking the insight and wisdom held within your dreams. Winifred is a professional, intuitive tarot reader and teacher for 20+ years. As a teacher, she is engaging, knowledgeable and candid; empowering her students to step into their own agency when it comes exploring the intangible world of dreams.

Author Talk: Murder at the Alma Matter: A Nora Phillips Mystery with author Katherine M. Anderson on Wednesday, October 30 at 6:00.  Set at Elms College, her new book is the story of New York Times bestselling author Nora Phillips who has made a name for herself with her beloved Charlie Donahue mystery series. Her editor has unceremoniously rejected her latest work, leaving her with mere weeks to come up with another installment before she’s forced to pay back her hefty advance. Teaming up with a current Elms student, Nora finds herself immersed in the details of an unexpected crime that just might repeat itself if she doesn’t solve it fast. Katherine Anderson is also the author of “Hospital Hill,” set at Northampton State Hospital, and “Shadows in the Ward,” set at Westborough State Hospital.

Online Author Programs (click each program for more information)

A Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats with Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Presented by Smithsonian Scientists Dr. Rachel Page, Dr. Dina Dechmann, and Dr. Teague O’Mara. Wednesday, October 2 at 2:00.

Liberating Latin American Genre Fiction: In Conversation with Bestselling Author Silvia Moreno-Garcia. New York Times Bestselling Author of Mexican Gothic and Gods of Jade and Shadow. Wednesday, October 9 at 7:00.

Maybe You Should Talk To Someone: Examining the Truths and Fictions we Tell Ourselves with Lori Gottlieb. Instant New York Times Bestseller of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. Tuesday, October 22 at 2:00.

Children’s Programs at SHPL

Check…mate! This month we celebrate the return of Chess Club for Kids with Andy, starting on Wednesday, October 9 at 4:00 and continuing for the next four Wednesdays. Please sign your kiddo up for each week they plan to attend!

Book club double-header! Our Graphic Novel Book Club is discussing Witches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse on Thursday, October 10 at 3:45. All kids ages 8-11 are welcome! My First Book Club for kindergarteners and first graders with their adults is meeting on Friday, October 11 at 3:45. No need to read anything in advance! We’ll read, talk, and craft at the program.

The one-year anniversary of Pajama Storytime is Monday, October 7, at 6:30; we will also have a special guest at Pajama Storytime on October 21, Britt Crow-Miller, author of World of Rot as well as a spooky Pajama Storytime on October 28!

Still need a costume? Our all-ages Halloween Costume Swap is Saturday, October 19. See Adult Programs (above) for details.

Want to read to a dog? Kids in kindergarten and up can sign up to read aloud to a Bright Spot therapy dog: Duchess the terrier will be here October 8, and Gwen the greyhound will be here October 23. Call the library to reserve a spot!

All our weekly programs continue this month: Story Time, Rhyme Time, Playgroup, Lego & Games, and Comics & Crafts. Learn more on the children’s page of our website or email Jenny (jarch@cwmars.org) with any questions!

Teen Programs at SHPL

We continue our regular monthly programs with Crafternoon, Snackternoon and Xbox1. Our Crafternoon on Thursday, October 17 at 4:00 will feature Clay Seed Mosaics and our Snackternoon on Thursday, October 24 at 4:00 will feature Fluffy Caramel Apple Dip! Thank you to the Friends of the South Hadley Public Library for sponsoring our Teen Snackternoon. We have a different game selection for this month’s Xbox1 sessions on Tuesdays, October 8 & 22 at 3:30! Reach out with any questions through email or call the library 538-5045 and ask for Bethany. You can also check the Teen Room door for more information. We will end the month with our Teen Night Craft andwill be crafting Pet Ghosts on Tuesday, October 29 at 6:30. This program is usually held on the last Tuesday of the month.

This month we are bringing back our YA Book Tasting Program on Monday, October 7 from 3:30-5:00. Come and check out all the brand new, not even circulated YA books, graphic novels and manga that we’ve gotten in for the month! Get first dibs for check out! This month features our brand-new Nintendo Switch on Monday, October 28 at 3:30. A new selection of games is available. We also have our new YA Book Club Booktroverts! This book doesn’t have any monthly meetings. Read and enjoy the book on your own time. 

Our Teen Takeaway craft this month is Monster Jolly Rancher Lollipops! See Bethany for more details or to sign up. 

Gaylord Memorial Library Programs

Spice Club will welcome the fall weather by sampling Southern New England Spice Company’s Vermont Apple Pie Spice on Thursday, October 3 at 6:30. Sign up by clicking here to reserve your spice packet. Gaylord’s Garden Club will meet Friday, October 4 at noon to talk about preparing Gaylord’s gardens (and yours) for fall. Castle Nitor returns on Thursday, October 10 at 6:00 to teach Viking Wire Weaving. Reserve your seat and register by clicking here.

For kids, we have our usual story times, LEGOs and crafts, plus Mary Westgate sings and reads braille books on Friday October 4 at 10:30, we have Sidewalk Chalk on Saturday October 12 at 10:15, and Halloween Games on Saturday October 26 at 10:15. Costumes are encouraged for Halloween Games and also for our Halloween Story Time on Friday October 25 at 10:30. 

KEY WEBSITES to STAY CONNECTED:

Learn About Running for Local Office in South Hadley

South Hadley voters are invited to attend an information session at 6:00pm on Monday, September 23, 2024 in the Community Room at South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street, to learn about running for local office. Now is the time to think about April 8, 2025 Town Election Annual Town Election. Having information now can be helpful for those considering running for an office in the as the timeline for running typically starts just as the busy holiday season is coming to an end and the new year begins. 

Running for election as a Town Meeting Member can be a good starting point for residents who would like to be more involved in and better understand Town Affairs. As Town Meeting is the legislative session that votes on our policies and budget, members learn a great deal about how our town works and its finances. Each of South Hadley’s five precincts has 24 Town Meeting Members, for a total of 120 elected members. Members serve staggered 3-year terms, with eight seats on the ballot each year for every precinct. Shadowbrook Estate is located in Precinct A.

The event is hosted by the South Hadley Town Clerk’s office and Board of Registrars, Town Moderator John Hine will be present to speak about running for a Town Meeting Member seat. Participants will learn about being a precinct-based Town Meeting member, as well as the Town-Wide elected offices outlined in our ByLaws. The requirements to be a candidate, how to run for local office, and the timelines for running will also be covered. No pre-registration is required. Just stop by and learn more about running for office!

View information the Town website: https://www.southhadley.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1052

September 2024 Shadowbrook Happenings

Happy almost-Fall, though it feels like it already. Lots going on this month!

On Thursday, September 19th we will be meeting for our September monthly luncheon at 12:00pm at Johnny’s at the Village Commons in South Hadley. Their menu can be viewed at: www.johnnysbarandgrille.com/menu.

On Sunday, September 22nd we will have our outdoor Fall Gathering at 1:00pm at the ‘Green on the Hill’ (across from #80). Bring your chair, beverage, and if you wish, a snack to share. Come, and bring a neighbor along. Hoping for sunny skies! 🍁 We do have a rain date of Sunday, September 29th. Hopefully, we won’t need it.

And last, on Monday, September 30th, there’s an informational meeting hosted by the Financial Advisory Committee on our updated 2024 Reserve Plan at 6:30pm in the Community Room at South Hadley Library, 2 Canal Street. All owners are invited to attend.

And, mark your calendars now for the Annual Shadowbrook Owners Meeting at 7:00pm Thursday, December 5, 2024 at South Hadley Public Library.

To RSVP for the September 19 luncheon or to carpool, contact Marybeth Magoffin at magoffin13@aol.com. Anyone interested in joining a carpool for the Reserve Plan meeting on September 30 should also contact Marybeth. Hope to see you soon!

9/16 Community Forum about zoning on Rts. 33 and 202

Rts 202/33 Corridor Community Forum #1
6-8pm, Monday, September 16, 2024
South Hadley Senior Center, 45 Dayton Street

As Shadowbrook is considered a Corridor abutter, our residents recently received a postcard listing dates for four community forums about potential zoning changes in our area. Following publication of a Corridor Study in 2022, an Advisory Committee was appointed to work with project consultants on draft zoning and design guidelines that may affect areas in close proximity to our community. The Corridor Study area begins at the Chicopee line on Rt. 33, then turns onto Rt. 202 toward Granby and continues to the Granby line. After the first forum on September 16, 2024 there will be three additional forums, all from 6-8pm, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 via Zoom; followed by in-person events on Thursday, November 14, 2024 and January 16, 2025 at South Hadley Public Library, with a goal of presenting draft zoning and design guidelines to Town Meeting in spring 2025. See: https://community.innesassocltd.com/south-hadley.

For additional project background and information,visit: https://ma-southhadley.civicplus.com/1400/Route-202-33-Corridor-Re-Zoning

September Ice Cream and Donuts for Seniors

Join the Friends of South Hadley Seniors for free ice cream and donuts this month in celebration of National Senior Center Month.

Free coffee and donuts for seniors every Friday in September
9:00am-11:00am
South Hadley Senior Center (COA), 45 Dayton Street
Stop in for free coffee and cider donuts, compliments of the Friends of the South Hadley Seniors.

Ice Cream Sundae Social
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 2:30-4:00pm
McCray’s Farm, 55 Alvord Street, South Hadley
Check in at the Friends’ table by mini golf for a coupon for a free sundae. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music of the Earls & Pearls. All seniors are welcome. 

9/21/24: Guided Leaping Well Nature Trail and Arboretum Trek

On Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 1:00pm, the South Hadley Bike/Walk Committee will host a guided Trek led by Bike/Walk member Jim Buckley on the Leaping Well Nature Trail, which runs behind Mosier Elementary School. New accessible seating and walkway areas have recently been added thanks to funding secured by Rep. Dan Carey, along with parking improvements by the DPW. Volunteers for South Hadley’s Growing Wild initiative have been working on native plant installations. The trailhead and lot are located on Mosier Street, just before the elementary school, and across the street from Smith Middle School. People of all ages are invited to come meet people, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors!

Located on the 21-acre former Toth property behind the elementary school, this 0.66-mile neighborhood trail is relatively recent addition to South Hadley’s ever-improving trail system on town-owned lands. The trail consists of natural surfaces—grass, dirt, or wood chips. The route contains a few minor ascents and descents, and winds through a young forest, an old farm field, a forest of ornamental pear trees and across several wetlands along wooden boardwalks.

For those who wish to enjoy an Trek exension, when we have completed the Leaping Well Loop, we will continue across the street to explore the Hahn-Warner Arboretum, which is located past the athletic fields at the top of the large hill behind the Michael E. Smith Middle School. Each year a new tree is planted by the Conservation Commission to honor a person or group in South Hadley in connection with Arbor Day festivities.

Meet at 12:45pm at the seating area near the trailhead kiosk in the small hiker lot located off Route 116 on Mosier Street, just before Mosier elementary school. Participants may also park in the large school parking lot. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and safe footwear (be prepared for some possible wet and slippery ground conditions), and bring water and walking poles, if desired. New Trekkers are always welcomed!  

All events are subject to change or cancellation due to weather or ground conditions. For more information, trail maps for Leaping Well Nature Trail and Hahn-Warner Arboretum, or to check for a weather notification (posted by 10am), visit the Town website at: http://www.southhadley.org/bikewalk.