Big Rigs will be back on Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The longtime Park favorite features fire trucks, police cars, utility trucks, ambulances and more. Climb into the cabs and meet the people who operate these fascinating vehicles. This unique, free, kid-friendly event is co-hosted by SHELD/Fibersonic, the Friends of Buttery Book Park, All Star Dairy, and the South Hadley Recreation Department. Don’t miss this great, free family event! Buttery Brook Park is located at, 123 Willimansett Street (Route 33) in South Hadley.
South Hadley Public Library July Sampler
Upcoming free programs for adults, children and youth include the following (for more options, see the Library’s Event Calendar link below):
The Art & Science of the Connecticut River
Wednesday, July 13 at 6:30 (in-person at the Main Library)
Learn about the diversity and ecosystem of our largest natural resource in Western Massachusetts through iconic paintings and images of the Connecticut River.
Adult Take Home Craft: Faux Scrimshaw
Wednesday, July 13
Register Here: https://bit.ly/3y1W4or or at shadleylib.org and click on events. All materials are provided.
The Science of Astro-Meteorology with Joe Rao
Wednesday, July 20 at 6:30 (Main Library Online Event via Zoom)
Register at: https://bit.ly/3tp5clN or at shadleylib.org and click on events.
Can we trust forecasts like those in Old Farmer’s Almanac? Do planetary movements control our climate? Come learn how the changing aspects of the Sun and Moon have an influence on our ever-changing weather.
Local Edible Mushrooms and Poisonous Look-a-likes
Wednesday, July 27 at 6:30 (in-person at the Main Library)
Learn to distinguish between edible mushrooms that are safe to eat and their poisonous twins.
French for Families
Mondays–July 11, 18 and 25 at 6:00pm (in-person at the Main Library)
Bonjour! Families with children ages 8 through 12 (and older is fine) are welcome to join us for a three part series of introductory French with Bilingual Specialist Jan Lamberg. Learn basic greetings, numbers, colors, seasons, animals, and more. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED by calling the library or stopping in to sign up.
LIVE! Reptiles and Amphibians with Riverside Reptiles Education Center
Friday, July 29 at 10:30 (in-person at the Gaylord Library)
Explore the wonderful world of reptiles and amphibians! Meet LIVE animals from these two similar, yet different groups. Learn about their natural history and the importance of their conservation. This program is being presented by the Riverside Reptiles Education Center. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: Sign up for Reptiles and Amphibians
Virtual Sit and Stitch with Ina Forman
Thursday, July 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 (Gaylord Library online event)
Log in and spend an evening with your crafty neighbors. Bring your portable handwork of choice – quilting, crocheting, knitting, cross-stitch etc., and enjoy the company of fellow slow stitchers while you work on your project from the comfort of your own home. Ina Forman creates quilts for warmth and art, along with fiber pieces for fashion and the eye. Details to connect to this virtual meeting will be sent via email to registered participants. The event is limited to 8 people. Register here.
Don’t forget to sign up for the Adult Summer Program–just check out library items to participate! Win instant prizes or enter to win a Second Chance Drawing to win a Free Camping Rental from EMS, a $50 Gas Card, or a $50 gift certificate from the Odyssey bookstore. There is also adult Book Bingo to win free metal bookmarks.
South Hadley Public Library EVENT CALENDAR
Main Library: 2 Canal Street, South Hadley | 413.538.5045 | https://www.shadleylib.org
Gaylord Library: 47 College Street, South Hadley | 413.538.5047 | https://gaylordlibrary.org
2023 Town-Wide Celebration of Arts and Culture
The South Hadley Cultural Council is hosting a Zoom meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 for everyone interested in learning about a 10-day, town-wide Celebration of Arts and Cultural being planned for Spring 2023. Funding for the event will come, in part, from the American Rescue Act. The Zoom link for the meeting is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89764449007pwd=mwYpvLlf4jw0j_eWsKJMe7woAS0T5K.1
Meeting attendees will learn about the planning, support, implementation, logistics, and individual and organizational participation necessary for the event, which is designed to highlight both local and regional talent in the disciplines of music, dance, visual arts, and more. Organizers are also seeking to create opportunities for partnerships with local businesses to host events, performances, and activities. Partnerships like these will significantly increase economic patronage during and following the celebration and raise awareness beyond South Hadley of what the town has to offer.
The Cultural Council encourages interested residents, performers, artists, and members of the business community to attend this virtual meeting, and everyone is welcome. There are many ways to support and participate in this exciting event, including:
- A Steering Committee that will lead the way in continuing the event planning already in progress
- A Celebration Committee to manage the details and logistics of this important event during the celebration itself
- Performers and artists
- Business patrons
Public Hearing on Rts. 33/202 Corridor Study
The Planning Board will host a public hearing to discuss findings in the final report of the Rts. 202/33 Corridor Study at 6:30pm on Monday, July 25, 2022 via Zoom. The Zoom meeting link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84438382627?pwd=d09abVNMdjRyUDg3UjQ1Nk8rR09BQT09
A PDF of the January 2022 Final Report and other materials is available at: https://www.southhadley.org/294/Planning-Documents
Shadowbrook Estate is located within the South Hadley study area, which focuses on Route 33 from the Chicopee town line through the intersection with Route 202 and then on to the Granby town line, was done in conjunction with those adjacent communities. While this area includes destinations such as Buttery Brook Park and the South Hadley Square (Big Y) Shopping plaza within walking distances of neighborhoods, non-vehicular access is poor and the corridor isn’t linked to regional bike trails and paths. Sidewalks vary in quality and location, there is no public transportation, and most of the traffic on workdays originates outside of South Hadley. New zoning for mixed use, village-center style development could help to increase the corridor’s economic vibrancy and accommodate some of our community’s need for different types of housing.
For more details, see the Page 1 story in the July 8, 2022 Town Reminder:
https://www.townreminder.turley.com/tr-archives/TRM070822.pdf
July 2022 at Buttery Brook Park
The 2022 Summer Children’s Series sponsored by the South Hadley Family Center returns again this year for three Wednesday mornings in July under the pavilion at Buttery Brook Park. Bring chairs or blankets to enjoy the concerts are recommended. The events, which begin at 10:00am, are free and open to the public. This year’s series’ includes:
- Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Annie and the Natural Wonder Band - Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Tom Knight - Wednesday, July 27, 2022
In the Nick of Time
This program is supported in part by a grant from the South Hadley Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Big Rig Day 2022 is scheduled for Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 10am to 12pm. The longtime Park favorite features Big Rigs of all types, such as fire trucks, police cars, utility trucks, ambulances and more. Climb into the caps and meet the people who operate these fascinating vehicles. This unique, free, kid-friendly event is typically co-hosted by SHELD/Fibersonic, the Friends of Buttery Book Park, and the South Hadley Recreation Department.
Weekly Friday Cruise Nights are held (weather permitting) from 5:30pm to dusk through Labor Day weekend. Come and check out beautifully restored vintage vehicles and enjoy a pleasant summer evening at the Park. Food and beverages are available, and proceeds help to support park improvements.
Buttery Brook Park is located at 123 Willimansett Street (Rt. 33) in South Hadley, MA. For more information, visit the Friends of Buttery Brook Park at: https://m.facebook.com/butterybrookpark/
A Conversation About Community Seating
The Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC) will host “A Conversation About Community Seating” from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Friday, June 24, 2022 via Zoom. If you’re interested in being part of the conversation, please register at: https://bit.ly/MPIC062422. After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.
South Hadley’s newly adopted Master Plan Update calls for prioritizing places for people to sit, and to gather, outdoors. Seating on walking routes, in or near parks, transportation stops, shopping, conservation areas, and elsewhere will help create the thriving community envisioned in the Plan. Several boards, committees, and commissions are charged with making this happen. MPIC is seeking input from those identified in the Master Plan as well as anyone else who is interested in this project. The Bike/Walk Committee (BWC) is among the groups with community seating goals in the Plan and anticipates being involved with helping to develop a bench sponsorship campaign and a master map for outdoor seating and gathering areas.
The purpose of this initial conversation is to identify a working group and to determine its tasks. What sorts of issues should it consider? These might include locations, types of seating, installation and maintenance costs, mapping community seating resources, other? How could necessary funds be generated?
June 2022 South Hadley Library Events
The South Hadley Public Library (Main Library, 2 Canal Street) and the Gaylord Library (Branch, 47 College Street) will offer a number of programs for adults, teens, and kids this month. A sampling of the adult offerings follows below. Please visit the link at the bottom for the Library Event Calendar to view the full schedule of events.
South Hadley Public Library (Main Library) | Adult Program Sampler
A House in South Hadley through Time – 5 Walnut Street
Wednesday, June 1 at 6:30
Hugh Scott moved with his family from Connecticut to Salem Massachusetts, and finally in 1868 to South Hadley Falls. In 1883 he had a house built for the family at 5 Walnut Street in the same neighborhood. This program will also serve as a primer on local history research techniques. Presented by Bob Comeau, this program is funded by the South Hadley Cultural Council and Co-Hosted by the Holyoke Preservation Trust.
Senator Jo Comerford’s Library Tour and Rescheduled Democracy Works Talk
Wednesday, June 8 at 5:00
Sen. Comerford will be giving a brief legislative update and then opening the floor for informal conversation and questions. She will then give a talk on how democracy works best when everyone participates, talking about effective strategies for engaging with the state legislative process. Jo Comerford is the State Senator for the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district.
The Highwaymen: Songs & Stories (Outdoor Concert)
Wednesday, June 22 at 6:30
Longtime New England singer/songwriter Matt York will perform the songs of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings and tell stories of their careers in an hour-long performance. York has twice been nominated as Best Male Artist by the New England Music Awards and his latest release was named one of the Boston Globe’s best albums of 2019. This program is supported in part by a grant from the South Hadley Local Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. In case of inclement weather, this program will take place in the Community Room.
Zoom Program: Orphan Trains of the East Coast by author Andrea Warren.
Wednesday, June 29 at 6:30 | Register by clicking here.
Religious societies believed removing children from impoverished areas away from their parents, alive or dead, and into the countryside would give them a better life. Find out more about this sometimes happy, but often times tragic time in history.
Gaylord Library | Adult Program Sampler
Composting with HHCD. Thursday, June 2 at 6:30
Join us to learn all the ins and outs of Composting! Learn all you need to know and then participate in a hands-on project to get you composting in a fun and unique way. This program is being offered by the Hampden Hampshire Conservation District (HHCD). Sign up to learn about composting.
Virtual Sit and Stitch with Ina Forman. Thursday, June 9 from 6:00 to 8:00
Log in and spend an evening with your crafty neighbors. Bring your portable handwork of choice – quilting, crocheting, knitting, cross-stitch etc. – and enjoy the company of fellow slow stitchers while you work on your project from the comfort of your own home. Ina Forman creates quilts for warmth and art, along with fiber pieces for fashion and the eye. Details to connect to this virtual meeting will be sent via email to registered participants. The event is limited to 8 people. Register here.
Cameron Sutphin Outdoor Concert. Thursday, June 16, 6:30-7:30
Bring your lawn chairs and get ready for a relaxing and joyful evening! Cameron Sutphin is back again this summer to perform his original material, as well as classic country and folk cover songs such as, The Times They Are A-Changin’ (Bob Dylan,) Take Me Home, Country Roads (John Denver,) Where Have All The Flowers Gone (Pete Seeger,) Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen,) and Wake-Up Little Susie (Everly Brothers) as a solo acoustic act. Sign up to attend the concert.
Need Books Delivered? Check out our Homebound Delivery Service
The Gaylord Memorial Library continues to offer a Homebound Delivery Service to residents of South Hadley who have health or transportation issues. Books and other library materials are delivered and picked up on a monthly basis. If you, or someone you know would like to learn more and sign up for Homebound Delivery, please visit: https://gaylordlibrary.org/homebound-delivery/ or call 538-5047.
KEY WEBSITES to STAY CONNECTED
· Event calendar for library programs (including registration information)
· South Hadley Public Library Facebook page
· Vimeo for recorded library programs & crafts
· South Hadley Public Library homepage
· Gaylord Memorial Library homepage
· Town of South Hadley homepage
Buttery Brook Park mural reception rescheduled to Thurs, June 2
The reception celebrating a new mural installation at Buttery Brook Park will be held Thursday, June 2 at 4pm (please note date change from June 1 due to anticipated inclement weather).
OFF THE BEATEN PATH: A Celebration of Local Ecology
Reception: THURSDAY, June 2, 2022 at 4:00pm (rescheduled from June 1)
Location: Buttery Brook Park (near the spray park)
Light refreshments will be served. All ages are welcome to attend.
Students at Mount Holyoke College recently put the finishing touches on a large mural that was recently installed at Buttery Brook Park on Route 33 in South Hadley. After researching local plants and animals, and hearing from residents about their memories of the Park, the group developed a design incorporating what they learned that will engage and captivate viewers of all ages.
For more information about Buttery Brook Park:
https://www.southhadley.org/1200/Buttery-Brook-Park
Please note that this new page on the Town website replaces a former stand-alone website for the Park.
Shadowbrook Neighbors Morning Coffee
A weekday morning coffee is planned at 10:30am on Friday, June 10 (rain date June 14) for neighbors to get together in person outdoors to chat and catch up. Bring a chair and meet for coffee and conversation in the Hill section at the ‘Green’ on the corner by the mailbox at the top of the hill. All residents are welcome! Please see the newsletter for more details.
2022 Summer Concert Series
The annual Summer Concert Series, presented by the South Hadley Recreation Department and The Village Commons will return beginning June 23, ,2022. The free, weekly Thursday evening concerts on the Town Common take place from 6:30 to 8:00pm through September 1, 2022; if a concert is canceled due to rain, the raindate will be the following Sunday. The series is supported, in part, by a grant from the South Hadley Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Click for the complete schedule.