Fibersonic Internet and Phone Service

In recent months the South Hadley Electric Light Department (SHELD) began installing infrastructure to deliver new high-speed internet service to provide services to residents at competitive rates. For condominiums, obtaining service begins with asking SHELD to complete a study of the property, and the Board recently approved this first step. Once the study is completed, costs will be outlined in a presentation; if enough individual owners (60%) elect to purchase internet service for their units through SHELD, there will be no cost to the community. Service could be available sometime in 2021 or possibly early 2022, depending on Covid-19 delays.

One thing our owners can do NOW is to visit the www.fibersonic.com website to learn more about this new, locally owned and serviced option. Please use the ‘click here to apply’ button and then enter your address on the next page. There is NO obligation—this just helps SHELD gauge interest. Once we are all able to meet in person again, we will plan a presentation for everyone that includes information about ‘cord-cutter’ alternatives to cable.

South Hadley outdoor facilities and public buildings closed

All South Hadley parks, playgrounds and playscapes, hiking trails, playing fields, and other recreational areas remain closed until further notice. Town offices and buildings remain closed in accordance with state emergency orders and guidance on COVID-19, which has been extended to May 18, 2020.

This action is consistent with Governor Baker’s order prohibiting gatherings of 10 or more, the directive to implement social distancing, and the state’s Stay-at-Home Advisory. South Hadley outdoor facilities that are now closed to the public include the Ledges Golf Club, Beachgrounds Park, Buttery Brook Park, Town Farm Field, school field/playgrounds, and town hiking trails. All playground playscapes are closed as the cleanliness level of the structures cannot be ensured. Close contact activities such as pick-up sports games are not allowed under the advisory.

Under a prior order, town buildings (including South Hadley Town Hall, libraries, senior center, schools, transfer station, DPW offices and Old Firehouse Museum) have been closed to the public. There is limited public access to the police department. Town staff continue to work remotely with limited services online and via email.

The public is encouraged to stay home. If it absolutely necessary to go out in public, please maintain social distancing. For local COVID-19 updates, visit: www.southhadley.org/covid19

COVID-19 Information

The state of Massachusetts has fact sheets and other information about the new (novel) coronavirus, COVID-19, available on the state website: https://www.mass.gov/guides/information-on-the-outbreak-of-2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Daily COVID-19 Dashboard Report and Weekly (on Wednesdays) Cases by City/Town Reports: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-cases-quarantine-and-monitoring.

Information about Massachusetts unemployment benefits and COVID-19: https://www.mass.gov/applying-for-unemployment-benefits

An informative article on social distancing and ‘flattening the curve’ of infections: https://www.vox.com/2020/3/10/21171481/coronavirus-us-cases-quarantine-cancellation

Anyone who suspects they may have COVID-19 is advised to call their medical provider first, rather than going unannounced to a hospital or doctor’s office. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has a 24/7 hotline at 617.983.6800.

Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center and interactive map: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu

South Hadley COVID-19 Update

The Town announced that its first confirmed case was identified on Wednesday, March 25 and additional positive cases have been identified as of March 27. Residents are urged to be vigilant with social distancing and hand washing.

  • Recreation Areas remain open, but residents are urged to practice social distancing and not to use parks, playgrounds, fields/courts, trails, and other resources if feeling ill.
  • The Transfer Station and compost area are closed until further notice. Please do not leave green bags or other refuse.
  • Curbside pick-up by Republic Services will continue as scheduled. Green bags are still required for trash pickup.
  • Town buildings are closed until further notice. Staff may be contacted by phone using the staff/department directory at: www.southhadley.org/directory.aspx
  • For non-emergency police services, please call ahead (413.538.8231) to see if officers can assist you without coming in to the station. The Department also maintains a Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/SouthHadleyMassPoliceDepartment
  • The main and Gaylord libraries are closed and all programs canceled. Items on loan will be renewed with no limits and no fines charged for overdue items. Materials can be returned in the library book drop. Patron holds will be kept until buildings reopen.
  • The Council on Aging, currently located at St. Theresa’s Church, is closed and transportation services are suspended.
  • A daily hot meal can be delivered to any South Hadley senior 60-years and over. Contact WestMass ElderCare at 413.538.9020.

For local COVID-19 impacts to South Hadley and its services, please visit: southhadleyma.gov/covid19.

Sign up to receive the latest information with the “News & Announcements” section on the town website. You can subscribe for automatic notifications at: https://www.southhadley.org/list.aspx.

Bear Sightings

Residents have reported bear sightings in recent months in different sections of our community. The most recent sighting was early Saturday morning, March 7, behind units near Buttery Brook Park in the new section. The South Hadley Police have been getting a lot of calls of late about bears from all over town, and they refer residents to the state Environmental Police. A PDF with information about black bears and tips for residents can be downloaded at: www.mass.gov/media/10601/. More information from Mass. Wildlife is available at: www.mass.gov/service-details/what-to-do-if-you-see-a-bear-in-town.

New Hands-Free law now in effect

As of Sunday, February 23, 2020 drivers in Massachusetts cannot use an electronic device unless it is being used in hands-free mode. Drivers will receive warnings until March 31; starting April 1, police will be ticketing violators. Punishment for violating the new law includes a $100 fine for a first violation, a $250 fine for a second offense, and a $500 fine for a third or subsequent offense. Additional requirements for completion of an educational program apply to second and subsequent offenses; third or subsequent offenses are surchargeable incidents. Additional details about the law are available on the South Hadley website and at: www.mass.gov/service-details/hands-free-law.

2020 U.S. Census

In mid-March, homes across the country will begin receiving invitations to complete the 2020 Census, and residents will be able to respond for their homes online, by phone, or by mail. Census data will determine congressional representation and inform federal funding over the next decade for schools, infrastructure, grant funding, and services for families, older adults, and children. Visit 2020census.gov to learn more.

In January, Town residents also should have received an annual South Hadley Street Listing form, which is separate from the U.S. Census, and used to confirm residence and voter registration. If you haven’t yet returned your form, please be sure to do so. For questions about the annual street listing, contact the Town Clerk’s office at 413.538.5017.

Town Elections on March 3, 2020

This year’s South Hadley local elections will be held in conjunction with the Massachusetts Presidential Primary on March 3, 2020. Town Meeting has approved moving the 2020 Annual Town Election to March 3 to coincide with the “Super Tuesday” Massachusetts Presidential Primary. Fire District 1 and 2 Annual Elections will also be held on March 3.

Sample Town Election ballots for each Precinct (Shadowbrook is Precinct A), Presidential Primaries, and other voting information can be viewed at:
https://www.southhadley.org/620/Elections
A sample ballot for Fire District 1 is available at:
https://www.shdistrict1.org

VOTING ON MARCH 3, 2020
All voting takes place at South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street, South Hadley, and all town residents vote at that location. Election hours are 7:00am to 8:00pm. Five days of EARLY VOTING will be available in Room M11 (Town Clerk’s Office) at Town Hall, 116 Main Street, from 8am to 5pm on February 24, 24, 26 and 28; and from 7am to 6pm on February 27 (there are no weekend hours available).

Shadowbrook is in Precinct A and Fire/Water District 1.

LOCAL CANDIDATES FORUM on FEBRUARY 27
Candidates for Town and Fire District offices will be featured in a Candidates Forum at Town Hall auditorium, 116 Main Street, at 7:00pm on Thursday, February 27, 2020. The event is hosted by Know Your Town, a local organization that works to inform residents about town affairs. The Forum will also air on South Hadley’s Channel 15 (www.shctv15.com). For more information, visit: www.knowyourtown.org.

VOTER REGISTRATION and ABSENTEE BALLOTS
Wednesday, February 12, 2020 is the last day to register to vote in the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary and Annual Town Elections. You may check or update your status, or register online at:
Massachusetts Online Voter Registration (OVR) System

To download an Absentee Ballot online, visit: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/absentee/English-Absentee-Ballot-Application.pdf. For more information about voter registration and absentee voting visit: www.southhadley.org/620/Elections, or contact Carlene Hamelin, Town Clerk, 413.538.5017 x115.

South Hadley Fibersonic 101 Workshop on March 10

A free workshop on South Hadley’s currently-under-construction fiberoptic service is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2020 in the Community Room at South Hadley Public Library. The event begins at 5:00pm with a meet and greet, followed by a Question and Answer session at 5:30pm, and a streaming demo at 6:30pm. Residents are encouraged to come to learn more about the Fibersonic service, get answers to questions, and share any concerns.

Fibersonic is a South Hadley Electric Light Department (SHELD) project to connect residents of South Hadley. In recent months, SHELD began a buildout of its home-grown GIG Speed internet service. The service is expected to be faster and more reliable, at a projected cost $74.95 a month. Home phone service will begin to be available toward the end of the second quarter of 2020, with packages that include call forwarding, caller ID, and voicemail, ranging from $19.99 for one local line to $24.99 for unlimited local/domestic calling.

If you would be interested in internet services provided by our local utility, the first step is to go to the project website for more information and add your name and address to express interest. There is no obligation, but showing interest helps SHELD to identify interest levels in geographic areas of the town. For details, visit: www.fibersonic.com