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.

Fall 2024 Election Information

Check, and re-check your voter registration status:
voteinma.com (Massachusetts)
www.vote411.org/check-registration (any state)

Massachusetts State Primary Election | Tuesday, September 3, 2024.   
Sample ballots can be viewed at:
www.southhadley.org/1088/Sample-Ballots
–Polls are open 7:00am to 8:00pm for in-person voting
–South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street

General Election | Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Offices on the ballot:
Electors of President and Vice President, U.S Senator, U.S. Representative, Governor’s Councillor, State Senator, State Representative, Register of Deeds, Clerk of Courts, County Commissioner (some counties)
–Early in-person voting hours will be available.
–The last day to register to vote or change political party is October 26, 2024.
–The last day to submit a Vote-by-Mail application is October 29, 2024.
–Polls are open 7:00am to 8:00pm for in-person voting
–South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street
For South Hadley Election and Voting Information:
www.southhadley.org/elections

Statewide Questions on the November 5, 204 ballot will appear as follows:

  • Question 1: State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature
    This proposal would give the state auditor authority to audit the Legislature.
  • Question 2: Elimination of MCAS as High School Graduation Requirement
    Students would no longer be required to pass MCAS tests in mathematics, English, and science and technology to receive a high school diploma.
  • Question 3: Unionization for Transportation Network Drivers
    This initiative would allow ride-share drivers to form unions and collectively bargain with Uber, Lyft, and similar companies. (A June settlement with the state on companies’ proposal to have drivers classified as independent contractors would provide employment benefits and rights for drivers and require payment of penalties and back pay).
  • Question 4: Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances
    This would legalize the possession and supervised use of natural psychedelics, including psilocybin mushrooms.
  • Question 5: Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers
    The proposal would gradually increase the minimum wage for tipped workers over five years, to match the state’s standard minimum wage in 2029.

In September, all households will receive an Information for Voters booklet published by the state Elections Division with details on each question. See: www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/news/left-story.htm

9/13/24: Gaylord Library Back to School Wine Down

Summer is coming to a close, which means Back to School and Back to Wine Downs!

Everyone is invited to join the Friends of the Gaylord Library for their
BACK TO SCHOOL WINE DOWN
Friday, September 13, 2024 from 5:30 to 7:00pm
Gaylord Library, 47 College Street, South Hadley

Come enjoy wine and snacks, meet new people and catch up with friends, while supporting the Gaylord as well as Operation Backpack (more information follows below). There will be a special raffle to support this project with provides school supplies to local children. And while you’re at the Gaylord, be sure to visit the Book Sale that’s happening downstairs!

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Route 202/33 Corridor Community Forums

A recently appointed Advisory Committee on rezoning in South Hadley’s Routes 202/33 Corridor has met twice, in May and June with Innes Associates consultants. A series of public forums is planned over coming months, with a goal of culminating in a February or March hearing on draft zoning and design guidelines to present to Town Meeting in spring 2025.

Community Forum Schedule:

  • Monday, September 16, 2024, 6-8pm (In-Person Workshop)
    Topic: Building and Site Form, and Design
    South Hadley Senior Center, 45 Dayton Street
  • Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 6-8pm (Virtual Workshop via Zoom)
    Topic: Boundaries and Uses
  • Thursday, November 14, 2024, 6-8pm (In-Person Workshop)
    Topic: Design Guidelines and Standards
    South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street
  • Thursday, January 16, 2025, 6-8pm (In-Person Presentation)
    Topic: Draft Zoning and Design Guidelines
    South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street

Details and background on the project timeline and tasks:
https://southhadley.org/DocumentCenter/View/13003/Advisory-Committee-Meeting-Presentation-61724-

For more information, visit: https://southhadley.org/1400/Route-202-33-Corridor-Re-Zoning