Winter-Spring 2024 Gaylord Wine Down Events

Join neighbors and friends at the Gaylord Memorial Library for Wine Down gatherings on the second Friday of the month and support the Friends of the Gaylord Library. Meet new people, mingle in the historic library rotunda, and enjoy each month’s theme, wine, beverages, and light refreshments. Everyone over the age of 21 is cordially invited. The entry fee is $10 and Wine Down hours are 5:30 to 7:00pm. The Gaylord Library is located at 47 College Street (Rt. 116), South Hadley.

Mark your calendar and plan to come to the Winter-Spring 2024 Wine Downs!

  • Friday, February 9, 2024 | 5:30-7:00pm 
    Valentine’s Day
  • Friday, March 8, 2024 | 5:30-7:00pm 
    St. Patrick’s Day
  • Friday, April 12, 2024 | 5:30-7:00pm 
    Spring is Here!
  • Friday, May 10, 2024 | 5:30-7:00pm 
    Memorial Day

If you are interested in getting more involved with the Gaylord Memorial Library Association, please visit  https://gaylordlibrary.org/contact to leave your contact information. We will be in touch!

Guided Trek at Ledges Golf Course on February 4

SOUTH HADLEY— On Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 1:00pm the South Hadley Bike/Walk Committee will host a free guided Trek at the Ledges Golf Club, 18 Mulligan Road, South Hadley, a property owned by the Town of South Hadley. Pat Tracey and Jim Buckley will lead the Trek. Come and enjoy the outdoors on a Sunday afternoon between football playoff games and the Superbowl! Winter is a great time to explore the course, using paths normally reserved for golfing carts. During the off season the paths may be enjoyed for exercise, photography, and high-level views of the area, including Mount Tom on the other side of the Connecticut River. The grounds offer an opportunity for safe, non-vehicular passive recreation, such as walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Visitors should avoid the tees and greens, being careful not to damage fairway areas.

Meet at 12:45pm in front of the Ledges Clubhouse. The Club’s parking lot is located on the right before the circle by the Clubhouse. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and hiking boots or other appropriate footwear, and bring water and walking poles, if desired. If there is snow on the ground, participants may wish to use cross-country skis or snowshoes. Please be aware that the club facilities, including restrooms, are closed for the season. Participants of all ages and new Trekkers are always welcomed! 

Treks are subject to change or cancellation due to weather or ground conditions. Please be sure to check the Bike/Walk page on the Town website for any cancellation notices or other information at: https://www.southhadley.org/bikewalk. Should there be a cancellation decision, information will be posted online by 10:00am on the day of the hike. A PDF map showing Ledges Trek routes is available at: Ledges Golf Course-Trek Routes Map.

Odyssey Bookshop Events

For a last minute gift, the ‘Shelf Awareness‘ page of our local bookstore at Village Commons, Odyssey Bookshop, is worth a stop. In addition to information on a number of highlighted books, there’s a list of book club group meetings and author talks coming in January 2024:

01/08Crime Club January 
Monday, January 8 at 7 PM – Crime Club discussion
01/11Fred Sokol in Person 
Thursday, January 11 at 7 PM – local author Fred Sokol
01/20Jeff Mack Storytime in Person 
Saturday, January 20 at 11 AM – special storytime with Jeff Mack
01/22Open Fiction Book Group January 
Monday, January 22 at 6 PM the Open Fiction Book Group discussion
01/22Open Fiction Book Group January 
Monday, January 22 at 6 PM the Open Fiction Book Group discussion
01/23Dina Friedman in Person 
Tuesday, January 23 at 7 PM – local author Dina Friedman
01/24Kaveh Akbar in Person AT A SPECIAL TIME 
Wednesday, January 24 at 1PM – Kaveh Akbar presents his new novel
01/25Daniel Tobin in Person 
Thursday, January 25 at 7 PM – poet Daniel Tobin reads

Annual Town Election-KYT Meet the Candidates Events: January 6 and February 22, 2024

Posted on December 11, 2023 by admin

Know Your Town (KYT) will host two events for the public to meet and learn more about candidates for local offices in the 2024 Annual Town Election on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, which will coincide with the Massachusetts Presidential Primary on that date. Our Town Election, which usually occurs in April, will take place a month earlier than usual, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, to coincide with the state Presidential Primary. Mark your calendars and plan to come and get to know the people seeking to serve our community!

Local Candidates Meet + Sign Event
January 6, 2024 (10:00-11:30am, Saturday)
South Hadley Public Library Community Room
2 Canal Street, South Hadley
All South Hadley residents are invited to stop in and meet prospective candidates for Town Offices in the March 5, 2024 Town Election and be part of our local election process by signing some nomination papers. To be on the ballot, candidates must collect signatures from local registered voters, who are not obligated to vote for that candidate. Enjoy coffee/tea and nibbles, and learn more about those running for town-wide offices or to be precinct-based Town Meeting Members.

Annual Town Election Candidates Night
February 22, 2024 (6:00-8:00pm, Thursday)
South Hadley Public Library Community Room
2 Canal Street, South Hadley
Our annual Candidates Night forum provides a unique opportunity to hear from those seeking Town Offices, either for re-election or as new candidates. Candidates will introduce themselves and respond to moderator questions from audience submissions. The public is invited to attend in-person, or to view the program live at Channel 15 or online at their website. The event is also recorded and available for viewing later at: shctv15.com. Candidate information is requested by KYT and details provided are published at: www.knowyourtown.org/election-info/meet-the-candidates.

KYT is a local, nonpartisan organization that works to inform residents about local affairs. For information about participating in candidate events or to be added to the KYT email list, email Martha Terry at: mterry@knowyourtown.org.

The polls will be open on March 5, 2024 from 7am to 8pm for in-person voting on election day, and all precincts vote at South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street. In-person early voting will be available between February 24 and March 1, 2024. Voting-by-Mail will also be available, and the last day to apply for a mail-in ballot is Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 5pm. For details: www.southhadley.org/elections.

Saturday, February 24, 2024 is the last day to register to vote in the March 5, 2024 elections, and the Town Clerk’s office will be open that day from 9am to 5pm. Or, visit www.VoteInMA.com to check or update your registration, register to vote, or track your returned mail-in ballot.

South Hadley Bike/Walk to offer free bike lights on December 9

On Saturday, December 9, 2023, volunteers from the South Hadley Bike/Walk Committee will be distributing free bike lights to South Hadley area cyclists as part of MassBike’s Lights Brigade program. Free sets of lights will be available near the Log Cabin at Buttery Brook Park from 5:30 to 7:00pm during Santa’s Land, or until the supply runs out. 

STAY SAFE!  STAY LEGAL! USE LIGHTS AT NIGHT! 
Having front and rear lights on your bike is crucial. Without working lights, you are practically invisible to vehicles. All bike riders in Massachusetts are legally required to have front white lights, red rear lights, and rear and side reflectors when riding anytime from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. 

MassBike’s Lights Brigade program supplies volunteers with free bike lights to distribute to cyclists in their community. Many riders find themselves out at night without the required lights to help them stay visible to drivers and others on the roads and paths, while being in compliance with the law. The #LightsBrigade program by MassBike engages riders using community paths and roads and provides free bicycle lights. You can learn more at www.massbike.org/lightsbrigade.

MassBike is the statewide bicycling advocacy group for Massachusetts. A member-supported 501(c) non-profit, MassBike works to create a state that is safe and welcoming for all bicyclists whether experienced or just getting on a bike for the first time. Programs include promoting bicycle-friendly legislation; improving bicycle access and safety on roads and public transportation; educating bicyclists, motorists, police, and children about bicycling. MassBike’s vision encompasses bicycling as transportation, recreation, and a lot of fun. For more information visit www.massbike.org.

For more information about South Hadley Bike/Walk, visit us on the Town website at: www.southhadley.org/bikewalk. 

Should inclement weather force the cancellation of Santa’s Land, the Lights Brigade event will also be canceled. For weather notices, please see  www.facebook.com/butterybrookpark or www.facebook.com/southhadleyrecreation.

Nomination Papers available starting December 4 for the March 5, 2024 Town Election

Nomination papers for the 2024 Town Election are available from Monday, December 4, 2023 until Thursday, January 11, 2024 in the Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall, 116 Main St., South Hadley, MA. Nomination papers may be obtained during office hours, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and Fridays from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. Accommodations for appointments outside of regular office hours are available.

Interested candidates must be registered voters in the Town of South Hadley. To appear on the ballot, candidates must obtain nomination papers from the Town Clerk’s Office and have them signed by local registered voters. Town-wide offices require 50 signatures on nomination papers from registered voters in South Hadley. Town Meeting Member offices require 10 signatures from registered voters in their respective precinct. It is recommended that prospective candidates obtain more than the minimum number of signatures.

Papers for the following seats will be available:

  • Town Moderator – 1 Seat – 3 Year Term
  • Selectboard – 2 Seats – 3 Year Term
  • School Committee – 2 Seats – 3 Year Term
  • Board of Health – 1 Seat – 3 Year Term
  • Municipal Light Board – 2 Seats – 3 Year Term
  • Board of Assessors – 1 Seat – 3 Year Term
  • Housing Authority – 1 Seat – 3 Year Term
  • Trustee Free Public Library – 3 Seats – 3 Year Term
  • Planning Board – 2 Seats – 3 Year Term
  • Town Meeting Members – 8 Seats Per Precinct – 3 Year Term
  • Town Meeting Member – 2 Seats, Precinct A – 2 Year Term
  • Town Meeting Member – 1 Seat, Precinct C – 2 Year Term
  • Town Meeting Member – 1 Seat, Precinct C – 1 Year Term

Once the candidate has obtained all the needed signatures, nomination papers must be returned to the Town Clerk’s Office by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 for signatures to be certified. 

The Annual Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Presidential Primary.

Interested candidates may direct their questions and comments to the Town Clerk’s Office by phone at 413-538-5030, ext. 6183 or by email at elections@southhadleyma.gov. For more information about voting and elections in South Hadley, visit: www.southhadley.org/620/Elections. A flyer about running for local office (PDF) is available on the Town website. 

2023 Santa’s Land at Buttery Brook Park

Thursday thru Sunday, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm
December 7-10 and December 14-17, 2023

The Friends of Buttery Brook Park and Park Staff welcome everyone to this 51st year of Santa’s Land. Come and visit in-person with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves! 

After visiting with Santa, children receive a cookie and coloring book from Mrs. Claus. There is no admission charge, but donations in support of the Park are always appreciated. Optional pictures can be taken with Santa at a cost of $5, and families are also welcome to take their own photos. While your Santa photos are printed, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate (available at no charge on the log cabin porch) and take a walk to delight in all of the displays outside. You are welcome to take your own pictures with Santa if you choose. 

While there is no mask requirement, please feel free to wear them if you prefer. To reduce the number of people inside the log cabin at any one time, visitors are admitted in small groups from the line that forms outside by the playground. Free parking is available.

Please be sure to dress for time outdoors. Santa’s Land information and updates, including any weather cancellations, are posted on Facebook at, https://www.facebook.com/butterybrookpark or https://www.facebook.com/southhadleyrecreation

PARK LOCATION:
Buttery Brook Park, 123 Willimansett Street (Route 33), South Hadley, MA 01075
https://www.southhadley.org/1200/Buttery-Brook-Park

Paving Project

Residents should be aware that trucks will be on site this week for some pavement repair work to roads and driveways throughout the Association. Please note that these repair needs have been identified and scheduled by the contractor under a contract that has been priced and approved by the Board, so workers are unable to address additions while they are on site. Owners whose driveways are involved have been individually notified. If your driveway is being repaired and the repair extends across your driveway, please avoid driving over the new asphalt for a 24-hour period to allow it to harden. If for some reason you must drive over new asphalt, please don’t stop or park your vehicle on the new pavement. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the management office at 413-732-2158.

2023 Buttery Brook Fall Fest Rescheduled to 10/27-10/29

Due to inclement weather, the Buttery Brook Park Fall Fest has been moved (from 10/20 to 10/22/23) to Friday, October 27 to Sunday, October 29, 2023. Pickleball Tournament times will remain the same for all three days.  

NEW DATES: Friday, October 27 to Sunday, October 29, 2023
Pickleball, Food, Beer Tent, and Music!
2023 Fall Fest Flyer-New Dates (pdf)

Hosted by Pickleball South Hadley and the Friends of Buttery Brook Park, Fall Fest will take place from Friday, October 27 through Sunday, October 29, 2023. On Friday, 10/27 the event kicks off with afternoon Men’s Pickleball Tournaments. On Saturday, 10/28, Women’s Pickleball Tournaments begin at 9am, and Mixed Divisions start at 3pm. On Sunday 10/29, the Beer Tent and Dev’s Mac ‘N Eats Food Truck will be open from 12-5pm and The Willies will perform on the basketball court from 1 to 5pm. Come in costume to celebrate ‘Pickleween!’ at 2pm. Prizes awarded for best costumes and pickleball challenges. Sunday Pickleball tournaments include Jumble Division at 9am and 12pm High School/College Division (some room is still available for the high school/college; sign up on TeamReach-code is 01075).

Bring a chair and come to the pickleball courts to support our competitors and enjoy the games!

For current details, visit South Hadley Pickleball on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083090534223

Odyssey Books Calendar

Our local independent bookstore, Odyssey Books, is located at 9 College Street in the Village Commons. The store can be accessed on the bottom floor from the rear parking lot, and there is a street level entrance to their main floor across from the Town Commons, at the end with the gazebo. Odyssey offers several book clubs each month, along with numerous author appearances. To view the calendar of events, visit: https://www.odysseybks.com/event.