For lovers of live performance, now is a great time to check out these area venues and their season ticket options for the coming 2023-2024 season.
The Majestic Theater in nearby West Springfield, MA has been a regional favorite for high-quality, locally-produced professional live theater since 1997. Each season consists of five productions (including at least one musical) in an intimate theater with plenty of good seats. Season ticket holders can easily change tickets to another date if a conflict arises. Information about the 2023-2024 season can be found at: https://www.majestictheater.com/index.html. Tickets for the annual summer program of musical tribute acts and live children’s theater are also available.
The Fine Arts Center at UMass/Amherst offers a variety of high-quality entertainment, from world music and dance, Jazz greats like Branford Marsalis, to Cirque Mechanics: Zephyr, and The Simon & Garfunkel Story theatrical production. Choose at least 3 shows to subscribe and save 15% (and the ability to swap tickets if a conflict arises). Events for the 2023-2024 season can be viewed at: https://fac.umass.edu/Online/default.asp. Performance venues include the Tillis Performance Hall/Bromery Center for the Arts, Bowker Auditorium at Stockbridge Hall, and UMass Old Chapel.
The Bushnell Theater in Hartford, CT has opened subscription sales for their 2023-2024 Broadway season, which includes shows like Wicked and Frozen. The theater is about an hour’s drive, and parking for evening and weekend shows is free at nearby CT government lots, making it a very convenient location for seeing Broadway shows.
Take the South Hadley Housing Survey by July 16!
Last summer, our town started a process to update South Hadley’s Housing Production Plan. Since then there have been a series of community engagement activities, including two public forums on housing. The most recent Housing Production Plan forum, on June 22, 2022 at the South Hadley Senior Center and on Zoom, offered residents an opportunity to learn about housing development and constraints in our community and discuss draft goals, strategies and opportunities to create much-needed housing for people of all incomes and stages of life.
As a follow-up to the recent forum, an online survey is available so that residents can provide their important feedback on draft goals, strategies, and opportunities to create new housing in South Hadley. The Housing Survey is now open and the comment period has been extended to July 16th. Please share your input by taking the survey at: links.shhousingplan.org/survey2
Those who were unable to attend the June 22 forum can watch a recording of the meeting online at: https://vimeo.com/839763093. A PDF of the slide show presentation, which provides an overview of the plan process, timeline, and information about zoning concerns and potential strategies is available at: https://shhousingplan.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SH-HPP-CF-2-Presentation.pdf.
The process will continue through fall 2023, when a completed planning document will be submitted for adoption by the Selectboard and Planning Board, as well as approval by the MA Department of Housing and Community Development. The plan is funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). To learn more about the project, visit the Housing Production Plan website and sign up for email updates: https://shhousingplan.org. If you have additional questions, you can contact Planning and Conservation Department Director, Anne Capra, by email at acapra@southhadleyma.org or by phone at (413) 538-5017 x6128.
Summer Wine Down at Gaylord Library
The public is invited to the monthly Wine Down on Friday, June 9, 2023 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at the Gaylord Library branch, 47 College Street, South Hadley. Come support the Friends of the Gaylord Library and mingle in the historic library rotunda–it’s a great way to connect with others and meet new people! Everyone over the age of 21 is cordially invited; Entry fee is $10. This event is open to the public. For information, see: https://gaylordlibrary.org/winedown
If you are interested in getting more involved with the Gaylord Memorial Library Association or helping out with events like a Wine Down, please fill out a form at the circulation desk and we will be in touch!
Fire District 1 Special Meeting
South Hadley Fire District 1, the district that serves Shadowbrook, held a special meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 for a vote on a warrant article to fund salaries. Article 5 failed to pass at the Annual Meeting on April 27 after many of those present expressed a desire for more detail about the items to be funded than what was provided. A recording of the special meeting to complete the vote on that warrant article is available on the Channel 15 website (https://shctv15.com/), with a direct link to the video at: https://vimeo.com/828134384?embedded=true&source=video_title&owner=1326098.
Community Forum 2 on Housing-June 22
A second community forum on Housing will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 7:00 to 9:00pm at the South Hadley Senior Center, 45 Dayton Street, South Hadley. All residents are invited to come and learn about housing development and constraints in our community and discuss draft goals, strategies and opportunities to create much-needed housing for people of all incomes and stages of life.
The forum is part of an ongoing process started in the fall of 2022 to update South Hadley’s Housing Production Plan and shape the future of housing in our town. To learn more about the project, visit: https://shhousingplan.org.
South Hadley Library June Programs
In-Person Adult Programs at South Hadley Main Library (SHPL)
2 Canal Street, South Hadley
Tuesday Night Knitting Group. Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00
Join the library’s Tuesday Night Knitters for some quality knitting and crocheting time. All skill levels are welcome. The group meets on the second floor in the Mandrachia Quiet Study Room but may move to a larger meeting room when available.
Hello Sunshine Book Club. Wednesday, June 7 at 6:30
Join this book discussion group reading selections from Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine book club. The June title is The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia. Copies of the July title, Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman, will be available soon.
Author Talk: Lost Towns of the Swift River Valley: Drowned by the Quabbin with Ellen Palladino. Wednesday, June 14 at 6:00
Palladino’s book tells the story of a community that was displaced to make room for a new reservoir in the name of progress. This is the story of the Quabbin Reservoir, which is Boston’s water supply, told through the stories of some of the people who lost their homes and livelihoods.
Spanish Conversation Circle. Saturday, June 17 at 10:30
An opportunity for Spanish speakers to practice their language skills. Participants should have some basic conversational skills to join the group. This is not a language class.
Improv for Scaredy Cats (& Non-Scaredy Cats Too!). Saturday, June 23 at 10:00
Sign up at the front desk or online at https://tinyurl.com/8pbj5bey
Help find your voice and empower yourself. This program is designed especially for improv newbies, the improv-curious, and anyone who wants to step outside their comfort zone to use their voice with more joy and ease. Presented by Pam Victor of the Happier Valley Comedy Group.
Music Concert: The Songs and Wisdom of Johnny Cash by Matt York. Wednesday, June 28 at 6:00
Longtime New England musician/author Matt York will perform the songs of Johnny Cash and tell stories about Cash’s career, spanning from his early beginnings in the 1950’s to his passing in 2003. York was recently nominated for the Boston Music Award for Best Country Artist and his album Gently Used was named one of Worcester’s Magazine’s best albums of 2022. 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. This program will take place on the lawn, or may move inside to the Community Room due to weather.
Adult and Teen Programs at Gaylord Library Branch
47 College Street, South Hadley
Stitch Togethers – Fridays, June 2 & 16, 3:00 to 5:00
Share your crafting know-how, browse a selection of crafty books full of new skills, or just enjoy stitching in the Gaylord rotunda!
Outdoor Concert with Cameron Sutphin – Thursday, June 8, at 6:30
Bring your lawn chair or blanket and join us for an outdoor concert featuring Americana singer/guitar player Cameron Sutphin. He has appeared on the Blue Plate Special live audience radio program in Knoxville TN, and has had the privilege of performing at The Big E multiple times.
Virtual Sit & Stitch with Timna Tarr – Thursdays, June 8 at 6:00
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. (Pre-register at www.gaylordlibrary.org)
Outdoor Yoga with Michele Lyman.
Thursdays, June 22 & 29, July 13 & 20, 4:00 to 5:00
Michele Lyman is the Owner & Director of Serenity Yoga, a local business. (Pre-register at www.gaylordlibrary.org)
Bring Your Own Board Game – Fridays, June 29, from 6:00 to 8:00
Bring a favorite board game to play against friends or meet a new one! No pre-registration necessary.
Dreaming on the Page Author Talk with Tzivia Gover. Friday, June 30 at 3:30
Author Tzivia Gover believes that everybody dreams and everybody has a story to tell. Come learn how to access your dreams and discover your inner poet or storyteller. Gover will offer examples of literary works inspired by dreams, read from her new book, Dreaming on the Page, and will offer tips and journaling prompts to help you boost creativity and find inspiration for writing stories, poems, memoirs, song lyrics, and more.
Virtual/Online Author Talks:
· The Fun Habit with Dr. Mike Rucker. Wednesday, June 7 at 4:00
–Register Online at https://libraryc.org/shadleylib
How the Disciplined Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life: Lessons from Organizational Psychologist Mike Rucker, Ph.D.
· An American in Provence with Award-Winning Photographer Jamie Beck.
Thursday, June 15 at 2:00
–Register Online at https://libraryc.org/shadleylib
Looking to slow down from her fast-paced life in New York City, Beck embarked on a one-year getaway to Provence. One year, turning into five, Beck moved to the French countryside, documenting her life as An American in Provence.
· Tananarive Due: Author of Black Panther Tales of Wakanda.
Wednesday, June 28 @ 8:00
–Register Online at https://libraryc.org/shadleylib
Award-winning and bestselling author of sixteen books, including The Blood Colony, The Living Blood, The Good House, Joplin’s Ghost, and Devil’s Wake.
Virtual Presidential Library & Museum Lectures:
· Jimmy Carter: Gender Equity & The Carter Administration.
Tuesday, June 6 at 2:00
–Register online at https://tinyurl.com/2cuffwtb
· Herbert Hoover: Bert & Lou: The Story of the Herbert Hoover Family
with the Hoover Presidential Library. Tuesday, June 13 at 2:00
–Register online at https://tinyurl.com/6btefk8h
· Gerald Ford: Interrogating Presidential Photos
with the Ford Presidential Library. Tuesday, June 20 at 2:00
–Register online athttps://tinyurl.com/4zkctuvd
· Harry S. Truman: Out of the Archives – A Look Back at the Marshall Plan
with the Truman Presidential Library. Tuesday, June 27 at 2:00
–Register online at https://tinyurl.com/8pjb5bey
For Children’s Programs and other information, visit:
Free Pioneer Community Band Festival Concert-June 17
As many as 150 musicians from throughout Western Massachusetts and beyond will come together for an outdoor performance in one giant, free concert band on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 3:00 PM at the Mount Holyoke College Amphitheater in South Hadley. The concert is free and open to the public to attend. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is Sunday June 18.
Pioneer Valley Community Band Festival Concert
Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 3:00pm
Rain Date: Sunday, June 18
FREE ADMISSION
Gettell Amphitheater at Mount Holyoke College
50 College St, South Hadley MA
MHC Campus Map: https://map.mtholyoke.edu
The Pioneer Valley Community Band Festival concert is being hosted by the Amherst, Florence, and South Hadley Community Bands and will bring together amateur and professional musicians of all ages and abilities from throughout the region to celebrate and perform live instrumental music. According to Festival Coordinator Ira Brezinsky of South Hadley, “We have a goal of 150 musicians performing together. We’ll see if we get there! With the inspiration of our guest conductor and guest soloist, band members will have the opportunity to share their musical skills, learn from their fellow musicians, and bring the joy of live music making to our audience.”
The free concert is made possible thanks to grants from the South Hadley and Amherst Cultural Councils, a Festivals Grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and a sponsorship by the South Hadley Electric Light Department (SHELD/Fiberspring).
For additional information email pioneervalleycommunitybandfest@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/pvcommunitybandfest.
Exterior Softwashing
Building exteriors and decks throughout the community are cleaned on a regular cycle. Please note that units 58-75 on the lower Hill (below the lower cross road) are currently being cleaned.
Art Exhibit at South Hadley Library through June 28
Art Squad: Inspirations x4
Liz Austin, Lucia Foley, Abby Jaffe, Marion Pascone
May 2 to June 28, 2023
South Hadley Library, Community Room
2 Canal Street, South Hadley, MA
Two Shadowbrook residents, Abby Jaffe and Lucia Foley, will be showing their work with two other local women in a show at the South Hadley Public Library during the months of May and June, 2023.
In 2016, after connecting in an art class in Easthampton, Liz Austin, Lucia Foley, Abby Jaffe, and Marion Pascone started meeting once a week to paint together, chat, and plan road trips to museums and other interesting places. The group of South Hadley women were soon dubbed “The Art Squad,” and the name and weekly gatherings to create art have persisted. The four artists found solidarity, joy, creative inspiration, and a shared identity working in a variety of media even through the pandemic, as meetings moved from studios to Zoom, back yards, and hiking trails. With good art friends, there are always possibilities.
A show of their works in oil, watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media will be on view from May 2 to June 28, 2023 in the Community Room at South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street, South Hadley. The library is open Mon-Wed 9:30am-8pm, Thu-Fri 9:30am-6pm, Sat 9:30am-1pm. Call ahead at 413.538.5045 to determine that the Community Room is not in use.
Growing Wild Spring Workshops
Growing Wild South Hadley is an initiative of our local Conservation Commission to promote biodiversity through planting native and pollinator species. The Commission, in partnership with the Massachusetts Pollinator Network, will host two free spring 2023 educational events:
Thursday, May 11, 6-7:30pm, South Hadley Public Library Community Room
How to Create Natural Ecosystems in Your Yard, with Peggy MacLeod
Many people now realize the importance of pollinators and other essential wildlife. They want to make their property pollinator-friendly, but don’t know where to start. This talk will guide you through the process of evaluation, planning, and implementation, with many options for large and small changes.
Thursday, June 8, 6-7:30pm, South Hadley Public Library Community Room
Transform Your Yard to Support Pollinators: A 12-Step Program, with Heidi Dollard
Many people now realize the importance of pollinators and other essential wildlife. They want to make their yard pollinator-friendly, but don’t know where to start. This talk will step you through the process of evaluation, planning, and implementation, with many options for large and small changes.
For more information about these programs and other resources, visit: www.southhadley.org/1345/Growing-Wild