South Hadley Housing Production Plan Launch

Do you want to help shape housing in our community? Does someone you know face challenges with housing in South Hadley? Do you want housing that can serve all our needs? The Town of South Hadley asks for your help to plan for a better housing future. We need your help to craft a “Housing Production Plan” that will set the course for residential development and housing policy. 

This fall there are two opportunities to get involved:

Come to a Community Forum on the town’s housing goals and the future housing development from 7 to 9pm on Monday December 12, 2022, at the South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street, South Hadley.

Take the survey on housing in South Hadley, which offers everyone a chance to weigh in, even if they can’t attend the forum. To participate in the survey go to: links.shhousingplan.org/survey. 

To stay informed, visit www.shhousingplan.org. You can also sign up for email updates at links.shhousingplan.org/email. Questions? Contact Anne Capra, Director of Planning and Conservation at acapra@southhadleyma.gov or (413) 538-5030 x6128.

Santa’s Land 2022 at Buttery Brook Park

Santa Claus at ButteryBrookPk-Small Square Image

Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves enjoyed their online visits with kids in 2020 and 2021, but everyone is looking forward to being back at the Park for in-person visits at this year’s Santa’s Land. Lights and decorations have been going up for the event, which is organized by the South Hadley Recreation Department and the Friends of Buttery Brook Park. Santa’s Land will be open Thursdays through Sundays from 5:30 to 7:30pm on December 8-11 and December 15-17, 2022. Photos with Santa to take home are available for $5 each, and parents are also welcome to take their own pictures. Young visitors can also enjoy cookies and cocoa. There is no admission charge, but donations in support of the Park are always appreciated. 

While there is no mask requirement, families who prefer to use them should feel free to do so. With three different viruses in circulation this winter (Flu, RSV, and Covid), for the well-being of all visitors please consider putting off your visit if anyone has symptoms of a cold or respiratory illness. Thank you for your cooperation.

Buttery Brook Park is located at 123 Willimansett Street (Route 33), South Hadley, MA 01075

Living with Coyotes

Many residents at Shadowbrook have noted the abundant wildlife with whom we share our community. In addition to foxes, bunnies, and hawks, animals such as bears, fisher cats, and coyotes have been seen on our grounds and in the adjacent woodlands.

A recent article in the Boston Sunday Globe notes that the coyote population in Massachusetts has been increasing since their appearance here in the 1950s.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife biologist Dave Wattles, who was interviewed for the article, noted that “Eastern coyotes resemble medium-sized dogs, but have longer, denser fur and pointed, erect ears, according to MassWildlife. They have long, bushy tails and grizzled gray fur, but color can vary. Females typically weigh 33-40 pounds, males 34-47 pounds. Some weigh over 50 pounds,” and they are “a mix of coyote, wolf, and dog DNA — 65-80 percent western coyote, 10-25 percent wolf, and 8-15 percent domestic dog.”

Wattles said that coyotes regularly take pets in Massachusetts and that it’s almost a daily occurrence in the Bay State, and that attacks on pets increase in winter months. “January, February, and March is coyote breeding season,” and coyotes “may see large dogs as competitors.” There have also been occasional attacks on people–30 people have been bitten by coyotes in Massachusetts since 1998, and Wattles advises never to feed coyotes or any wildlife.

For more information, see these resources:

MA Fisheries and Wildlife–Eastern Coyotes Fact Sheet
Boston Globe–Learn to live with coyotes because they’re here to stay


Shadowbrook Annual Meeting–Save the Date!

Our Annual Owners Meeting is scheduled for 7:00pm on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. The meeting will be held online as this has proved convenient for our owners and weather conditions will not be a concern. The participation of owners in this annual event is very important, so please save the date and plan to attend. For more information, please see the initial meeting notice that was recently mailed out to owners.

KYT Candidates Night for the November 8 Election

Know Your Town (KYT) will host a virtual Candidates Night forum at 7:00pm on Thursday, October 27, 2022. KYT member Carol Constant will moderate the program. Participating candidates include:

–Dean Martilli, candidate for U.S. Representative in Congress, 1st District
–John M. Comerford, candidate for Governor’s Council, 8th District
–Tara A. Jacobs, candidate for Governor’s Council, 8th District
–William E. Johnson, candidate for MA Senator, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester District
–Jacob R. Oliveira, candidate for MA Senator, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester District
–Rep. Daniel Carey, candidate for State Representative, Second Hampshire District
–Patrick J. Cahillane, candidate for Sheriff, Hampshire County
–Yvonne Gittelson, write-in candidate for Sheriff, Hampshire County
–Nicole Casolari, Special Local Election candidate to fill a vacant Selectboard seat until April 2023

Candidates will give opening statements and brief closing remarks. The moderator will take questions from meeting attendees from the Chat feature of Zoom. The event will be recorded and posted for viewing on the South Hadley local cable Channel 15 website at: https://shctv15.com.

To RSVP and receive a Zoom link for the forum, email Martha Terry at: mterry@knowyourtown.org. For information about the event, see: http://www.knowyourtown.org/archives/2976.

For complete details about the upcoming election, including Vote by Mail deadlines and information, in-person hours and locations for early voting and election day voting in South Hadley, sample ballots, and links to information about the four ballot questions, see: https://www.southhadley.org/620/Elections. 

Founded in 1947 by Margaret Saunders, Know Your Town (www.knowyourtown.org) is a local, nonpartisan organization that seeks to acquaint townspeople with the resources South Hadley has to offer and the various issues and functions of town government. 

South Hadley Library Online Author Events

The South Hadley Public Library offers free, online author talks in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. Upcoming events include author Kate Quinn on October 25, Lisa Napoli on November 2, and Bonnie Gamus on November 10. For a schedule of upcoming events and registration, see: https://libraryc.org/shadleylib.

For a monthly schedule of live and online programming at the library, see: https://www.shadleylib.org/Pages/Index/40529/adult-programs-crafts

Saving Lives 2022 at Buttery Brook Park

Food, Entertainment, and AED Training Event
Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Buttery Brook Park (rain date 10.23)

A new AED (Automated External Defibrillator) was recently installed at the front of the Log Cabin adjacent to the playground at Buttery Brook Park, located at 123 Willimansett Street (Rt 33), South Hadley. Come and be part of making South Hadley a safer community and learn how to use the AED and participate in some hands-on CPR training (sessions every half hour from 12-3pm). In addition to a free lunch provided by some favorite local restaurants, training participants will receive a $5 coupon good at any Bean Group restaurant, and be entered into a lottery tree raffle. 

The day’s activities also also include a Pickleball Tournament featuring Women’s, Men’s and Mixed Divisions (11am to 8pm), music by Deejay KStyles and a beer tent (12-7pm). Plan to stay to enjoy the music and a beer, and watch the Tournament on the Park’s new Pickleball courts (lighted at night) to see the game in action.

Download a flyer (1-page printable PDF). For questions about the event, email: southhadleypickleball@gmail.com.

Bike/Walk to host Oct. 16 guided Trek at River to Range Trail

The South Hadley Bike/Walk Committee is holding a free, guided Trek this Sunday. Participants of all ages and new Trekkers are always welcomed!

River to Range Loop Trek
Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 1:00pm
(meet in the parking area at 12:45pm)

Trailhead adjacent to the MHC Boathouse at 240 Ferry Street, South Hadley
Parking in the trail lot on the right as you enter from Ferry Street
River-to-Range Loop and Bachelor/Stoney Brook Trail Maps (PDF)

Meghan Stone and BWC Member Caroline Martin will lead the Trek and naturalist Dan Ziomek, known his ‘Birdsongs’ radio program on 93.9 The River, will be on hand to talk about local birds and their voices. Located at the Bachelor Brook-Stony Brook Conservation area on Ferry Street, the one mile loop offers beautiful woodland and field views, with seasonal views of the Connecticut River. The trail, which is designed to accommodate all levels of mobility, features an easily traversed surface and is well suited for all ages. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and safe footwear; if desired, bring walking poles and water. 

In the event of inclement weather a cancellation decision will be made by 10am. For more information and any weather updates, visit: www.southhadley.org/bikewalk.

Save the date the our next Trek at Leaping Well Nature Trail on Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 1pm! (Meet at 12:45pm, trailhead is just before Mosier Elementary School)

November 8 Election information for South Hadley voters

Massachusetts voters can now vote early by mail in all elections with no excuse required. In South Hadley, in-person voting will be offered October 22 to November 4 during early voting hours at the Town Clerk’s office, and on Election Day, November 8, 2022, at South Hadley High School. 

South Hadley voters will have ballots for two elections, one for the Massachusetts State Election and another for a local special election (residents requesting vote-by-mail ballots will receive both election ballots, with a separate return envelope for each). 

The local special election will elect one candidate to fill a vacancy on the South Hadley Selectboard following the death of member Sarah Etelman earlier this year. The person elected will serve the remainder of that term until the Town Election in April, 2023 when a member will be elected for a full term. 

The Massachusetts State Election will elect candidates for the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, State Auditor, Representative in Congress, Governor’s Councilor, State Senator, State Representative, District Attorney, and Sheriff. There will also be four statewide ballot questions.

For details about voting by mail, voter registration, forms, deadlines, in-person voting locations and hours, sample ballots, links to information about the four ballot questions, and other information, visit the South Hadley town website at: https://www.southhadley.org/620/Elections.

Voices of Resilience-Free Exhibit Opens September 18

The Center Church in South Hadley is hosting an exhibit entitled The Voices of Resilience: The Intersection of Women on the Move. From September 18 to October 19 the public is invited to discover the stories of women whose diverse lives changed the course of history and whose voices continue to resonate today. The event, which is free, will open on Sunday, September 18 at 2:00pm, and then be open to the public on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm, Sundays from 11am to 2pm, and Wednesdays from 4-7pm. Center Church is located across from the Town Green on Route 116, at 1 Church Street, South Hadley.

For a flyer and more details, see: centerchurchsouthhadley.org/voices. Local sponsors include E-ink, Mount Holyoke College, PeoplesBank, Thomson Financial Management, Odyssey Bookshop, Sankofa Gumbo, Inc. The program is supported in part by an LCC grant from the South Hadley Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass. Cultural Council, a state agency.