Monthly Archives: February 2019

Mega-Windmill Blade Replacement . . .

IT WAS REPORTED AT THE FEBRUARY 19 Hawley Selectboard meeting that Berkshire East is intending to replace one of the blades on its large wind turbine. Originally scheduled for late March,  supplier delays have caused this project to be put off until mid-to-late April, according to Hawley Highway Superintendent Gary Mitchell.

The plan is to bring the new blade in through Pond Road, then Forget Road, and then to proceed along East Road and up to the windmill site.

Gary is working with Berkshire East to bolster the condition of the roads to the turbine site and minimize any damage.

Mitigation Plan Revisions Underway . . .

THOSE WHO WITNESSED THE AFTERMATH of Hurricane Irene would no doubt readily agree to the importance of having a disaster plan for the Town of Hawley. While such a plan was in place when that mega-storm hit in 2011, it was clear after the tumult subsided that a more detailed plan would have been helpful.

A special committee — the Hazard Mitigation Plan Renewal Committee — is currently working on such a detailed plan for the Town. This project involves the renewal of a version that was put in place in 2014. This current update must be completed by June, 2020.

The next meeting of the Renewal  Committee has been set for Friday, March 8 at 12:00 pm at the Hawley Town Office.
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Funding Plea to State Legislators . . .

The video referenced above is being sent to State Legislators and Massachusetts Town Officials to highlight the funding crisis for rural schools. Click on the “Play” button above to activate the 7 minute video.

Fred W. Wells Education Fund . . .

MARCH 20 IS THE DEADLINE FOR HAWLEY STUDENTS who want to apply for a Fred W. Wells Fund scholarship. This find was established under the will of Fred W. Wells, a former resident of Greenfield.  The fund is used to award scholarships in agricultural, mechanical, or professional fields. 

Residents of Hawley who have resided in the town for not less than two years immediately prior to the date of application are eligible.  Taken into consideration are academic record, need, character, leadership ability, extra-curricular activities, and employment.  Students of all ages are welcome to apply.  Scholarship awards are contingent upon the applicant’s matriculation into an academic program.  Maximum award for any one year is $1000.00, and the total awards are are not to exceed a maximum total of four thousand dollars over the course of an academic career. 

Contact the Town Office at 339-5518 or info@townofhawley.com to obtain an application.