HADLEY – The Hadley Select Board met on Dec. 1 and started the new month off discussing mainly new business items on the agenda.

I Love Hadley Campaign

The first presentation to the board was on behalf of the Hadley Cultural Council who shared their plan for an “I love Hadley” campaign. Cultural Council Co-Chair Catalina Arrubla explained that for the campaign, residents were asked to submit photos to show the sights of the town and help show how important the land is for the community.

Arrubla was looking for permission for the exhibition and the board voted unanimously to approve it. Nine selected photos from the submissions will be framed and put in an exhibit at the Senior Center and is scheduled to open on the second Friday of January, according to Board member Jane Nevinsmith.

New Ice Rink

Jim Shea, commissioner of the Hadley Park and Recreation office, sought permission from the board to put together a free open to the public ice rink behind the Russel School. Shea has referenced past town ice rinks behind Hopkins Academy before new fields were installed and believed interest would be there in the community for a new rink.

Shea said he has already begun work to plan this project so they can get the process going quickly upon approval. The goal would be to build a frame for the rink before the ground freezes for winter, wait for significant cold and fill the rink during the winter.

“We want to get this year’s materials set aside and maybe next year we can do it,” Shea said. “The first year we will probably have some hiccups, but we want to try and do it and give people the options to get outside.”

At this very early stage, the rink would be just for people skating but down the road there may be possibilities for time set aside for the hockey players of the community, according to Shea.

He also said to the board that information during this process would be posted on the town website and a social media campaign would be put in place to make community members aware of the upcoming addition to the town. The board unanimously approved the request.

Announcements

Board members shared a few different announcements for upcoming events in town to close their meeting.

Board member Jane Nevinsmith shared that the Northampton Board of Health would be using the Senior Center to offer COVID-19 Vaccine and booster shots on Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interested parties will need to make an appointment by going to northamptonmass.org and on their town website go to COVID vaccines and Hadley Senior Center will be underneath.

The Hadley Fire Department is still collecting for Toys for Tots. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Public Safety Complex. You can also go to the Hadley Police Department website and donate presents to an “Angel” through their program. Those gifts will go directly to children in need. Any donation of winter clothing for children is also greatly appreciated and can be turned in at the Public Safety Complex.

On Dec. 10, state Sen. Jo Comerford and state Rep. Dan Carey will be hosting office hours at the senior center to speak with the community and take questions and concerns from residents.