Northampton Neighbors

Purchase Buttons Online — First Night Northampton 2024 The First Night Headquarters is at Thornes Marketplace, Second Floor, 150 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060. The hours of operation are 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. only on Sunday, December 31, 2023 only.

Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate. May you experience peace, love, and light through the holiday and into the new year.

Struggling with your electric bill? Eversource has programs that may help -- scan the QR code or visit Eversource.com/billhelp for more info. If you need direct assistance call Eversource at 866-861-6225 (Eastern MA) or 877-963-2632 (Western MA).

'Tis the season for friends - old and new! No need to hibernate this winter. Join us at Northampton Neighbors' next Nearly Sunset Social, Thursday, December 7 at the Noho Social Cafe and Speakeasy starting at 4:30 pm. Tell your friends, all are welcome! Details at our calendar: https://bit.ly/NNCalendar23

Join us on Tuesday, November 28 at 12:30 on Zoom where we'll ask the question: "How has your life been different than you imagined?" We all have regrets, some big and some small. We also have cherished dreams that might have been thwarted - or maybe you're living them...Either way, let's talk! You'll find all the details here: https://bit.ly/SandwichStories923

No matter where you live, you're welcome to join our Northampton Neighbors Walking Group. This Monday, we'll be meeting at 1 pm at South Hadley Accessible Trail, 240 Ferry Street, South Hadley, MA. You'll find all the details at our calendar: https://bit.ly.NNCalendar23.

Elections Information  | Northampton, MA - Official Website Below are the petitions that we are aware are circulating in Massachusetts.  To learn more about the initiative petitions that have been filed and approved for circulation by the Massachusetts Attorney General CLICK HERE.  To find a specific petition, use the AG # in the last column.  Under the he...

We're starting a little earlier so please join your friends and neighbors at Noho Social Cafe and Speakeasy this Thursday, November 2, at 4:30 pm. Stay as long as you like!

Boo.

Happy Halloween from your friendly neighborhood ghosts...and Northampton Neighbors!

"It's Nighttime...it's supposed to be dark!" Join us Friday, November 3 from 2 - 3 pm in person at the Northampton Senior Center OR on Zoom (details in calendar link) for a discussion with Professor of Astronomy at Smith College, James Lowenthal, as he surveys the damage to the natural world caused by excessive and poorly planned light at night, and how we can reclaim natural darkness for the benefit of all living creatures including ourselves. Details here: https://bit.ly/NNCalendar23 on November 3.

We humans, and virtually all other life on earth, have evolved in a natural 24-hour cycle of light and dark. It’s literally in our DNA to depend on the cycles of day and night. And there’s a cost to missing those cycles of nature. In the presence of light pollution, serious human illnesses from sleep disruption to breast and prostate cancer are elevated, and most animals including fish, mammals, and pollinating insects we depend on for our food are negatively impacted. Plants including crops suffer as well. And light pollution is growing fast, as fast as 10% per year by some measures. Light pollution is a global problem with local solutions: we can all make a significant and immediate difference in our own communities with some simple and effective changes.

James Lowenthal is the Mary Elizabeth Moses Professor of Astronomy at Smith College. He received his BS in Physics and Astronomy from Yale and his PhD in Astronomy from the University of Arizona. He studies the formation and evolution of galaxies, especially actively star-forming galaxies, as well as exoplanets. He leads the local advocacy group Northampton City Lights; is the Massachusetts Chapter Leader for DarkSky; chairs the Light Pollution Sub-Committee of the American Astronomical Society's Committee for the Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment; and is Vice-President of the International Astronomical Union's Commission on Site Protection (i.e., light pollution). He lives in Northampton with his family.

POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN - We'll meet at the same place at 1 pm on Monday, November 6! New time/date. Enjoy these gorgeous fall days with friends, old and new! No matter where you live, you're welcome to join our Northampton Neighbors Walking Group. Next Monday, we'll be meeting at 1 pm at Fitzgerald Lake Conservation area - you'll find all the details on the NN Calendar (November 6, Monday) at https://bit.ly.NNCalendar23.

We'll meet at the parking lot at the Cooke Avenue entrance in Northampton. You'll find full directions on the NN Calendar. Hope to see you there! Bring a friend too.

Note: Everyone walks at their own pace and there is no pressure to complete the entire walk! This route is a little uneven but beautiful.

Northampton Neighbors Northampton Neighbors We're not alone.By Rob Hincks

Join us on Tuesday, October 24 from 12:30-1:30 on Zoom where we'll discuss: "What's the bravest thing you've ever done?" Maybe you made a big move, took a big job, travelled alone, or fought off an alligator, we want to hear about it (we REALLY want to hear about the alligator...!)! Even if you don't have a story to share, please join us and listen in, you may recall something you hadn't thought about in a while. You'll find all the details on the calendar link at October 24 here: https://bit.ly/NNCalendar23

Do you have some time to spare? Northampton Neighbors relies on the generosity of our community who offer their time and talents to do any number of tasks and activities. Whatever your interest or availability, we have an opportunity for you -- and your older adult neighbors will benefit as they continue to engage in place. It's also a great way to meet like-minded people!

Join our next Volunteer Introduction on Tuesday, October 17 from 3-4 pm via Zoom. You'll find all the details at our NN calendar (https://bit.ly/NNCalendar23).

Pictured here is a meeting of most members of our Communications Committee, including Northampton Neighbors' Executive Director Diane Porcella and Administrator Sue Hawes. The team meets monthly - occasionally even in person with coffee and snacks! - to talk about the best ways to share our message our with members and the rest of our community.

Last call...for 2023 Mix 'n' Mingle at Spoleto! Join us on Tuesday, October 17 from 4:30-6 pm for our final Mix 'n' Mingle this year. Simply enjoy the company of old friends and meet new neighbors. Everyone is welcome, so spread the word and bring a friend. Many thanks to Spoleto Restaurant for the opportunity to use their outdoor space for us to gather this year!

The weather is starting to cool a bit and we're not letting it stop our walks! No matter where you live, you're welcome to join our Northampton Neighbors Walking Group. This Monday, we'll be meeting at 10 am at Whiting Reservoir in Holyoke - you'll find all the details on the NN Calendar (October 9, Monday) at https://bit.ly.NNCalendar23.

We'll meet at the parking lot at Mountain Park Access Road, Holyoke, MA. You'll find full directions on the NN Calendar. Hope to see you there! Bring a friend too.

Note: Because of construction of a new spillway, we will not be able to walk around the reservoir as usual, but about two thirds of the way we have to retrace our steps back to the starting point.

Our Speaker Series is back -- and in person! Join us Friday, October 13 from 2 - 3 pm at the Northampton Senior Center (67 Conz Street) for a discussion on “Homelessness in Our Community and Our State: How Your Political Engagement Can Make a Difference.” Pamela Schwartz will offer information on the numbers, trends and challenges facing people who experience homelessness in our region, followed by a discussion of state legislation that, if passed, would make a meaningful difference. How do we get it across the finish line? Come learn about what you can do to help make it happen!

A longtime Northampton resident, Pamela Schwartz has served as Director of the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homeless since 2009 (https://www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/). The Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness coordinates over 150 partners and state and local leaders across the four western counties to prevent and end homelessness with a Housing First approach that centers racial equity.

This Thursday! Days are getting shorter but we're still getting social. Join us for our next (nearly) sunset social at the new Noho Social Cafe and Speakeasy on King Street in Northampton. Thursday, October 5, at 5:30 pm. Noho Social's long bar and comfy couches make for a great atmosphere for chatting with friends while enjoying small plates, bakery items, and drinks. Inside seating only; masks optional. Bring a friend, everyone is welcome.
Details: https://bit.ly/NNCalendar23 -- Thursday, October 5, 5:30–7 pm. 261 King Street, across from Lia Toyota.

We Doozy-Did it! Thanks to everyone who came out to DoozyDo with us last weekend! We had a blast and hope you did too. Special thanks to you who cheered us on from the sidewalks to the rooftops...and to our donors and sponsors who make a huge difference every step of the way.

Check out the galleries of photos on the Northampton Neighbors (Northamptonneighbors.org) website over the next few weeks.
Photo credit: Cheri Cross

Such fun! Thanks to all our wonderful marchers and spectators!

Today's the day! DoozyDo with your friends and neighbors! We're stepping out at 11 am from 33 Hawley Street. Don't miss the fun. Come downtown to hear fabulous music, see amazing floats and costumed teams, and cheer your community on!

We'd love to see your photos and videos so post them all and be sure to tag (Instagram) or (Facebook) - we'll share them in our stories in the coming days!

It's almost here! Northampton Neighbors' DoozyDo Parade kicks off this Saturday at 11 am from the 33 Hawley Street and ends with more fun and music at Pulaski Park! Grab some friends and come watch the fun! You won't want to miss Grand-ish Marshals Kelsey Flynn, Monte Belmonte, and Dennis Lee, Parade Mascot Gertrude the Gargoyle, or teams like the Mighty Methuselahs, Northampton High School Band, Lord Russ as Elvis, Girls Inc., the Expandable Brass Band, the S-Heroes, a caravan of vintage cars and trucks, and so many more! We're grateful for our wonderful sponsors and their support of this fabulously fun fundraiser. Visit them all at https://doozydo.org.

Join us on Tuesday, September 26 at 12:30 on Zoom where we'll discuss: "What do you value most about your most enduring friendships?" If you have friends in your life from childhood or even your freshman year of college, chances are you've been through a lot together. What do you value most about those relationships? Let's talk! You'll find all the details here: https://bit.ly/SandwichStories923

The Doozy Do is ON! Rain and Shine. Saturday, September 23 at 11:00 AM Main Street Northampton Neighbors www.doozydo.org

This Saturday! Don't miss a chance to hear great music and watch your neighbors and local businesses and organizations march up Main Street. Join the toe-tapping good time...kicking off at 11 am from 33 Hawley Street.

A very special thanks to Applied Mortgage for their generosity and ongoing support of Northampton Neighbors and the DoozyDo Parade! We are thrilled to have them on again this year as a Supreme Doozy Donor with a special shout out to Todd Barron, NN Board Member and DoozyDo champion from day one.

We're kicking off THIS SATURDAY at 11 am from 33 Hawley Street heading to Pulaski Park, don't miss the fun! Come watch and cheer on all our marchers and don't forget to support all the wonderful local businesses who make this all possible. All the details: DoozyDo.org.

Celebrate the start of fall with us! We're mixing and mingling this Tuesday, September 19, at Spoleto - join us! The fun begins at 4:30 pm. What better way to kick off the fall than with a toast to the beauty of the Valley this time of year? Come meet your neighbors and bring a friend! Don't miss a chance to get out in the open air and make connections.

What makes our community so special? Local businesses who support the services and happenings in our area, keeping the wheels turning. These especially SPECIAL Doozy Donors generously support the DoozyDo parade and Northampton Neighbors. We thank them and encourage you to support these businesses -- and keep our area special! Canon Real Estate Northampton Bicycle Webber and Grinnell Insurance, an Alera Group Company State Street Fruit Store, Deli, Wines & Spirits Whalen Insurance Christopher Heights of Northampton

This Monday, we'll be meeting a the Cooke Avenue entrance of the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, join us! Everyone/anyone is welcome to come traverse this beautiful, wooded trail leading out to the gorgeous Fitzgerald Lake. You'll find all the details at the Northampton Neighbors calendar: https://bit.ly/NNCalendar23.

Nature is nourishing. Bring a friend or two! Meet new people! See you there.

These DoozyDo Donors are SUPER! They've generously supported Northampton Neighbors and the DoozyDo parade and we couldn't be more grateful. Because of super donors like these, we are able to offer services and events for our older adult population to ensure they continue to age - and engage - in place!

Please support local businesses - they are a bit part of what makes our community so great. Delap Real Estate Greenfield Northampton Cooperative Bank Greenfield Savings Bank bankESB Legacy Counsellors, P.C.

Northampton Neighbors’ DoozyDo Parade is a joyful, inclusive, unconventional celebration in—and of—the City of Northampton, featuring people of all ages, local organizations, and businesses. Come enjoy local bands and musicians, bagpipers, floats and antique cars, and more joining in the fun. Satruday September 23;) Click to hear more!

Doozy-Do Parade 23 PSA Northampton Neighbors’ DoozyDo Parade is a joyful, inclusive, unconventional celebration in—and of—the City of Northampton, featuring people of all ages, local organizations, and businesses. Come enjo

Special thanks to these Doozy Donors! Local businesses are a big part of what makes our community great. These generous folks not only provide essential goods and services to all, they also go above and beyond to support missions like ours. We thank them for helping to raise funds for the DoozyDo Parade and Northampton Neighbors. Support them, please, and read more about how you can get involved in what is sure to be even more fun than last year! https://doozydo.org.
Don't miss it: Saturday, September 23, 11 am, rain or shine! Starting at 33 Hawley Street, ending at Pulaski Park.


Boisselle Morton & Associates Borawski Real Estate Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce Broadside Bookshop Cedar Chest Coldwell Banker Community Realtors Cooley Dickinson Health Care Fitzwilly's Restaurant Florence Bank Herrell's Ice Cream & Sweet Bakery King & Cushman Insurance Mulinos Restaurant Ostberg & Associates Financial Services and Insurance RentNoho.com
Serio's Pharmacy Sunraise Printing Synergy Physical Therapy The Green Groomer Thornes Marketplace Toasted Owl Tavern Union Station Banquets Whalen Insurance Visage Wright Builders, Inc.