Northampton accepting applications for tax work off
NORTHAMPTON — The city is accepting Senior and Veteran Tax Work Off applications for the 2026 program year.
In 2024, participants provided volunteer services to city departments while earning $57,497 in property tax relief. The current 2025 program ends on Oct. 31. This program provides an opportunity for eligible residents in the community to share their skills and expertise to the benefit of the city while earning tax credits toward their property taxes.
The Senior Tax Work Off Program is open to seniors age 60 and older who own property in and pay real estate taxes to the city. Income limits for the 2026 program follow the Massachusetts Median Income levels. Participants in this program must complete 133.33 hours of volunteer service to receive the full $2,000 tax credit.
The Veteran Tax Work Off Program is open to veterans who meet the state definition, regardless of income limits, who own property in and pay real estate taxes to the city. Participants in this program can receive a maximum of $1,500 in tax credits, which requires 100 hours of volunteer service.
The program is set to run from Jan. 1, 2026, to Oct. 31, 2026.
Applications may be downloaded from the website or may be picked up in person at the Assessor’s Office, Senior Center, or Veterans Services Office. Completed applications must be received in the Assessors’ Office or completed online no later than 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 14. More information on the Senior Tax Work Off Program can be found at: https://northamptonma.gov/2066/Senior-Tax-Work-Off-Program, and more information about the Veteran Tax Work Off Program is at https://northamptonma.gov/1455/Veteran-Tax-Work-Off-Program.
Haydenville church’s Homemade Lasagna and Bake Sale
HAYDENVILLE — There will be a Homemade Lasagna and Bake Sale at Haydenville Congregational Church this Sunday and Monday, Oct. 12-13, from 12-2 p.m.
Church cooks will be selling homemade spinach and meat lasagna in half-lasagna (four-plus servings, $25) and quarter-lasagna (two-plus servings, $15) sizes. The lasagnas are fully baked and ready to be heated up (or kept frozen for later).
The church will also be selling a big range of baked goods, T-shirts, handmade aprons and more.
Lasagna preorders will be filled first and remaining lasagna will be sold to walk-ins while supplies last. A portion of the proceeds of the sale will go to support the Gaza Soup Kitchen, a grassroots initiative feeding thousands who are facing starvation.
Preorder lasagnas by going to haydenvillechurch.org
Forum to discuss interest rates on affordable housing
SPRINGFIELD — Liberty Bank and the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley are co-hosting a community conversation on the future of affordable housing in Massachusetts.
The free, public event, “The Impact of Interest Rates on Affordable Housing,” will be held on Friday, Oct. 24, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the RAPV office at 221 Industry Ave., Springfield.
The program will provide insight into the 2026 economic outlook, with a specific focus on interest rates and how they influence the development and accessibility of affordable housing across the commonwealth.
Featured guest speakers include Lawrence Yun, chief economist and senior vice president of research at the National Association of Realtors and Pierre Joseph, senior manager of regional and community outreach at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
For more information, contact David Belew at David@rapv.com or 413-785-1328, ext. 4.
Blais to hold October office hours
DEERFIELD — State Rep. Natalie M. Blais, D-Deerfield, will host in-person and virtual office hours for 1st Franklin constituents on Oct. 20 at two locations.
The first meeting that day will take place from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at Buckland Town Hall, 17 State St., Shelburne Falls. The second meeting is scheduled for between 12 and 2 p.m., at the John Zon Senior Center, 35 Pleasant St., Greenfield.
Office hours are typically held on the second Monday of the month but have been adjusted in October because of the holiday. Office hours serve as a time for constituents to speak directly with Blais and staff regarding issues that matter to them or problems they are facing with state agencies or departments.
The office regularly assists with the following: unemployment benefits, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, MassHealth coverage, social service referrals, elder services, veterans affairs, public housing and vouchers, utilities, and more.
Virtual office hours are held every Friday at 8 a.m. Contact kelly.oreilly@mahouse.gov or call 413-362-9453 to receive the zoom link.