League of Women Voters requests book donations
NORTHAMPTON — Book donations are welcome from July 7-24 for the 75th annual book sale of The League of Women Voters of the Northampton Area. All categories of hardcover and paperback books in good condition are accepted except for textbooks over 10 years old.
Books can be dropped off at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School next to Cooley Dickinson Hospital or Cooper’s Corner in Florence beginning Tuesday, July 7. Details are available on the website of the League of Women Voters of the Northampton Area.
This year’s book sale on Sept. 26 will offer a feature including information about and examples of banned books as well as around 10,000 used books to choose from.
The annual book sale is a fundraiser and also a community service offering a way to recycle books ensuring they will be preserved and enjoyed by others. LWV uses the funds raised for projects like voter education and registration, candidate forums in area communities, and advocating for positions that have been researched and agreed upon by LWV.
Continuing success of the book sale and increasing activity at area libraries indicate print books remain treasured in this area. Books at the sale will include categories from children’s to fiction, foreign language, fine art, history, religion, science, hobbies, biography and classics.
Parties in the Park returns to Pulaski starting this week
NORTHAMPTON — A free weekly outdoor DJ and dance series called Parties in the Park returns to Pulaski Park starting Wednesday, July 8, and continuing every Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. through Aug. 26.
Hosted by master of ceremonies, Trusty Rusty, the 2026 season features a rotating cast of premier regional DJs spinning everything from reggae and global beats to classic soul, rare grooves and disco. The series is sponsored by the Northampton Arts Council and the city.
The weekly lineup includes:
- July 8: Jake Krauth — Deejay Theory. Kick off the summer season with “Global dance vibes” as Deejay Theory brings his curated “More Love Int’l” theme to the park.
- July 15: Justin Cohen, Studebaker Hawk. From disco classics to deep cuts, get ready for “4 on the floor” funky grooves.
- July 22: Dave Hall — DJ Trends. DJ Trends, known for his regular airwaves presence on New York’s WBLS radio station, brings his elite mixing to downtown.
- July 29: Adam Pelletier — Apel Beats. Experience “uplifting funky dance beats” paired with a live guitar performance.
- Aug. 5: Dan Belhumeur — DJ Donuts. Take a trip around the world through sound as DJ Donuts serves up a heavy dose of global funk grooves.
- Aug. 12: Joshua Jenkins — Iosnua (with DJ Quills). Expect an “all vinyl, cross-genre classics + deep cuts” set.
- Aug. 19: George William Meyers — Wooly Bully. DJ Cashman and Snack Attack team up to bring an all-vinyl night of funk, soul, and R&B.
- Aug. 26: Malik Abdul-Rahmaan. The season finale features veteran producer and DJ Abdul-Rahmaan, who has spent the past few years opening his deep musical archive to audiences from Tokyo to Toronto. The sets explore the vast universe of Black musical expression, moving effortlessly from jazz, soul, and funk to deep house and beyond.
All performances are weather-dependent. In the event of inclement weather, a cancellation or postponement notice will be posted by 10 a.m. on the day of the event via Instagram: @nohoarts.
Dakin to reduce cat adoption fees by 50% this week
SPRINGFIELD — Dakin Humane Society will be reducing adoption fees for all cats, kittens, and Tiny Spirit Kittens by 50% from Tuesday, July 7, through Saturday, July 11.
Executive Director Meg Talbert said Dakin has seen the number of animals in its care steadily increase over the past several weeks. She said the nonprofit welcomed just under 1,500 kittens — the highest number seen in many years — and all indications suggest this year will be just as busy.
Tiny Spirit Kittens are born outdoors to feral (wild) moms and have had little to no contact with humans. They are shy and fearful of people until they learn to trust. Tiny Spirit Kittens brought to Dakin are helped by volunteers to become used to the company of people, to become comfortable with being touched, and to be able to trust that people are a positive presence in their lives.
Each has a different level of comfort and a unique personality. In time, some may become very sweet and outgoing, while others may only ever trust their adopter and no one else. Typically, Tiny Spirit Kittens are usually very comfortable in the presence of other cats.
Dakin is open for adopters to visit Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12:30 to 3 p.m., but they are advised to visit the website first to see which animals they are most interested in to help minimize their waiting time on-site.
Feline adoption fees at Dakin include a variety of services and treatments including a veterinary exam, spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip and registration, a rabies vaccine (if pet is over 12 weeks of age), access to behavior support, a free post-adoption veterinary exam at participating clinics, and a food starter pack. Other features include a feline leukemia test, FIV test, flea and ear mite treatment, and deworming treatment. According to Talbert, the pre-adoption cost of care for each adoptable animal that comes to Dakin averages $950.
Rep. Domb to hold office hours in July
AMHERST — State Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst, will host community office hours in July at the following times and locations:
- Friday, July 17, 4-5 p.m. at Amherst Town Hall, first floor, 4 Boltwood Ave.
- Tuesday, July 20, 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Amherst Survival Center, 138 Sunderland Road.
- Tuesday, July 21, 4-5 p.m., at the Granby Free Public Library, 297 E. State St.
This is an opportunity for constituents of the Third Hampshire District to speak to Domb and her team, to share concerns and thoughts on state legislation and to seek assistance. There is no need to schedule an appointment.
People unable to attend at these times or have a time sensitive or private matter, Domb’s office can be reached via email at mindy.domb@mahouse.gov or via phone at 413-335-1362 or 617-722-2060. Please include your name, address, and contact information when reaching out to the office.