As we launch into our 10th year, we are mindful of all the people who inspire and support a vision for aging, and engaging, in place. Northampton Neighbors started as a book group conversation, grew into bigger gatherings to explore what matters as we age, and after much work, became the member-guided, member-fueled organization we are today.
In November, Rainey Millman, Gerard Paquin, and Sara Lennox, will step away from our hard-working board. Earlier this year, Mark Karpel stepped off as Lisa Ahlstrom and Linda Desmond came on. Recently, Kathy Service agreed to stay on another year. So, as it should be, the conversation continues with new voices and ideas.
This summer, we had the great luck that Elizabeth Reisine, UMass intern, found us and created a set of resources that will benefit all our neighbors. Stay tuned for that.
Heidi Krajewski, our NN administrator, resigned her position this summer and we feel the loss. We wish her well in her next steps as we take a beat to consider our own. Right now, we are chugging along with office volunteers Sharon Martula and Lucy Greenburg and their lifetimes of experience.
Our Northampton Neighbors keep us grounded in what mattered 10 years ago, what matters today, and open to what’s next. We welcome all to join, volunteer and donate to keep this conversation going.
Save the date for our Gathering of Gratitude/Nov. 18, 2026. It’s just coming together, but we know there will be cake and of course, good neighbors (northamptonneighbors.org).
Diane Porcella, Northampton Neighbors executive director
northamptonneighbors.org
Northampton