Area briefs: Northampton, Easthampton open cooling centers; Chamber giving out COVID test kits; Plainfield Firefighters Barbecue prep begins

The city of Northampton has opened cooling centers at several locations through Wednesday due to extreme heat.

The city of Northampton has opened cooling centers at several locations through Wednesday due to extreme heat. GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

Published: 07-15-2024 12:23 PM

Modified: 07-15-2024 12:46 PM


Northampton, Easthampton open cooling centers this week

Northampton and Easthampton have opened cooling centers this week as a heat advisory and warm temperatures sweeps through Hampshire County early this week.

In Northampton, the centers will be open at the following locations:

■ Division of Community Care, 1 Roundhouse Plaza, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Wednesday.

■ Forbes Library, 20 West St., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Wednesday.

■ Lily Library, 19 Meadow St., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday and Tuesday.

■ Manna Community Center, 48 Elm St., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Wednesday.

■ Police Station Lobby, 29 Center St., all day and night, Monday and Tuesday.

For additional information on cooling centers, or for assistance due to the heat, contact Northampton Public Safety at 413-587-1100.

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In Easthampton, through Wednesday, several cooling centers will be open to the public. The Public Safety Complex will provide cooling from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the Senior Center will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Nonotuck Spray Park will also have extended hours all week. It will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

City officials encourage residents to take advantage of these centers and other methods of staying cool such as utilizing air conditioning, avoiding sun exposure and strenuous activity, drinking plenty of water, and wearing light clothing. It is also advised to check on any vulnerable friends, family, or neighbors who may be affected during this time.

Free COVID tests at Northampton chamber

NORTHAMPTON — Free COVID-19 test kits are once again available for local business owners and community members to pick up at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) offices at 99 Pleasant St.

Through a Massachusetts state grant program to address COVID-19 recovery needs, the GNCC received a $50,000 earmark facilitated by state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, granted for COVID-19 rapid test kits for small businesses to use with their employees. The kits are supplied by the Springfield-based Diversity Resource Group, a certified minority business enterprise that promotes health, safety, and wellness throughout the commonwealth.

GNCC’s regular hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Plainfield preps for Firefighter’s Barbecue this fall

PLAINFIELD — The Plainfield Volunteer Firefighter’s Association will host the 53rd Plainfield Firefighter’s Barbecue on Sunday, Sept. 1, at Plainfield Town Park on North Central Street.

The public is invited but must purchase this year’s “green ticket” in advance. Four hundred dinners, including a half barbecued chicken, local baked potato and corn on the cob, homemade coleslaw, dinner roll, slice of watermelon and a beverage, will be served. Dinner will be served starting at 1 p.m.

The meal cost remains the same as last year; $17/adult and $9/children under 12. All Plainfield firefighters, EMTs and association members have tickets to sell. As the “green ticket” is a limited number, it is advisable to purchase tickets before the day of the event.

As in years past, a host of other events will surround the barbecue, including live local music funded by the Plainfield Cultural Council, the running of the 48th Plainfield Road Race, a 1.1-mile hilly loop around the center of town, and the annual firefighter’s silent auction.

Parking will be available on the park’s lawn area. A highlight this year will be the construction and use of a brand-new permanent barbecue pit being constructed by members of the fire association.