This week, 413 Takeout kicks off in an effort to provide some much-needed community help to Northampton’s restaurants –including those in Florence and Leeds. The campaign was developed by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce’s (GNCC’s) Economic Development Committee (EDC) and the Downtown Northampton Association (DNA). The campaign is supported by generous contributions from the Daily Hampshire Gazette and Northampton Cooperative, a division of Greenfield Cooperative Bank. 

Everyone in the community is being asked to take the “413 Pledge” to:

The idea of a restaurant-focused campaign emanated from an EDC survey designed by volunteer Bob Fazzi, former CEO of Fazzi Associates. Respondents felt that a healthy restaurant community is key to the rejuvenation of the City. “Nearly every respondent listed the plight of restaurants as either the important or the most important issue that needed addressing,” stated Fazzi.

In addition, for the first 500 people to take the pledge, a $10 donation will be made to Feed the Frontlines – Nourish Our Community, a new partnership between the Northampton Survival Center and Grow Food Northampton’s Community Food Distribution Project and the DNA. Funds to support this effort are being provided by a collective of community members who wanted to demonstrate their support of 413 Takeout, the local restaurant community and the Community Food Distribution Project / Feed the Frontlines partnership.

Pledge forms are currently available on Northampton.Live and via both the GNCC's and DNA’s websites.

Thursday, February 18, 2021

12:00 - 1:00 PM

40-minute Zoom presentation and Q&A

All are welcome to a presentation of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce’s (GNCC’s) response to 2020 challenges in support of Northampton’s economy and community and an outlook on our plans for economic recovery in 2021. Presentation will feature Vince Jackson, Executive Director of the GNCC, Amy Cahillane, Executive Director of the Downtown Northampton Association (DNA), and Alan Wolf, Chief of Staff to Mayor David Narkewicz of the City of Northampton.

The Community Classroom formally announces its new name, updated logo, and new website! Formally Tailored Learning Supports (For Families), The Community Classroom was founded in 2020 by Dr. Megan Allen after two decades of work in public education and higher education curriculum development. The Community Classroom provides PK-12 tutoring and academic coaching with certified teachers, helping students build confidence and find the joy in learning.

Learn more at www.thecommunityclassroom.com.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disruption and devastation it has wreaked on every aspect of our lives, Mass Cultural Council (MCC) launches a 5th COVID impact survey for cultural organizations. The data collected will be shared broadly throughout Massachusetts and directly inform MCC's continued advocacy efforts for public investment to fund cultural sector recovery needs.

All Massachusetts cultural organizations are urged to respond to this survey by March 1, 2021.

As of February 1, 2021, individuals eligible for Phase 2, Priority 1 (only individuals 75+ at this time) can register to receive a vaccine. While there is a single website with a map of some of the vaccination locations across the state, there is not yet a single portal to make an appointment. Instead, there are multiple online appointment booking portals. Senator Jo Comerford and her team have compiled a list of vaccination sites in our district and region which you can see here.

Cooley Dickinson Health Care has created a FAQ Page that answers basic questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, and contains links to many resources including federal, state and local government health departments, vaccine manufacturer websites and their parent organization, Mass General Brigham.

On Wednesday, February 17, 2021, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM, Congressman James P. McGovern and co-hosts, Senator Jo Comerford, and Representative Mindy Domb will present a webinar for Institutional leaders, Project Managers and Diversity Offices for regional institutions that engage in construction work – colleges, universities, hospitals, medical facilities, municipalities, museums, CDCs & private developers.

For questions about this event, contact Lisa Clauson at lclauson@nasclmp or 413-206-5571.

The SBA Massachusetts District Office and Senator Ed Markey invite you to a virtual Black History Month Round Table for Small Businesses. Join community leaders and the SBA in recognizing the importance of supporting black owned businesses and learn about resources and assistance available for recovery. All are invited.

Speakers include: SBA lenders, small business support organizations, community leaders, and small business owners.  

Join Backyard ADUs for a FREE virtual open house of their newly completed Florence Backyard Tiny Home on March 11, 2021, at 5:30 PM.

Ever think of adding a guest house, In-law apartment, or Tiny Home? Get your questions answered about the approval process, what you can build on your land, what building a backyard home looks like, as well as best practices in small home design.

The Community Classroom is offering its space to Kelly Z Photography to provide local families the opportunity to put some normalcy back in their kids' lives. It's time to update those school photos on the living room wall!

School Photo Mini Sessions will be hosted on February 20-21, 2021, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 pm at 29 N. Maple Street in downtown Florence. Sessions are 15 minutes long and private (one family at a time). Both indoor and outdoor options are available, and staff will be following CDC guidelines for COVID-safe sessions. Find out more.

Cutchins Programs for Children and Families Inc. is proud to present their 4th Annual Dancing with the Local Stars: Silent Auction and Fundraiser and this year they are going virtual!

Over the course of three days, Cutchins Programs will host an array of local talent showcasing dances from around the world. They will also host a virtual silent auction with nightly raffles, musical performances, and more!

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cutchins Programs has had to adjust to extraordinary circumstances but the quality of their care has persisted.

Be a community hero and support children's mental health services locally while enjoying this fantastic annual event!

The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) is seeking models of diverse racial, ethnic, gender, age and disability identities for a photoshoot to support our efforts in promoting opportunities for outdoor recreation in Hampshire County.

Specifically, we are hoping to find individuals willing to pose as a couple on an accessible walking trail for one hour during a weekday within the month of February 2021. Models will be compensated with a $50 Northampton Gift Card. No prior modeling experience necessary; only a willingness to be photographed at the location. All participants will wear masks and safety precautions will be strictly followed for the duration of the shoot. If interested, please contact lu@northamptonchamber.com.

The Downtown Northampton Association (DNA) is declaring February "LOVE LOCAL" month for Downtown Northampton!

Join us in this month-long celebration by showing your love for small business, your love for local and your love for our community. You could even find yourself celebrating with an extra $100 in your pocket to spend at your favorite downtown business!

Looking to keep your shopping local and support our small business community? Northampton.live is your ticket to all things happening right now in Northampton, including information on how your favorite shops, salons, restaurants, and coffee shops are operating during the pandemic. Keep it local, and stay informed with Northampton.live.