Daily Hampshire Gazette – Area Briefs: Northampton, Easthampton open cooling centers; Chamber distributes COVID test kits; Plainfield firefighters’ barbecue preparations begin

Northampton and Easthampton open cooling centers this week

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

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

■ Community Care Division, 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 Street, all day and night, Monday and Tuesday.

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

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

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

City officials are encouraging residents to take advantage of these centers and other methods to stay cool, such as using air conditioning, avoiding sun exposure and strenuous activity, drinking plenty of water, and wearing light clothing. It is also advisable to check for vulnerable friends, family members, or neighbors who may be affected during this time.

Free COVID Testing at Northampton Chamber of Commerce

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

Through a Massachusetts state grant program aimed at addressing COVID-19 recovery needs, GNCC received a $50,000 grant facilitated by State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa for rapid COVID-19 test kits for small businesses to use with their employees. The kits are being provided by the Springfield-based Diversity Resource Group, a certified minority business enterprise that promotes health, safety and wellness throughout the Commonwealth.

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

Plainfield Prepares for Firefighters’ BBQ This Fall

PLAINFIELD — The Plainfield Volunteer Firefighters Association will host the 53rd annual Plainfield Firefighters 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 half a barbecued chicken, locally baked potatoes and corn on the cob, homemade coleslaw, a dinner roll, a slice of watermelon and a beverage, will be served. Dinner will begin at 1 p.m.

The cost of the meal remains the same as last year, $17/adult and $9/child under 12. All Plainfield firefighters, paramedics and association members have tickets for sale. The “green ticket” is limited, so it is advisable to purchase tickets before the day of the event.

As in previous years, a host of other events will surround the barbecue, including live local music funded by the Plainfield Cultural Council, the 48th Plainfield Road Race, a hilly 1.1-mile loop around downtown, and the annual Firefighters’ Silent Auction.

Parking will be available on the park lawn. One of the highlights this year will be the construction and use of a brand new permanent barbecue built by members of the Firefighters Association.